B-Max

Wireguy - Just one camera for now, would like to maybe add more later. Thanks, Brian

Hi again all, now that the introductions are over I'll start begging for suggestions from the experts here: I want to monitor my driveweay and immediate surroundings for now, but if this becomes contagious I can see doing more locations in the future. Why now? - Someone recently stole the spare tire out form under my truck, made me mad and would love to find them, but I'd at least have liked to know what type of vehicle it was and when it actually happend. Where to start - This is a tough question, I already own a Synology NAS that has something called "Surveillance Station" built to manage IP cams, so I thought I would start the search for an IP camera, but they seem WAY more expensive than DVR connected cameras, so I'm not so sure anymore - hopefully you can help me with that. For starters - I'd like to monitor all three vehicles in the driveway, and it would be great if I could also see the vehicles (model -color) in the street. So I guess for now I'm torn between IP Camera or DVR? Can I do it with one camera or would I need multiple? Do I want fixed or PTZ? Need to stand up to these Ohio winters - And money is important, I started this trek thinking I could get away with spending a couple hundred dollars, after reading through the forums here I'm hoping to keep it under $500. Thanks in advance for any thoughts... Brian

First off I want to thank all who posted replies, the information you provided has been well received. I have been scouring the web and *well-known auction sites for cameras, but I would be amiss if I did not first inquire on this forum that has been so kind. Anyone have any suggestions on where I could find and Outdoor, Megapixel, IP, Dome Camera? POE would be nice, but I think I'll pass on the IR right now to save money (unless, of course, there's a deal I cannot pass up), as I have learned that I can always add external lighting later if needed. Please keep in mind , the camera will have to function in these coold Ohio winters, and my budget for this project is $500. Thank again for all the help!

WOW! AK, I'm sold (depending on the cost). I'm particularly impressed with the driveway shot, what camera model is this, and do I need to shop for any specific specs to reproduce the wide shot? Thanks, Brian

Thanks for the thoughful replies, you've undoubtedly saved me weeks of research and probably some trial and error. When you say external lightining are you referring to independant IR lighting or some additional carriage/flood lights? I'm wondering if the other camera options + additional lighting would be more cost effective that the IR cameras. Again, thanks Brian

Sean, thanks very much for the reply. The NAS unit I have does handle recording, motion detection, etc. I have been leaning towards the IP camera, so that narrows it down, but the options are still limitless when you consider megapixel size, bullet style vs dome, complete unit vs camera and enclosure separate, do I want/need PTZ, Poe, etc. And the list goes on. Anyone, feel free to comment on all of the above, also can you (or anyone) recommend a manufacturer that delivers the most bang for the buck in the IP camera area? I really appreciate the advice. Brian

Just wanted to say hello, I'm not a camera guy, but I did stay in a Holiday Inn Express last night Seriously though, I was considering a camera purchase on ebay and after trading several emails with the seller, apparently he could tell I was clueless, and was kind enough to refer me to this forum. So here I am, pleased to meet everyone. I have a new-found need to monitor my driveway (someone recently swiped the spare tire out from under my pickup - ARGH). Working in the IT industry, it seems I was a bit arrogant in thinking I could just find a camera that meets my requirements, find the best deal and viola. Good grief! I started my journey a couple weeks ago and I am more confused than ever. Needless to say I will be posting questions, but I wanted to say hello, before I become a burden! So, greetings from the great Buckeye State - and Go Bucks. Brian

Interesting... I wonder if that seller spends any time here? If he did, he'd know that aside from a very few specific exceptions, we all tend to recommend against buying ANY CCTV equipment from fleaBay Anyway, welcome aboard! Ahh, I have learned my first lesson ... and I will not rat out my sources Thank you Soundy -