bt101

My current camera system is built on linux/motion/analogue and USB cameras. I went that route years ago because the USB cameras gave me multi megapixel recordings at 1/100th the cost of multi megapixel IP cameras at the time. Now that IP cameras are no longer insanely priced, I was thinking of buying some. However I'm stumped about the purpose of an NVR and am asking if I really need one? On my current system, the cameras/software simply write all the videos to a directory. Completely separate from the recording aspect, I have a web server running on the same computer that serves a web page where I can review events and watch recorded videos. So I'm guessing I would simply configure the IP cameras to write their videos to the directory as well, and I'm pretty much done. I gather these IP cameras (have an ethernet connection) can write to a file share right? I tried looking for some "basics" about IP cameras and this link mentions 3 methods that IP cameras can record videos, however it doesn't mention writing to a file share: http://www.kintronics.com/neteye/video_qa.htm I can't imagine that they would make an "IP" camera (that has an ethernet connection) and it doesn't write to a share (would be like selling a car without wheels).

Thanks. I'm not clear on what an NVR does though? All I need is for the camera to write its files to a network share. Do IP cameras do that? Once the files are on the computer, I can view them with the web server.

Yep, "rock bottom" is my middle name. I'll try one of those recommendations to see the difference. I've never had a problem with water as the cameras are far underneath the eaves. Thanks.

Hi Let me start be saying I'm cheap! I am using typical Ebay analogue NTSC dome cameras (fixed 3.6mm lens) that cost between $50 and $80. The video quality is Ok/soso. Does anybody know if the video quality from more expensive cameras is substantially better (and at what price point do you jump to better quality). I see that when you get around $100+, the camera specs say 500TVL or 600TVL. I'm wondering if this is all bogus because the NTSC standard only allows something like 480 lines anyway. I definitely can't read a licence plate with these cameras. To get around this, I grabbed a $50 PC, a $30 webcam, and a couple of $10 USB extenders and made a true 2 megapixel DVR. It's a bit of a clunky solution so I've always been looking for a cheap IP cam. The prices are absurd though.

Sorry... I just see so many of these cameras on Ebay from so many sellers that I just assume they are the "Volkswagen" of cameras. Here's the specs: Features: * Image Device: SONY 1/3" CCD Color Sensor * 3.6mm fixed lens * TV System: PAL/NTSC * Horizontal definition: 420 TV Lines * Validity pixel: PAL:528*582,NTSC:510*492 * Scan frequency: PAL/NTSC: 50Hz/60Hz * Minimum illumination: 0Lux /F1.2 with IR * Video Out: 1.0Vp-p,75 Ohm * AGC: Auto * Infrared Leds: 24 Leds * Infrared Range: 20M * S/N Ratio: Better than 48db * Minimum illumination: 0LUX * Automatic conversion on Daytime or night * Daytime (Color) / Infra-Red Night (B/W) * Power : DC 12V 500mA * 1 X CCD Dome Camera SONY 1/3" * 1 X AC/DC 12C Power Adapter They are priced around $35 to $45 US shipped to anywhere in the world. I see the "typical" next step up is the same camera but with 520TVL for an extra $20. I'm wondering if that upgrade does anything or is there some other models/price-points that people recommend. I'd like to stay away from this style which sticks out like a wasp nest under the soffit:

Any thoughts on how much to spend to go to the next level of quality? I would hate to spend 2 or 3 times as much and end up with the same quality. Here is the typical camera I have now: Things I like about them: works at -40C metal case (I paint it white to match soffit) small (after white paint, you hardly notice it under the soffit as opposed to ones with a big glass dome) cheap I can't "complain" about the picture quality. I'm just wondering: what is the cost to get to the next level how much better is the picture any links to an actual recommended model