scarr999

Hi all, Been thinking about CCTV for some time but as I only want to have it and not be a guru I thought it better to ask guru's What I want is to monitor the road I live on (in UK) ideally I want a system that can monitor a 180 degree area, when it spots something moving track and record it ideally panning in / out as required as it goes all automatically. So here are a few questions 1) Is this functionality part of the camera (like a PTZ) or is it in the software? 2) if I purchased a PTZ camera for a system like this is there something I should look for like a protocol? 3) I assume more lines the better and B/W beter than colour as it's generally higher rez from what I know? 4) Are the cameras on Ebay from far east any good, the spec's always look good but I do wonder about general quality as price seems low? P.S. I will be hooking this to a dedicated PC and ideally just one camera Thanks Steve

Hi Birdman, So we are saying keep away from PTZ as they can make mistakes and / or miss targets when there are multiple targets about. If I get 2 x HI-rez IP cameras this should cover the area I'm interested in, what software / DVR card would give me multiple area masking? Also any advice on the camera make / models please. I would love small dome ones that fit under the eaves in the Fascia (about 8" deep) Do the wide angle lenses cause any problems when needing to zoom in, especially near the edges? and what about heating (max -15c in UK) Thanks Steve Had a thought, as there can be multiple targets in daytime get 2x HI-rez IP cameras and for night (after 12pm) a PTZ as there is little movement outside? if this sounds good can someone help with make model of cameras that they think are good or at least a manufacturer you can't go wrong with?

Hi Tomcctv, I forgot to mention the road is a cul-de-sac and I am very near the end so it's fairly quiet. as for budget well I am one of these people thinks that if it's worth doing its worth doing right first time. but I have not got bottomless pockets and the CCTV is a "would like" not a "must have" Why would I need 4 cameras? I am only thinking of monitoring front of house not rear, and would X cameras + DVR give me what I am looking for? Thanks Steve