winterminute

I decided to go with the smaller one. Based on recommendation from Dalton at Wrightwood, I decided to get the 2.8mm so hopefully that will give me better close up images. Sounds like they have a decent return policy so I'll swap it for the 4mm if it doesn't work. I'm now thinking about upgrading my old Dahua cam (mounted over my garage) with the ds-2cd2732f-is ... too many toys. Thanks for everyone's help. My next order of business: decide if I need/should switch from BlueIris to Milestone...

I did some research into the smaller version (ds-2cd2532f-is) and I almost wonder if that's a better option for a front-door cam. The other one might seem overly big. I actually want people at the front door to see that there is a camera, but maybe the bigger one is overkill. From what I read on your blog, the differences are (1) fixed lens (2) no alarm I/O (3) no mic input. I think otherwise they are nearly identical (including image quality including low-light), is that correct?

Thanks for all the replies. Maybe I misread some of the posts regarding buying US vs China and in the end it's not a big deal. For what it's worth, the one on Amazon (http://amzn.com/B00I86U5UI) is the DS-2CD2732F-I not the DS-2CD2732F-IS. Not sure the difference, but suppose it doesn't matter. I'm not worried about support (as in "help me do x") but don't want a hassle if I need to file a warranty claim. Is Wrightwood a pretty good place to do business with?

I found your detailed review of the HikVision version of the Costco cam. Seems to be a good camera, so I'm leaning that way. I'll wait to see if anyone has any other thoughts. In the meantime, I found the HikVision you suggested for sale at Wrightwood, N-e-l-l-y-'s and Amazon. Wrightwood had it for $250, the N-word (why is that word stripped?) had it for $300, and Amazon (via HikVision USA) had it for $350. My guess is Wrightwood is selling the China version where as Amazon is selling the US version (who knows which one Nellys is selling). I read a couple of comments on your blog about HikVision refusing support if you buy a China-version in the US, is that correct?

I'm looking for some recommendations for a security cam for my front door. I'm hoping you guys can help. Here are the details of my install location: * Install right next to front door. About 5' high, right above the door bell. * The walk up to the door has the garage on one side and is open to the front yard on the other. * There is a porch light right above that is on 24/7 it so hopefully that means good no matter time of day. Here are my requirements: * My budget is roughly $300-$400 (closer to $300 would be ideal) * IP megapixel camera with POE * Given my install location, I think a bullet cam would seem weird so I'm looking for a dome. * The image quality needs to be good enough for it to be useful to hand over to the police so they can either manual match up against a known photo or release on their website for others to recognize. * I don't need PTZ or audio * I'm using BlueIris so I'm not worried about any included software (assuming the camera is Onvif-compliant) Because of Costco great return policy I started my research there, what do you think of these options? I can't find any reviews on them, maybe that's a bad sign. Swann HD 3MP IP Vari-Focal Add-on Dome Camera http://www.costco.com/Swann-HD-3MP-IP-Vari-Focal-Add-on-Dome-Camera.product.100089445.html AvertX HD 1080p IP Autofocus Add-on Dome Camera http://www.costco.com/AvertX-HD-1080p-IP-Autofocus-Add-on-Dome-Camera-.product.100097396.html Finally, a couple of questions: * What MM lens do I need? I think the ideal capture point will be when the person is right at the front door. ~5FT or so. * On a side note, does one bulb type do a better job illuminating a scene at night? LED, CFL, Bright White vs Warm. * Why is there so much discussions about flashing Chinese firmware?

Thanks for the detailed answer about audio. I don't mind tinkering and working to get it setup, but also don't want something overly complicated. So scratch the requirement for audio and no PTZ. Given the other requirements, what IP cams would you guys recommend? On the side, I'm going to go research the door cams suggested as well, but I worry they'll be dumbed down, gimmicky, consumer products.

Thanks for the replies. Let me remove my price target. Given my other requirements, what cameras would your recommend? I've also learned that cameras that support audio generally mean they have a microphone input so I'd still need to buy, power, and wire a microphone. So maybe audio recording isn't a must-have feature either.

Hi! I’m looking for an IP security cam to mount at my front door. My plan is to mount somewhere around 6’ right next to the door to provide a direct facial shot of everyone who comes to our door. I’m thinking audio would actually be useful this scenario. PoE would be nice. Not sure how many megapixels I need. I might need a varifocus camera since it will nearly always include people walking towards or away from the camera. My gut is that PTZ will be overkill and not really used in this situation. Dome camera would be preferred as it creates a cleaner installation. I’m hoping to spend somewhere around $200, but maybe edging up to $300. I’m using BlueIris for the IP Camera management software, if it matters. So, what would you recommend?