hlipham

The company I work for has a 3xLogic Vigil hybrid NVR/DVR, model PRO-32-CL-500, currently running all analog cameras. We have two quotes in hand from our local integrator for: 1. Replacing two dead analog cameras OR 2. Installing new IP cameras, a POE switch, and upgrading the NVR software I would like to get feedback on the IP cameras he quoted and some of the pricing. Looking at the Vistix cameras on their website, it appears that they might be made by Hikvision. http://www.3xlogic.com/3xproducts/visix-cameras The IP camera proposal I have in hand includes the following: 2ea. Vistix VX-1.3P-28-OD-I Camera ($285) Camera Info: This camera is not on the 3xLogic website yet, but it is a 1.3mp 3-axis dome with a 2.8mm lens. I cannot figure out what Hikvision camera this is. One possibility is a DS-2CD2112-I. Any thoughts? Use: He proposed that one of these cameras be placed near our office's front door, under a covered entry and the other to be used inside the building. Questions: 1. Is this an appropriate camera? 2. Should I just buy a Hikvision camera instead of the Vistix, assuming I can save some money - and that it will work with 3xLogic? I found what I think is the same camera from another company that sells Hikvision cameras under a different name for $115. 2ea. Vistix VX-1.3P4-MB-I Camera ($285) Camera Info: Also not on the 3xLogic website, this is a 1.3mp mini bullet with a 4mm lens. Guessing this is the Hikvision DS-2CD2012-I camera, which can be purchased for $100. Use: He proposed that two of these be mounted on the end of a 50' wide building (see attached diagram) to watch over vehicles parked at the end of the building. Questions: 1. Is this an appropriate camera for the use listed above? Domes are more vandal resistant, but then there is glare to worry about. There are no Vistix turret style cameras, so he did not propose one of those. 2. Will a 4mm lens do the job, or do we need a 2.8mm lens? 3. Would the Hikvision DS-23CD2012-I work with the 3xLogic system? I can find one of those for about $100, compared to the $285 that I was quoted. 1ea. VX-3P4-MB-I Camera ($360) http://www.3xlogic.com/3xproducts/3mp-outdoor-ip-bullet-camera Camera info: This camera is a 3mp bullet camera with a 4mm lens that looks like the Hikvision DS-2CD2032-I, which can be purchased elsewhere with USA warranty for $145 or less. Use: He proposed this camera as a license plate camera. The camera would be mounted about 10' from the backs of the cars and would rely, partly, on its own illumination. Questions: 1. Again, do I pay $360 for a camera that I can buy elsewhere for $145? There is a separate line item on his quote for installation labor, so it is not wrapped up in the camera prices. 2. Is this camera suitable as a license plate reader from 10'-20' away? It seems like the 4mm lens might not be tight enough. 2ea. 8 Channel Netgear GS110TP Gigabit POE switch ($375) He did not list the model of the switch (or cameras, for that matter), but I asked and found out the switch he quoted was a Netgear GS110TP gigabit switch. I found the switch for $155 and he is charging me $375. Is that normal practice for an installer to heavily mark up equipment? I'm having trouble trusting someone who marks up prices so much. Vigil software update There is a newer version of the software for our nvr that will be required to add IP cameras to our system. We have been quoted $297 to install the new software. Does that sound right? We would be moving from version 6 to version 7. I'm sure I left out some important information, but any thoughts on my questions above are greatly appreciated. I need to make a pitch about this proposal to our director, who thinks cameras are a waste of money. Anything I can do to bring down the price of the equipment will make the chances of us buying the equipment much greater. Decisions: 1. Do I buy a second stand-alone Hikvision, or similar, system for the end of the warehouse (attached diagram)? Or is it better to pay more and stick with one NVR? Seems like I could purchase and install the stand-alone system at a fraction of the cost of adding to the existing 3xLogic system. 2. Do I pay the integrator for the NVR software upgrade and ask the integrator to install Hikvision cameras that I purchase? Is this a kosher request? 3. Do I just deal with the higher priced cameras the integrator proposed? Thanks to anyone who read through all of this!