Jagco

I'm looking for advice on improving my business CCTV system. The one I have has poor quality images. I bought a Nuvica NVDN 410N DVR and 4 cameras approximately 2004. I purchased 3 @ ProVideo Color CCD bullet cameras and 1 @ exterior dome camera (which I think was a ProVideo model also). One "ProVideo Color CCD Camera" in the shop has died. Besides that verbage on the camera hood there is only this string of numbers on the butt end of the bullet camera to identify it: 11513241451. I suspect there isn't much in the way of identification on the exterior dome camera either. (I confess I haven't got out a ladder to look yet.) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Due to my experiencing a truck theft and my neighbor experiencing a boat theft, I now know that video evidence must be in sharp focus to be of any use! The quality of the images collected by the existing system is not adequate for police work or court. Not sufficient for me to feel comfortable becoming a vigilante. I've worked carefully on focusing each individual camera + adjusting the camera's brightness, contrast, and color using the DVR Web Client's "DVR Settings" function. The image quality is good enough to go kick the neighbor's dog for stealing my lunch off the shop work table, but not much good for positively identifying a thief. I have the Nuvica DVR set to record on the highest "Super+" quality. The DVR Web Client tells me that these images are being recorded at 5.5 to 5.6 frames per second. I can't find any other adjustment to record at more fps. The 24 volt (#4) exterior camera runs through about 85' of wire from power connection + DVR. It is set to widest angle. The camera is mounted on the building wall 12' off the ground. It is 45' to the white trailers in the background. The exterior light is a 400 watt metal halide type. Camera #3 is a 12 volt, runs through about 85' of wire from power connection + DVR, and is mounted on the opposite side of the wall from the exterior camera. Cameras #1 + #2 are 12 volt, running through about 20' of wire from power connection + DVR. All power wire is 18 ga. lampcord. Video cables are Belden New Generation #543945 = 20 ga. All power from dedicated circuit. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Is the current 4-channel Nuvica NVDN 410N DVR adequate that I could first buy better cameras to upgrade to high res "court grade" video images, then later upgrade to a better 8 channel DVR + add more cameras for better coverage? Looking for equipment and technique recommendations to get a high res system where I can clearly identify who the thieves are. Of course, I want to get the most bang for my buck, yet I clearly know you get what you pay for, (please skip all related lectures in replies). Thanks for any feedback!

jisaacmagee, thanks for all of your tips. I'll apply your information in evaluating a new setup + equipment.

I'll try out your suggestions, Jisaacmagee, as soon as I have time. Below are some photos from current setup. Does anyone have any comment about my current equipment. I need to buy at least one new camera now, due to older one dying. Any suggestions if I want to jump to next level of quality resoulution? What about DVR recording at only 5.6 fps? How do I increase fps? Will increased fps recording increase resolution of images with current cameras? How do I increase the fps recorded? (I assume this will increase resolution or am I wrong?) What factors affect the fps recorded? Or, do I need to upgrade both simultaneously to get better resolution images? "Cam #3" in shop. "Cam #1" photo at front door. "boat" photo is of thief's truck from Cam #3. Truck is about 30' from camera. Exterior dome camera 10' high mounted on building wall. 400 watt metal halide light.