mfrey0118

I'm a complete newb when it comes to installing security cameras. A bit tech savvy though. My brother in law is a small business owner, and he asked me to find a security camera system he can install in his business with at least 6 cameras and that has remote access via smart phone for around $300. I found the 8 camera Q See QT228-8B5-5 on Amazon for $299. However, I am not familiar with Q See or the model. Does anyone have experience with Q See and/or this particular model? What is your opinion? Would this system be a good fit for a small business? Thank you, in advance, for your help.

OK thanks for your help, I apologize for the misunderstanding. So then the things I need to pay attention to are: Resolution: 480 seems to be the standard for the "cheap crap"...so anything above is obviously better right? Image Processing: You mention color is off. What kind of image sensor do these cheap ones usually use? Is there a way to calibrate the cheap ones? Can you adjust for bad night shots, like with a camera (zoom, shutter speed, ISO, F stop,etc...) What size sensor would you consider the minimum for good night vision? Casing: Does it matter? Plastic, alloy, aluminum? Camera Motors: Any info on this would be good. Manufacturing quality: What should I avoid? If what you are saying is true, then if something happened, we would be dealing with an alarming lack of detail on the footage, and proper identification of a wrongdoer would be impossible? Even with proper installation and placement? I take it then, the cameras are the most crucial piece, as it appears the DVRs can be pretty run-of-the-mill. So it would really only make sense, if the goal is to actually protect his store, for my brother-in-law to save up a bit more and then get good cameras first, DVR second?

"Doesn't get it"? You sound like a jerk. I build my own network servers, subwoofers, install all my own networking equipment and wiring...I understand the value of buying quality over saving money. Shoot, I got a 7.1 AVR HTiB set for under $400, couldn't stand the sound, sold it, and had to save up and buy my home theater system piece by piece, over several months, to the point where I even built the powered sub myself... I'm just trying to do a favor for a family member that I owe big time, so he asked me to look into it for him, told me he couldn't spend more than around $300 or so, and that was it...he has a store that is only now getting an increase in customers, and shop lifting is starting to become a problem. So seriously, these models may be "crap", but one thing I've found out about "crap" level electronics is if you are careful and take care of them, a lot of times they'll function as designed and in some cases even last a long time. I think he's under the impression that even a modicum of security is a big enough of a deterrent (like cameras in visible areas, signs, etc) to make it worth while. Anyway, if anyone else has any suggestions, or if any of you don't mind stepping down from your high horse and helping a stupid pleb like me to "get it", then please reply.

Thank you for the input. Unfortunately, my brother in law is convinced he shouldn't spend more than $300 on a system. Perhaps I can find this model used/referb in that price range. How about the QC3016-8B5-5? I can get it at TigerDirect for less than $350...is this a better model?