scquestions

I have a few more questions. For outdoor use, do you recommend a bullet or turret camera? I'm struggling with two things right now, an NVR and how to wire the cameras. I would like the ability to have eight Power over Ethernet cameras record on a hard drive, SD card, etc. I would like to be able to view online and from a smartphone. I'm trying to get what is most affordable, but at the same time, something that makes sense. (If it's $50 that's affordable but if it only lasts two months, then that's not what I want..) I've heard of the mini NVR, an expensive Hikvision NVR, Milestone Essential and Blue Iris. How does the wiring work? Can I setup one camera at a time? If I understand correctly, the Ethernet cable will plug into the camera, and I'll need to get that cable to the NVR, which will transmit the video and power the camera. Each camera will have a separate Ethernet cable? I'm leaning towards Hikvision from what I've read online, but I might just get started with a cheap camera to watch the birds just so I can learn how the system works. Thank you.

I am looking for an affordable home security camera system. From reading on here, it seems like Hikvision is a good brand for cameras. I found the HIKVISION DS-2CD2032-I for around $95 online. Do you recommend that camera? What NVR do you recommend to go with it? I would like to be able to have up to eight cameras, although I might just start with two. I found a Lorex system, but they don't seem to be recommended on here. I've also read that it is recommended to get the IP Cameras with the Power over Ethernet and that it is not a good idea to use the analog cables. Is that correct? I found a website, Security Camera Warehouse, and they make their products sound good, but I think they might be overpriced. Also, I haven't seen them recommended on here, so I am not sure if it is a good idea to go with them. Overall, I'm just looking for the most affordable system that is easy to setup with the NVR. I would appreciate any suggestions. Thank you.

I would like to apologize in advance if I ask questions that have already been answered. I've looked though this thread, but have not read every word. I was going to dismiss this mini NVR because I thought it would be too complicated, but your post got my attention. I am interested in the Hikvision DS-2CD2032-I, which, according to the Amazon description, is ONVIF compatible. Does that mean if I get the camera, and wire it correctly, that if I follow the instructions you have about adding the camera manually (if automatically doesn't work) that I should be up and running? From what you posted, it sounds easy enough. Am I missing anything? Thank you.

I like the price of the mini NVR mentioned in that thread, but I'm concerned about how it can connect to the Hikvision cameras. What do you think about this NVR, it says it supports Hikvision? Dahua ION Series ESDV-NVRION-8 8 Channel 1080p Hi Def Mini NVR for IP Cameras It is more expensive at $89.99, and it also takes a SATA hard drive, so that would be another cost also. I'm just thinking it might be easier and more reliable than the $50 mini NVR that is being discussed in the other thread. What do you think?

Thank you for your reply. What is a good basic camera that can be used as a monitor for a baby or elderly person? Would you recommend the Hikvision model I mentioned? Is there another that is better for the money? Looking to spend as little as possible, but don't want something that is going to break because then that would be a waste of money. I'm hesitant purchasing the Hikvision without any support or warranty but if it is really as good as those on this forum make it sound it might be worth it. Thank you.

Foscam FI9821W vs Hikvision DS-2CD2432F-IW I think most on here are going to recommend the Hikvision DS-2CD2432F-IW. Is that right? Do you think it is worth $30 more? Also, by purchasing from aliexpress as far as I know there isn't a warranty and I can't get it replaced if there is a problem like I can with the Foscam. Also, it seems like the Hikvision is more difficult to set up. Taking all of that into consideration, do you think the Hikvision is worth it? I've heard about Foscam cameras needing to be replaced and that their support is good, but I haven't heard of many Hikvision's having problems. My next concern is security. I'm still doing my research, but want the Foscam or Hikvision to be secure, and allow remote viewing. I'm new at this, so if someone could reply and tell me if it is possible to get them secure with little chance of someone being able to view other than myself? I heard there was a security problem last year but I think that is because a lot of people had the default usernames and passwords. Thank you.

Thank you for your reply. I think it was a mini NVR that I saw earlier. It was about $50. I found a Hikvision NVR but it is over $400. I haven't been able to find an affordable Hikvision NVR yet. The mini NVR sounds good from what I've read so far, but it seems like it will be more difficult than the Hikvision NVR, but it might be worth it for the $350 savings. Do you have any more suggestions regarding an NVR for the Hikvision cameras? Thank you again.

Thank you for your reply. What NVR do you recommend? I'm seeing a lot on the forum discussing one that is about $50, I don't remember the name, but it isn't Hikvision. I'm not sure where to look for a Hikvision NVR. The last one I remember seeing was expensive. I'm looking for the easiest and most affordable. I can do some configuring but I need to find clear instructions somewhere. Thank you again for your help.