jonboy385

Hi. I'm new to the forum. I've been reading many posts trying to learn before asking questions already answered. I'm looking into a surveillance system for my house. Reasons: 1) Robberies in the neighborhood 2) Very recently, somebody drove by taking a photo of the house. 3) Very recently, female, young 20s, looked like a druggie knocked on the front door asking to use the phone. We live up in the mountains, so it was unusual. It seems like some people may be scoping out the house. My main concern is cameras outside the house. Budget: $3k (just for hardware; I have allowed another $500 or so for install). Can raise budget if needed. System: NVR Wiring: CAT6 Camera 1,2,3 → Hikvision DS-2CD2032-I → Bullet, 1080P, 30M IR One on each side of the house and one in backyard Camera 4,5,6,7 → HikVision DS-2CD2T32-I3/I5/I8 → Bullet 1080P, IR 80M 2 covering each side of the driveway. 2 pointed on the street. - These are the most important for me. Facial and license plate recognition is the biggest concern for me with this surveillance system. - I want a camera that can see perfectly at nighttime. - I want a camera that will read a license plate and get a crisp facial photo from 50 feet distance. QUESTION- Will the camera HikVision DS-2CD2T32-I3/I5/I8 be sufficient for license plate / facial recognition from 50 feet (maybe 75 feet) distance)? Will the IR allow for facial/license plate recognition at 50-75 feet distance? If not, which camera will? QUESTION- HikVision DS-2CD2T32-I3/I5/I8 ---- what is i3/i5/i8? Are these different versions? What does it mean? Camera 8 → Hikvision DS-2CD2032-I → Bullet, 1080P, 30M IR In front of my door. I would like audio recording on this camera. QUESTION- Hikvision DS-2CD2032-I --- does this camera have a microphone for audio recording outside the front door? If not, how do I add a microphone to it? QUESTION- are these cameras okay in 110F heat and heavy rain or 30F freezing temperature? Should they be enclosed? NVR: Hikvision DS-7616NI-SE/P or Dahua 4216 QUESTION- Which is better? QUESTION- Should I go with a computer and dedicated cards or a NVR? Method of recording: Will record by motion detection. It seems not logical to record 24/7 when there is no motion. QUESTION- Is it the norm to record 24/7 or with motion? Hard Drives: How much hard drive space is needed to record with motion only for 14 days and 8 cameras at full 1080p? What about 30 days? Cloud Backup: Thieves are smart enough these days to look for a DVR/NVR with a location of cameras, so I feel cloud backup is a must. QUESTION- Do the NVR's I listed allow for cloud back up? QUESTION- what is the normal technique of recording to a cloud? Pictures from each camera every 20 seconds? Backup everything motion sensed? Auto backup everything both to hard drives and to cloud? Alarm: I was looking at the SimpliSafe alarm system. I like that it is user installable and customizable. I'm thinking of purchasing it and putting motion detectors in the rooms. If motion detected, to call cell phones. QUESTION- is there a reason to connect the alarm and surveillance system together? Is it possible? I probably have more questions, but if I can get these answered, it will definitely get the ball rolling for me. GENERAL QUESTIONS: Am I missing anything? Given my budget, would you remove/add/change anything? Is Hikvision a good brand? Is there better? An installer came by and stated he uses Eyemax. Anybody has experience with Eyemax? Do I need a POE switch? Also, if somebody knows a good installer in Los Angeles, please recommend.

I greatly appreciate the detailed and catered response. It confirmed many things that seemed logical and read else where. Some good tips as well. It's interesting that one Ethernet cable can carry video from multiple cameras via a POE switch.

I did not. I never got answers...and just been busy.