So as I was browsing through the forums here (very helpful, btw) I realized I was wandering through the streets without a map. Overall I have an idea of what I need but not sure what areas can handle which tasks. If someone could point to the correct forums for tasks I would appreciate it (even if someone picks just one is a big help).
I am tech savvy but quite the novice in this area. I can spin up a DIY home security system if that's the most effective option but don't mind buying OTS equipment. We've had quite a few burglaries in the neighborhood, with the cops having told me that most alarm systems simply give the burglars enough to grab enough and run given the average response time. Based on their input, I'm trying to create zones around the house also for early alerts.
Task 1: Cameras in back of house to detect motion and capture.
This is primarily for the back of the house to detect when someone has entered or jumped the fence. I would like a email alert where I can watch the video and take actions if necessary. Image quality doesn't have to be great since the top down view would primarily catch the top of a ballcap. This could be combined with a motion sensing light or other equipment that lets a person know that active monitoring is in place.
Task 2: Camera on porch/front door to detect motion and capture.
I want to capture anyone that rings the doorbell or walks onto the porch, looking into windows. I know there are some products built for this, but none with great reviews. It's possible a rig built of home automation parts could create something better. Curious to see if anyone has come up with something triggered by the doorbell. This camera needs to be of very high quality, around shoulder level facing upward. This should catch anyone trying to act 'casual' with their head down.
Task 3: Camera with front street view to review cars that may be casing the house
Several burglaries in our neighborhood have been preceded by cars making repeated passes in front of the house. Need a wide angle view of the yard/street to check for patterns.
Task 4: Camera on back porch/door.
Similar to the front door, but a more in-your-face camera to let someone know they are being filmed. Another camera at shoulder level to catch faces. Also potentially a dome camera here to catch the rest of the porch and back yard area.
Task 5: DVR
Is there a good OTS model that can take input from various cameras and provide the capture functionality? I would prefer that video is sent immediately to the cloud. I've ready about some software options such as Blue Iris that can handle this, but with no experience not sure where to start.
Task 6: Filling out the rest of the dead spots.
The rest of the cameras can be average quality to cover the rest of the dead spots around the house. These can be part of a package deal; whereas some of the other cameras may be specialty purchases for their individual needs.
I can go IP, PoE, or run coax if needed. Most areas are pretty accessible. The back yard camera needs a pretty long run, but can still be handled with IP.
Inside the house security is handled with a provider, but they can't monitor the outside - especially with all the potential false alerts from critters. That will take a while tune correctly.
Thanks for any help! I am researching the many models available, and the industry itself seems to be in quite an expensive phase, with all of the home options available now. However most reviews cover indoor cameras (with highly publicized brands such as Dropcam, Canary, etc). Those aren't what I'm looking for so can't quite find the info on exterior cameras as much.
