Taterman

We have a lot of animals that my wife feeds that visit our back yard and porch. She feeds the rabbits, but skunks, opossums, deer, raccoons... everything stops by and we like to know what's visiting. We had a game camera out there but it recently stopped working so I'd like to upgrade to a video camera set up to see what comes by and watch live on the TV at times too. A motion sensor alerts us to activity. We've also had people walking through and one even looking in our sliding glass door that I'd like to catch. Someone stole our bird feeder as well. I only need one wireless camera but an option to add another in the future would be a plus. I'd like to be able to watch it live on TV as well as record either motion sensor video or still pictures. It will be used at night and in the winter where snow will land on it so it must be weather-proof although I could put some kind of cover on top of it to keep most of it off.. It would have to have night vision/infrared (not sure of the terminology) and the range would be 50' or less, probably closer to 20'. It would need fairly sensitive motion detection to record or take pictures set off by smaller animals like a rabbit or squirrel. Can anyone recommend such a system?

Don't understand why you want to avoid the link Hikvision system in your budget ??? I don't think you will get much more help if your going to buy none branded over hikvision systems Hi Tom, I just now realized what you meant by "avoiding the link". In my post quoted above, I was referring to a link to an item that I found on my own that was from a non-reputable dealer, not your link. Sorry for the confusion.

OK, since those cables are are $27, it looks like it would be cheaper the get the balun they offer for $10. I'm unclear on the length of the cord for the power supply they list as an option and couldn't find any sold individually on the website so I guess I'll just call them and ask. I have no idea how I'd make these cables look decent though coming out of the wall.

Thanks jrmymllr. I'll look into those and see if it will work but I'll likely have to start over with everything. There's got to be an easier way to get a simple one camera set-up.

Hi shotgun cable .... Has video and power together or use cat5 Great, thanks. I wasn't sure you could use cat5 with it. On the site, for connector it lists: Connectors 1 HD-TVI BNC http://www.supercircuits.com/alibi-megapixel-1080p-ir-dome-security-camera-ali-cd1080e I'm new with these camera systems obviously, but how can you tell from the description and specs in the link that it accepts PoE cat5? Here's a pic of the back of the camera. Not sure where a cat5 would go:

I guess I'd have to fish a power cord to camera too. I don't like fishing something like a power cable through the wall. All are electrical is in conduit here, not Romex.

Thanks Tom. Just so I'm clear, a power supply would be needed for each camera? I'm only starting with one, but even for that one it would be difficult to fish a coax and a power supply cable through the insulated exterior wall. It's only mentioned in one place, but in the DVR description it says: "Hybrid+ supports multiple security technologies. Hybrid+ is an advanced hybrid technology for security DVRs that supports analog, HD-TVI and IP cameras (up to the total number allotted for each security technology). Hybrid+ technology gives you the flexibility of using multiple security technologies to meet your specific surveillance application needs."

I wasn't avoiding the link, just trying to understand. How about this camera from your link: http://www.supercircuits.com/alibi-megapixel-1080p-ir-dome-security-camera-ali-cd1080e And this DVR: http://www.supercircuits.com/alibi-4-channel-960h-hd-tvi-hybrid-dvr-ali-hvr3004h What additional items would I need to set this up? Would I have to run power to the camera or just the coax? If I have to run power, that would be an issue.

I know there is a cheaper dome, but going off this camera link (I prefer a turret) it says I would still need a DVR which was the expensive part I was talking about. Correct me if I'm wrong as I'm still learning about all this. Thanks for the info about the supplier, I will avoid them.

Great! Thank you Tom. Edit: I just checked your link and most of those are out of my price range. I did find this NVR too (I'd need a purple WD hard drive) but I'm not sure it will work with Hikvision cameras. http://www.amazon.com/Amcrest-NV1104-1080p-Network-Recorder/dp/B00X4UDCYE/ref=sr_1_27?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1448921912&sr=1-27&keywords=nvr

Thank you for your patience with my newb questions, I really appreciate it sir. Back to shopping for the right items... Edit - I think I will go with this camera: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RL2FZF0?m=A278TE67X5QD13&ref_=v_sp_widget_detail_page I'm having trouble finding an affordable NVR that is compatible with so if you have any NVR suggestions, I'm all ears.

Thanks again. I don't have a Wifi router and was hoping to avoid getting one. Do you think I be better off just getting an inexpensive DVR that has an HDMI output?

Thank you for the clarification on IP jrmymllr, I'm embarrassed to admit I did think it was referring to internet protocol. If a Firestick has an HDMI out, couldn't I just run an HDMI cable right to the TV? Do you think I would able to view live? I assume there's a place on them for running an ethernet to the camera but not sure. They seem small to have that many ports that you can plug in a cable, but if they require Wifi, I guess it won't work for me anyways. I like the idea that turrets are more discreet then bullets.

I'm still unsure if a bullet or turret would best since it will be pointing almost straight down. A couple other questions: * In the camera descriptions, is waterproof better or worse than weatherproof? * Will a Firestick work without wifi? * If I just get camera (with 64G SD card), PoE adaptor, and Firestick would I all set for recording motion detected video? * With the above set up, would I be able to copy, delete or view video from my PC (hooked to same router)? * Is there a Hikvision or similar quality turret camera with SD slot available? I haven't been able to find a Hikvision.

So would this be a good choice then? I believe it's the US version. http://www.amazon.com/Hikvision-Megapixel-Network-Security-DS-2CD2032-I/dp/B00K0S5BLK/ref=sr_1_173?m=A278TE67X5QD13&s=merchant-items&ie=UTF8&qid=1448696844&sr=1-173&refinements=p_4%3AHikvision It will be mounted on aluminum siding and be pointing almost straight down, just angled a bit out and left. Would a bullet style like this be an issue pointed down at a sharp angle? I assume the ethernet connects in the back of the camera. Or would dome or turret be better?

The wireless aspect isn't too much of an issue, either way I'll have to fish a ethernet cable inside the wall I believe. And I'd definitely like to keep it simple. I already have a router (no Wifi) and a 50' ethernet cable running to the T.V. area. The wall right behind the TV is where the camera will be mounted outside. Basically, I just want a Weatherproof camera outside with night vision, motion detection recording (either still pictures or video), and the ability to watch live on the TV at times.

Great info Boogieman, I really appreciate it. The videos are very telling too. I love that camera (2CD2120F-IW) but unfortunately out of my price range. Would a dome or turret be better than a bullet in an area with several inches of snow every year? It will be mounted about 8' up on aluminum siding. I'm not sure how those Fire sticks work, the descriptions mostly talk about streaming Amazon content. I'll read more about them. Does a camera with an SD card mean you have to go outside to retrieve it? I need to store motion detected video but wouldn't want to take a ladder out in the snow to pull out a card from the camera. Sorry for the newbie questions. I feel rushed to decide on something because there are so many good prices this time of year and the weather here will be a lot worse very soon. I figure I'll have to caulk the hole drilled to run the ethernet cable outside the house. Edit: This is from a review of the Fire Stick: "Why wouldn’t you buy it? You don’t use Amazon services much and/or you already pay for HBO." I don't use Amazon services, would a Fire stick still work? Here's the review: http://www.wired.com/2014/10/amazon-fire-tv-stick-comparison-chart/ I don't have a Wifi router and wasn't planning on getting one.

Thanks Sonny! I had no idea about the different types. Question though: What does the D1 stand for in your last example? Also, are those types equal or better in severe weather? I live in the Chicago area and we get hit hard with snow and wind. Sometimes the snow blows straight sideways or swirls up.

I've been looking around at some cameras and I see Hikvision recommended a lot here. What are your thoughts on this camera: http://www.amazon.com/Hikvision-DS-2CD2032F-I-Waterproof-Network-Security/dp/B00YJ2QICO/ref=sr_1_1?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1448462317&sr=1-1&refinements=p_4%3AHikvision And this PoE unit: http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-TL-PoE150S-Gigabit-Injector-compliant/dp/B001PS9E5I/ref=pd_bxgy_421_img_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=0CQR7SV8MKY8T9N46QT9 It's about the most I can afford but I'm open to cheaper options if anyone has a recommendation.

Excellent! Thank you again, you've been a big help. I appreciate it.

Thanks again. Is the IP cam mainly so I can view on my phone? Would the camera come with software to set it up on the P.C.?

Thank you jrmymllr. Wired shouldn't be too much of a problem since the T.V. backs right up to the wall where the camera will go. I was planning on putting the DVR right there too. I'd rather not leave the P.C. on 24/7 so I think a DVR is needed. So basically just a DVR and one decent camera is all I should need? I'd need a DRV with an HDMI output too as you mentioned. Any recommendation on a DVR brand? I'd like to spend no more than $300 on the whole set-up, $200 would be better.

Is there a system out there like this already made, or is it something I would have to buy separate components for and piece-meal it together?