I contacted a residential/commercial security company about installing two outdoor security cameras at my home. The company's recommendation is two analogue/hard-wired SECO cams (1080p, w/ heating element) WITHOUT infra-red. They believe this is the best cam choice regardless recent trends toward digital/IP cams AND they don't feel that IR adds any benefit to that already provided by street or outdoor lighting. The complete system (2 cameras and 2TB DVR) with installation will cost around $1700.00.
I'd be interested in comments regarding both the proposed system, the SECO brand, and the quoted price. I'm told - by the company - that the installation portion of the cost is rather trivial (approx $150.00, as it is a simple/quick job) and, with that in mind, I know I can find a HIKVision system, for example, at a much lower price, and just hire an electrician (at his hourly rate) to install it.
The areas being monitored are short and confined - the side entrance way/driveway (about 10 foot wide by 30 foot long) and a "regular" sized front porch/stairs/doorway. It isn't like I would need advanced features like pan/tilt/zoom or ability to adjust focus (once it is set).
