HTScotty

Hi all. I'm new to security cameras and such, but have been doing low-voltage structured wiring in new homes for a while now. Mainly cable/phone/internet and home theater installs. Recently, I had a client approach me with questions about installing 2 cameras and a DVR with the capability of expanding to 6 cameras later. He said he'd prefer dome cameras if possible. Since I'm new to this field, I wanted to get some professional opinions from you guys on which equipment (which brand and model #) you would recommend using within his budget. My client has a $2000.00 total budget. The installation is inside a middle school and there is some ambient light at night from the outside lights. Each of the cameras will be about 30-ft from an entrance/door. I've been looking into the Nuvico NVJV 8000 series DVR. (is this one even worth considering?) As for dome cams.... I'm really unsure of what's got a decent track record and is reasonable priced for what it does. Thanks in advance for the help! Scotty

I know you said you haven't used them, but could you recommend anything that would do an "OK" job in a mini-dome? Kinda point me in the right direction? I'd really rather have something a little more vandal-resistant.

Yes a pretty sharp picture at night would be nice if possible, in a mini-dome. All the lights are off inside at night. The only light would be what comes from the security lights outside.

Thanks for the reply. They want to first start with 2 indoor cameras. Both pointing at separate entrances that do not have direct sunlight, but do have at least some ambient light from the security lights outside at night. Later they want to add 4 cameras, for a total of 4 inside and 2 outside. It is in a middle-school, so domes would probably be the best recommendation. Thanks again. Scotty

I may tell them I can only do ONE camera and use a little nicer camera. If they bail on me, oh well.

Unfortunately, their budget is set at no more than 2k. (it's all that's left after a fund-raiser they had) There is a full awning that leads all the way up to the door which is in a small alcove, so direct light shouldn't be too much of an issue. At least I wouldn't think so. I guess with the height of where they would be mounted, I could point them further down and still get a good shot at the same time. That should also help reduce the backlight problem. The cameras will also be mounted at a 45* angle to the hallway where the doors are. I'm glad you mentioned the glare issue because I hadn't really put that into consideration. (mainly based on camera location) Are the Nuvico CD-D4N cameras with IR any good? The ProVideo CVC-648IRHQ domes look nice. Opinions? What would you recommend for a 6ch DVR around 1k? Scotty

The first two cameras will be indoors. (4 total inside...2 outside...once the system is complete) Sorry, I forgot to clarify. Only 2 cameras are needed to start. (inside)

Rory? Anyone? Oh, and bullet cams are not out of the question. The CNB B2310NVF seem like pretty nice cameras for what they cost. (although they don't have to be weatherproof)