Need help designing a system

[4x4FJ 0]

Hi,

 

I'm new here, and am glad to have found a great forum. I need help designing a quality system.

 

A little bit of background as to why I want a security camera system. Two years ago, my catalytic converter from my truck. I had always wanted a security system, so this event made me go out and buy one a few days later. I didn't know any better, so I purchased a swann pc-dvr card from Frys and 4 Swann cameras. While this has been helpful, I haven't been satisfied with the picture quality and resolution. Also, one of my cameras appears to be failing.

 

Anyways, just a week ago, my catalytic converter was stolen again. I replayed the footage and saw what had happened. But one of the cameras (the one that is failing) did not get anything at all because it was too dark.

 

So now I want to build a better system using quality equipment. I would also like to build it using 8 cameras instead of 4. I have read alot about Geovision cards, and may go with that since they seem to be a popular choice. I will also be taking this opportunity to build a new computer to use with this system.

 

questions:

 

1. Which Geovision DVR card should I use? Would the Geovision GV-800 be a good choice?

 

2. What cameras would be a good choice for using in the front of the house? I would prefer cameras that are color but have night vision at night. Also, I would prefer for them to not be too large in size.

 

Thanks

 

-4x4FJ

[C7 in CA 0]

How far are the cameras from the subject of interest? and how dark is the area? What's the budget for the cameras?

 

If you want color, and good night time recordings you need a camera with day/night function and a mechanical IR cut filter. This camera is probably bigger then you would prefer, but check out the Nuvico CB-SD21N-L.

 

If that is too big or over budget then I would think about using a cheaper color bullet camera and install some big 'ol motion sensor flood lights.

 

As you can probably tell from your current cameras, if you want to Identify the bad guy the cameras have to be pretty close to the subject. Just something to think about...

[4x4FJ 0]

Thanks for the response. The cameras are 15-20 ft away from the subject, which is the distance from the house to the sidewalk of the house. I'm not sure how to describe how dark the area is, but the street is dimly lit with street lights, and I do have a motion light but am going to install a better and brighter one in perhaps 2 locations.

 

The cameras I have now are day/night IR cameras, but would black and white be a better choice for me? I would like to spend about $200 per camera, but if that isn't possible then I can pick up a few of those Nuvicos that you posted. Also, are those cameras meant to stay on 24/7? Since one of my cameras right now is failing, I don't leave my system on 24/7 now, and just turn it on mainly in the night.

 

I don't think I can get my cameras any closer without worrying about them getting damaged. But since I would be purchasing new higher quality cameras and a better DVR card, would the upgraded resolution make a difference in zooming up to the footage? Right now with my sub-$100 Swann DVR card and $100 Swann day/night camera, the resolution is not too good when viewing footage from the night.

 

Thanks

[C7 in CA 0]

15-20 feet is pretty close. And if you are adding more light you might get away with using more affordable cameras. It all depends on available light. Those Nuvicos are nice, but you probably won't need all that IR. As a matter of fact it is probably too much IR for 15 feet.

 

I prefer visible light over IR any day...

 

And yes, these cameras are designed to be on 24/7. I have many cheapo bullet cameras still working that have been out there for years.

[4x4FJ 0]

I'm actually planning on installing 2 outdoor lights on the sides of my garage and getting a better motion sensor light to mount above the garage. What cameras would you recommend that are more affordable than the Nuvicos? I saw this camera posted in a thread here: h*tp://w*w.shoreviewsecurityusa.c*m/36_IR_75FT_1_3_SONY_HAD_CCD_480TVL_Vary_focal_4_9m_p/svcmr603w.htm (sorry, i can't post links yet). What is your opinion on those? The new cameras I am going to buy for this will be placed in the more important locations, and then I will move the cameras I have now to less important locations.

 

Right now, I am using a powerstrip to power my 4 cameras. I have read about power supplys in some threads, and am planning to purchase one of those. Is there a specific one recommended for using 8 cameras? Thanks!

[4x4FJ 0]

I'm actually planning on installing 2 outdoor lights on the sides of my garage and getting a better motion sensor light to mount above the garage. What cameras would you recommend that are more affordable than the Nuvicos? I saw this camera posted in a thread here: h*tp://w*w.shoreviewsecurityusa.c*m/36_IR_75FT_1_3_SONY_HAD_CCD_480TVL_Vary_focal_4_9m_p/svcmr603w.htm (sorry, i can't post links yet). What is your opinion on those? The new cameras I am going to buy for this will be placed in the more important locations, and then I will move the cameras I have now to less important locations.

 

Right now, I am using a powerstrip to power my 4 cameras. I have read about power supplys in some threads, and am planning to purchase one of those. Is there a specific one recommended for using 8 cameras? Thanks!

 

Anyone have any input? I'm looking to purchase my cameras soon and would like opinions. Thanks!