Camera recommendations

[jrmymllr 0]

I'm looking for a camera or two for monitoring my front yard. Currently I have a Supercircuits PC23C (0.05 lux/F1.0, 1/3", 2.8-12mm F1.4, 480 lines), and I've had this camera for awhile and just recently brought it out of storage since buying a security DVR. I have it set up to point out my front window, and generally I'm fairly happy with it. It's low light capability is ok, but could be better, and I wish it was color.

 

I'm not too interested in having outdoor cameras due to the attention they'll get, and the work involved. Shooting the camera out the window might seem odd, but it's working ok. There's some artificial light at night from my porch light, and from the neighbor's houses, and this helps. I'm avoiding IR because my thought was that if the camera is pointing through a window, the IR would reflect back like crazy and be useless.

 

So, for some questions; First I should say I'm fairly good with electronics. It's the optical stuff I'm unsure about.

 

I like the idea of a micro camera, the ones about 1"x1" and a small lens (not pinhole). It should be harder to see from outside, and generally more convenient. Does the small diameter lens make it perform worse (as far as light and clarity) than a regular box camera lens? Any other disadvantage provided it uses a 1/3" CCD?

 

Ideally I'd have a color camera that was also really good at low light when it switches to B/W. Unfortunately, it seems that the .00003 lux cameras are B/W only. It's like I should have both a color and Exview to take care of the day and night. Does this make sense to do? Are the .00003 lux Exview cameras worth it in your opinion?

 

I've read some of the opinions about Ebay cameras. There's one with a Panvigor brand: color 1/3" Super HAD, .01 lux, 420 lines color 480 B/W, 3.5-8mm F1.4 manual lens for $54 shipped. For the price I can't see much wrong with it. What should I watch out for when dealing with Ebay cameras? Where is a good mail order place in the US to buy good quality cameras?

 

And finally, I've read that for outdoor use, an auto iris is a must. However, the camera I have has a manual iris and despite leaving it fully open, it seems to work fine. The camera has BLC and auto exposure. Why would I need an auto iris in this case? I guess I'm just confused by the suggestions to have one.

 

Thanks for your time.