Looking for a simple, inexpensive outdoor camera for home

[GregL 0]

I am looking for a very simple camera that will allow me to observe my front door/driveway area. I won't need to point and zoom or do anything fancy. I work in a home office and often miss people at my front door with deliveries and want to be able to see them when they arrive.

 

I would also like to be able to monitor it from my smartphone when not sitting at my PC.

 

I will want to directly connect it to my PC/router which are about 30-40 from where I am thinking about mounting it outside. I can run wire easily.

 

I don't need it to record but it might be helpful in the future.

 

Any suggestions would be helpful.

[johnair 0]

I think an ip camera will be okay for u, you just need to connect it with network. They are quite some inexpensive online. For this, you don't need to buy a security system. But remember choose some branded products. Low quality one will suck!

[GregL 0]

Thanks for the feedback, does anybody have any recommendations?

 

I have checked several like Foscam and the reviews are mixed. I don't need too much as I noted but I do want something that will last a while and won't be a nightmare to configure to view on my PC and smartphone.

[shockwave199 0]

If you have good exterior lighting, this camera is excellent-

 

http://www.securitycameraking.com/2-megapixel-ip-vandal-dome-59101-prd1.html

 

It'll go black at night without exterior lighting though. Also, it's easier to ceiling mount it but it can be wall mounted, no problem. Pop a micro SD card in it if you want to record. Simple as that.

 

You'll also need this POE injector as well.

 

http://www.securitycameraking.com/single-port-poe-30w-injector-59315-prd1.html?pSearchQueryId=2729022

 

Doesn't get mucgh simpler than that and you'll have exceptional quality. Good luck.

[Firefighter 0]

At that price wouldn't it be better to just get the Hik 3mp. Bump it down to 2mp if it's an issue. At $167 it's

better priced and I can vouch for it's quality. Has Night IR, has a slot for a 64GB card and comes with Hikvision's free software for recording, motion etc....

The 4mm lens is wide enough Imho

 

Here's the link in case your interested.

 

http://wrightwoodsurveillance.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_83&products_id=267&zenid=0942724eb43467079ef3066678c41f0f

 

And here are my sample pics/vids from that camera since I have one. Price wise, it's better and has better

features.

viewtopic.php?f=19&t=38847&start=30

[shockwave199 0]

Yeah sure, there ya go- another great option as well.

[Firefighter 0]

Might need to correct myself, I don't know if it has a card slot. ( Looking for the answer )

[ssnapier 0]

Might need to correct myself, I don't know if it has a card slot. ( Looking for the answer )

 

It does, just make sure you use a Class 10 card!

[Firefighter 0]

From the searching I did it doesn't have a card slot. The him 3mp bullet. Fixed mm.

[Boogieman 1]

Might need to correct myself, I don't know if it has a card slot. ( Looking for the answer )

 

It does, just make sure you use a Class 10 card!

that hik does not have a card, you need to move to the more expensive varifocal version for a card slot.

Hikvision DS-2CD2732F-I Dome or Hikvision DS-2CD2632F-I have sd card slots or acti d72 and are about 270.

If op is not using an NVR it cant hurt to have recording - good protection if someone steals your packages etc.

but the cheaper hik will do if all op wants is a live stream.