Complete noob seeking advice to identify vandals

[Skindog 0]

Hi All,

 

Glad to have found these forums, but my very limited knowledge means I don't really understand a lot of the things being said by the users here.

 

I'm looking to be able to identify vandals that come on the property. I think I know who they are, but I need to actually know. They're coming late at night, meaning it's very low-light conditions (I'm guessing I need like .0001 lux? I've seen some youtube videos and that looks about right) and I assume a DVR is what I'd need to record the footage.

 

The area to cover is quite small. Probably five or ten meters distance. I'll probably want the backyard part covered, as well as a walkway next to the house and also the car area (this last being the most important) So probably three or four tiny cameras max. Pinhole cameras seem to be the most ideal for being able to stick next to a windowsill to peak out without them being spotted.

 

I guess I'm going to need extension cables for the camera(s) as well to get back to the DVR.

 

Can anyone help steer me in the right direction please? I've spent a lot of time with Google and haven't found out a heck of a lot.

 

Budget fairly low. I wouldn't want to spend over AU$500 if possible. The footage doesn't have to be excellent, but good enough so I'd be able to recognize whether it was the people I think it is or not.

 

Thank you to anyone who takes the time to respond.

[mgb 0]

I'm not sure pinhole cameras would be your best bet for seeing them in the dark.

You'd probably want more of a standard day night camera with ir. but if your plan is to setup the cameras to be looking through windows, you will get reflection problems from the ir.

With the budget you have, you'd be best off looking at one of the package deals from Lorex, Swann or Qsee.

Or you can look into Dahua or hikvision.

You should be fine with a 4 channel dvr with a 500G hard drive. Maybe even smaller if possible.

Keep in mind that there are some DVRs that come without a hard drive so make sure it's included.

Good luck

[Skindog 0]

I'm not sure pinhole cameras would be your best bet for seeing them in the dark.

You'd probably want more of a standard day night camera with ir. but if your plan is to setup the cameras to be looking through windows, you will get reflection problems from the ir.

Thanks for the response, Mgb.

 

The standard day and night cameras tend to look like big, obvious things. I don't know how I could put one of those up and it not be noticed.

 

Thank you for those brand names, I'll certainly check those out.

 

If anyone can think of any specific devices that might suit I'd really love to hear from you!

[dan732 0]

I'm not sure pinhole cameras would be your best bet for seeing them in the dark.

You'd probably want more of a standard day night camera with ir. but if your plan is to setup the cameras to be looking through windows, you will get reflection problems from the ir.

Thanks for the response, Mgb.

 

The standard day and night cameras tend to look like big, obvious things. I don't know how I could put one of those up and it not be noticed.

 

Thank you for those brand names, I'll certainly check those out.

 

If anyone can think of any specific devices that might suit I'd really love to hear from you!

 

Believe it or not, they probably won't even see them

 

I have signs on my property, large metal reflective signs that state the property has CCTV cameras and trespassers will be prosecuted, people still don't see them.

 

And if they do see them and turn around and leave the property, that is a good thing

 

Because going to court is giant pain in the butt, the system is to help the criminal and victimize the victim even more, not worth it if you can avoid it.

[Skindog 0]

Thanks for the response, Mgb.

 

The standard day and night cameras tend to look like big, obvious things. I don't know how I could put one of those up and it not be noticed.

 

Thank you for those brand names, I'll certainly check those out.

 

If anyone can think of any specific devices that might suit I'd really love to hear from you!

 

Believe it or not, they probably won't even see them

 

I have signs on my property, large metal reflective signs that state the property has CCTV cameras and trespassers will be prosecuted, people still don't see them.

 

And if they do see them and turn around and leave the property, that is a good thing

 

Because going to court is giant pain in the butt, the system is to help the criminal and victimize the victim even more, not worth it if you can avoid it.

Thanks for the reply, Dan.

 

I don't intend to take the matter to court. Just needing to confirm who they are.

 

My main drive here is to identify the hardware that could meet my needs; if anyone else has some more advice I'd definitely appreciate it.

[dan732 0]

Thanks for the response, Mgb.

 

The standard day and night cameras tend to look like big, obvious things. I don't know how I could put one of those up and it not be noticed.

 

Thank you for those brand names, I'll certainly check those out.

 

If anyone can think of any specific devices that might suit I'd really love to hear from you!

 

Believe it or not, they probably won't even see them

 

I have signs on my property, large metal reflective signs that state the property has CCTV cameras and trespassers will be prosecuted, people still don't see them.

 

And if they do see them and turn around and leave the property, that is a good thing

 

Because going to court is giant pain in the butt, the system is to help the criminal and victimize the victim even more, not worth it if you can avoid it.

Thanks for the reply, Dan.

 

I don't intend to take the matter to court. Just needing to confirm who they are.

 

My main drive here is to identify the hardware that could meet my needs; if anyone else has some more advice I'd definitely appreciate it.

 

Your best actions is deterrent, setting up an outside IP Camera (or two) with a sign that states this property is under CCTV surveillance, will deter a majority of the wanabe thugs out there. I would look at a couple Hikvision bullets or domes (if you want go under eaves) and get great shots both day and night. If you have a decent computer, that you don't mind leaving on 24/7 (disable sleep/power saver) and the ability to install or connect a 2TB or larger hard drive as a dedicated video drive, you can use PCNVR to record the footage.

 

If they are stupid enough to keep vandalizing your property, then you should have the proof you need to take appropriate legal actions.

[Skindog 0]

Your best actions is deterrent, setting up an outside IP Camera (or two) with a sign that states this property is under CCTV surveillance, will deter a majority of the wanabe thugs out there. I would look at a couple Hikvision bullets or domes (if you want go under eaves) and get great shots both day and night. If you have a decent computer, that you don't mind leaving on 24/7 (disable sleep/power saver) and the ability to install or connect a 2TB or larger hard drive as a dedicated video drive, you can use PCNVR to record the footage.

 

If they are stupid enough to keep vandalizing your property, then you should have the proof you need to take appropriate legal actions.

Thanks for the follow-up, Dan.

 

I appreciate you mentioning Hikvision and PCNVR. This brand-name kind of information is what I'm looking for in order to start moving towards the criteria I've outlined in my earlier posts.