Mini Outdoor Dome Camera and NVR/Computer Question

[Superfluous 0]

I've done some searching around and read reviews on networkcameracritic.com and I've become confused. I'm looking for a small 2/3MP outdoor dome camera to put in the upper corner of my front door jamb. The max diameter of the unit can be about 4.5 inches, preferably less. Looking to spend under $300 or so.

 

The Dahua IPC-HDBW2200E looked promising based off of this review (http://www.networkcameracritic.com/?p=2418), but the linked store (http://wrightwoodsurveillance.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_16&products_id=395) to buy it doesn't mention "outdoor" and I can't find dimensions. The camera also doesn't seem to be listed on Dahua's website... Can anyone confirm that they are indeed outdoor and what the dimensions are?

 

The Hikvision ds-2cd2532f-i looks like a decent option as well based off of this review (http://www.networkcameracritic.com/?p=2158) and the dimensions appear to be just under 4 inches from the Hikvision website. Any thoughts?

 

The Hikvision 2CD2132 seem like decent options as well, but it's pushing it size wise (4.5 inches).

http://www.hikvision.com/en/products_show.asp?id=7330

 

I'm leaning towards the Hikvision CD2532F. Any alternatives, comments, or suggestions?

Edited October 1, 2014 by Guest

[Securame 0]

The Dahua IPC-HDBW2200E looked promising based off of this review (http://www.networkcameracritic.com/?p=2418), but the linked store to buy it doesn't mention "outdoor" and I can't find dimensions. The camera also doesn't seem to be listed on Dahua's website... Can anyone confirm that they are indeed outdoor and what the dimensions are?

 

"Dahua IPC-HDBW2200E 1080P HD Outdoor IR Mini Dome Review"

"IP66 Rated Outdoor Dome"

 

http://www.dahuasecurity.com/es/products/ipc-hdbw2200e-705.html

Φ110mm×81mm (no idea on how that translates to inches)

 

The Hikvision ds-2cd2532f-i looks like a decent option as well based off of this review (http://www.networkcameracritic.com/?p=2158) and the dimensions appear to be just under 4 inches from the Hikvision website. Any thoughts?

 

The Hikvision 2CD2132 seem like decent options as well, but it's pushing it size wise (4.5 inches).

http://www.hikvision.com/en/products_show.asp?id=7330

 

Those two are nice units, I have them both. Image quality wise I would say they are exactly the same. 2CD2132 probably has better vision at night (IR). 2CD2532F is quite smaller than 2CD2132, and you have it with audio, alarms, maybe it even has micro SD card slot? You will be fine with any of them.

[Superfluous 0]

The Dahua IPC-HDBW2200E looked promising based off of this review (http://www.networkcameracritic.com/?p=2418), but the linked store to buy it doesn't mention "outdoor" and I can't find dimensions. The camera also doesn't seem to be listed on Dahua's website... Can anyone confirm that they are indeed outdoor and what the dimensions are?

 

"Dahua IPC-HDBW2200E 1080P HD Outdoor IR Mini Dome Review"

"IP66 Rated Outdoor Dome"

 

http://www.dahuasecurity.com/es/products/ipc-hdbw2200e-705.html

Φ110mm×81mm (no idea on how that translates to inches)

 

The Hikvision ds-2cd2532f-i looks like a decent option as well based off of this review (http://www.networkcameracritic.com/?p=2158) and the dimensions appear to be just under 4 inches from the Hikvision website. Any thoughts?

 

The Hikvision 2CD2132 seem like decent options as well, but it's pushing it size wise (4.5 inches).

http://www.hikvision.com/en/products_show.asp?id=7330

 

Those two are nice units, I have them both. Image quality wise I would say they are exactly the same. 2CD2132 probably has better vision at night (IR). 2CD2532F is quite smaller than 2CD2132, and you have it with audio, alarms, maybe it even has micro SD card slot? You will be fine with any of them.

 

Thanks, I forgot to include the store link where it doesn't indicate whether outdoor or not. While it should be if it's the same model, it's strange that it's not mentioned. http://wrightwoodsurveillance.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_16&products_id=395

 

The link you provided seems to be a similar but different model. However, I'm guessing it's not any smaller than the dimensions you provided. So I think it may be too large.

[Superfluous 0]

Would a mini PC like this Asus VM60 be enough for a few Hikvision cameras?

 

http://www.amazon.com/VM60-G072R-Desktop-i5-3337U-Processor-Windows/dp/B00J2FA7TS/ref=cm_cd_ql_qh_dp_t

[ak357 0]

Would a mini PC like this Asus VM60 be enough for a few Hikvision cameras?

 

http://www.amazon.com/VM60-G072R-Desktop-i5-3337U-Processor-Windows/dp/B00J2FA7TS/ref=cm_cd_ql_qh_dp_t

I have 3 HIK running on the same comp

no problem at all

[Superfluous 0]

Would a mini PC like this Asus VM60 be enough for a few Hikvision cameras?

 

http://www.amazon.com/VM60-G072R-Desktop-i5-3337U-Processor-Windows/dp/B00J2FA7TS/ref=cm_cd_ql_qh_dp_t

I have 3 HIK running on the same comp

no problem at all

 

Are you on the i5 or the i3? They also have a Celery Stick version. Would that not be good enough?

[buellwinkle 0]

The title for the review says "outdoor", just saying. But yes, it's outdoors in the front of my home now, was going to take it down today and ready for the next camera. I'll take a picture of it next to something so you can relate to it's size.

[Superfluous 0]

The title for the review says "outdoor", just saying. But yes, it's outdoors in the front of my home now, was going to take it down today and ready for the next camera. I'll take a picture of it next to something so you can relate to it's size.

 

Yes, your review shows it's outdoor but it seemed strange that it's never mentioned on the store page. Either way, I think the camera is a bit too large.

 

I'm unlikely to go with an NVR, but why are they limited to a certain amount of channels? I'm assuming you can link cameras that aren't directly plugged into their ports like a computer.

 

Do most people only record on motion or 24/7?

[buellwinkle 0]

Here's a picture of the camera in my hand.

 

 

There is a smaller dome that's very cool looking from Avigilon - http://avigilon.com/products/video-surveillance/cameras/hd-micro-dome/hd-micro-dome-cameras/2-mp-hd-micro-dome/

 

As for NVR's, they are sold by number of cameras, has nothing to do with it's capabilities as many times a 4, 8 and 16 channel NVR are the exact same device but only lets you configure the cameras you are licensed for regardless of where they sit on your network. I personally prefer a PC running Windows with NVR software.

 

I record everything based on motion detection.

[Superfluous 0]

Here's a picture of the camera in my hand.

 

 

There is a smaller dome that's very cool looking from Avigilon - http://avigilon.com/products/video-surveillance/cameras/hd-micro-dome/hd-micro-dome-cameras/2-mp-hd-micro-dome/

 

As for NVR's, they are sold by number of cameras, has nothing to do with it's capabilities as many times a 4, 8 and 16 channel NVR are the exact same device but only lets you configure the cameras you are licensed for regardless of where they sit on your network. I personally prefer a PC running Windows with NVR software.

 

I record everything based on motion detection.

 

Thanks, I'll take a look.

 

 

Do you guys have any issues with drilling holes into things? I want to mount it in the door jamb of my front door, but I'm hesitant to put a 2 inch hole in the frame. Is it a concern when you go to sell the house?

[buellwinkle 0]

You can use surface mounted conduit and jbox instead of drilling holes, but then it becomes an appearance issue. If you sell the house, either leave the cameras or putty over the hole. Why do you need a 2" hole, at most a 1" hole is needed.

[ak357 0]

Here's a picture of the camera in my hand.

 

There is a smaller dome that's very cool looking from Avigilon

Which software are u going to use with your Avigilon camera ?

[Superfluous 0]

You can use surface mounted conduit and jbox instead of drilling holes, but then it becomes an appearance issue. If you sell the house, either leave the cameras or putty over the hole. Why do you need a 2" hole, at most a 1" hole is needed.

 

Ok, as long as putty and paint is acceptable, then I should be good.

[Superfluous 0]

I'm thinking of also putting a Hikvision 2732 on the backside of my townhouse.

 

Where do you recommend for placement to monitor the french doors and the left window? I was thinking under the right light fixture pointing to the side (how high?). Keep in mind, my home ends just after the furthest left window. Thoughts?

 

 

 

As a side note, do you guys have any worries about only recording to the micro SD card in the camera? Someone could destroy the camera and therefore take your footage too, right?

[Superfluous 0]

So the 2732 arrived and it looks like a nice camera. I'm a bit confused by the varifocal, since I thought it would change the point of view/degree angle, but there seems to only be one spot that is focused properly. Shouldn't the camera be automatically focusing/adapting to the change?

[dexterash 0]

There should be 2 independent adjustments on the lens: angle(zoom) and focus

[buellwinkle 0]

Remove the dome and the black plastic cover behind the lens. There's two wands, one for focus, one for focal length. You twist the want counterclockwise to loosen it, then move the wand to get what you want, then tighten the wand clockwise to secure it. I don't remember, but there should be a T/W for telephoto/wide on the lens barrel near the wand that controls focal length.

[Superfluous 0]

Thanks, found it.

 

When mounting it on a wall, would you mount it with the logo upright? It puts the side plug on the bottom. Any issues in terms of weather/water leaking in?

 

Are there any write-ups on wiring through walls from exterior to interior? I'm going to have an electrician do it, but want to make sure everything is prepared and covered.

[buellwinkle 0]

The logo must be visible and upright, it's in the Hikvision terms of use. Doesn't matter which way is up, the lens rotates almost 360 degrees and you can flip the image in the settings.

[Superfluous 0]

The logo must be visible and upright, it's in the Hikvision terms of use. Doesn't matter which way is up, the lens rotates almost 360 degrees and you can flip the image in the settings.

 

So the side plug outlet doesn't matter in terms of weather?

[Superfluous 0]

So... how problematic is the fact that the mounting surface is bumpy and uneven? What could I fill the gaps with?

 

 

For some reason it got flipped on its side. It's actually a wall it's up against

[Musad 0]

Mounting surface should not be a problem. I would just use white outdoor caulk around the base and it would blend in.

So... how problematic is the fact that the mounting surface is bumpy and uneven? What could I fill the gaps with?

[Superfluous 0]

The trickiest part for me is the wiring. What do you guys use on the inside wall where the cable will be coming out? like one of these?

 

[Musad 0]

Either would work...

I would use the top one if you have a bunch of cables.

The trickiest part for me is the wiring. What do you guys use on the inside wall where the cable will be coming out? like one of these?

[Superfluous 0]

Which height/location is better for monitoring the windows/doors to the left?