Looking for Affordable Home Security Camera System

[scquestions 0]

I am looking for an affordable home security camera system.

 

From reading on here, it seems like Hikvision is a good brand for cameras. I found the HIKVISION DS-2CD2032-I for around $95 online. Do you recommend that camera?

 

What NVR do you recommend to go with it?

 

I would like to be able to have up to eight cameras, although I might just start with two.

 

I found a Lorex system, but they don't seem to be recommended on here.

 

I've also read that it is recommended to get the IP Cameras with the Power over Ethernet and that it is not a good idea to use the analog cables. Is that correct?

 

I found a website, Security Camera Warehouse, and they make their products sound good, but I think they might be overpriced. Also, I haven't seen them recommended on here, so I am not sure if it is a good idea to go with them.

 

Overall, I'm just looking for the most affordable system that is easy to setup with the NVR.

 

I would appreciate any suggestions.

 

Thank you.

[Don Stephens 0]

The Hikvision DS-2CD3032-I is probably the most popular camera on here. I think you'd have a hard time finding someone who isn't going to suggest it.

 

If you want to use a standalone NVR with those cameras, then use a Hikvision NVR. Matching the brands/manufacturers will just make life easier.

 

No, Lorex is not often recommended here (if ever). You're better off steering clear of it at this point.

 

Getting cameras that are power over Ethernet (PoE) is the obvious choice to make. IP cameras use network cable (Cat5e/Cat6), not Siamese/analog cable. Siamese cable can be used with IP cameras but only with extra pieces and there's no point; just use network cable.

 

My only personal experience with Security Camera Warehouse is being sent some emails from people regarding them. The content of those emails was not positive. Their products aren't overpriced, that's just what the price looks like from an actual eCommerce store instead of sites like Amazon or Aliexpress.

 

Keep looking at Hikvision.

[scquestions 0]

Thank you for your reply.

 

What NVR do you recommend? I'm seeing a lot on the forum discussing one that is about $50, I don't remember the name, but it isn't Hikvision.

 

I'm not sure where to look for a Hikvision NVR. The last one I remember seeing was expensive.

 

I'm looking for the easiest and most affordable. I can do some configuring but I need to find clear instructions somewhere.

 

Thank you again for your help.

[Don Stephens 0]

The one around $50 was probably a mini NVR. There's another thread on this forum that discusses those in length if you want to look at them. By the sounds of it, they do NOT come with clear instructions and a little bit of troubleshooting almost always seems necessary.

 

I don't really know what to tell you on the "clear instructions" front. Most of this stuff doesn't come with a user manual as people have come to expect them. Since the majority of it is professional level equipment, it's assumed that you should already know your way around it. The good news is that the availability of free information regarding Hikvision products is endless. You can find "how to" articles and videos absolutely everywhere.

 

Without specifically calling any one company out, Hikvision products can be found for sale in a tons of places online. Just Google it.

[scquestions 0]

Thank you for your reply.

 

I think it was a mini NVR that I saw earlier. It was about $50. I found a Hikvision NVR but it is over $400. I haven't been able to find an affordable Hikvision NVR yet.

 

The mini NVR sounds good from what I've read so far, but it seems like it will be more difficult than the Hikvision NVR, but it might be worth it for the $350 savings.

 

Do you have any more suggestions regarding an NVR for the Hikvision cameras?

 

Thank you again.

[cglaeser 0]

The Hikvision DS-2CD3032-I is probably the most popular camera on here. I think you'd have a hard time finding someone who isn't going to suggest it.

 

What is the difference between the 2CD2032 and 2CD3032?

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I like the price of the mini NVR mentioned in that thread, but I'm concerned about how it can connect to the Hikvision cameras.

 

What do you think about this NVR, it says it supports Hikvision?

 

Dahua ION Series ESDV-NVRION-8 8 Channel 1080p Hi Def Mini NVR for IP Cameras

 

It is more expensive at $89.99, and it also takes a SATA hard drive, so that would be another cost also. I'm just thinking it might be easier and more reliable than the $50 mini NVR that is being discussed in the other thread.

 

What do you think?

[scquestions 0]

I have a few more questions.

 

For outdoor use, do you recommend a bullet or turret camera?

 

I'm struggling with two things right now, an NVR and how to wire the cameras.

 

I would like the ability to have eight Power over Ethernet cameras record on a hard drive, SD card, etc. I would like to be able to view online and from a smartphone.

 

I'm trying to get what is most affordable, but at the same time, something that makes sense. (If it's $50 that's affordable but if it only lasts two months, then that's not what I want..)

 

I've heard of the mini NVR, an expensive Hikvision NVR, Milestone Essential and Blue Iris.

 

How does the wiring work? Can I setup one camera at a time? If I understand correctly, the Ethernet cable will plug into the camera, and I'll need to get that cable to the NVR, which will transmit the video and power the camera. Each camera will have a separate Ethernet cable?

 

I'm leaning towards Hikvision from what I've read online, but I might just get started with a cheap camera to watch the birds just so I can learn how the system works.

 

Thank you.