Which system would you pick?

[Geneyus 0]

I need help deciding on a camera system for my home. I have a rectangle shaped house, so I only need 4 cameras max. I don't really need to watch footage over the internet, but it would be nice if there was an app that would allow it. I could run an ethernet cable to my router if needed. I want to record to a DVR/NVR and be able to put footage on a USB drive for the police if something happens (I'm at the entrance to my neighborhood). My budget is around $300 for the DVR/NVR, and a little bit over $100 for each camera. That's what the wife approved.

 

Here's what I'm currently looking at:

 

Option #1:

Hikvision DS-7604NI-SE/P 4Ch POE NVR @ $215 + buying a 1TB harddrive

http://www.amazon.com/Hikvision-DS-7604NI-SE-Channel-ports-Installed/dp/B00L0XF70E/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1423966182&sr=8-2&keywords=hikvision+ds-7604

Hikvision DS-2CD2332-I 3MP EXIR Turret Network Camera @ $117 each (quantity 4)

http://www.amazon.com/Hikvision-DS-2CD2332-I-Turret-Network-Camera/dp/B00GYHEG0S/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1423966528&sr=8-4&keywords=hikvision

Option #2:

Dahua NVR4208-8 8 CH POE NVR @ $280 + buying a 1TB harddrive

http://www.amazon.com/Dahua-NVR4208-8P-Megapixel-Surveillance-INSTALLED/dp/B00IAZ3KRC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1423966633&sr=8-1&keywords=dahua+nvr4208

(4x) Dahua IPC-HFW4300S 3MP bullet or dome @ $120ea (quantity 4)

http://www.amazon.com/Dahua-IPC-HFW4300S-3Megapixel-progressive-Security/dp/B00Q3GKPLO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1423966292&sr=8-1&keywords=ipc-hfw3200sp

Option #3

You recommend something better for the same price point. And can anyone tell me if these small, white NVRs from Dahua are worth anything? Some of these have looked appealing.

http://www.amazon.com/Dahua-Channel-Network-Recorder-Cameras/dp/B00GNJZIB8/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1423966890&sr=8-8&keywords=dahua+nvr#customerReviews

 

I don't know which system to go with for ease-of-use and if there's an easy app to use. I really like the turret style cameras.

[abdelm01 0]

I would go with Option 1. Hikvision is really reliable and has a friendly user interface, easy to use.

[Don Stephens 0]

My suggestion would be to drop the NVRs with the built in switches and get a dedicated PoE switch. Other than that, I think either system is fine.

 

Stay away from those white NVRs from Dahua. They discontinued them briefly because they sucked, but they just started bringing them back (redesigned). Who knows what you'll actually end up with if you purchase one right now, especially from Amazon.

[SunnyKim 2]

If budget is limited and for a home application, you can look at "analog systems". The standalone 960H 4 Ch DVRs or PC capture card can be recommended. All of these support remote access from smart phone. HD systems could cost you more, in most cases.

[Boogieman 1]

If budget is limited and for a home application, you can look at "analog systems". The standalone 960H 4 Ch DVRs or PC capture card can be recommended. All of these support remote access from smart phone. HD systems could cost you more, in most cases.

those are crap...the op laid out options that are all ip AND 3mp. I doubt the op is interesting in 960 analog systems..

there is no reason to install analog 960h systems in 2015..if someone wants to go cheap they can get 720p dahua cameras they will have double the resolution of the 960h systems...will be easier to install and they can use poe...

[secplus 0]

1-TB for 3mp cameras? = 2 days tops for recording at full resolution

[Boogieman 1]

1-TB for 3mp cameras? = 2 days tops for recording at full resolution

thats assuming 24/7 recording...i generally get around a month on 8 cams set to motion around a home at 3mp...even with lots of motion, two weeks ...

[Geneyus 0]

1-TB for 3mp cameras? = 2 days tops for recording at full resolution

thats assuming 24/7 recording...i generally get around a month on 8 cams set to motion around a home at 3mp...even with lots of motion, two weeks ...

 

I was wondering about recording time. Thanks. I will make sure I setup motion recording.

 

Update from my original post: I have two Hikvision 3MP cameras shipping right now, and I already received a Hikvision 7604 NVR, cat6 cables, and WD purple hard-drive. I want my cameras! I installed the hard-drive and tinkered with the NVR. The menu seems pretty simple. I think I made the right choice. My house is a perfect rectangle with no entrance on one side, so I only need 3 or 4 cameras max.