Quantity versus quality

[SBL 0]

Hello People,

 

Just looking for some advice for someone interested in experimenting with video surveillance technology. Thank you in advance for any information.

 

1) Quality vs quantity, for a given budget is there a recommendation to opt for a system with more cameras but lower grade, or get a smaller system with fewer cameras but better technology and quality

 

2) Any recommended brands to work with versus any brands to avoid

 

3) Any technologies or features to look for, and any to avoid

 

4) Any pro's and cons advice on the option of buying a complete system with NVR and camera's, versus buying individual components separately

 

I don't have a specific application in mind but I would like to be able to set up and demonstrate a domestic system for a house, I expect around about 4 to 8 cameras involved. And then to look to extrapolate a to a commercial system for in small retail / shops. I guess this would be targeting around 8 to 16 camera's.

[jeromephone 6]

I think the more cameras you have the better coverage you are going to get. I would say I would rather have 4, 2 mega pixel cameras than one or two of the higher mega pixel ratings as you can cover a given area better.

 

You may not need the very top of the market but I would stick with a name brand mfg with tech support in your home country.

 

Others will differ but I would stick with IP cams as opposed they seem to be the biggest segment of the market now also the cat 5/6 cable allows for POE and other network devices.

 

I have purchased complete systems and have been happy you do not run into compatibility problems and many times don't have licensing issues either. Generally I think you are better off with a separate POE switch rather than a unit with built in POE.

 

There are several posts about specific camera brands and I would look those over to get an idea on different equipment

[SBL 0]

Thank you for your advice which sounds sensible.

 

I see you mentioned 2MP cameras in your example.

 

Do you think it is a good rule of thumb to avoid camera systems with less than 2MP and/or seek out only brands offering 1080P?

 

Thanks you

[jeromephone 6]

It usually comes down to a price point a 2 mega may not be that much more than a 1.3 but going from a 2 to a 3 or five may be a big uptick in price. It seems that the base model has gone from a 1.3 to a 2 in the past year or so. If you can look at the cameras side by side it gives you the best idea of what will work.

[Boogieman 1]

Thank you for your advice which sounds sensible.

 

I see you mentioned 2MP cameras in your example.

 

Do you think it is a good rule of thumb to avoid camera systems with less than 2MP and/or seek out only brands offering 1080P?

 

Thanks you

720p should be the absolute minimum..you will generally get more coverage with a 1080p camera as well. Dont even consider analog 700tvl or 960h cameras....

1080 cameras are often better than 3mp or higher cameras for low light or night use...so a native 1080p camera is a nice sweet spot.