Which cameras to use?

[silentlooker 0]

In the next 1-2 months i am planning on installing security cameras outside around my house. I been thinking of getting

Reolink 4K 16CH PoE Security-Camera-System H.265, 8pcs 8MP PoE IP Security Cameras Outdoor, 16-Channel NVR 8MP with 3TB HDD, 24/7 Video Surveillance and Recording for Home and Business, RLK16-800B8

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B082KGF6FX/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_8?smid=A15NUCR7ITLOD6&psc=1

In total i am planning on installing 10 cameras. Is that the best i can get for around $900 or is there something better one can recommend(if i have to pay $50-100 more for something better i am okay with it). My main requirement is as clear picture as possible and that it support POE.

 

[tube tech 1]

my problem with those cameras is that you can't change the lens.

if you are as old as I am, this is the best description I can provide: think of CCTV lenses as 1/10 the focal length of 35mm SLR lenses. these cameras appear to come with 4mm lenses, very similar to a 35mm focal length SLR lens.

 

• in my experience the most useful lens is a 2.1mm. a 2.1 gives you area coverage, with a chance at recognizing the person in the image.
• a 1.8 gives you vast area coverage, but it's "whodaheckizzat?" even if you know the person.
• a 6mm gives you face recognition, if the guy stands in a certain spot for a while. you have to give them a reason to linger

this system, like all canned systems, is one size fits all.

[silentlooker 0]

So what system would you recommend?

[tube tech 1]

I'm looking for a different thing. Not a system. parts pieced together. I am an old school electronics tech, ergo a scrounger and cheapskate. my system is massive but inexpensive.

most of my cameras are visible only if you look hard. my cheap camera of choice:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/700TVL-CMOS-Wired-Mini-Micro-CCTV-Security-Camera-Wide-Angle-3-6MM-Lens/174344059684

I use these lenses:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/CCTV-1-8mm-Camera-Security-Lens-170-Degree-Wide-Angle-CCTV-IRCUSN-sh/313260112768

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1-3inch-1-8mm-170-Degree-Wide-Angle-Black-CCTV-Lens-for-CCD-Security-Box-Camera/272594964981

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2-5mm-MTV-CCTV-FPV-Camera-Lens-CL-1180/114168086394

wide angle lenses are far more useful than narrower lenses.

DVR: you absolutely must have NTP: the system sets its own time. if multiple DVRs show noticeably different times, the defense attorney can supress the evidence.

I use 4 channel DVRs. even a small tv works with 4 images displayed, and you don't have to decipher location from 16 images on the screen.

Bummer: DVR network interfaces don't work with any of my browsers in Linux. I can change settings but not view video.