Re: Security cameras- anyone use them?
Hey Guys-
We have a few dirtbags on my street & people that live across the street sit in their dark garage and drink beer/smoke weed many times a week. We've also had our house broken into & others on my street have had their vehicles broken into.
Because of this, I'm thinking about installing day/night security cameras to watch the front, back, & sides on my place. Do any of you have any experiences with security cameras? Such as...what works well or what doesn't work so well, a good brand, and any other tips? Last, I'd rather not spend 4 months of pay on the system too.
By the way, for those of you that say I should move, you're right. We can't wait to move but since we're upside down on our house we stuck for a while. Hmmm...anyone want to buy a place near L.A.? It's got a big yard, remodeled 3 years ago, and a great neighborhood.
Thanks guys.
I actually did a lot of research on home security camera systems after my parents had some vandalism at their home.
These are some things to look for in a system, or consider if you want these options:
1. Night vision cameras- these cameras use LED's to make infared light so the cameras can see at night. They are, however, only good out to about 30 feet or so. They are not night vision like you see in the military. Note: You will see some of the cheaper systems advertised with "low light" cameras. These ARE NOT zero light/night vision cameras. In absolute darkness they will see absolutely nothing. Don't confuse the two. Night vision cameras are referred to as such.
2. DVR capability- most of the higher end ones have this. It will record all video from all cameras for a period of time, usually a couple of weeks, more on the much higher end systems.
3. Remote access- some of them offer you the ability to tie into the system and watch any camera remotely, via the internet. This is a cool feature, and some even offer you an ap for your iphone. Obviously being able to watch your house when you are on the road is a huge piece-of-mind builder.
4. Pan/zoom cameras- you'll have to pay a bit more for this feature, but if you have pan/zoom, you can program the camera to sweep a larger area than just staying in one location.
5. Using an existing computer as the DVR- some will let you tie all the cameras into your computer, using it as the DVR instead of a dedicated DVR box. This has its advantages and drawbacks, the decision is up to you.
6. Motion activation- this prevents your DVR from filling up with useless video of nothing happening. Most of the systems have this feature, especially the ones with DVR capability. As soon as the camera detects motion, it begins recording. This can VASTLY increase the recording time of your DVR.
7. Battery backup- this feature is for when the electricity goes out, or when an intruder kills the power to your home before breaking in. Since most robberies occur in dark homes, a home with the electricity out is a prime target. The battery backup can keep your home protected, at least with the "eye in the sky" for a certain period of time. Like any battery backup though, it doesn't last forever.
8. Color vs black and white- this choice is up to you. You pay more for color. It's all up to you how much you want to spend.
If you want a decent system, with 4 night vision cameras, 250gig DVR (about 10 days of recording) and remote access capability then you're going to pay 300-400 dollars. You might need extra wire if your house is really spread out and large, which might run you 30 bucks or so. Other than that, there is no cost to operate these systems other than the electricity to run them. If you want any of the other features I have mentioned, you will spend more, up to a grand for a really nice system.
But for the basics of a good system that will last and will provide you security, 350 to 400 should definitely get the job done. And when you move, you can take the system with you to your new home. No reason it can't go with you when you go.
