Security/Web cameras

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Glimmer Twin

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Just figured out this AM that some %)#^@ had stolen some items from my old storage building. Second time in 14 months so I guess I need to kick myself in the a** for not doing something sooner. Anyway, does anyone have any experience with setting up a small (2-3) ip security camera system that includes both inside and outside coverage? I've been on Amazon and a few other sites but would like some "real life users" to provide some info. Looks like Foscam, Video Secu, and Lorex are the lower cost options.
 
BJ's has a set of 4 cameras + 500 GB Harddrive for $275.00. SVAT is the brand name. My dad bought them and learned how to install it himself on our house. I would definitely look into this.
 
BJ's, costco, sams club all have internet cameras that you can view from your iphone/android
 
I have one of these: Amazon.com: Panasonic BL-C140A Outdoor MPEG-4 Network Camera (Silver): Camera & Photo

and it works pretty well. I bought it to keep track of some wildlife around the house, and it fit the bill since it was weatherproof and PoE (power over ethernet). They have some more advanced models that allow you to pan and zoom as well.

This camera allows you to set up triggers and actions, so it can fire off an email with pictures when movement occurs in a specified area / during a set time period. Really have not had any issues with the camera and it works pretty well.

Resolution on this one is pretty low, but for my purposes it worked out really well, and they sell ones that have higher MP sensors.

It works just fine on the iPhone for viewing live as well.
 
I've been doing some reasearch trying to find a 6 to 8 camera system for my house. The easiest system I found so far is the samsung as the cameras hook up to the dvr via cat5 cables but the system has mix reviews. I also found the night owl H.264 this system looks ok and has decent reviews.
 
I have a Foscam FI8918W in both my shop and my house and they work exceptionally well. You can view them from a smartphone and also set up an alarm mode to send pictures to your email address when motion is detected.

You can get them on ebay for as cheap as $160 for two of them.

Foscam FI8918W Wireless IP Camera
 
Jason said:
I've been doing some reasearch trying to find a 6 to 8 camera system for my house. The easiest system I found so far is the samsung as the cameras hook up to the dvr via cat5 cables but the system has mix reviews. I also found the night owl H.264 this system looks ok and has decent reviews.
Click to expand...

Check out the QNAP storage devices, they can do some pretty neat things with the IP cameras. I have (a few) of the NAS devices and they are some of my best tech investments ever.

QNAP Systems, Inc. ( Products - Surveillance ) - Quality Network Appliance Provider
 
wildjyoung said:
I have a Foscam FI8918W in both my shop and my house and they work exceptionally well. You can view them from a smartphone and also set up an alarm mode to send pictures to your email address when motion is detected.

You can get them on ebay for as cheap as $160 for two of them.

Foscam FI8918W Wireless IP Camera
Click to expand...

I had looked at these and the outdoor cameras as well (8905's). Just to be clear on how these operate (for an outside one primarily) I need power and an adequate wireless signal, right? Do I have to have PC access for these to record any activity or is that not something the 8918's do? After spending some time at Amazon and the Foscam site I still wasn't completely clear on what all the cameras are capable of.
 
You are correct. You simply need a power source (outlet) and a wireless signal.

These cameras do not have on-board storage. However, they send 15 seconds of images to your email for every motion in detects. Additionally, you can log into the camera from your phone and watch the video. If you see something interesting you can record the video directly to your phone or computer memory.

They are not perfect but for the price they are very good. I have had mine for well over a year with no issues. I have caught many things on these cameras, some that I never would have imagined.
 
One last question about the notifications. I assume that these are sent via the wireless network. Does a computer have to be on for the alerts to be sent? Your info is appreciated. I'm beginning to be a geezer on the technology front!
 
Ask away man; I am here to help!

Nope, it does not even use your computer. The camera sends the email by itself.

The set-up is a little tricky. So if you decide to get one PM me and I will give you my phone number and I will help guide you through it. There is a seller on ebay names usahitech (I think) that sells them at the best price and has good customer service.

I can even set up a temporary password for you if you like so that you can see what the setup looks like remotely.
 
Thanks again for the info and the offer WildJ. I think I am going to order one each of the inside and outside versions and I might send you a PM if I run into a problem. If you order directly from Foscam they provide free assistance. The prices are about the same as Amazon but probably a bit higher than some of the Ebay sellers.
 
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