Looking for Home Security Camera System

[bmac93]

Hello all!

I am looking to buy a relatively cheap home camera system, with DVR preferred. Around$1000. Wireless would be ideal since we will need both indoor and outdoor cameras, and im not very good at running wires (if not wireless, otherwise its fine).

4 cameras needed, with an 8-channel DVR. a 4 channel is okay too, but would to be able to expand if need be. Nightvision is a must as well.

If anyone has good tips or advice or anything, it would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks in advance!

Edit: It would also be an option to be able to pick and choose different cameras that would work according to the DVR/NVR. Assuming they all have to be the same brand, but all of Lorex cameras would work on a Lorex DVR/NVR if the ports allow, correct?

 

[kanewolf]

Even with wireless cameras, you have to run cable(s) for power. Since you have to have power anyway, I usually recommend POE (power over ethternet) for outdoor cameras. With POE, a single cable handles power and data.
Indoor cameras work better wireless because there are often power outlets nearby.

A 2 drive network storage (NAS) unit can be the DVR. Synology NAS has licenses for 2 IP cameras and you can purchase additional licenses for $50/camera.

Qnap and Thecus are similar.

 

[bmac93]

I would rather have the cameras go to a DVR then plug directly into my router for a list of reasons. Is there any systems that you would recommend for around $1000?

 

[kanewolf]

With POE you will have to have a POE switch any way. Your cameras would plug into the POE switch. You could plug the switch into the router. With a smart switch you could even configure it so that only the NAS has access to the router. That configuration won't support live viewing of individual cameras.

With wireless cameras, what were you expecting them to connect to if not your router? Were thinking of having WIFI on the DVR? If so then you are competing with yourself (potentially) for WIFI spectrum. Is the WIFI spectrum when you want to deploy this congested (lots of WIFI visible)?

 

[bmac93]

What I meant was I'd rather have all cameras hook into the DVR and have the DVR plug directly into the router. Or have the cameras connect wirelessly. I'm not worried too much about outdoor cams at the moment I suppose. But I for sure want something in home and preferably wireless with or without a dvr. But maybe a dvr that works for both indoor wireless and outdoor non wireless? Idk if that's even a thing.

 

[Crystal Thomas]

I would like to suggest you to get VAMS installed along with the home security camera. As it will ensure 100% security of your home and family members. For a thief it would be very easy to delete the video recording, and than it would be very or I should say next to impossible for you to reach the culprit as you are not having any clue of who the person was, how he entered your home or what was his name. Here is where the best solution comes as VAMS, where you get information on the message itself who entered your home, along with their name and image.

Thus, I think it is one of the secure visitor management system, which will help you to secure your family.

 

[kanewolf]

What I don't like about DVR connectec camera systems is they are usually proprietary. You can only use one company's products. I have not done any of my systems that way so I don't have any advice.