Home security camera upgrade

black92

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I'm looking to upgrade from my current home security camera setup. For the last 2+ years, I've had 2 meShare (Zmodo) wifi cameras and doorbell that for the most part, have done me well. I recently moved to a new home and have them temporarily mounted.

Last week, I picked up a Zmodo 1TB NVR for them to record to so I can get true 24/7 recording and not rely on paying for cloud recording. When it works, it's great because I can see continuous movement outside of when it detects motion because the way the cloud recording works is 10 seconds per frame when no motion is sensed. The issue however, is I'm getting a lot of dead spots lately in the recording, not only to the NVR but also to the cloud. The front camera is older (back was replaced under warranty last year) and I suspect it's going bad. The biggest pro to the Zmodo is the app is stupid easy to use to review and save videos/pictures.

This leads me to wanting a wired setup. I would like a 4 camera system and doorbell that can work within one app. It would be great if the doorbell camera can record straight to the NVR/DVR over wifi, if that's even possible. I don't need the best of the best, just something that will be reliable long term and easy to setup/use. Budget is $500, what setup would be recommended for at least 4 cameras and a doorbell?
 

7998

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In before the " I use Mil-grade PTZ FLIR" crowd. I've had Swann and Samsung. I lost the hdd on the Samsung and their monitoring app sucks. I lost the Swann to a lightning strike. I like the Swann, buy the best camera's you can buy, at least 1080i.
 

black92

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In before the " I use Mil-grade PTZ FLIR" crowd. I've had Swann and Samsung. I lost the hdd on the Samsung and their monitoring app sucks. I lost the Swann to a lightning strike. I like the Swann, buy the best camera's you can buy, at least 1080i.
I agree. 1080 at the minimum and that's what my current setup is (minus the doorbell, 720).
 

PhoenixM3

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In before the " I use Mil-grade PTZ FLIR" crowd. I've had Swann and Samsung. I lost the hdd on the Samsung and their monitoring app sucks. I lost the Swann to a lightning strike. I like the Swann, buy the best camera's you can buy, at least 1080i.
I have fixed cameras, but do want one or two with PTZ functionality. Not cheap. Also, wifi blows, so go wired if you're serious. Crooks are getting better at wifi jamming......
 

black92

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I have fixed cameras, but do want one or two with PTZ functionality. Not cheap. Also, wifi blows, so go wired if you're serious. Crooks are getting better at wifi jamming......
Fixed is all I need and the plan is wired. Two for the front and two for the back (plus a doorbell). What setup do you have?

Edit: This is one option I have saved:
 
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EatonEggbeater

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It's going well over budget, but decent cameras are getting cheaper. Some GW Security cameras have vandal resistant cast aluminum bodies, and include IR LED's for night vision.

Get all cameras set for POE, and POE switch to power them. Not all POE switches are strong enough, so plan on having some power inserters handy.

Run wires anywhere you might ever want a camera. Easiest to run at one time. Label both sides of the wires, a black sharpie is good to start with. I put numbers or slash marks on them to start.

Find a central location for all your tech, if you can.

I also use an NVR, but you can also install Blue Iris software on a networked computer to store and access video.

Don't know about your doorbell, but most NVR's have contact closure terminals. Id guess BI software does too.
 

black92

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It's going well over budget, but decent cameras are getting cheaper. Some GW Security cameras have vandal resistant cast aluminum bodies, and include IR LED's for night vision.

Get all cameras set for POE, and POE switch to power them. Not all POE switches are strong enough, so plan on having some power inserters handy.

Run wires anywhere you might ever want a camera. Easiest to run at one time. Label both sides of the wires, a black sharpie is good to start with. I put numbers or slash marks on them to start.

Find a central location for all your tech, if you can.

I also use an NVR, but you can also install Blue Iris software on a networked computer to store and access video.

Don't know about your doorbell, but most NVR's have contact closure terminals. Id guess BI software does too.
Not too worried about vandalism because only one camera will be accessible if you have an 8' ladder or something to hit it with (third bay garage soffit). Other three cameras will be mounted on the second story. I was planning to run the cable through the attic to my laundry room which is located on the top floor and I have a google mesh router in there that I can easily plug into for remote access. For the doorbell, I read something about being "Ovinf" complient or whatever could be used to record to an NVR?
 

EatonEggbeater

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For the doorbell, I read something about being "Ovinf" complient or whatever could be used to record to an NVR?

onvif compliance is something to look for, I'd be surprised if it isn't on all cameras. Nice to see it applies to doorbells, too (although I'd suspected there was a mechanism for it.)

In the old days you had to program in all the transmission protocols for how everything did things. The industry came around and started to standardize things by the onvif standard.

I think they absorbed the manner that large companies that were popularly used (read; Pelco) and had everyone use those accepted.

For instance, I believe the PTZ protocols are directly from Pelco, other MFR's had their own ways to do things, and maybe they got incorporated too.

The Blue Iris software can connect to, and use and control, any onvif compliant device, your NVR is probably the same.

Look for those cameras that have Infrared illumination for night viewing. These cameras aren't completely invisible, most are in the 850nm bandwidth, which (to our eyes) glows a deep dull red....but is still easily seen. To a B&W camera; this red is a floodlight, and this type of camera switches to B&W when the light levels are down. Thieves know what this is, and that alone is likely to have them rob your neighbor, not you.

I have several additional IR illuminators placed around my house. To a neighbor, they see that dull red- to a thief; they see they're being lit by a floodlight. If you're clever, you could simply install 3 or 4 of these illuminators ($40 or so) around your house, and not use cameras at all. You actually having cameras and a thief believing you have cameras accomplishes the same; your neighbor gets burglarized.

Look for high bitrate cameras, you get better resolution with them; see what your NVR can handle, and how many cameras at that bitrate.

BTW, motion recording can be implemented by the BI software or your NVR, usually both, if you have them.

Either can transmit, and be controlled by your smartphone, you need to forward some ports at your gateway, but if you've used Cloud recording, this isn't a problem for you.

One nice thing with your NVR is that it can multiplex all your cameras onto one screen. My father was in a wheelchair for the last years of his life, so his house got all these goodies, and he had a screen in his living area where he could see who was at the door, (front or back) what was in his front yard, and who was in his driveway. I put the most important 4 cameras there, although more were being recorded.

-edit- forgot to mention bandwidth, a gigabit network can handle realtime cameras a lot better than a slower one. Most of my cameras are 4 to 5 megabit cameras, and not terribly expensive. Oh, and run spare wires, and strings.
 
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roadracer247

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CobraBob

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I have the 5-camera setup you're wanting - doorbell camera, and 4 security cameras. I installed it back in February. It's a wired Ring setup except for the doorbell. I like it a lot, but the price will exceed your budget of $500. Their customer support is really, really good. I had an issue a couple of weeks ago when one of the cameras wouldn't come back online after I moved the wires in my basement. The Ring rep was on the phone with me for almost an hour trouble-shooting the issue with me. He even stayed with me when I got my ladder out and climbed up to look at the camera. Did a camera re-set and it came back online. I like that I get a motion alert on my iPhone whenever motion is detected. I do miss, at times, the hard drive my old system had. But there are other features the Ring setup (and other similar systems) has that are nice benefits. So overall, I'm happier with my new setup.
 

black92

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I was just thinking about purchasing this system. To be clear, I'm no home security expert. Maybe it'll work for you too?

ANNKE 8 Channel Ultra HD 4K Home Security System with 4x 8MP (3840x2160) Bullet Cameras, H.265+ DVR Recorder with 2TB Hard Drive Storage, IP67 Weatherproof Expandable Surveillance System -https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NNML5QT/coliid=I22SREA2B8UGS&colid=3SNMVCI2Y0SX0&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it
That’s along the lines of what I’m looking for! Simple plug and play and bam, recorded action.
onvif compliance is something to look for, I'd be surprised if it isn't on all cameras. Nice to see it applies to doorbells, too (although I'd suspected there was a mechanism for it.)

In the old days you had to program in all the transmission protocols for how everything did things. The industry came around and started to standardize things by the onvif standard.

I think they absorbed the manner that large companies that were popularly used (read; Pelco) and had everyone use those accepted.

For instance, I believe the PTZ protocols are directly from Pelco, other MFR's had their own ways to do things, and maybe they got incorporated too.

The Blue Iris software can connect to, and use and control, any onvif compliant device, your NVR is probably the same.

Look for those cameras that have Infrared illumination for night viewing. These cameras aren't completely invisible, most are in the 850nm bandwidth, which (to our eyes) glows a deep dull red....but is still easily seen. To a B&W camera; this red is a floodlight, and this type of camera switches to B&W when the light levels are down. Thieves know what this is, and that alone is likely to have them rob your neighbor, not you.

I have several additional IR illuminators placed around my house. To a neighbor, they see that dull red- to a thief; they see they're being lit by a floodlight. If you're clever, you could simply install 3 or 4 of these illuminators ($40 or so) around your house, and not use cameras at all. You actually having cameras and a thief believing you have cameras accomplishes the same; your neighbor gets burglarized.

Look for high bitrate cameras, you get better resolution with them; see what your NVR can handle, and how many cameras at that bitrate.

BTW, motion recording can be implemented by the BI software or your NVR, usually both, if you have them.

Either can transmit, and be controlled by your smartphone, you need to forward some ports at your gateway, but if you've used Cloud recording, this isn't a problem for you.

One nice thing with your NVR is that it can multiplex all your cameras onto one screen. My father was in a wheelchair for the last years of his life, so his house got all these goodies, and he had a screen in his living area where he could see who was at the door, (front or back) what was in his front yard, and who was in his driveway. I put the most important 4 cameras there, although more were being recorded.

-edit- forgot to mention bandwidth, a gigabit network can handle realtime cameras a lot better than a slower one. Most of my cameras are 4 to 5 megabit cameras, and not terribly expensive. Oh, and run spare wires, and strings.
I have Google internet (500/500) so I should be able to handle most WiFi needs. That’s why I’m disappointed in my current setup because I’m well beyond the requirements and have great coverage, yet they are dropping the ball. The current NVR is for WiFi only and an 8 channel, so I had my hopes set on getting two more cameras and having nearly 50 days of saved video. I’m going to box it up to return and get a wired system instead. Just didn’t know if there are specific brands to look into and/or avoid. Keep it coming as you’re providing great information!
I have the 5-camera setup you're wanting - doorbell camera, and 4 security cameras. I installed it back in February. It's a wired Ring setup except for the doorbell. I like it a lot, but the price will exceed your budget of $500. Their customer support is really, really good. I had an issue a couple of weeks ago when one of the cameras wouldn't come back online after I moved the wires in my basement. The Ring rep was on the phone with me for almost an hour trouble-shooting the issue with me. He even stayed with me when I got my ladder out and climbed up to look at the camera. Did a camera re-set and it came back online. I like that I get a motion alert on my iPhone whenever motion is detected. I do miss, at times, the hard drive my old system had. But there are other features the Ring setup (and other similar systems) has that are nice benefits. So overall, I'm happier with my new setup.
The Ring is a great setup! My FIL recently upgraded to a Ring doorbell and two stickup cams. He loves it and the video quality is great. My issue is like you said, expensive, but you also have a yearly fee of $100 if you want to record anything and it only records on motion. My current setup isn’t as good as the Ring IMO, but there have been times I wish it would have recorded because it didn’t sense motion that was across the street.
 

CobraBob

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The one thing I wish I had done was bought the floodlight versions of the cameras. I have good light in the front of the house, but the extra lighting from the cameras would have been a plus. More expensive, of course.

The Ring cameras have a pretty wide motion range. I was picking up people walking on our sidewalk and even cars driving by after the initial install. I had to adjust the motion sensing areas a couple of times to get them just right.
 

Gringo185

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I’ve got the Ring doorbell security system and it works flawlessly. Professional monitoring is only $10/month and when I do have the rare technical issue, their customer service is outstanding. Polite, knowledgeable, and responsive.

The best part is that isn’t completely module. Some components can be a bit pricey. So I can just buy additional cameras as they fit in the budget and add them on (which Ring also makes extremely simple).

Highly recommend them.
 

7upstang

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The one thing I wish I had done was bought the floodlight versions of the cameras. I have good light in the front of the house, but the extra lighting from the cameras would have been a plus. More expensive, of course.

The Ring cameras have a pretty wide motion range. I was picking up people walking on our sidewalk and even cars driving by after the initial install. I had to adjust the motion sensing areas a couple of times to get them just right.

Did you go with the Ethernet cameras?

Also ring sells a transponder for lights. I haven't done a ton of research on it yet. But from what I can tell you can use the sensor on one of the cameras to turn on your outside lights if you want. Might be something you want to look into. I'm going to do a little bit more research in the next couple days so I'll fill you in.
 

CobraBob

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Thanks for your research.

I went with the wired/powered cameras. A Cat5/6 cable runs from the cameras (4 of them) to my routers located in my family room and basement. I went that direction so that I wouldn't have to deal with changing batteries in the cameras.
 

black92

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To echo Rings customer service, my FIL actually texted me today saying his doorbell was defective and Ring is shipping him a replacement.

I'm wiping out my NVR to box up and ship back and hopefully will purchase a new wired system by the end of this coming week. Debating on the Annke system mentioned above unless someone recommends something else.
 

TaraFirma

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Thanks for your research.

I went with the wired/powered cameras. A Cat5/6 cable runs from the cameras (4 of them) to my routers located in my family room and basement. I went that direction so that I wouldn't have to deal with changing batteries in the cameras.
Power supplied by CAT5, or separate power cable? I like the idea of the CAT5 supplying power.
 

L8APEX

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PoE (power over ethernet) is nice, just have to use a hub after the NVR to add power. it uses a pair of the 4 in a cat5e/6 cable to do it, so you lose gigabit capability and only have 10/100 if you hook a regular device into it. I had a guy steal one of the 8mp zoom security cameras off my Aurora store earlier this year using a pole and a lasso.
Bastard Cut the Ethernet too instead of unplugging it. $250 and useless as he won't be able to login.
vgEzxW8.gif
 
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black92

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PoE (power over ethernet) is nice, just have to use a hub after the NVR to add power. it uses a pair of the 4 in a cat5e/6 cable to do it, so you lose gigabit capability and only have 10/100 if you hook a regular device into it. I had a guy steal one of the 8mp zoom security cameras off my Aurora store earlier this year using a pole and a lasso.
Bastard Cut the Ethernet too instead of unplugging it. $250 and useless as he won't be able to login.
View attachment 1638637
Damn! That really sucks! Hopefully that doesn't happen again.

Been researching and I'm suck between the Annke, Reolink and Amcrest brands at the moment. Figure at least a 4mp camera will do the job. Also watching lifehackster on YouTube to get a feel for how they perform because he does a kick ass job reviewing. The Reolink 4mp camera seemed to do a pretty decent job compared to the 5mp and 4k version.
 

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