Looking for advice selecting a security camera

Forums › Gadgets, robotics, home automation, electronics (including wearables) › Looking for advice selecting a security camera

booksarered

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Wannabe Geek
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#274545 27-Aug-2020 22:42

Hello!

I'm looking for a security camera that fulfills these requirements (or at least is the closest I can get):

A) Records visual and audio 24/7

B) Streams "live" to a device, so if it gets broken the footage up to that point is safe.

C) Clear night vision

D) Outdoors

I'm unsure what "two way audio" means - does it mean the audio from outside is on all the time, or only when I or they click on a button?

Preferably, I'd love to have it small and inconspicuous. I need to hide it, and I'm in a rental so I can't install anything permanent. Arlo is expensive AND requires a subscription, so is unaffordable for me. I've been looking closely at Eufy, specifically at jbhifi (says I'm new so I can't post links, I apologise) because they're in distance and I can get the camera immediately. I'm also looking at Swann cameras from bunnings.

Would anyone have recommendations based off of this? Does Eufy seem like the way to go? Any help is seriously greatly appreciated,

- B

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Uber Geek
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#2551013 27-Aug-2020 22:49

Two way audio simply means that you can talk back to a person from the camera, instead of just listening to them.

Can't help with anything else sorry, but I'm also keeping an eye out for a camera system.

booksarered

6 posts

Wannabe Geek
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#2551018 27-Aug-2020 23:03

No worries! Still very helpful - I've been going through all these and worrying they don't record audio 24/7. I hope you find a good camera soon!

Batman

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#2551020 27-Aug-2020 23:21

*following!!!

Daynger

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Ultimate Geek
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#2551029 27-Aug-2020 23:38

You are better off recording motion detection, makes finding footage of what happened alot faster.

booksarered

6 posts

Wannabe Geek
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#2551034 27-Aug-2020 23:49

I need to record audio, for proof to provide police. Looking through the footage is no issue as long as I have audio and video.

MarkM536

321 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 146

#2551037 28-Aug-2020 01:46

Daynger:

You are better off recording motion detection, makes finding footage of what happened alot faster.

But record constantly too. Motion detection is a key to finding events. Often you'll have motion detection trigger from someone entering your property (example) but you need the footage from 10 minutes ago when they drove past.

As for cameras, look for decent sensor size, 1/3" is okay, 1/2.8" is better and best reasonable prices for 1/1.8". If you can spend a few thousand, the highest I know is 4/3".

It's like your eye; the bigger the sensor is, the more light it gets for a clearer image at night.

Lens angle; 2.8mm is wide at 90 degrees, 3.6mm is roughly 72 degrees. The higher the number, the more narrow angle or view and higher zoom. 'Variable focal'/'VF' is manually adjustable or motorised zoom.

For style of camera; a 'turret' is best option now days. It doesn't get IR glare like domes and doesn't attract bugs like bullets styles.

I have a 'Dahua' branded system [above is Hikvision]. There is plenty on TradeMe. There is also a good seller on Aliexpress by the name 'EMPIRECANDY' which is known to sell legitimate Dahua cameras.

An NVR or PC running recording software would be your saving location. The cameras SD cards are enough for a small backup in case the NVR/PC goes down for a moment.

Avoid WiFi too, that causes lag and missing frames in footage. As a warning, things about security camera manufacture giants 'Dahua' and 'Hikvision' are banned in the USA for being Chinese owned. This is causing problems. But this is spread to OEM's of these two brands like 'Swann'. --- Which reminds me, cheap home brands software is crap. If you're luckily you can flash the firmware with the original manufacturers software.

This forum has a fair bit on the topic: ipcamtalk.com The admin on this forum is a bit of an idiot and they push for PC software 'BlueIris', just push past the snark responses. There is decent information in there.

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rogercruse

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#2551121 28-Aug-2020 09:17

I got two Amcrest outdoor security cameras from Amazon just before the NZ government introduced GST for imported purchases. These are high resolution, weatherproof and powered using POE (so only one cable required). They also work with Alexa so I can monitor them using my Echo Show.

booksarered

6 posts

Wannabe Geek
+1 received by user: 1

#2551167 28-Aug-2020 10:25

Hello all!

I went to jbhifi and a really knowledgable staffmember advised me - I ended up going with a Swann. It's small, I can stick it somewhere inconspicuous, night or day, audio recording, and logs straight into an app where footage is kept for just the amount of time I need it.

Thank you so much for all your advices (especially you @MarkM536 !) - I didn't think about the wifi component and so made sure it had an offline backup log as well! I was thinking of, when the reason I got the camera appears again, to call them a little bitch through the microphone but I don't want to risk them breaking it in case wifi decides to peace out.

Please enjoy your days,

- B

MarkM536

321 posts

Ultimate Geek
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#2551247 28-Aug-2020 12:40

booksarered:

Hello all!

I went to jbhifi and a really knowledgable staffmember advised me - I ended up going with a Swann. It's small, I can stick it somewhere inconspicuous, night or day, audio recording, and logs straight into an app where footage is kept for just the amount of time I need it.

Thank you so much for all your advices (especially you @MarkM536 !) - I didn't think about the wifi component and so made sure it had an offline backup log as well! I was thinking of, when the reason I got the camera appears again, to call them a little bitch through the microphone but I don't want to risk them breaking it in case wifi decides to peace out.

Please enjoy your days,

- B

Hopefully you aren't affected by Swann's apps. I was advised a while ago they lost their software company contract and systems didn't get any updates.

Like I said, they're likely OEM's of Hikvision or Dahua. If problems arise there is some possibility to re-flash the firmware with the original manufacturers one.

As a word of warning. Given that Swann OEM cameras from Dahua or Hikvision, they are Chinese cameras. You would of heard about the Huawei ban, same goes for these companies.

There has been a lot of drama on the CCTV installers forum's based on Chinese product relationships. It's happening to everyone and the OEM brands.

dukester

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#2551279 28-Aug-2020 13:39

I have a Swann system which Im happy with. I have 4 5MP cameras and 1 4k camera recording to a NVR. The 4 k camera is definitely the better one for nigh vision. My partner and I both have the app on our phone where we can live view any time we want. Occasionally the app glitches which usually comes right with a reboot of the phone. I have my NVR out in the garage and use two powerline adapters to connect to it in the lounge. Swann have specific software to remote into the box from the computer so I can view live and check previous footage. Its easy to see trigger points for motion in the software. You can also set it to email you a still photo of a motion trigger point.

MarkM536

321 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 146

#2551404 28-Aug-2020 15:13

dukester:

I have a Swann system. The 4 k camera is definitely the better one for nigh vision.

Interesting you find the 4K (8MP) better at night. Lower resolution ones have more surface area per pixel sensor for the same size sensor chip.

1/3" now days is absolute crap and needs a tone of external IR light for high resolution like 8MP.

Sensor technology has come a long way but it still doesn't beat increasing the size of the chip.

I haven't tried them, but Hikvision has 'ColorVu' cameras. They're cameras with a nice large image sensor and need no IR or visible light to see a colour image at night.

dukester:

You can also set it to email you a still photo of a motion trigger point.

[Mentioned below is likely why you don't have these features].

Hikvision, Dahua and other brand [outside China] like Axis and Mobotix have had video analytics for ages (IVS).

Things like a line cross; if motion moves across the line in a certain direction. Same idea for missing object, abandoned object, etc.

Then we get to the good stuff of facial and plate recognition :). Being able to search via a face and number plate is awesome. A crime happens and you get their face, you search the face and find that 10 days ago that's their cars number plate. [<-- important for 24/7 recoridng].

Similar things with Pan Tilt Zoom cameras and auto tracking. Motion over a line crossing triggers and a PTZ will start following the person around. The AI of cameras makes them only follow humans or vehicles [not perfect but better].

The CCTV industry is wonderful. It's a shame that brands who OEM Hikvision or Dahua of often cut these features out when they re-write the firmware.

Turns out Swann have discontinued OEM'ing Hik and have gone to some other brand I've never heard of...?

I'm guessing this 'RaySharp' brand hasn't gotten up to speed with IVS analytics or the manufacturer's cameras with poor processors that they don't bother.

https://ipvm.com/reports/raysharp

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booksarered

6 posts

Wannabe Geek
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#2552843 31-Aug-2020 08:47

dukester:

I have a Swann system which Im happy with. I have 4 5MP cameras and 1 4k camera recording to a NVR. The 4 k camera is definitely the better one for nigh vision. My partner and I both have the app on our phone where we can live view any time we want. Occasionally the app glitches which usually comes right with a reboot of the phone. I have my NVR out in the garage and use two powerline adapters to connect to it in the lounge. Swann have specific software to remote into the box from the computer so I can view live and check previous footage. Its easy to see trigger points for motion in the software. You can also set it to email you a still photo of a motion trigger point.

And guess what happened? You were right. Swann is utter crap. The man stalking me knocked down my security camera this morning. All it recorded was 2 seconds. It doesn't turn on 99% of the time. It's constantly disconnecting. I can't go to record video when motion is detected (WHEN it's even detected, that is) because it takes several minutes to load. It's not even night vision like the box claimed. Pitch black at night.

Unbelievable. To anyone reading this thread, learn from my mistake. Swann is not a security camera, it's just there to look pretty for hundreds of dollars.

Yoban

453 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 86

#2552923 31-Aug-2020 11:07

You are going to need more that a "JBHifi type" solution if it is to combat "The man stalking me knocked down my security camera this morning". You are going to want a vandal proof camera and to record 24/7.

This will involve spending some money and having it installed professional - placement to prevent vandalism may dictate camera type to maintain picture clarity/quality.

https://www.itplus.co.nz/products/dahua-dh-ipc-hdbw1431ep-0360b/ (vandal proof, or harder to break/knock down)

If you are being stalked, your personal security if worth more....

Any chance you can install a camera across the road or neighbours....even covertly set one up in side a parked car...

edit: typos.

MarkM536

321 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 146

#2554406 31-Aug-2020 20:32

Yoban:

You are going to need more that a "JBHifi type" solution if it is to combat "The man stalking me knocked down my security camera this morning". You are going to want a vandal proof camera and to record 24/7.

This will involve spending some money and having it installed professional - placement to prevent vandalism may dictate camera type to maintain picture clarity/quality.

https://www.itplus.co.nz/products/dahua-dh-ipc-hdbw1431ep-0360b/ (vandal proof, or harder to break/knock down)

If you are being stalked, your personal security if worth more....

Yup, 24/7 recording, the motion detection or IVS analytics are what give a time stamp to make it easier looking back later.

I have a Dahua dome like that.

I cannot give prices for IT plus as they are wholesale to trade, same with AtlasGentec ans SWL. But ViewTech in Christchurch do sell to the public although they markup more since you're not wholesale customer.

By the fact that you've walked into JBHiFi and picked a Swann kit, I can tell you've got no idea on a system.

I'm happy to give pointers but I think with the safety concerns your having that it it best to hire an installer.

When an installer comes; be very clear on your capture intent, placement of recorder and wiring between.

-- If you have serious money than I would highly suggest 'Axis' branded cameras. I value them far more than the Dahua ones I own. They also have the best image quality and usability. Not mention they're made in Sweden 😀 (Not China!!).

booksarered

6 posts

Wannabe Geek
+1 received by user: 1

#2554414 31-Aug-2020 21:02

Thanks for your replies!

I have inquired about a Dahua camera from elive, and got some good information. I registered an account with ITplus to but I just read they are wholesale only, lol, whoops.

I live in a rented flat, but fortunately my landlord has given me permission to install a more permanent one. I'm a student and well, not to indulge in the reason why, I will be able to do up to around 1000$, but not more than that as I just don't have the finances. Elive seemed to be pretty good (only around the 200-400$ range and probably around a few hundred more for the DVR) for the actual equipment but I am unsure of the cost to get it professionally installed. I'll be looking at places for a professional installment. If anyone is keen to recommend a Dunedin based one, feel free to! I'm looking at Aotea Security but am anxious of the costs.

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