Security camera/CCTV minefield.

[Cato]

I'm trying to find an improvement/upgrade for the security cameras at the workshop as I currently I have a four camera Swann system. You'd think it'd be a matter of looking at reviews or guides and getting your wallet out, but there's a bewildering array of types, options and set ups.

I want a system to either use or replace the current cameras, record to a hub or cloud, high resolution and accessible over the internet from wherever I am.

What I don't want is a subscription or someone sitting in an office watching porn monitoring the cameras.

I'm reasonably tech savvy, so if I can find out what components I need I am happy to put it together. Wired is fine (preferable) and I have broadband at the workshop. I have better things to do with my time, so if I can buy an 'out of the box' set up that'd be good, and I don't need it to be cheap, I need it to be good.

Any suggestions? Or is it just a matter of keep trawling?

 

[Chippie]

Why don’t you get one of the home security experts in to have a look and provide you with a quote on their suggested hardware that meets your requirements? That way it tells you what you need, in terms of hardware, then just match with what suits your pocket…source the parts install and bobs your brothers wotsit

 

[Robotstar5]

I found some useful info on ipcamtalk

 

[Cato]

Why don’t you get one of the home security experts in to have a look and provide you with a quote on their suggested hardware that meets your requirements? That way it tells you what you need, in terms of hardware, then just match with what suits your pocket…source the parts install and bobs your brothers wotsit

It's a good idea, but sadly I lack the necessary patience and character strengths required to deal with reps/experts/sales people telling me how [insert name of thing] will change your life for the better etc etc.

 

[Cato]

I found some useful info on ipcamtalk

That looks like it'll narrow the trawling down considerably, thanks.

 

[ajlelectronics]

You need a decent NVR and cameras of your choice. You will not find a quality setup as a one box job. Decide what functions you need from each camera and choose accordingly. Resolution, zoom capability or not and IR range are things to consider. Don't even think about wireless, they are bottom of the range tat and knocked out by anything close enough on 2.4GHz.

If you want me to suggest something, do the above thinking and let me know.

 

[Robotstar5]

Try Alex Jones at Protect Security Systems he always gets recommended when CCTV, alarms etc. are mentioned on the local FB groups, my locksmith also recommends him.

 

[Cato]

You need a decent NVR and cameras of your choice. You will not find a quality setup as a one box job. Decide what functions you need from each camera and choose accordingly. Resolution, zoom capability or not and IR range are things to consider. Don't even think about wireless, they are bottom of the range tat and knocked out by anything close enough on 2.4GHz.

If you want me to suggest something, do the above thinking and let me know.

Thanks.
My requirements for the above are quite simple (I think!).

One external camera approx 3m from ground level. Two interior cameras at similar height. High/usable resolution, zoom nice to have for the exterior but not essential, no zoom inside.

A week of recording, possibly automatic save for trigger events. IR essential for all cameras, again usable quality (identify faces and number plates).

Maximum range inside is 10 metres, outside the same purely to cover areas in shadow. The car park area is well lit 24/7.

I have everything I need to wire in CoAx, satellite, Cat5e/6 etc and access anywhere needed to run cables. Plenty of space for the DVR to be securely located, along with power and broadband.

 

[Rudi McAnichal]

I have recently been thinking about getting a CCTV system. I am completely ignorant about the topic, and have not made any decisions yet, but this website was quite interesting:

HD CCTV Systems | Self Install HD CCTV Systems | CCTV42

At CCTV42 we don't just sell CCTV we also provide information that helps you buy and set up the best CCTV system possible for your needs.

www.cctv42.co.uk

 

[JimmyS]

I installed a hikvision system here 2 or 3 years ago, after having someone trying to break in. I have about half a dozen cameras onto one of their DVRs mainly external cameras but can view on phone via app from anywhere and pretty straight forward to install. I got some of the cameras 2nd hand off ebay.

 

[armalites]

I installed a hikvision system here 2 or 3 years ago, after having someone trying to break in. I have about half a dozen cameras onto one of their DVRs mainly external cameras but can view on phone via app from anywhere and pretty straight forward to install. I got some of the cameras 2nd hand off ebay.

I've always seen good reviews of the Hikvision kit with excellent picture quality. It's the route I'll be going

 

[brightspark]

hikvision is the best thats what the pro s use

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

hikvision is the best thats what the pro s use

They are good, simple and reliable systems.
IP range is good.

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

HICKVISION ALLL THE WAY.

 

[Cato]

Just had a look at Hikvision, they have a good range for various applications.

Seems that there may be a fly in the ointment with supply and back up though as they're owned by the Chinese Gov't and the company is currently working under sanctions from the US and EU. That doesn't bode well for the future.

 

[Trevorleach]

Eufy pan and tilt indoor cameras, pretty good and can be tucked out of the way, which is a good idea otherwise thief can just run off with the camera and the evidence.
Only records when it detects movement, can be accessed by your phone, just needs a usb cable for power and bluetooth to the wifi, all stored to mini memory card.
Camera 50 quid with mount/cables etc, plus the memory card.

 

[The_Yellow_Ardvark]

Just had a look at Hikvision, they have a good range for various applications.

Seems that there may be a fly in the ointment with supply and back up though as they're owned by the Chinese Gov't and the company is currently working under sanctions from the US and EU. That doesn't bode well for the future.

We have never had any issues. The UK team tell me a lot it is all p1$$ and wind by those who want to start a rumour of bad supply.

 

[dobbslc]

A few of the building sites I work at have Hikvision kit and the images look pretty good on the security guards screens!

 

[brightspark]

Just had a look at Hikvision, they have a good range for various applications.

Seems that there may be a fly in the ointment with supply and back up though as they're owned by the Chinese Gov't and the company is currently working under sanctions from the US and EU. That doesn't bode well for the future.

have you a mobile phone and other electronics from china why worry

 

[Ruffian]

Got a 16ch hikvision nvr with 4tb hard drive and 6 of the 8mp 4k cameras.

This is all power over ethernet for ease as well at motion alerts and app real-time monitoring.

I spent a while looking for them and decided that it was a decent option.

Are your swann cameras ethernet or coax?