rwbaker

I'll post a few sample pictures when I get a chance -- mainly once I figure out the settings/right software I want to use.

I ended up going with the AV5105 DN, mainly because I knew I could exchange it for the AV 3130 if I wanted (which I'll be getting in a few months anyway) I'm using the 1/2" Computar 4.5 - 12.5mm f/1.2 Day/Night IR (H3Z4512CS-IR) lens, and it's mounted using the 5" recessed dome. So far I'm pretty happy with it, most of my issues are just getting to know the software. I am fairly impressed with it's indoor night performance, however, I haven't really given it a full testing. Right now I'm using the Arecont software that the camera came with, just for viewing though; I don't plan on buying the license. I'm still looking for decent software ($200 or less) that doesn't require DirectX for remote viewing (so I can view using OS X).

hardwired - you can use a hosting service like Flickr. Or, if needed, PM me and I'll host the images on my server for a while.

Well thats great to hear. Your info was the tipping point -- I think I'll go with the AV3130s and give them a try. Skane -- would it be possible to post/pm/email a sample night picture from the AV3130? I don't see any samples from that camera on Arecont's website. Also, do either of you have preferred websites you like to buy from? Thanks again for the help.

I've been lurking around the fourm for a while now; I think it's finally time to ask the pros. I'm looking to setup a small surveillance system around my house. To start, I want to setup two IP cameras. (Eventually scaled up to 5 cameras total). I'll have the cameras feeding to a PoE switch to a WinXP box w/ 2TB storage. - One camera will be outside, monitoring primarily the front door of the house and the garage door to the shop. This camera will need great day and night performace. - The second camera will be indoors, primarily used during the day time, but it'd be great if it had good night performace as well. It needs a high res picture and fast fps -- will primarily be used for monitoring someone who sometimes has seizures. Camera I'm thinking about going with 2 Arecont cameras, probably the AV5105DN - 5 megapixel H.264 IP Camera.. I think a 2mpx will be fine outside, but for not much more money I can go with 5mpx cameras. This gives me the initial high quality and elmininate the need to upgrade for quite sometime. I was also considering is the AV3130 (20fps) for good day/night performance; but I'm thinking the 5mpx might be better, adn I'l have higher resolution. The 5105DN has a full res framerate of 9fps. Thats fine outside, but inside I'd like the 5mpx quality at 30fps. Any ideas? I can always have the 9fps, then replace it with a faster camera if 9fps proves to be too slow. Like I said above, I only need the 30fps for monitoring someone who sometimes has seizures. Software As far as software goes, do the Arecont cameras come with software, or is that an additional purchase. Any recomendations on the software choice? I will need to be able to remotly view the cameras that does not use sometype of ActiveX for streaming. I'll be remotly viewing on a Mac, which of course doesn't work with ActiveX. At worst, I can VNC into the server to view he images, but I'd see awful framerate and I'd rather a real solution. Well that's the plan, however, you guys are the pros. Is there a better camera to use instead? Maybe a camera with the same functionality/performance with a better price? It looks like the best price on the AV5105DN I've been able to find is around $800. So... Ideas? Thanks in advance for any ideas/help.