sierra1194

We're taking everything into consideration from the posts here and learning a lot here. Another we just thought of was that one side of the building has decks (upper and lower floor) that stick out about four feet, and, individual awnings over each patio door.. Now we're wondering where should cameras be placed? If they are placed at the top corners, view to the open carport area might be obstructed by the deck/awnings - hmmm. It looks like I can take pictures and attach them so I'll do that shortly. Thanks!

thanks for the link to the zoomed in and out lens views. That was very helpful to see and your suggestion about different type focal lenses, wide, adjustable zoom, etc We would definitely like to be able to get good quality views at night too. Would an electronics shop be a good place to get help putting together a system? Or is there a website for DIY's?

I'm new here from SF Bay area living in SoCal for many years now. We own an apt building and sign of the times.....feel we need to install some kind of system to view and see what's happening around the perimeter of the building now. As a family, we occupy several units (grown kids have moved back but into their own separate units; close enough but not - yeaaay!). And as economic times are not good and will likely continue for some time as is....we have experienced an uptick in break ins, burglaries, robberies, around and about our neighborhood. So with that in mind, we would like to learn more about systems and what we should be thinking about and looking for before we purchase anything. The building is located on a corner and is two story, 6 units upper and 6 lower with carports underneath. We thought perhaps 2 cameras located at each upper corner of the building (from the roof aimed downwards towards the opposite corner), and then maybe some in the carport areas (though these might be easier accessed and damaged by anyone), and some maybe at the 2 front staircases. Would need to see what's going on at night too. We don't know anything about cameras or quality or systems but at least this is a place to start. We are pretty handy and maybe we could install this ourselves. We've read some of the reviews for the Costco products and they seem to be a mixed bag: Qsee, Swann and who knows what else but hope to learn more before making any decisions. Any suggestions are welcome too! Thanks!