Hello,
I thought I would give this a shot and hope someone can help me. I’m looking for advice on some camera models in my price range. The house next door was recently broken into and for the safety of my family, I would like to install a surveillance system. I’m pretty technically inclined so the installation probably isn’t challenging for me. What I’m struggling with is that even though specs imply a camera has something, the reality of how good the camera is turns out to be quite different. I’m looking for someone with real experience and understands these products to send me in the right direction.
I would like to purchase 5 outdoor cameras on my wooden eaves or brick. 1 higher quality (450ish) and 4 lower quality cameras(350ish). I will go higher(or lower) if it makes that big of a difference. There is no use in spending $450 on a camera that gets me nothing.
These are the criteria I have come up with:
1. one(1) camera(450ish) daytime range of 30-60 ft with license plate capture and at night (30-40 ft IR)
2. four(4) cameras(350ish) - 30 ft with face recognition and at night 30 ft IR.
3. Good IR is crucial to capture faces(etc) since there is no light where most of the cameras are. I do have motion lights but I would pref to depend on the camera
4. Bullet or Dome: whichever is better in little/no light. If there is no difference, dome is preferred.
5. IP based Camera - 1080p or > . I will be using a synology system as my nvr
6. Varifocal(manual) is nice feature for different distances(no specific length). If it degrades IR that I don't want it.
7. vandal protection would be nice
8. Motorized PTZ is not something I would typically use but if it comes with the camera that is fine.
