jaygen

Thanks guys, after doing some research, it seems building your own system is this way to go. Looking for a recommendation on a 8 ch dvr with no hard drive. I have a 4 tb laying around.

Hey guys, sorta a newbie to cctv, Im looking at getting a 8 channel 4 camera system to start. I was looking at the Swann SWDVK-8HD5MP4-US 8 Channel 5MP Security System Kit with 2TB DVR Digital Video on Amazon for $399. Is this a decent system?

My budget is around $400-$500. Or should I build my own?

My main concerns are ability to read a license plate from about 25 feet if possible and clear night vision. (I live close to Detroit).

Also ability to view and zoom from mobile devices are important. I would like to eventually add a PTZ camera.

House is wired with analog BNC cable already so installation should be easy? I hope so.