Sawbones

You need to know the spectral response curve for your particular camera. Without it, you won't know whether the 940nm will be viable, or a complete waste of money. Most standard cameras drop off very quickly as you get deeper into the IR spectrum. Near-IR is really ideal for most CCTV cameras, with 940nm being on the tail end of the graph... so you have to use a LOT of 940nm light to make up for the decreased sensitivity. This translates into big $$$$, particularly since the truly "covert" 940nm illuminators come with a very non-covert price tag. Just use the 840-880 stuff. You'll get better performance for less money, and you'll have a great deal more gear to choose from.

Best one I've found

See? That's what I'm talking about... thanks, Soundy. ********* edit ********* Say what you will about Axis and Dedicated Micros, but at least they both have the option of using Java, and can be used cross-platform. I'm not trying to unnecessarily snark at other manufacturers, but there can't be that big a shortage of Java developers out there in this economy

Listen to this man. You're not going to get anything identifiable out of that budget system... not at that range/resolution ****** edit ****** This is a handy set of examples that somebody posted here one day. I don't know who the actual author of it is, or I'd credit them: Image how poor 7 pixels per foot will be...

I used to use a *nix-based netbook to access cameras over the network (works great with Axis)... but once I started getting into the panasonic and Acti IP cams, I had to switch to a full-on windows laptop. Why don't camera manufacturers value cross-platform compatibility? The Acti cams require IE and ActiveX, and the Panasonic I-Pro cams require not only IE, but you have to use their own software plug-in (and you MUST have the right version of it) ... what a hassle.

I love PoE... LOVE IT. I have five IP cameras, and I wouldn't have an IP camera that didn't use it.

Getting good images at night (particularly of motion) represents the real test for these cameras. Most of them can produce a decent image in the day time. And the toughest thing is that there's no good way to evaluate it other than looking at the pictures. This forum is absolutely invaluable in that regard.

so the 3135 is a dual-imager H.264 version of the 3130? Is the performance at night of the 1MP imager of the 3130 (or the Mobotix, for that matter) good enough that it outweighs the night performance of a 3MP imager with an ICR?

What do we know about the AV3135? *********** Edit *********** That is to say, this doesn't have to be done soon... I can wait. If the AV3135 is the greatest thing since sliced bread (and I am using 3rd party software), then it might be worth waiting to see what it can do.

Sooo... allow me to ask our august assembly a question: If you had to choose between a dual-night Mobotix (3MP day and 1MP night) and an Arecont H.264 AV3155, which would you choose? Note: Residential application, for day/night purposes. Replacing the camera providing this view: You're about 18 yards from that street, and covering about 75 feet of frontage. I have not seen night images from the newer Arecont cameras, so I don't know how to judge their effectiveness versus the Mobotix (which are widely regarded as excellent at night).

OK.... how impotent is the night time image to you? I can recommend the ACTi ACM-7411 for you price range. The 7411 is the same camera as the 1231 but it is in a vandal dome and it doesn't have the built in IR For more money you good go with Areconts dome cameras. I you like to opportunity to earn your business if you decide to order the cameras. I have 3 new 7411's I need to move. Send me a PM with what a rough price you'd like to get for one of those 7411's, TWG. I've been looking into getting one of those, and I'd rather buy from somebody I know that some anonymous guy on Ebay.

I've gone entirely with Panasonics... the 484S series surface-mount domes are practically bulletproof (thanks, WDR-Jack!), and the pictures you get out of them are hard to beat. They're a completely sealed unit, and built tough. I think I've got a total of five of them around the house. ******** Edit ********* They're not megapixel, though... just so you're aware.

Yes... I find I have to clean off my cameras every once in a while... though most of mine are domes, and I find they don't have nearly the "dirty window" problem as the bullets

Something's wrong... you've either got something on the lens, or you've had condensation inside the camera. I see what you're talking about... looks like water droplets. I'll post the pic myself... hang on. OK... got it.

Soundy's answer is the correct one. Do VGA or DVI only.

Upload them to photobucket or flickr... then link them in your post

Orbs? Are you getting halos or something from the LEDs?

Man... that'd be nice, wouldn't it? I'd buy every one I could get my hands on... they're great cameras.

Exactly right. Get a capture card of your choice and compatible software... you'll be GTG.

The top portion of that camera is the waterproof portion. The surface-mount base on the bottom is not.

I think you'll be happy with the VI software. I demo'd their software for an installation of mine (thanks to VST_Man), and it's good stuff.

They may not be interested in improving their product. It may be more economically-feasible for them to sell more with the cheaper cables and simply deal with the returns from a few disgruntled customers. Sounds mercenary, but sometimes that's what it comes down to.

Yes, but that one's not megapixel. True.

Some of the Pano IP cameras already have SDIII. I have an NW484S camera that I know for a fact has it.

I like the 484 housings as well; they're battleship-tough.