cameras that work with linux out of the box

[asmith512 0]

Newbie here.

 

I am building my own surveillance system based on linux, V4L, ffmpeg, SDL and the sorts. I got my prototype up and running, that meaning with an ancient webcam, so getting ready to expand/deploy.

 

What kind of cameras am i looking for? (odd question i am sure).

I need them to be fairly straightforward compatible with V4L2 (Video4Linux) and run more than a few of them (V4L2 compatible devices will show up in /dev/vide0..x)

 

-I want as small a footprint as possible(best case scenario is you dont know the camera is there).

-I need to monitor my yard, so distance is factor.

-Night Vision? Infrared? Thermal?

-Not a fan of wifi/wireless cams, cables are the way to go .

-Optical zoom? (maybe this will be a DIY effort..)

 

This is somewhat software oriented, I hope I am in the right place? .