Need help putting together a home CCTV package for my home

Ross Martin

Just to add, You don't need a beefy Synology NAS to run 4 x 8MP cameras. I run six with no issues on a DS916 with 3x6TB WD Purple Drives. Just use the desktop client of Survelliance Station and let your PC do the hard work!

dave77

2 storeys? Depends on what you want the cams for, you're not going to identity burglars from their hairline.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                What is the correct installation height? - CCTV Aware                                                                                                        Finding the correct height to install your CCTV camera can be crucial. Read our advice on some commonly made mistake in relation to camera mounting heights.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                www.cctvaware.com

mushii

Its hard to know if that quote is good or not. It depends where you are in the UK and how difficult those 4 camera cable runs are and access to a cabled broadband connection. Assuming around £40 an hour for labour (Northern Prices) that is 34 hours of labour - or 4 man days. That is not too far off the mark. Cable termination and camera mount, 1 hour per camera. Full NVR Config and camera alignment 3 - 4 hours (max). 26 hours for cable dragging, travelling, Assuming 2 guys that is 1.5 days for cabling etc. Yeah you are not being ripped off there (assuming that they do a tidy job). I installed another AVF forum members 3 cameras and NVR (already cabled, but needed termination and testing) in half a day, a couple of weekends ago, with a minimum NVR config (he wanted to do some of the config himself).

mushii

Both of the examples of camera mounting in that link are not very good. Both look into neighbour's properties which is never ideal and can give rise to neighbour disputes.

Puntoboy

Too high. I fitted mine up there when we first moved in as it was quick and easy, but you can only get an overview of the area or the tops of peoples heads. I moved them down to 2.5-3.0m and it’s a much more appropriate height. I ran the cables up the cavity of the house to the loft so you can’t see them.

neonplanet40

Thank you for the reply.

The cable run is actually really easy. Using soffits - easy access in roof space, broadband connection is in upstairs room, so cables will run down to it (hopefully in the wall!).

I hope the cameras at that height will be fine! I hoped the 8MP would help with that! The installers haven't said that this would be an issue in describing faces!

dave77

The OP doesn't live in that house, my point was that they should be fitted lower.

mushii

I got that. My point was that it doesn't really add credibility to a companies marketing to use those two pictures as they are both wrong (for various reasons). Additionally high level cameras have their place, I have both levels installed. Not every camera is about capturing a toe-rags face. Its about designing and locating cameras for the correct purpose. I work from home and my high level front camera gives me an overview of my drive, so that I can see anyone or vehicle coming up the drive. I have other lower level cameras to cover cars, gates etc. My door camera is actually at head height, its only a 2mp camera but is 2 feet away from the person standing by the door. Lots of other things to consider when camera selection / position / mounting / FOV / Lighting etc.

neonplanet40

So I need to look at installing them at around the 3m height? None of the installers said that the soffits height would be an issue.

What to do now.....

I had hoped that the 8MP cameras would make up for the height difference if zoom was used.

Puntoboy

It’s not the height as such, it’s the angle. If the camera is on the soffit it will be more or less pointing straight down to view anyone on your property. You’ll only see the top of their heads.