Security cameras and NVR

madmal

Can someone please help, I'm looking at installing some IP cameras at home with an NVR. One of my neighbours has a Swann system which he installed himself but to be honest the quality is not that great. I'm looking for cameras that can be mounted outside, survive the UK weather and be reliable as they will be fitted high up. I need 4 cameras all together and keep 7 days worth of footage. The Hikvision cameras look good but seems they're only available
to the trade unless I buy chinese imports from Ebay, is there anything else that I can DIY ?

Thanks
Mal

MrM

I would recommend the HIKvisison range.

I would look for PoE system using an NVR, the cloud back up is overkill and will hammer your bandwidth line, also found they tend to go down just when you blood need them. So NVR for sure the way to go.

If using a POE system make sure the connectors are inside the building or in a perfectly sealed (IP56) connection box. Also if buying a DVR or NVR with hard drive pre-installed, make sure you are getting a WD surveillance drive (WD Purple). Anything else will probably fail within 2 years.

Some further advice, Spiders - The only problem with external CCTV. My older cameras with the old style LED's suffered badly with this every few days, but it doesn't happen so often now with the latest cameras from Hikvision, maybe once a month. possibly because of reduced heat with modern LED's. My advice is, if you don't have easy access to a ladder, place the camera where it can be reached from an open window or get an extending pole with a soft brush on the end. You will kick yourself if, after investing in a CCTV system, something happens and the footage is compromised.

madmal

Thanks for that, all useful infromation. I'll be running CAT6 into the loft where the NVR will be, this will supply power to the cameras. Did you install your system yourself? If so where did you get the kit from ?

Puntoboy

Hikvision for me. I have used their cameras for about 4 years and they have been faultless. Just installed a new 8k camera the picture quality is epic.

socom23

Hikvision are simple and easy to use to boot. Ive never run 8k cameras, but the range is quality.

MrM

I took a punt and bought mine from Ebay as a package. They were runnong on the latest firmware for those cameras, and I've yet to check/need to update them.

As above, if you can afford, the 8K ones are unreal!

arachnoid

Unless you are set on an NVR you might wish to consider a PC-based solution such as Blue Iris which is likely to offer more flexibility as well as support various brands of camera.

mushii

PM me I can help you.

madmal

I'll look into this as well as I do have a server running 24/7 for other home automation stuff.

madmal

For some reason I can't PM you, say I've already reached a limit of 5 converatsions, strange as I'm hardly ever on here. Can you please ping me....