Security cam / DVR help for a noob

DetroitStyle

Club Member
OK... had it with the problems with our neighbors and ready to pull the trigger on a security camera setup.

I would like a system that will support 4 cameras initially, with the ability to add more. Something that records to a DVR and is viewable live via smartphone/tablet/smartTV. Something HD, with a good picture and good night vision.

I am moderately computer savvy, used to work IT about 15 years ago... but it's been long enough that I've forgotten more than I know at this point.. I get that you can run the cameras with POE and I am good with running cables through the attic, etc... but what do I need beyond that? I don't have a traditional home PC at this point... just two tablets that are overloaded with kids games. I don't mind setting up a tower with a monitor to run this thing, if necessary, but that's an added cost, of course.

If somebody could lay this out in the most basic terms possible, I would appreciate it.

What do I need to purchase?
What is needed to install it?
Cost? Can I keep a decent four camera system under $1000? under $750?
Apps required?

Thanks for your help :)
 
Look into the Ubiquiti cameras and POE switch. I've installed many recently for clients and they are super clear, very programmable, have audio etc. About $1000 for 4 cameras and a small switch. Setup would be easy for you with an IT background.
 
Sounds like some shitty neighbors if you need to go this far.

It's non-stop late night BS. Like, rolling 100' burnouts past our window at midnight, racing/jumping/crashing scooters at all hours, sitting in their driveway with bass pounding hard enough that it's shaking stuff in our house, fireworks in the street at 10pm, garage wrenching with power tools all night, etc. All while the parents are at home. I've spoke to the kids responsible, their friends, their parents, etc. It's been 2 years of it. My wife gets up for work at 4:30am. We don't say a word about anything that happens before 9-10pm... but after that, it has to stop.

Finally had enough and called the cops. Expecting retaliation of some sort.
 
Make sure you find a true PoE setup. 8 channel might be all you'll want, but 16 is nice. Especially since 16 often coming with more HD space compared to most 8's. Focus heavily on something with 1080 NVR with sound/motion would be my suggestion. Most come with a ready to run system and all you'd want to expect to pick up is a monitor/old flat screen TV to use with it for (IP) configuration and previewing at home. Connecting it to your ISP to make it live on the network is relatively easy with big box brand names, just don't fall victim to faux PoE marketing.

350 to 900 depending on what you settle for and how many channels you want is the budget I would set aside. If two setups are okay for you, finding two 8 channel deals could be less of a hit to your wallet.
 
I have 16 channels
iVMS-4500 app on my phone.
I actually forgot the name of my cameras but they are badass.
All installed by Mike Johnston justpressplay.com aka mike94zlt1? I forgot his exact screen name, he don't post much anymore
 
I have 16 channels
iVMS-4500 app on my phone.
I actually forgot the name of my cameras but they are badass.
All installed by Mike Johnston justpressplay.com aka mike94zlt1? I forgot his exact screen name, he don't post much anymore

Same.

I know Mike watches that shit when he's bored though.
 
Look into the Ubiquiti cameras and POE switch. I've installed many recently for clients and they are super clear, very programmable, have audio etc. About $1000 for 4 cameras and a small switch. Setup would be easy for you with an IT background.

This. Ubiquiti makes very high quality networking equipment and it will all work together seamlessly and provide years of trouble free operation. It's a pretty big step above the consumer junk one would find at the local brick and mortars.
 
Didn't know they made cameras now, will have to look into that. Been hearing lots of good things about their other products.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk
 
We use a lot of Ubiquiti components at work, they are pretty nice. I'm in the market for security cameras too. I'll have to check them out
 
We use a lot of Ubiquiti components at work, they are pretty nice. I'm in the market for security cameras too. I'll have to check them out

The good thing about Ubiquiti stuff is it isn't overly complicated to set up. It's more difficult than your typical consumer brands, but it's not out of the realm of somebody with working knowledge of how networks operate.
 
This is my line of work.

Heres what I recommend, no need for a computer. All you need is a monitor:

Its a Lorex system and what comes with it:
4 1080p Cameras POE IP/RJ45
8 channel NVR POE system. You do not need a separate POE switch.
$539.99

https://www.lorextechnology.com/hd-ip-security-camera-system/hd-nvr-surveillance-system-with-4-full-1080p-hd-cameras/LNR84W-1-p?gclid=CLanop7qnNMCFReewAod8mwBMA

Ive installed atleast 6 of these systems. Lorex also has great support for returns, issues with the system, lost password to the system. They have a great app for smartphones, tablets and computers.

Getting a security camera system that is 2k or more is just over kill, your harddrive will be full in 4 days.

The only issue with these systems is theres no audio on the cameras. If you want audio:
https://www.lorextechnology.com/hd-ip-camera/hd-1080p-ptz-camera-with-color-night-vision/LNZ32P4BW-1-p

Make sure to set the system to record on motion, or else your harddrive will fill up fast.
 
This is my line of work.

Heres what I recommend, no need for a computer. All you need is a monitor:

Its a Lorex system and what comes with it:
4 1080p Cameras POE IP/RJ45
8 channel NVR POE system. You do not need a separate POE switch.
$539.99

https://www.lorextechnology.com/hd-ip-security-camera-system/hd-nvr-surveillance-system-with-4-full-1080p-hd-cameras/LNR84W-1-p?gclid=CLanop7qnNMCFReewAod8mwBMA

Ive installed atleast 6 of these systems. Lorex also has great support for returns, issues with the system, lost password to the system. They have a great app for smartphones, tablets and computers.

Getting a security camera system that is 2k or more is just over kill, your harddrive will be full in 4 days.

The only issue with these systems is theres no audio on the cameras. If you want audio:
https://www.lorextechnology.com/hd-ip-camera/hd-1080p-ptz-camera-with-color-night-vision/LNZ32P4BW-1-p

Make sure to set the system to record on motion, or else your harddrive will fill up fast.

Thank you. I think this is exactly what I am looking for.

Quick question, I can view this setup in real time from my phone/tablet/smart tv even when it's not recording, correct?

Thanks again


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Mike. Milan PD doesn't play around with the kind of
problems you are having. If nothing else purchase
a GoPro and tape the problems.

When you do install your security camera system, I'd mount
a good dummy camera you can easily see and the real one
you can't.

Sorry to hear about the problems. Whenever I'm biking in
town, I always ride by your house (and a few others) to
see things look normal.
 
I have a bunch of Lorex cameras if you want to add a ton. I have 10 reg style and 5 fixed dome. All 1080p all night vision. I have them on eBay but I can take them down.

Part number LNB3143-C and LNE3142-C
 
I have a bunch of Lorex cameras if you want to add a ton. I have 10 reg style and 5 fixed dome. All 1080p all night vision. I have them on eBay but I can take them down.

Part number LNB3143-C and LNE3142-C


I have some people that i installed lorex system for that are interested in adding more cameras. Whats the link to the auctions so I can send it to them
 
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