To protect my water/wind gear I thought some home security cameras would be a good idea.
But each time I thought I had a solution there would be over welming negative reviews on the system or company.
So any recommendations?
I am considering 4 cameras with storage on SD and/external hard drive.
I have concerns about wireless due to the need to recharge the cameras.
Buy a dog, or just a big dog kennel on the front lawn. When I rob houses I move on to the next house if I see a dog or a kennel in the yard.
Unless it helps to watch the cam back later to watch the guys in hoodies with their heads down taking your stuff, unless you know them or the police know the faces it doesn't help much. Trust me, I've been on heaps of security cams and Im not in jail.
So warwickl, do you realize you just advertised to all the scoundrels on sleezebreeze that your house is worth robbing sooner than later?
Select to expand quotelotofwind said..
Buy a dog, or just a big dog kennel on the front lawn. When I rob houses I move on to the next house if I see a dog or a kennel in the yard.
Unless it helps to watch the cam back later to watch the guys in hoodies with their heads down taking your stuff, unless you know them or the police know the faces it doesn't help much. Trust me, I've been on heaps of security cams and Im not in jail.
Plus you can move into the kennel if the wife kicks you out....
Kogan ip cameras motion detector etc etc cheap sends stuff to ya phone.
Dont film ya treasure film the entry and exits least thats what they say in porn
I've had a good run with Dahua, they can be a bit tricky to set up if you're dumb like me. With a Dahua DVR they are pretty much plug and play.
Much the same as other systems I would guess, I tried the Bangood stuff but it's no good in my opinion.
Good to keep an eye on the site when not there, but as others have said if ya don't know the person in the lens it's not a lot of help.
Better to install before you are robbed though, usually happens the other way around
Select to expand quoteCraig66 said..
So warwickl, do you realize you just advertised to all the scoundrels on sleezebreeze that your house is worth robbing sooner than later?
Mostly all old gear but meaningful to me.
Select to expand quotecausehecan said..
Dont film ya treasure film the entry and exits least thats what they say in porn
Have you been studying causehecan?
I've got 8 Swann cameras on my house with a 1 TB hard drive that records about 1 month of footage. Records over itself so the footage is always up to date. Bought these as a kit and was pretty easy diy install. The Swann app is free and I can view the cameras on my phone from anywhere in the world if I have wifi or data connection. Price was around $700 at the time but you can get better deals these days. The camera quality is way good enough for the price. Unless you buy high end cameras which come at a price, all lower budget cameras will have their limits. These cameras are all hardwired to the hard drive. Wireless cameras still need a power point or batteries which can be a problem.
Took a photo of my desktop screen that I view the cameras on. Took the photo with my phone, so not the best clarity but you get the idea. Pics in the middle row are where the pandanus trees have grown in front of the cameras. Good value for money, cameras have been going well for about 4 years now.
I agree that the Digital Video Recorder capability (local record) is critical. Those cameras that rely on "cloud" recording only (no local network storage) fail as soon as your internet connection goes down or the device is tampered with or destroyed. As per usual, it's the cost/risk/benefit equation. How valuable is what you are trying to protect and how replaceable is it?
The cloud based services are open to attack allowing others to access your cameras and make it so much easier to steal your stuff when they can see that you are not at home (and also track you as the remote access app will send your location as well).
Select to expand quoteKite285 said..
I've got 8 Swann cameras on my house with a 1 TB hard drive that records about 1 month of footage. Records over itself so the footage is always up to date. Bought these as a kit and was pretty easy diy install. The Swann app is free and I can view the cameras on my phone from anywhere in the world if I have wifi or data connection. Price was around $700 at the time but you can get better deals these days. The camera quality is way good enough for the price. Unless you buy high end cameras which come at a price, all lower budget cameras will have their limits. These cameras are all hardwired to the hard drive. Wireless cameras still need a power point or batteries which can be a problem.
Took a photo of my desktop screen that I view the cameras on. Took the photo with my phone, so not the best clarity but you get the idea. Pics in the middle row are where the pandanus trees have grown in front of the cameras. Good value for money, cameras have been going well for about 4 years now.
What are they like for night vision phot/vid? Can you post a couple if you have them as I was looking at this system.
(seeing as most thieving flogs removing stuff want to do it in darkness)
Night vision is quite good up close but like all infra red cameras, night vision quality fades quickly the further the objects being viewed are away from the camera.
For example: At night, looking at my front door (1st pic, top left) I can very clearly see someone's face. Although, looking down my driveway I'd only be able to make out the rough outline of a person 1/3 of the way down my driveway (2nd pic, top, middle) Most cheaper cameras will be like this. Even top end cameras struggle with clear vision at night. with objects in the distance.
When I bought this kit I remember Googling and found most brands in this price range, this one included, didn't get solid reviews. I did some work for a guy who installed cameras for shops and offices and his minimum charge was around $2500 for a few cameras and a hard drive, and phone apps would be extra. My neighbours recently bought a Swann 4 camera kit with hard drive for about half what I paid, and included later model cameras. Its basically plug and play and he can view the cameras via the Swann app also. You do need WIFI in your house to use the Swann app for viewing footage on your phone.
Kit comes with a few security stickers for your windows or doors too. Minor thing but is good for notifying people they're being watched. This by itself can be effective in deterring punks form taking your stuff.
Will post a pic later with night vision footage on the screen...
Select to expand quoteKite285 said..
The Swann app is free and I can view the cameras on my phone from anywhere in the world...
So can we. 
Seriously. DO NOT PUT CAMERAS IN YOUR HOME ON THE INTERNET.
For example: www.insecam.org/en/bycountry/AU/
At least that site is nice enough to filter out the super personal ones, or when requested. Individuals will not adhere to the same standards.
Your cameras are made in dodgy factories in China, that don't really know what they are doing. A 13-year-old can figure out in an hour or so how to scan for open cameras.
I went over several different wired and wifi cameras and found my recent buy the best value and quality for money,
I stick microSD 128Gb card in.
Some of those are running on car battery 12v , with solar panel, on my farm , some at home on 12v 2A power supply included.I can listen to the sound , I could also talk through intercom, zoom 4x and pan around.
From other available that one come with quite good software to replay recordings.
Some setup to instantly sent alarm to my phone when movement is detected, some other just keep recordings and overlap the oldest files automatically.12v is essential as I did try some cheaper on 5v , but problem is with battery to supply 5V. Only $87, and worth every penny of that.
I am surprised by the range, as on my farm some cameras are 300- 400 meter away from router.
My next plan is to try and utilize many of available remote sensors and switches for this set.
www.ebay.com.au/itm/1080P-WiFi-Outdoor-Dome-Camera-Wireless-Security-Night-Vision-4X-Zoom-AU-Stock/254179163067?epid=26032585194&hash=item3b2e423bbb:g:nsEAAOSw7A9dJcRD&frcectupt=true&autorefresh=true
I had 2 different types of Arlo. They are a deterrent only. I wouldn't recommend. I now have fixed wire Swann. I upgraded my self the hard drive from 1tb to 4tb. I bought it off amazon in the states. Cost $100. If you buy a 4tb HDD system from Swann you will pay serious $. I can hold a month of vision before it automatically cleans the HDD. You can access live vision and check stored remotely. The system instructions and functionality are a bit clunky but once you learn them. Ok. Basically with Swann you get what you pay for re cameras. Buy the best you can afford. You're better off with less cameras and higher resolution. The cable extensions are sold and cheaper at Bunnings than online at Swann. The systems are quite often on sale; both online and good guys.
Save your dough, ice heads and other freaks will still randomly break in and steal, might get identified, might get caught, no restitution for your stuff.
Best option if you really think a cam is any deterent value, is fake cam domes and fake alarm light, that might deter them onto a neighbour's house, depending how doped up they are.
Or if you're really he'll bent on stopping them stealing after getting in, get a fogger they seem to be working in commercial applications.
Barky dog still a good deterent.
