I need a GREAT security camera, stat!

SSSnail

Lifer
Nov 29, 2006
17,458
83
86
A few requirements:

Records locally, don't care if MicroSD or HDD
GREAT, I mean GREAT night vision. I need to be able to see faces from 30 feet away. (I'm going point this outside from inside, through a window).
Inconspicuous IR mode, meaning no IR lights visible

If you must know, it's just bad people doing bad things, I mean, miserable inexcusable human beings. Just, bad.

Thanks for your inputs.
 

edro

Lifer
Apr 5, 2002
24,326
68
91
It's not a GREAT stat, but here is one nonetheless:
In Britain, there are 4.2 million closed circuit TV cameras; one for every 14 people.
 
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John Connor

Lifer
Nov 30, 2012
22,757
619
121
Like to get one myself.

You might have issues with IR going through a window. Should be outside.

Never head of "Inconspicuous IR mode." LOL
 

zinfamous

No Lifer
Jul 12, 2006
111,997
31,568
146
If you must know, it's just bad people doing bad things, I mean, miserable inexcusable human beings. Just, bad.

Thanks for your inputs.

Still in the Tendernob, eh? Another hobo bled-out on your stoop?

Bummer.
 

SSSnail

Lifer
Nov 29, 2006
17,458
83
86
And why would it matter? Any lights on the camera could be taped over if you're afraid of someone seeing it through the window.

Some models have an indicator light that's very conspicuous when it's on, and if you tape over the lights, the IR mode won't work, because, you know...
 

SSSnail

Lifer
Nov 29, 2006
17,458
83
86
Still in the Tendernob, eh? Another hobo bled-out on your stoop?

Bummer.

Actually, no, never lived there. I used to live in the Marina, then moved to live in the best kept secret of SF. But, I also moved from there, and now back to SoCal.
 

SSSnail

Lifer
Nov 29, 2006
17,458
83
86

RossMAN

Grand Nagus
Feb 24, 2000
79,103
462
136
I'll consider anything ~$500, but I don't need one that has a ton of hookups or octo-feeds, just need the one.

Yeah, the thing with reviews sites is that I have to read through a ton of them, which I've been doing on Amazon. I was hoping someone here (which is not unreasonable) has favorable experience with something they've personally used.

Keep in mind there are at least 2 types of security cameras:
1) Consumer level including Logitech, D-Link, Foscam, etc.
2) Proconsumer or professional such as Axis, Hikvision, Swann, Dahua, etc.

Remember that Fry's, MicroCenter and CostCo.com sell these.

I believe the IR will be reflected by the window back into the lense.

Yep which is why I didn't even bother to offer suggestions.
 

Imp

Lifer
Feb 8, 2000
18,828
184
106
Never had one of these but the IR concerns me because while you can't see it, the thing is still blasting a bunch of LEDs at you that may still fuxxorz your eyes.

I think they use near-visible IR which I heard can go through windows. Not sure about reflection.

P.S. Dropcam, I think, became Nest cam, that and Foscam are the only ones I know of.
 

SSSnail

Lifer
Nov 29, 2006
17,458
83
86
Thanks for the suggestions guys, I have something to go on now. The LaView cam RossMAN linked might be what I need. How do you like the picture quality in low light?

As far as IR, I'm not going to point it perpendicular to the window's glass, so I don't think reflection is a problem, especially if I press it up against the glass.
 

RossMAN

Grand Nagus
Feb 24, 2000
79,103
462
136
Thanks for the suggestions guys, I have something to go on now. The LaView cam RossMAN linked might be what I need. How do you like the picture quality in low light?

It's good but I'm not pointing it out a window. It does have some known problems distinguishing between day and night profiles which you would have discovered if you did your research ;)

Google for reviews of Hikvision 2432 (which is the same camera basically) and of course Amazon which has less than stellar reviews.

https://www.ipcamtalk.com/showthread.php/5695-Day-night-profiles-and-Hikvision
 

1sikbITCH

Diamond Member
Jan 3, 2001
4,194
574
126
I believe the IR will be reflected by the window back into the lense.

Yes. I had to disconnect my IR lights on mine. I then bought for 10 bucks an IR array that I hooked up outside the window. Now my camera can see again. Not optimal but it works and the IR array has lasted about 3 years in the elements.
 

Bubblehappy

Senior member
Aug 14, 2010
519
29
91
If you are in a time warner cable area their Intelligent Home security system actually has a really good outdoor camera with great IR for night views, and they will backup video to a cloud for you so you have a rolling 7-day history of activity on your cameras. I think the system will allow unlimited cameras.
 

Beer4Me

Senior member
Mar 16, 2011
564
20
76
Foscam wireless PTZ cam. Just make sure you get one that is 1080P otherwise good luck trying to make out faces. I have the 720P cams, but they're meh.
 

EliteRetard

Diamond Member
Mar 6, 2006
6,490
1,022
136
Does it need to be a "security" camera?

If you've got $500 to spend you could try something like this:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Panasonic/43903234
(Amazon is currently $100 more at $600)

Hands down, the $550 Panasonic HC-V770K is the best camcorder for most people if you want to spend less than $900. Under bright daylight, it will capture the sharpest detail and deepest, most saturated color, so that recording of your kid's first football game will capture every blade of grass. The identically specked V750K had the best stabilization system of all those we looked at, so when you're trying to track the action while zoomed in to a full 20x and shooting across the field, you won't see too many shudders and shakes.

It also holds up when recording in the dark, like shooting at night, or indoors with lights down low (school plays, anyone?) Compared to the other video cameras we tested it had the cleanest and sharpest footage, even when shooting in the middle of the night.
http://www.engadget.com/2015/05/15/the-best-video-camera/
 

Darwin333

Lifer
Dec 11, 2006
19,946
2,330
126
You might be better off getting a separate camera and IR illuminator that way you can get "invisible" 920nm IR LEDs versus the visible (but brighter) 850nm that are more commonly used. It will also be a lot cheaper and easier to customize for your specific needs.
 

luv2liv

Diamond Member
Dec 27, 2001
3,506
95
91
Rossman, what do you suggest for residential? 2 indoor and 2 outdoor ip cams with an nvr/dvr box. Free remote live view too, off course. The ones I see at Costco are nice but they come with at least 8 cams,