Security Cam....local recording?

[KyleGates]

Ok, so far, aside from the NEPOSmart I can't seem to find many home security cam options that allow storage to a local PC (I see plenty with their own storage "boxes" and plenty with local MicroSD storage). Are there just few options that allow this or am I looking in the wrong places?


Edit- Just realized "local" recording may not have been the best title as generally those with a MicroSD are considered "local recording".

 

[Kaido]

Terminology-wise, local recording is on the device itself is called edge storage (usually with SD cards). You can use edge storage on the network using a decentralized storage system (basically all of the cameras store the footage locally, but you view it from a monitor or handheld device like an iPhone using software that grabs it from each camera), so that's probably why you're not finding what you want - you just need the right search phrases.

What you're looking for (storing cameras to a PC) is called BlueIris: ($30 for one camera or $60 for multiple cameras)

http://blueirissoftware.com/

Most people just use cheap Foscams off Amazon: (there's a million rebranded versions, Foscam just happens to be the most popular)

http://foscam.us/products.html/

The 720p version is only like $65, crazy cheap for being able to pan & tilt & have nightvision. The BlueIris software lets you record to your PC & also stream to your smartphone remote. My buddy has a whole bunch of the cheapo SD cameras setup in his house so he can check on the dogs & the kids from work. The only other kind of setup you could look at is a NAS-based setup (NVR aka Network Video Recorder) from a company like QNAP or Synology, but those get pricey fast.

 

[DRC_40]

I am also looking for some answers regarding home security cams but I have no internet access at the location (my lake house). I have pretty much ruled out the big box store systems after buying a Swann for my main home. It does ok but I need good quality recordings as my lake house footage will likely be used in court. Dont ask, long story.

Anyway, Blue Iris is probably what I am going to end up using too. The tech specs are pretty high for HD systems which is what I am going to need for evidence. i7, 8gig ram, premium video card, etc. Here are the recommended specs: http://blueirissoftware.com/download/

After some discussion on a CCTV forum it would seem most of the cameras you buy are low quality even though they might be fine for SD or just monitoring. I can attest to that from my experience with Swann which claims to be high end cameras. Already had an IR illuminator go bad. IP cameras with POE seem the way to go for a good system. Couple of 2TB 7200 RPM hard drives and you would have weeks of HD video stored. I hate to build a dedicated box just for surveillance video but I have no choice.