Anyone recently installed/upgraded their security system?

[Dargo]

Since my stash of security cameras were installed in 2004, several have died, technology has increased and prices have gone down. Before I had two separate systems; one covering my home and barns and one covering my pool house and the 'blind spot' behind it.

Now I'm not only looking at systems that link together, but can record many months of real time 60 fps HD video that can be viewed from any internet connection, including from my cell phone. Two cameras cover a long distance so night vision is really not viable since they only 'see' for 30' or so at night. However, I'm considering a PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom) camera for these locations.

One covers the dock and zipline over my lake, but is so far away that you'd never be able to identify anyone with no zoom lens or really be able to tell if anyone was up to no good or in trouble. However, good weatherproof PTZ cameras cost almost as much as the rest of the entire system. Wouldn't it be reasonable to just get a fixed 3X zoom lens camera for these areas that, for all intents and purposes, allows these areas to be seen as if you were relatively close?

I'm curious if anyone has similar systems and how much they like them. Also, my current cameras are Sony 1/3" CCD cameras and they seem to have a lifetime of 7 years of running 24/7. Is that normal for security cameras?

 

[jpr62902]

Since my stash of security cameras were installed in 2004, several have died, technology has increased and prices have gone down. Before I had two separate systems; one covering my home and barns and one covering my pool house and the 'blind spot' behind it.

Now I'm not only looking at systems that link together, but can record many months of real time 60 fps HD video that can be viewed from any internet connection, including from my cell phone. Two cameras cover a long distance so night vision is really not viable since they only 'see' for 30' or so at night. However, I'm considering a PTZ (pan, tilt, zoom) camera for these locations.

One covers the dock and zipline over my lake, but is so far away that you'd never be able to identify anyone with no zoom lens or really be able to tell if anyone was up to no good or in trouble. However, good weatherproof PTZ cameras cost almost as much as the rest of the entire system. Wouldn't it be reasonable to just get a fixed 3X zoom lens camera for these areas that, for all intents and purposes, allows these areas to be seen as if you were relatively close?

I'm curious if anyone has similar systems and how much they like them. Also, my current cameras are Sony 1/3" CCD cameras and they seem to have a lifetime of 7 years of running 24/7. Is that normal for security cameras?

I helped with the security camera setup at the office. One thing that comes to mind with your specs is that you would need a gargantuan harddrive to save months of 60 fps video.

 

[bczoom]

My system is still sitting in the box so I can't yet comment on how well it works.

Reading your post brings to mind a couple questions.
Are you going wireless? If so, what's the distance to the zip-line and pond? Can you get a signal at that range.
You said you're looking for 24/7 recording. If nothing is going on, why record? The cameras can watch 24/7 but many systems start recording (and give notifications to phones or whatever) only when they see activity. Basically, they're keyed off motion detectors.

 

[Dargo]

I helped with the security camera setup at the office. One thing that comes to mind with your specs is that you would need a gargantuan harddrive to save months of 60 fps video.

With the current software compression, you can get several months worth from 8 cameras on a 2 tb drive. At least that's what several companies advertise. Honestly, I don't really see a need to go over 30 fps. It would be great to have a year loop for 8 cameras.

 

[Doc]

Brent, sorry, no help here but a question for you .... do you have a 911 security calling device as well as a DVR system that records activity? I'm looking at a DVR option with 8 cameras and 500 gig hard drive to get me started. The unit I'm looking at can have up to 16 cameras hooked up to it, but it only comes with 8 camera w/ 60 ft of wire for each. I would need more wire for sure but otherwise it appears this would get me started. The cameras can be set to be motion activated which would save space on the hard drive. However I have not seen how you can tie something like this into a security system.

 

[Dargo]

My system is still sitting in the box so I can't yet comment on how well it works.

Reading your post brings to mind a couple questions.
Are you going wireless? If so, what's the distance to the zip-line and pond? Can you get a signal at that range.
You said you're looking for 24/7 recording. If nothing is going on, why record? The cameras can watch 24/7 but many systems start recording (and give notifications to phones or whatever) only when they see activity. Basically, they're keyed off motion detectors.

I've not found any wireless that suit me. All of my cameras are wired. You also have a valid point on recording "nothing". When I asked if I only go at 30 fps and have them record only when there is motion, I should be able to easily get a year's worth per loop.

Again, I don't know. This is what the vendors are telling me. Technology has greatly changed from when I last shopped in 2003.

 

[jpr62902]

Anther thing: If you want internet access, you have to have a static IP.

 

[Doc]

Anther thing: If you want internet access, you have to have a static IP.

Are you sure about that JP? The one I'm looking at does not mention static IP anywhere, and most of the time even with a DHCP supplied IP your IP stays the same. If the IP changes you might have to change it in your system setup, but it should work either way (knowing that if the IP changes you have to update settings in the DVR). I know it's a technicality but static IP's cost more, and you can usually get by without them.

 

[jpr62902]

Are you sure about that JP? The one I'm looking at does not mention static IP anywhere, and most of the time even with a DHCP supplied IP your IP stays the same. If the IP changes you might have to change it in your system setup, but it should work either way (knowing that if the IP changes you have to update settings in the DVR). I know it's a technicality but static IP's cost more, and you can usually get by without them.

I'm not willing to bet on it, but we're running a Speco set up, and for remote access via internet, we had to get a static IP addy. It's pretty cool. I can view the office camera from my house, and watch the drunks peeing and puking in our alley.