X10 Community Forum
📸Cameras & Camera Software => Camera General Discussion => Topic started by: Mic_ on March 02, 2019, 12:23:43 AM
-
Got a question for you all
Which outside security camera(s) have you found that works the best for you; Ethernet, POE, IP, or POE with IP interface? Thanks
-
When my house was built 5 years ago the camera locations were wired with both coax and CAT6E so I was free to choose. I went with IP cams with POE to eliminate the need for a power wire. It's worked out well. I use a separate Gigabit POE switch for the camera which is also connected to the router and the NVR.
-
@brobin - I'm re-doing my outside area so everything is torn up. I'm thinking of a IP also. Which camera and NVR do you have?
-
I have a few POE cams coming. Are they connected (by wire) back to the router, where they get their power?
-
My current system is proprietary but it is POE. Mine are powered directly from the NVR. One wire supplies power and sends the camera signal back to the NVR. It really is a very nice system but it is difficult to access from anywhere unless I use their app, hence my desire to switch to a true IP system.
Regardless, IP POE can go to a POE router or to the NVR. Non IP will probably have to go directly to the NVR.
There are also WiFi cameras but you still have to get power out to them so to me why run power and not have it wired.
-
@brobin - I'm re-doing my outside area so everything is torn up. I'm thinking of a IP also. Which camera and NVR do you have?
My cameras (all 2MP), POE switch and NVR are from USG which was sold by Amazon. They all work well after 4 years but I did have to replace the POE switch about 6 months ago. Some NVR's come with the POE switch built in but I prefer separate units so if one fails you only have to replace that component. Amcrest seems to be a good brand and if I were upgrading I'd give them a close look. I have mostly dome cameras but I'd go with bullet cams next time. the domes reflect the IR night vision LEDs off any dirt, scratches or water spots on the dome making them almost worthless at night after the first year. The domes can be polished or replaced but that's a royal PITA if they're mounted up high. i'm too old and fat to be scurrying up ladders on a regular basis. While 2MP was the best available 4 years ago there are even better ones up to or exceeding 5MP.
-
I have a few POE cams coming. Are they connected (by wire) back to the router, where they get their power?
They are connected by an Ethernet cable back to a POE switch. the POE switch connects to the router and has a power supply to provide power on the non-signal pairs in the Ethernet cable. See: http://pinoutguide.com/Net/poe_pinout.shtml
-
Got it. Thanks
-
One other thing - for maximum flexibility choose cams that are ONVIF compliant.
-
Forgive my ignorance; ONVIF?
-
Basically, it's a standard that provides connectivity between devices from different manufacturers. Wikipedia explains it better than I can:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ONVIF
-
My current system is proprietary but it is POE. Mine are powered directly from the NVR. One wire supplies power and sends the camera signal back to the NVR. It really is a very nice system but it is difficult to access from anywhere unless I use their app, ......
I have a similar setup.... but I am more than content with the app access. Of course if I want to review video footage... I do that at the DVR setup itself. When I have work done in or around the home I later capture "worker footage" and save that to a thumb drive (along with a text file description). I mostly use the app for checking on unexpected alerts.
Basically, it's a standard that provides connectivity between devices from different manufacturers. ….
I've seriously considered "adding" indoor motion sensing cameras to this setup. I am think Amazon compliant. But... it doesn't bother me to run two separate and different systems. I do understand the desire to "centralize" a system. I am just comfortable with it all being a little loosely-goosey (I think that's the correct term)
-
Well said
-
I have been using foscam ip cameras for few years but they are ageing and need to be replaced. I won’t be replacing them with the same brand. I had too many of them fail in short time. Originally were very good but after the USA dealer split and started selling Amcrest, i find it is not worth it. So now am looking for replacements.
-
My indoor Foscam has just failed as has my indoor beta X10 Links camera. So I now find myself looking for 2 new indoor cameras.However I hope I can revive one or both. ::) :'
Both provided good picture quality as does all my X10 Airsights (indoor and outdoor).
Most IP cameras now are HD which supply excellent picture quality.
I prefer a camera that doesn't require an app to view, but does have that option.
I also don't wish to go the NVR route.
>!
-
Has anyone used POE cams with IP interface? If so, have you had success with such?
-
I have 10 POE IP outdoor cams attached to an NVR plus a couple of Foscam R4's for indoors. The cams can be accessed directly or through the NVR. I have a total of about 70 devices on my network and found that after installing the cams I needed to replace my old router and primary switch with ones with gigabit capability to resolve TV streaming pixelation. Once that was done it's been solid as a rock for almost 4 years now.
My setup uses a separate NVR and POE switch so if one fails only that part has to be replaced. The no-name POE switch did fail about a year ago and replacement was simple and required no new setup of the NVR.
TIP: Outdoor dome cams with IR can become worthless at night if the domes get dirty/scratched (as they will) because the IR reflects off the inside of the dome. (Ask me how I know!) Use bullet cams instead.
-
TIP: Outdoor dome cams with IR can become worthless at night if the domes get dirty/scratched (as they will) because the IR reflects off the inside of the dome. (Ask me how I know!) Use bullet cams instead.
I have 2 Old Easyn outdoor cameras like that, however my X10 Outdoor PTZ cameras have the IR outside the dome and get a good night view.
I did replace the dooms on the Easyn cameras with tinted ones which seem to work better.
-
TIP: Outdoor dome cams with IR can become worthless at night if the domes get dirty/scratched (as they will) because the IR reflects off the inside of the dome. (Ask me how I know!) Use bullet cams instead.
I have 2 Old Easyn outdoor cameras like that, however my X10 Outdoor PTZ cameras have the IR outside the dome and get a good night view.
I did replace the dooms on the Easyn cameras with tinted ones which seem to work better.
I've replaced them once (with clear ones furnished by the seller) but I'm getting too old and fat to work off extension ladders so the next - and hopefully last - time will be bullet replacements. :'
-
I've never had much luck with bullet cameras and I would need two maybe three to replace one of my dome PTZ cameras.
However I only ever used (or tried to use ) two different brands.
I also am getting to old and .... to be playing on an extention ladder :( -:) maybe some scaffolding? Or a hydraulic lift ? rofl
>!
-
Don't laugh. At our previous 2 story home we had 12 lighting fixtures all around the exterior of the house mounted about 23 ft high. This was before LED bulbs and even CFL's wouldn't last more than a couple of years. Also, the AC condensers were all on the 25 ft high roof - not easily accessible to techs for servicing. The house did have at least a 3 ft wide stone or concrete walkway surrounding the entire perimeter. So off to ebay I went -:) where I found an old but working 30' Genie hydraulic manlift being sold by the Biloxi MS Airport for about $900. I bought it and called a freight company to get it and it served me well for the 10 years we were there. I even sold it to the guy who bought our house!
It did have one problem that couldn't be repaired (no parts) - when you got to your desired height it would immediately start to slowly sink. B:( Enough time to change a bulb but if you got out on the roof for even a minute it would leave you stranded up there. I bought a little 4 ch wireless remote control relay and spliced it into the manlift control wiring. Press the 1 button for up and 2 for down. As long as you had the fob up on the roof with you it could be brought back up when needed. :)%
-
I have never used Bullet cams; because I love the coverage one Dome Camera provides. I will not rule them out however.
I have used dome cams for a while now and the only issues I have had have been app control of the cams.
In this day and age, I know most are not fans of port forward; I use such and I have had success. For those who do; what say you?
-
Domes are OK for PTZ Cam's but for fixed use bullets are better. I've noticed that a lot of PTZ Cam's are now dome less as well. At my other place I have a couple of 10 year old Panasonic PTZ domes that cost a lot at the time and are fine but don't have night vision.
-
I have considered using dome ones but then just about ever user has issues and I prefer wide angle bullets. Am seriously looking to find replacements for Foscam IP non POE cameras. Of course reasonabley priced and I like to use app to view them on my phone and iPad. I use blue iris for pc and can use its app on phone. With blue iris running on pc records every movement.
-
I have found Blue Iris to be a great Product. Disclaimer; no commercial here, just personal info