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[rjfoster03]

I have just started looking into the installation of an outside camera system.  I have done searches on-line and have looked around on a few forums, but as I read, I find myself wondering what do I really need to get a system up and running.

I would like suggestions on a system or cameras for a setup that meets the following criteria, as well as answer a question or two:
- system with 2-3 cameras with one camera for front door and 1-2 cameras for viewing yard (wide angle, 30-50 foot depth)
- cameras will be covered by overhang and / or deck, so they will be fairly well protected from the elements
- cameras will mainly be used for viewing during the day (shady, indirect sun areas)
- not really interested in recording what is being seen, just viewing over the internet (software needed), so can system be directly connected to home computer via video card?
- expandable to possibly add 1 indoor camera

Hope this is not too vague with what I am looking for.  I am sure I will get a little more specific as I learn a little more about camera systems.

[HA Dave]

I have just started looking into the installation of an outside camera system. ......
cameras will mainly be used for viewing during the day just viewing over the internet (software needed), so can system be directly connected to home computer via video card?

I don't want to type words in you mouth... but it reads to me like you want to keep an eye on the house while at work.

X10 offers a wide range of cameras that will do that... as well as a USB video adapter (not a video card) and software. But software-wise many users have found LogMeIn to work best for them because they don't have to depend on the X10 servers.

However.... when it comes to viewing cameras... many work locations forbid (as in BLOCK) this kind of broadband traffic. What can be done is emailed videos or pictures... even to you cellphone email if need be. Motion sensors are normally used to detect "action" and cause the recording or emailing.

The best way [IMHO].... to learn about cameras is to buy a couple try things out. Look for the X10 DEALS the prices are best there.

[rjfoster03]

Yes, I do want to keep an eye on the house while at work. LOL  Also want to learn and play with a new thing. 

Not an issue with the work thing, but good to know about the emailing to my cell phone as well. 

Is it best to go wired or wireless?  The furtherest the wireless would have to transmit is about 80 feet.

[HA Dave]

.. Also want to learn and play with a new thing. 

Is it best to go wired or wireless?  The furtherest the wireless would have to transmit is about 80 feet.

80 feet (IMHO) would require wire. But it doesn't have to be "ether or" I use a mix of wired and wireless cameras. And to distribute video in my house I have ran my own cable network.. but also mixed a wireless setup (to get video upstairs) with that too.

[kamatu]

Aha, thanks for answering a couple of my questions before I asked them Dave, but I figured I'd need to wire both the power and signal already.  My next question would be how much zoom can you get out of the basic X-10 cam?  Or an alternative question would be how close you need to place the camera to get a good picture that could be used for ID purposes? 

Also, you mentioned LogMeIn.  Is this just for streaming video or capture purposes?  This is for a relative, so I can drop an old PC in with lots of space to capture pics at 2-5 minute sampling rates and I really, really don't want to go to the expense of running wire back a few miles to the house where the Internet connection is.  He can go review or delete the files every day or three (or drag me up there is more likely).

Thanks

.. Also want to learn and play with a new thing. 

Is it best to go wired or wireless?  The furtherest the wireless would have to transmit is about 80 feet.

80 feet (IMHO) would require wire. But it doesn't have to be "ether or" I use a mix of wired and wireless cameras. And to distribute video in my house I have ran my own cable network.. but also mixed a wireless setup (to get video upstairs) with that too.

[HA Dave]

.....My next question would be how much zoom can you get out of the basic X-10 cam?  Or an alternative question would be how close you need to place the camera to get a good picture that could be used for ID purposes? 

The basic X10 cameras (most security cameras) have NO zoom. X10's premium line (Sentinel and Vanguard) has an awesome zoom.

Alternately... with good lighting you can probability get an ID-able image at roughly 20 feet. That's just my guess... based on the cameras (X10 and others) that I have used. To get an idea... of how much information a camera actually picks up... watch some TV. You will notice.. that rarely is the star more than a handful of feet from the camera. When the star gets a perceived 30 feet or so from the camera... expect some action. Because at that distance you can't tell the actor from the stunt double.

..you mentioned LogMeIn.  .............. I really, really don't want to go to the expense of running wire back a few miles to the house where the Internet connection is.  Thanks

LogMeIn is for remotely connecting (using the Internet) to Internet connected computers.