(Part 2) Best products from r/homedefense

No prob- I really don't like crazy annoying neighbors too so I sympathize with you on the battle :)

I use this one in my attic: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M1C03U2
Anything that is to POE standard will work. Do be sure you get a camera that supports PoE. They are a bit more but make for a much easier install. Injectors work too, just will need more wiring.

The problem with DVR boxes like the Amcrest mentioned is they aren't really upgradeable and I don't think they'll have near the feature set that a PC running BI will. With that said however, they are MUCH simpler which is a plus.

Excellent choice on the Camera. I have one of that model and it's great. Great bang for the buck and super small.

I agree that a DVR would be the fastest setup. I've never used any of the cloud services primarily because of companies like Foscam's track record of being hacked.


As far as I understand the numbers, a single 4 megapixel camera like that Amcrest will require roughly 12 megabits of bandwidth for full resolution. You connection being 12mbps down is most likely 2-4mbps up.(Gotta love comcast...) This will make real-time remote viewing difficult. There are two tools for this issue.

1. You can transcode the live feed into a more efficient, lower resolution, higher compression feed. BlueIris does a good job of this.
   
2. You can record and store the clips in full resolution and gradually upload them to cloud storage if required.
   
   You'll find that 99% of the time the cameras will be recording nothing so keeping footage of nothing is often pointless.
   
   My setup is this at home: I have a camera overlooking my driveway and another over my front door. The front door camera will detect when someone is at the door and "trigger". This will record the last 10 seconds of both the front door and driveway cameras while also sending an email to me with still photos from each camera. The number of times i've caught UPS/USPS/Fedex dropping my packages has been disturbing... Anyway, this setup requires very little disk because it's only recording when it detects motion. At any time I can go back and see all the motion events and play them in full resolution for either camera.
   
   If I'm not mistaken, the distance limit for Cat6 is 328ft. Given that you're going to be needing performance for multiple cameras, I would err on the side of safety and use one or two switches. Over distance, your performance may degrade but still should be within acceptable limits. There is also a distance limit for PoE, might need to keep that in mind too.
   
   My other tip would be that you'll need to be mindful of security here too. Make sure to use a firewall and do not open the cameras themselves up to the internet as the firmware is often insecure. Only open the feed from your DVR/BI box and not the actual cameras themselves.
   
   Good luck!

i bought a wifi cctv system for my house, 4 cameras. but it just can operate in -20 º c - 55º c, it's enough for me yet. and it works with wifi so just need to charge, easily setup, i think it's pretty good though, i can check my house on the go, it also has poe cctv system, it's 5mp HD, it says clear night vision up to 100ft. maybe u will like it, price is cheap as well, hope can help! https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VKRQH6R?th=1 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DY933DT

Even cheap real security cameras are better than gadgety little cameras like Foscam.

If you want to keep things on a budget, the best bang for the buck is AHD, or Analog High Def. Here is an 8 channel system for $220.

You'll need to power those cameras, and you'll want a power supply with sufficient amperage and individual resettable breakers on each line so that a wiring fault on one camera doesn't take the whole system down. Here's one for $33.

You'll want some little DC pigtails to connect power going out to the camera from the power supply box. Here's a 10 pack for $5.50

You can either wire the system up with BNC/power cables, often called siamese cable, but I don't think this is a good way to go about things. I prefer to use baluns which allow you to use a single cat5e/cat6 wire to carry the video and power signals. They're just a good idea, because the wire is cheaper, easier to run, more people know how to terminate the cables, and if you want to move to IP cameras in the future, you just have to change your endpoints. Here is a 4-pair pack (you'll need 2 packs for 8 cameras) of the baluns for $22.

Throw a WD Purple hard drive in the DVR for less than $100.

Except for the network wiring and supplies this should be everything you need. Feel free to message me with any questions!

I have a Blue Dot Second Amendment 52 gun safe. I really like it. It weighs close to 1000lbs empty, so I have not bolted it down because it took 6 of us and a lot of time to even get it into the house. Plus it snapped the dolly we were using. Obviously, its not best practice, but we are hopefully moving soon so we didnt want to mess up the floor. It seemed like the best buy for the price (mine was similar to yours) and I got it on wayfair so shipping was free. The electronic lock works well and I have not had any issues. Its very sturdy, adjustable shelves, pistol holsters and pockets in the door. There is a tiny hole in the bottom for bolts I believe, but I ran electrical cords out for lights and dehumidifier.

I will say this: the safe would not hold 52 long guns especially with scopes and stuff. I think that this is true with all gun safes though... They might be able to hold 52 scopeless child's .22 rifles but you would be hard pressed to fit 52 full sized rifles.

This is the same safe:

https://smile.amazon.com/Blue-Dot-Safes-Fire-Resistant-72x40x27-Inch/dp/B00CSITFB2

Hi,

If you want a primer on current security camera technology, my guide to IP cameras may help. As you will find though, I am not one who recommends storing everything on the cloud.

For a doorbell, if you want a ready to use device, consider the Ring Doorbell. If you are happy to go the DIY home automation route, you can use a standard bell linked to a home automation gateway device which can then pretty much trigger any event/action you need. Eg. Play a sound through your home theatre or SONOS, take a picture from the security camera and email to your phone, send a push notification to your phone, automatically play a recorded greeting etc. An example of a gateway device is the Vera Plus.

In fact this is going to be my next project!

Daniel

Overall it might cost a bit more, but Hikvision equipment is my favorite. The majority of their cams are POE over wired ethernet, but they do make some Wifi. The quality of both the hardware and software is excellent. Personally I have a 16-channel Hikvision system and remotely view on iphone/ipad.

Since these cameras output multiple video streams, I send the primary stream to the Hikvison NVR and a second stream for some cams to my Milestone X-Protect Go server. Xprotect GO is a free pro-grade 8-channel NVR (bzillion times better than any others I have tested). I also do remote view/playback via Milestone.

So, for example, Hikvision DS-7604 is their starter NVR, about $250
https://www.amazon.com/Hikvision-DS-7604NI-SE-Nvr-4-poe-Hdmi/dp/B00EHK7QVK?ie=UTF8&*Version*=1&*entries*=0

Hikvision makes cameras from 3MP to 5MP, with all sorts of features. The most common are their DS-2CD2032 3MP bullets or domes (DS-2CD2132) which are ethernet IP cams with nightvision. About $125 each.

• https://www.milestonesys.com/our-products/video-management-software/
  
  
• http://overseas.hikvision.com/us/
  
  
• Random Hikvison Review on YouTube:
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5o2VkAgeLxw
  
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEqDgamxgnM
  
  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAt5uHvm5r71kxgm3SYyoPw
  

>I hate guns

This is a response that a lot of people have who didn't grow up around guns. However, don't let that emotional response affect your safety. If you're open minded in having the best self defense tool available, go take a gun safety course. Preferably one that includes live fire after classroom instruction. This will demystify firearms, which for most people, removes the fear of them. After this, you should still have a healthy respect for them and what they can do. To keep them inaccessible to your children, get a quick access safe.

Whether or not you get a gun, here's some other things you can do:

• Door Jamb reinforcement kit. These cost between $8 and $70 depending on how heavy duty you want to go, but they will make your door many times stronger than it is currently. Here's a basic one: https://www.amazon.com/Prime-Line-10385-Strike-Accommodates-Centers/dp/B00D2K33NG/ - this comes with 3 inch screws to anchor into your studs behind your door frame.
  
• Replace hinge screws with 3 inch screws. If you have the door jamb reinforcement kit, you should do this too to take care of the hinges which may still be vulnerable to kick ins.
  
• Additional door security: https://www.amazon.com/Defender-Security-11126-Door-Reinforcement/dp/B00QR2QCJI - these will make it harder to break in while you're home.
  
• Additional door security: https://www.amazon.com/South-Main-Hardware-810185-Adjustable/dp/B0742TN5X6 - another thing to keep your door closed.
  
• If you have a window near your door that could be broken to unlock the door, consider window security film, which will make it harder to break.
  
• Get a monitored alarm system. Either professional install (ADT, etc.) or one that you install yourself (SimpliSafe, Abode, Scout, etc.). Typically the ones you install yourself do not come with contracts, but you have to buy the equipment up front.
  
• Security cameras can get expensive, and they can't stop a crime in progress, although they may be a deterrent if a would-be burglar sees them. I would skip this until your budget increases. The money you would have spent on that will go further with the other suggestions mentioned.
  
• That being said, a doorbell camera (Ring, Skybell) can be a great tool for when you're not home. Some burglars will knock or ring the doorbell to determine if the house is empty (they would rather break into an empty house). If you have a doorbell camera, you can respond to them when they knock or ring, making them think that you are actually home which is likely to make them leave.

The key factor is going to be your infrared lights/LEDs. I've seen really cheap cameras with amazing night quality due to dedicated (separate) IR lamps, and insanely expensive cameras that show next to nothing with poor IR illumination.

I have a few Axis cameras, and after trying one of these IR LEDs, I'll never put anything outdoors without one: https://www.axis.com/en-us/products/illuminators/axis-t90c-ir-illuminators

I have one of these pointing at an area about the size of half a football field and it's amazing: https://www.axis.com/en-us/products/axis-t90d-irled-illuminators (a client paid for it, otherwise it would be well beyond my budget for a home IR lamp).

Keep in mind that the Axis models are *probably* grossly overpriced, and you are likely able to find cheaper / more custom variants. A quick search on amazon (Canada) showed this as one of the first items: https://www.amazon.ca/ICAMI-Illuminators-Infrared-Lights-Security/dp/B01GZYS326. I'd try something like that first, and see how it affects your current setup before changing cameras. Note that I have no idea if that particular product is good, it just came up on the first page. Do your own research on IR lights to find one that is in your budget and hits the angles that you want!

Several issues with that article but the main one is the Amazon links to the two cameras below their lists of features (itself a bit of a mess). First, both of the links are to the same product, the Arlo Pro. Second the link is to the add-on camera, which currently shows a price of $169.99. The add-on camera is useless by itself. The link should be to the Arlo Pro Security System with Siren, which is $227.00 with free shipping. The other link should be to the the Arlo VMS3130 Indoor/Outdoor Night Vision Security System with 1 Wire-Free HD Camera, which is $149.00 with free shipping.

I have two Hikvision DS-2CD3132. They work very well in Blue Iris. It's PoE, and has alarm/audio ports if you want to add those features.

I also have 5 Hikvision DS-2CD2032F-IW which work great in BI as well. These don't have audio/alarm ports, and are easier for someone to break, or simply change the direction they point. The bullet cameras are best mounted in a place that's hard to reach.

You're welcome.

Oh, Power over Ethernet (PoE)? Well, I'm just learning about it myself actually. What you need to know is to accomplish PoE, for say, a security camera, you'll need a PoE Switch like this one. The power this switch gets is able to send power through the ethernet cables (cat6 in your case) to the device. So, it basically works like this:
Ac Adaptor plug > A powered PoE switch > Cat6 (now powered) > Poe Device (like a security camera).

If she's a roommate couldn't she just have gone in the house to see if you were home?

Anyways, given your requirements most anything would work but you'll probably want some sort of cloud recording.

The yi ant cameras are cheap and will suit your needs. I generally wouldn't recommend them since there are some security and privacy concerns but with your budget you'd be able to get, well almost get, 3.

https://www.amazon.com/YI-Wireless-Security-Surveillance-US/dp/B016F3M7OM

Yi is a pretty well regarded brand so I would trust them a little more than the one you linked. If you want pan and tilt they have a version for $40 as well.

Thank you for the clarification but your still not being specific. Anytime you are dealing with a dome cam, especially outdoors, you will always have IR feedback off of the dome itself. Alot of people will use a turret or eyeball cam instead of dome while still getting the same form factor and you will not get any IR feedback at all. You still are not clear on what type of application this will be placed on but I will assume its residential and I will assume your able to place a cam under a eve of the home. Most people who are using Dahuas love the starlight cams and the most reasonable is IPC-HDW5231R-ZE 2MP. Once again I dont know what setting the camera will be in or if you even have the need for a starlight cam but this vendor is the best for any Dahua product.
EmpireTech IP Camera IPC-HDW5231R-ZE 2MP Starlight WDR IR Eyeball Starlight Network IP Camera English Version https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07B7K1P28/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_9oaECbNSCQ600

I like Amcrest. These are what I use with Blue Iris. The quality is good. Easy to install and setup.

But... you won't need a PoE switch if you're going to install the wireless cameras. They'll come with a power supply and you'll have to figure out how to plug that in near wherever you install your camera.

Personally, I used wired cameras with a PoE switch so I didn't have to worry about getting power close to my camera locations. Also, wired is easier to work with and configure. And I didn't want to worry about wireless interference messing with my camera's connection to the network.

Here is what I used for PoE:

https://www.amazon.ca/Netgear-GS305P-Gigabit-Ethernet-GS305P-100NAS/dp/B01MRO4M73/ref=sr_1_4?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1526650105&sr=1-4&keywords=network+poe

And here is the camera (couldn't find it on amazon.ca, so you're choices may vary):

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01E7QMFIM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

\>https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LMJ0Y2W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_HcOFDb0B03FDZ

Thanks. That looks promising though a bit pricier then I was hoping for. Do you recall the exact search criteria you used on Amazon? Google spit out quite a bit when I searched for Wireless Burglar Alarm Security System.

https://duckduckgo.com/?q=Wireless+Burglar+Alarm+Security+System&ia=web

I'm a noob as well learning so take what I say accordingly. the best cams for value/quality/night performance are the
https://www.amazon.com/EmpireTech-IPC-HDW5231R-ZE-Starlight-Eyeball-Network/dp/B07B7K1P28

motion flood lights and security cams normally don't play nicely because the camera has to compensate for the suddenly much brighter conditions, which takes it a second to auto focus/change settings , and you can miss important stuff when that happens.

seems most people keep ambient always on lights and/or IR illuminators.

check ipcamtalk for lot more info. Google the model # + ipcamtalk.

I use those cameras every now and then. They have DWDR which is Digital Wide Dynamic Range. Its still really good and the majority of the cameras that i install have this type of WDR. Ive imported chinese Hikvision and imported straight from alibaba so any place you get them is fine its more just about the price. You might get a dud one here and there but that happens to everyone, so any supplier is fine.

I usually prefer [this] (http://www.amazon.com/Hikvision-DS-2CD2332-I-Turret-Network-Camera/dp/B00GYHEG0S/ref=sr_1_10?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1452922370&sr=1-10&keywords=hikvision+3mp) style of camera as the IR is focused on the center of the image and it wont reflect off the plastic shell.

Indoor 15x15 = wide-angle turret camera. Something like this , which is cheaper than what you listed in your post. Dahua also has some relatively inexpensive ones that I like. Panasonic has their 360-degree offerings you can also take a look at, but they're very pricey.

Driveway + backyard = bullet-style camera. Something like this. I don't know how cold it gets where you're at, but get something that can hack cold temps if it gets chilly.

If you're setting up PoE on an ONVIF-compatible system, you can take advantage of any ONVIF-capable camera (Dahua, Hik, Lorex, HDCam, etc.).

I have a bunch of these cameras. They are cheap, work great, and easy to use.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B016F3M7OM/ref=sxts1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483729038&sr=1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65

Maybe something like this? There are a ton of different companies I can find on amazon that sell alarm kits like this SABRE Home Expandable Wireless Burglar Alarm Security System - Includes Motion Door and Window Sensors LCD Touch Screen Display and Remote Control Key FOB - DIY EASY Installation https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LMJ0Y2W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_HcOFDb0B03FDZ

I looked at the Hikvision-DS-2CD2032 and it is a great picture and the price doesn't hurt my wallet. When I looked it up at amazon it suggested that I also get these
http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-TL-PoE150S-Gigabit-Injector-compliant/dp/B001PS9E5I/ref=pd_bxgy_p_text_y

http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-TL-SF1008P-100Mbps-8-Port-802-3af/dp/B003CFATT2/ref=pd_bxgy_p_text_z

since im thinking of getting 3 cameras do I need them?

I'm also interested in this subject, I went with these myself https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FQ2T89L/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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Couldn't find anything better after searching multiple subs. I use to be in surveillance of a casino, we would use stationary cameras and rotating cameras. You want the stationary cameras so you for sure get everything recorded while you can still use the rotating cameras and not miss anything.

Hi there security professional here. If you are looking for a dvr with a camera it will be hard to find quality in your price range without having a supplier or going to a big box store. But luckily over the last few years a number of companies have made stand alone IP cameras. With these units you can store footage on the camera(micro SSD) or on a cloud service. On top of this there app you can view the camera from your phone without having to register a dvr with a monitoring site. A brand id recommend is HIKvision. As a previous poster mentioned flir, these are really nice units as I have one my self. They cost significantly more but have more features.

http://www.amazon.com/Hikvision-DS-2CD3132-2-8mm-Camera-1080P/dp/B00UJFHTO6/ref=sr_1_1?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1452437631&sr=1-1&keywords=DS-2CD2122FWD-IS

*Note: know your local laws regarding saving video/audio. Some places require a posted sign.

I think this is probably the best you're going to get:
http://www.amazon.com/Arlo-Smart-Home-Wire-Free-VMS3130-100NAS/dp/B00QH0Q8J4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1449101483&sr=8-2&keywords=netgear+arlo

I would just use 3M strips to mount it if you can't drill depending on how heavy the camera is.

Checkout one of these guys here:https://www.amazon.com/Arlo-Security-System-Wire-Free-Outdoor/dp/B00QH0Q8J4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1482645458&sr=8-3&keywords=100+wireless+security+camera

It connects to your wifi, sends motion alerts, and contains 7 days of free cloud storage. If you get a dog, just point the camera at your door about 2 1/2 feet up. Then you wont get motion detection on the dog, but you can get an alert when the door opens and even a picture of the persons face when opening your door.

Looks like Amcrest uses standard IEEE 802.3af PoE?

I'd pick up a separate PoE switch and try moving 3 of the cameras over to the switch, see if the problem follows the cameras or just goes away. I use a small TP-Link PoE switch just to run 2 802.3af cameras off a single Ethernet run to a distant part of the house. Works great.

In other news, these little Yi cameras for indoors are really inexpensive at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/YI-Home-Camera-Official-U-S/dp/B016F3M7OM/ref=sr_1_1?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=1452622633&sr=1-1&keywords=yi+home+camera Here's a good example of actual video: http://sanfrancisco.cbslocal.com/2016/01/09/orinda-home-burglary-surveillance-video/

I bought a bunch of these: REOLINK PoE IP Camera Outdoor 5MP HD Video Surveillance Work with Google Assistant, Audio IR Night Vision Motion Detection SD Card Slot RLC-420-5MP https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FQ2T89L/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_1aEEDb7A89FA0

I’d like to have decent enough footage to identify someone if needed.

I've used this TP-LINK 8port/4portPOE switch with good results, usually with 2-4 dahua 2-3mp cameras.

it's just a couple bucks more than the injector you linked.. though less ports.

Would you recommend this one ?

I have a bunch of Amcrest cameras. I honestly have zero familiarity with the protocols/standrds you are referencing.

I have 3 different types of POE Injectors that I use on my network, for various reasons.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MRO4M73/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GECC11O/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001PS9E5I/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They all work with no issues.

That budget is really tight for cameras of any real quality. And you really don't want wireless cameras.

I'd probably look at reolink @ ~$50 each then something like BlueIris for the software.

https://smile.amazon.com/Reolink-Outdoor-Surveillance-Security-RLC-420-5MP/dp/B07FQ2T89L/

https://blueirissoftware.com/

720P, 1080P gen 1, 1080 gen 2.

The gen 2 is supposed to have better hardware, but the physical design has changed from Dropcam style where the camera is all in the black puck that can be separated from the white frame, so I don't like it as much.

They all use the same app in Android.

You need a power source for the Cameras. With PoE IP Cameras, you can give them power over the same cable that is used for data. But you need a PoE switch. Having a separate PoE switch is highly advisable, so your normal network traffic doesn't conflict with the camera traffic. Also, put this on a backup battery, so your cameras, network, and DVR work during a power outage.

TP-LINK TL-SF1008P 10/100Mbps 8-Port PoE Switch, 4 POE ports,
http://amzn.com/B003CFATT2

You could get a few Amcrest POE 3MP for ~$100 each

Add on a simple POE switch for ~$44

Adding an NVR will get you to the higher amount listed by /u/pern5150 , but you can always add that later if you use subscription now.

POE switch includes more than one POE Injector.

Is this the NVR model you purchased:
https://us.ezvizlife.com/item/Everyday-IP-1080p/258.html?from=&position=tab

Does the DVR not have POE RJ45 ports? If not, for up to four cameras, I would get: https://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-TL-SF1008P-100Mbps-Desktop-802-3af/dp/B003CFATT2/

These are Poe cameras that also have a micro SD card slot for backup, so you can use these with an nvr or standalone.

https://www.amazon.com/Reolink-Outdoor-Surveillance-Security-RLC-420-5MP/dp/B07FQ2T89L/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?keywords=reolink&qid=1565359917&s=gateway&sr=8-4

https://www.amazon.com/Reolink-Surveillance-Security-Detection-RLC-410-5MP/dp/B07C5JWK4K/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=reolink&qid=1565359917&s=gateway&sr=8-3

Yi cameras are dirt cheap ($39) and work well enough. They can even record locally on SD or you can view on your phone and record direct to your device. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016F3M7OM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_pm0SybTX1YA4H

get a door hardening kit. You want one that will replace the hinge screws with atleast 3in long screws, a metal bracket to wrap around the door where your locks are to prevent splitting, and a long metal bar on the frame of the door with long screws. Here's what i put on my doors:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E9ZGWH2/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awd_x_dNu5xbKJXZD15

You can also replace all your locks with higher security locks, don't get electronic locks as they have a bad history. If you want to make things a big pain in the ass for an intruder replace deadbolts with double cylinder deadbolts. That forces anyone who breaks in to go out the same way they came in as they cant unlock your doors. Came in a window? They're going back out the window.

Edit: there is also this, which looks pretty good.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QR2QCJI/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awd_x_PZu5xb0DVAH4F

But really, a properly hardened door will be very hard to kick in and will give you plenty of time to react.