Outdoor security camera system w/DVR? (1 Viewer)

[Zasada]

Yep way better, thanks. Smooth picture and cpu down from 66% to 30%.  

Also, if you turn off all the BI overlays (time stamps, etc) and instead use the camera's built-in overlays (if it has them) you'll also really reduce the burden on your CPU.

In addition, in BI recording as "direct-to-disk" will help with CPU usage.

 

[tonydead]

Also, if you turn off all the BI overlays (time stamps, etc) and instead use the camera's built-in overlays (if it has them) you'll also really reduce the burden on your CPU.

In addition, in BI recording as "direct-to-disk" will help with CPU usage.

Cool.  I'm already recording direct to disk.  I've got everything working except one DBPower camera that the PTZ just won't work.  It didn't cycle (move) during boot nor does it work by logging into the camera directly so I think it came broken.  

Another thing in BI: It all of a sudden started making a different clip for every time there is a motion alert.  It used to combine clips and I swear I didn't change any of the settings.  Under Record Options I have the Combine or cut each box checked and set to every 6 hours or 5GB.  I do have the Pre-Trigger frame buffer size checked too, so, maybe that's messing with it.  Ever have that happen or know if I've got the settings wrong?

 

[Zasada]

Cool.  I'm already recording direct to disk.  I've got everything working except one DBPower camera that the PTZ just won't work.  It didn't cycle (move) during boot nor does it work by logging into the camera directly so I think it came broken.  

Another thing in BI: It all of a sudden started making a different clip for every time there is a motion alert.  It used to combine clips and I swear I didn't change any of the settings.  Under Record Options I have the Combine or cut each box checked and set to every 6 hours or 5GB.  I do have the Pre-Trigger frame buffer size checked too, so, maybe that's messing with it.  Ever have that happen or know if I've got the settings wrong?

Mine seems to split/combine randomly.  Never figured it out.  If you do, let me know!

 

[tonydead]

Mine seems to split/combine randomly.  Never figured it out.  If you do, let me know!

The right hand column lists each alert: Every time motion is sensed and it starts recording.  If there is a lot of sensed motion you'll get a lot of alerts, however, it's going back to the same file and picking up where that alert happened in the file according to how you have it set up under Record.  For example I have split/combine file set to every 30 minutes.  So all the alerts happening between 2:00 and 2:30 will be saved in one video file.  I think I'm going back to change that to every 6 hours so potentially I will only have 4 files to review for any 24 hour period and pay less attention to the alerts unless I'm watching live.  I'm getting way to many alters to review because of big trees with shadows and wind.

I fixed my video problems like you suggested setting the frame rate in the cameras themselves to 10fps.  You have to set it in the camera and make sure to check BI to do it automatically.  I had 10FPS set in both and I think if the camera adjusts itself to 9fps or anything other than exactly 10fps was when I had problems.  It's working great now with 4 cameras on a i5 at 25-28%.

And finally,  , I figured out why one camera wouldn't PTZ.  It doesn't have PTZ capabilities.  For some strange reason I thought all dome cameras were PTZ.  

 

[tonydead]

Another tip for anyone using Amcrest cameras in Blue Iris:  The ProHD 1080p cameras are recognized and will setup automatically in BI.  The previous model 720p cameras wont.  It finds the camera, but, doesn't automatically populate the path.  I just copied the same path from the 1080p cameras and pasted it in the path for the 720p and it worked.  If you have both models you can try that, or, I suppose I could post the path I used that worked if you only have the 720p cameras.  

 

[Poke_4_Life]

Had some vandalism in the neighborhood recently.  Really wanting a small camera system w/ DVR.  

Ideally I would want battery powered 'wifi' cameras as I don't have power near where I want the cameras and I don't want to run Ethernet cable.  Is this possible?

 

[Brony]

Had some vandalism in the neighborhood recently.  Really wanting a small camera system w/ DVR.  

Ideally I would want battery powered 'wifi' cameras as I don't have power near where I want the cameras and I don't want to run Ethernet cable.  Is this possible?

I think the Arlo system has this and I see that they now have an Arlo Pro which fixes some of the sticking points on the first version.  I don't know anyone who owns one, but I'm considering this system. All  the places where I want cameras, there is no power.

 

[TheFanatic]

Had some vandalism in the neighborhood recently.  Really wanting a small camera system w/ DVR.  

Ideally I would want battery powered 'wifi' cameras as I don't have power near where I want the cameras and I don't want to run Ethernet cable.  Is this possible?

I'm looking for this too. I don't have a dedicated desktop anymore. I'm looking at the Arlo system. I'm thinking one wired and two wireless cams. 

 

[glvsav37]

looking for suggestions:

Looking for a single camera right now. I'm putting an extension on the side of my house and i'd love to mount a camera on my shed to monitor the progress while i'm at work. 

Should be wifi but does not have to be wireless power. (would be a bonus if it is though)
Outdoor obv
Night vision is not really a priority, right now
Ability for me to watch remotely via app or web browser
Would like it to record, so I could document some of the construction
Nothing super large

Its only one camera now, but if the system was expandable I might consider it after the whole job is done. Long term, I don't know much about paying to host the video or anything, have not had any really security issues at my house so I really don't need one for that (yet). I have a Samsung Smarthings hub at home, but IDK how much integration i need with that. 

right now, I think i just need a simple camera with the ability to look in on the construction progress....any one have a suggestion?
 

 

[Copeman]

I have the Arlo system.  Its not bad.  4 cameras, wifi.  Good picture, no sound, saves videos to the cloud. Good night vision. You can save specific recordings to your phone/computer.  You can instantly check your phone on the Arlo app when your camera detects motion.  It sends notification.  Drawbacks are that you need to set the camera up well.  Take your time. Mine still doesn't recognize things right away and the distance it detects motion is not very good.  30 feet at best.  Also, get re-chargeable batteries.  They are expensive for it.

I would recommend the system if your budget is an issue.  Not the best system, but not too shabby either.

 

[TheFanatic]

So my wife is now adamant about a full on security system. Wiring doors and windows. I was just going to go with a couple cameras. So it seems like I need to go with a professional service. Any thoughts there? Anyone use an ADT or something similar? I really don't want to get into bed with one of these companies, but it seems like I'm going to have to. 

 

[Wingnut]

So I never ended up buying a POE system but I'm thinking about getting one again now.

I've been using wireless Blink cameras (Amazon brand) for a couple years and they're OK for motion detection by my back door and side yard, but someone keeps letting their small dog poop in my front yard and they're not cleaning it up and the Blink doesn't pick up the motion that far away, so I want to get a 24 hour continuous recording camera so I can find out who it is and put an end to it. Not just because of that, but I've been thinking about a continuous recording system for a while now, and the pooping just makes me want to start looking into it again.

The Blinks can handle the light duty for now so I really only need one camera for the front yard to start, as long as I can add maybe 3 more cameras to it later.

It's been 13 years since I first asked about this, so the technology is obviously way better now.

Looking to keep it around $500 for now with just a single camera and DVR.

Anyone got any recommendations?

 

[Ron Swanson]

Wyze

 

[Osaurus]

Wyze

 

[Fat Nick]

I use Ring. They do have exactly one POE option that I've been using for ~5 years. It works well for me. I run 4 cameras at my house, and one at my parent's place to watch their dock when they aren't home. Not sure how far you need them to see, but they have very customizable motion zones and sensitivity settings.

I'm not sure why so few manufacturers support POE these days. It's the ideal technology for wireless cameras as you can get high resolution without clogging up your wifi bandwidth, and it's generally easy to run the lines since they aren't 120v...but for whatever reason it's too pricey or just not available.

 

[Peggy]

I use Ring. They do have exactly one POE option that I've been using for ~5 years. It works well for me. I run 4 cameras at my house, and one at my parent's place to watch their dock when they aren't home. Not sure how far you need them to see, but they have very customizable motion zones and sensitivity settings.

I'm not sure why so few manufacturers support POE these days. It's the ideal technology for wireless cameras as you can get high resolution without clogging up your wifi bandwidth, and it's generally easy to run the lines since they aren't 120v...but for whatever reason it's too pricey or just not available.

1- Lithium battery technology, can run cameras for years.
2- Wifi technology, modern routers don't struggle with high def video anymore.

 

[Payne]

So I never ended up buying a POE system but I'm thinking about getting one again now.

I've been using wireless Blink cameras (Amazon brand) for a couple years and they're OK for motion detection by my back door and side yard, but someone keeps letting their small dog poop in my front yard and they're not cleaning it up and the Blink doesn't pick up the motion that far away, so I want to get a 24 hour continuous recording camera so I can find out who it is and put an end to it. Not just because of that, but I've been thinking about a continuous recording system for a while now, and the pooping just makes me want to start looking into it again.

The Blinks can handle the light duty for now so I really only need one camera for the front yard to start, as long as I can add maybe 3 more cameras to it later.

It's been 13 years since I first asked about this, so the technology is obviously way better now.

Looking to keep it around $500 for now with just a single camera and DVR.

Anyone got any recommendations?

Have you tried adjusting sensitivity or changing the location if possible?

I have Blink cameras outside and Wyze cameras inside. Been happy with both.

 

[Fat Nick]

I use Ring. They do have exactly one POE option that I've been using for ~5 years. It works well for me. I run 4 cameras at my house, and one at my parent's place to watch their dock when they aren't home. Not sure how far you need them to see, but they have very customizable motion zones and sensitivity settings.

I'm not sure why so few manufacturers support POE these days. It's the ideal technology for wireless cameras as you can get high resolution without clogging up your wifi bandwidth, and it's generally easy to run the lines since they aren't 120v...but for whatever reason it's too pricey or just not available.

1- Lithium battery technology, can run cameras for years.
2- Wifi technology, modern routers don't struggle with high def video anymore.

Can anyone confirm that any of these wifi cameras can run for years on a battery? I've heard at best a month or two, but maybe I'm behind the times. There's zero chance I'm getting my ladder out to swap batteries on some of my higher-mounted cameras regularly.

While I agree that the video is getting to be less of a concern, I still say that if I can easily keep it wired, why not? I'm just surprised it's not even an option for most - but I also recognize that running Cat6 for POE is more than most homeowners want to do.

 

[beer 30]

Can anyone confirm that any of these wifi cameras can run for years on a battery? I've heard at best a month or two, but maybe I'm behind the times. There's zero chance I'm getting my ladder out to swap batteries on some of my higher-mounted cameras regularly.

You get a month off a two battery setup for Ring, I have 4 camera's all run off battery because I'm too lazy to hook up solar trickle chargers for them. My solution is I just have 8 extra batteries I switch out when needed. PITA to climb a ladder every time they need changed out but again, too lazy to hook up solar.

That's the only way you are going to get years out of them.

 

[Psychopav]

I use Ring. They do have exactly one POE option that I've been using for ~5 years. It works well for me. I run 4 cameras at my house, and one at my parent's place to watch their dock when they aren't home. Not sure how far you need them to see, but they have very customizable motion zones and sensitivity settings.

I'm not sure why so few manufacturers support POE these days. It's the ideal technology for wireless cameras as you can get high resolution without clogging up your wifi bandwidth, and it's generally easy to run the lines since they aren't 120v...but for whatever reason it's too pricey or just not available.

1- Lithium battery technology, can run cameras for years.
2- Wifi technology, modern routers don't struggle with high def video anymore.

Can anyone confirm that any of these wifi cameras can run for years on a battery? I've heard at best a month or two, but maybe I'm behind the times. There's zero chance I'm getting my ladder out to swap batteries on some of my higher-mounted cameras regularly.

While I agree that the video is getting to be less of a concern, I still say that if I can easily keep it wired, why not? I'm just surprised it's not even an option for most - but I also recognize that running Cat6 for POE is more than most homeowners want to do.

I get about 3-6 months with lithium batteries and Blink cameras. All depends on the motion sensitivity and how often it triggers recording.

 

[Payne]

I use Ring. They do have exactly one POE option that I've been using for ~5 years. It works well for me. I run 4 cameras at my house, and one at my parent's place to watch their dock when they aren't home. Not sure how far you need them to see, but they have very customizable motion zones and sensitivity settings.

I'm not sure why so few manufacturers support POE these days. It's the ideal technology for wireless cameras as you can get high resolution without clogging up your wifi bandwidth, and it's generally easy to run the lines since they aren't 120v...but for whatever reason it's too pricey or just not available.

1- Lithium battery technology, can run cameras for years.
2- Wifi technology, modern routers don't struggle with high def video anymore.

Can anyone confirm that any of these wifi cameras can run for years on a battery? I've heard at best a month or two, but maybe I'm behind the times. There's zero chance I'm getting my ladder out to swap batteries on some of my higher-mounted cameras regularly.

While I agree that the video is getting to be less of a concern, I still say that if I can easily keep it wired, why not? I'm just surprised it's not even an option for most - but I also recognize that running Cat6 for POE is more than most homeowners want to do.

I've had my Blink cameras for over two years and have replaced the batteries once. Like Psychopav said, depends on the usage.

 

[Fat Nick]

OK. Thanks for the input re. batteries. That's what I was expecting. I have my video quality set really high and my cameras are a bit overly sensitive by choice, so I probably would be at the lower end of life. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something re. batteries. I detest maintenance so I try and just do things once and will do more work up front to have less worry about the maintenance long-term.

 

[Psychopav]

OK. Thanks for the input re. batteries. That's what I was expecting. I have my video quality set really high and my cameras are a bit overly sensitive by choice, so I probably would be at the lower end of life. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something re. batteries. I detest maintenance so I try and just do things once and will do more work up front to have less worry about the maintenance long-term.

You might look into Ring then, which I think can be hardwired and no muss no fuss (once the install is done). If you can see the yard from your front door, that might be a better solution for you.

 

[Wingnut]

I use Ring. They do have exactly one POE option that I've been using for ~5 years. It works well for me. I run 4 cameras at my house, and one at my parent's place to watch their dock when they aren't home. Not sure how far you need them to see, but they have very customizable motion zones and sensitivity settings.

I'm not sure why so few manufacturers support POE these days. It's the ideal technology for wireless cameras as you can get high resolution without clogging up your wifi bandwidth, and it's generally easy to run the lines since they aren't 120v...but for whatever reason it's too pricey or just not available.

1- Lithium battery technology, can run cameras for years.
2- Wifi technology, modern routers don't struggle with high def video anymore.

Can anyone confirm that any of these wifi cameras can run for years on a battery? I've heard at best a month or two, but maybe I'm behind the times. There's zero chance I'm getting my ladder out to swap batteries on some of my higher-mounted cameras regularly.

While I agree that the video is getting to be less of a concern, I still say that if I can easily keep it wired, why not? I'm just surprised it's not even an option for most - but I also recognize that running Cat6 for POE is more than most homeowners want to do.

I have 2 of my Blink outdoor cameras hooked up to small solar panels (they're about 8"x8") so they never need battery changes. I think they were about $20 each on Amazon. As far as the 4 cameras with batteries go, I only had to change them in one camera so far and I've had the cameras up for about a year and a half.

 

[Wingnut]

So I never ended up buying a POE system but I'm thinking about getting one again now.

I've been using wireless Blink cameras (Amazon brand) for a couple years and they're OK for motion detection by my back door and side yard, but someone keeps letting their small dog poop in my front yard and they're not cleaning it up and the Blink doesn't pick up the motion that far away, so I want to get a 24 hour continuous recording camera so I can find out who it is and put an end to it. Not just because of that, but I've been thinking about a continuous recording system for a while now, and the pooping just makes me want to start looking into it again.

The Blinks can handle the light duty for now so I really only need one camera for the front yard to start, as long as I can add maybe 3 more cameras to it later.

It's been 13 years since I first asked about this, so the technology is obviously way better now.

Looking to keep it around $500 for now with just a single camera and DVR.

Anyone got any recommendations?

Have you tried adjusting sensitivity or changing the location if possible?

I have Blink cameras outside and Wyze cameras inside. Been happy with both.

Yeah and it's still a bit out of range.