New 16 camera system needed for small shop...

JMartin

JMartin

Getting the hang of it
Mar 2, 2016
143
21
California
Hey guys, it's been a while since I was hanging out here on this forum... too many other issues in life have taken priorities. My 7 home cameras (Amcrest) and my home built BlueIris Server are working fine. I've thrown away the cheap chinese PTZ I was playing with. But now I have a new need...

I have a cheap 16 camera system (Lorex) here at my shop (owners wife bought it for him at Costco, years ago - I installed it). Several of the cameras have given up the ghost (literally fallen off their mounts), and I'm tired of replacing 12v transformers every couple months, so it's time to upgrade this old BNC low res system to a decent PoE solution. I've poked around the site and only noticed one vendor listed (Nelly's), but I'm sure there are others to consider. I've looked at the next generation of Lorex (direct from Lorex), but their reviews indicate HORRIBLE customer service, so I'm not likely to go back there.

Here is a brief needs analysis:
  1. 16 cameras, (all are currently bullets, but not opposed to a mix of domes).
  2. 6 are outdoor and not very well protected, 10 are indoor ceiling or wall mounted.
  3. I don't need to read license plates, but would like to identify vehicle types and faces.
  4. PoE is a must, (will be running new CAT5e or CAT6, and stripping out all these BNC and 12v twin cables.
  5. No need for PTZ at this point. (fixed cameras are fine).
  6. NVR must support quality remote viewing (I've been spoiled with BlueIris).
  7. Audio not important.

I'd really like a bundled package if possible, and I've got a few thousand dollars for a reasonable budget.
I respect the opinions of those here on the forum and would like some input. I hope I've given enough info.
Thanx in advance,

Jim
 
Dahua Starlight Varifocal Turret (IPC-HDW5231R-Z)
With a Dahua NVR-5232-4KS2 (get a bigger NVR than you need so if you want to add 1 more cam you can)

Bundled Packages are crap, they come with a bunch of wide angle lenses that are usually not appropriate for security use outside.. I'm sure if you buy 16 cameras and a video recorder in one go @EMPIRETECANDY will cut you a decent discount on combined shipping.
 
RE: kits/bundles

You're better off making your own cables the right length than using pre-made cables and having a bunch of excess wire to coil up. Also better to pick the camera/number of cameras based on the location than trying to decide with an arbitrary number of 2.8mm cams.
 
@JMartin, just a heads up that there's a pretty high demand for the cameras mentioned in post #2. They seem to be great, but there are folks from early January who are still waiting for more stock to come in so they can place orders.
 
if you don't currently have a camera at the entrance at a good height for face shots I suggest adding one
 
I don't think so....good luck on that one.
 

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Surveillance Kits are dont fall in under cameras, they are considered Video Surveillance... many people have sent em back years after buying em and abusing em.
 
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Reactions: fenderman
bp2008 said:
Even one from years ago that has been heavily used?
Click to expand...
yes...you should see what folks bring back...heavily used cookware etc...That is why they had to impose limits on the tv's/pc etc because folks were bringing them back when it was time to upgrade.
 
nayr said:
Surveillance Kits are dont fall in under cameras, they are considered Video Surveillance... many people have sent em back years after buying em and abusing em.
Click to expand...

Good to know, but not going to help me as I would not buy cams from them......now maybe I can return those shorts with a hole in them ;)
 
JMartin said:
Hey guys, it's been a while since I was hanging out here on this forum... too many other issues in life have taken priorities. My 7 home cameras (Amcrest) and my home built BlueIris Server are working fine. I've thrown away the cheap chinese PTZ I was playing with. But now I have a new need...

I have a cheap 16 camera system (Lorex) here at my shop (owners wife bought it for him at Costco, years ago - I installed it). Several of the cameras have given up the ghost (literally fallen off their mounts), and I'm tired of replacing 12v transformers every couple months, so it's time to upgrade this old BNC low res system to a decent PoE solution. I've poked around the site and only noticed one vendor listed (Nelly's), but I'm sure there are others to consider. I've looked at the next generation of Lorex (direct from Lorex), but their reviews indicate HORRIBLE customer service, so I'm not likely to go back there.

Here is a brief needs analysis:
  1. 16 cameras, (all are currently bullets, but not opposed to a mix of domes).
  2. 6 are outdoor and not very well protected, 10 are indoor ceiling or wall mounted.
  3. I don't need to read license plates, but would like to identify vehicle types and faces.
  4. PoE is a must, (will be running new CAT5e or CAT6, and stripping out all these BNC and 12v twin cables.
  5. No need for PTZ at this point. (fixed cameras are fine).
  6. NVR must support quality remote viewing (I've been spoiled with BlueIris).
  7. Audio not important.

I'd really like a bundled package if possible, and I've got a few thousand dollars for a reasonable budget.
I respect the opinions of those here on the forum and would like some input. I hope I've given enough info.
Thanx in advance,

Jim
Click to expand...
At what distance do you need to view with the 6 outdoor cameras? Trying to cover a perimeter or specific close areas? Finding 2MP can identify people very well up to 50 ft in day. The 2 MP starlight type cameras do better than the 4-8 MP cameras at night.
 
Bryan said:
At what distance do you need to view with the 6 outdoor cameras? Trying to cover a perimeter or specific close areas? Finding 2MP can identify people very well up to 50 ft in day. The 2 MP starlight type cameras do better than the 4-8 MP cameras at night.
Click to expand...

All existing camera locations are good. It's just the quality of these existing cameras that is poor.
Exterior cameras are at the top of the building eaves (about 16 feet off the ground) and work well as positioned.
Two at the rear of building, one on each side (viewing the yard gates), and two on the front parking lot.
Interior cameras are bullets mounted on the ceilings of the rooms.
Two in the lobby, one in each side office, two in the break room, two in the shop and two in the Owners suite.
 
fenderman said:
fyi costco systems can be returned at any time for a full refund, so have the owner get his money back..
Click to expand...
Yeah, this stuff was bought several years ago, and sat for a few years before I came along and installed them... and that was at least 5 years ago. I'm not interested in any refund value. In fact, I look forward to chucking them in the dumpster. Soon.
 
fenderman said:
yes...you should see what folks bring back...heavily used cookware etc...That is why they had to impose limits on the tv's/pc etc because folks were bringing them back when it was time to upgrade.
Click to expand...
I worked with a fellow employee who returned a sofa, 8 years later... because... she didn't like it anymore.
Costco took it.
(Totally wrong in my book - FYI)
 
aristobrat said:
@JMartin, just a heads up that there's a pretty high demand for the cameras mentioned in post #2. They seem to be great, but there are folks from early January who are still waiting for more stock to come in so they can place orders.
Click to expand...
I was just watching @nayr and his "walk-in-the-yard" videos. Pretty impressive quality.
 
tangent said:
RE: kits/bundles

You're better off making your own cables the right length than using pre-made cables and having a bunch of excess wire to coil up. Also better to pick the camera/number of cameras based on the location than trying to decide with an arbitrary number of 2.8mm cams.
Click to expand...
Making CAT cables of my own is not a problem. I have all the tools and testers (from another life). Thanx. :)
 
JMartin said:
I worked with a fellow employee who returned a sofa, 8 years later... because... she didn't like it anymore.
Costco took it.
(Totally wrong in my book - FYI)
Click to expand...
Costco should change its policy if they think its wrong...they have that policy because it generates more sales because folks know they can always return it (most dont so costco wins)..
 
Consider leaving the Siamese cable in place so you can take advantage of the 12v cable. I did and use it for external IR, PIR's and mics.
 
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