Recent content by smithb

I think another big reason to set a varifocal at one focal length and leave it is that each time you zoom or reposition you need to rework your motion detection settings (and possibly other settings). Being able to see an overview of what's happening in your yard and being able to identify...

It’s mostly budget. I prefer varifocal, but if I was on a budget and had to shave $50 off of each camera I’d go with 6mm lenses in most exterior applications and 2.8 or 3.6mm at the front door.

Check out my installation thread for some ideas on discrete mounting. I think painting them to match the light fixtures works well. I have a mini wedge right next to my front door at eye level and nobody even notices it. Just Sharing My Progress

Here's a pic of my installation. I didn't bother to caulk it and I haven't noticed any water intrusion, yet. The PFA130-E has a gasket on the mounting surface that is supposedly weather tight. If you do caulk it, I'd recommend simply sealing the hole in the wall instead of trying to seal...

I'd also zoom in to fill the frame with your vehicles. You have a ton of extra pixels covering the houses across the street. Consider installing a third camera if you need an "overview" of what's happening in your neighborhood.

I put the “funk” in functional testing.

Yes, it’s safe.

I did a quick review of a camera that I use for the same purposes. I had no problems configuring it in BI. Review - Amcrest IP2M-841E Pan/Tilt Cam Mine are all wired POE, but the IP2M-841 appears to be the same camera with WIFI.

This is an IPC-HDW5231R-ZE mounted on a vertical wall with a PFA130-E junction box. The paint color is Rustoleum Metallic Burnished Amber.

I don’t really see lighting as a deterrent at all. My goal is exclusively to capture the best video possible. If IR produces the better picture then I will use IR. If visible light does then I’ll use visible light. I just need to do some more testing to see what produces the best picture.

I could leave the porch light on, but I like to shut it off at night to indicate that visiting hours are over. I’m still testing things out but I may put a small IR flood in the ceiling and another one on the driveway.

I’m fortunate in that my neighborhood is uncommonly awesome. Everyone is pretty chill and accepts that, for the most part, we’re all looking out for each other.

Thanks, guys. My wife was apprehensive, as well, but once she started talking to our neighbors she found out that nearly everyone either had at least one camera or were in the market for a system. That kind of gave me a little boost. Also, one of our neighbors had their Ring doorbell vandalized...

I don’t think there’s a Home Depot light fixture that I would consider sturdy enough to mount a camera on. You’re probably better off painting your camera to match the style of the other fixtures and mounting it to the structure where the light won’t interfere with the picture. Check this out...

I mounted the 4231 flush. I bought a jb for it but it looked pretty clunky being so close to the door.