Shopping List quick check/recommendations

mercfh

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So i've more or less narrowed down what I want to start out with, but just need a quick "gut check" to make sure I am not missing anything. (Recommendations gathered from "Least Damaging" installation method? , thanks everyone for your input there)

Tools/Cables/Etc:

Crimper: Klein Tools VDV226-110

Cable(I've heard cable matters/monoprice are good options): Cable Matters Bulk Cable (I wish they sold 500ft, if anyone knows of a good amazon link for 500ft spools (it's better to buy 2 smaller spools and pull them both at the same time i've found(

Cat6 Plugs: Cat6 Pass Through Plugs)

I have Strain Relief Boots (From Cable Matters), as well as zip-ties and cable tester. I also have a 150w switch: Amazon.com: Ubiquiti US-16-150W Networks Networks UniFi Switch, 16 Port,White: Computers & Accessories

I guess there is no point using a patch panel in this case (I have a small network rack/case). It makes more sense to just run it back directly to the switch right? (I previously had a patch panel at my last house, but I was wiring up cat6 cable ports around the house.

Cameras:

Trying to decide between these 3 cameras (Trying to stay around the 200 dollar range):

  1. Amazon.com : EmpireTech IPC-T5442T-ZE 4MP IR Vari-Focal Eyeball Starlight IP Camera Support POE and ePOE White
  2. Amazon.com : Loryta IPC-B5442E-ZE 4MP Starlight+ WDR IR Bullet AI Network Camera 2.7mm ~12mm Motorized Lens English Version
  3. Amazon.com : Loryta IPC-B5442E-Z4E 4MP Starlight+ WDR IR 8mm–32mm Motorized Lens Bullet AI Network Camera English Version
I honestly can't tell a huge difference between #2 and #3. Seems to be similar outside of some slightly difference focal zoom ranges (Maybe I am missing something). #1 is obviously cheaper (I actually "prefer" the bullet version, but it has less reviews. Not sure if there is a "worthwhile" difference between 1 and 2.

I am looking for a 4MP Dahua either way for ~200 bucks so if anyone has other options let me know.

Sidenote: I do have normal cat6 plugs but they are not pass through. They worked ok but were more difficult. From my understanding pass through connectors are much easier, and it seems like that klein tools crimper works well with it. Any advice on this? Or does it "not really matter"

Thanks!
 
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sebastiantombs

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I'm and "old timer" with RJ45s so I still use dead front connectors.

Klein makes good quality hand tools.

Be aware that the bullet versions of the 5442 do not have a built in microphone and will need an external mic to produce audio.

Micro Seven Microphone

The "minor" difference between those two zoom cameras is that the Z4E has double the optical zoom of the ZE. That is very significant if you need to catch license plates or more distant objects. I'd buy directly from Andy at EmpireTech rather than Amazon. He stands behind what he sells and I've bought 20 cameras from him so far. Drop him an email for a quote and mention you're an IPCT member.

Email
Andy Wang kingsecurity2014@163.com
 
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mercfh

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I am curious why the bullet version is more expensive than the turret version? I guess just because starlight+.

Is there a "reasonably" priced starlight+ turretthat has a mic? I didn't see any on the store at least.
 

sebastiantombs

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The bullet versions are more expensive because they are varifocal versus the turret you specified which is a fixed lens. Motorized optics add cost.

Starlight, Starlight+, DarkFighter, Full Color and all those other terms are just that, marketing terms. All cameras need light to see and a lot of light to see in color. The sensor size is the biggest indicator of good performance under low light conditions. The 5442 series is the go to camera at the moment for resolution/low light capability. There is a newer one coming out, actually out already, that is 8MP on a 1/1.2" sensor which seems to be very capable in low light as well.

 

sebastiantombs

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You're right, my mistake. That's what happens when you scan read. The only thing I can point to is that more turrets are produced/sold than bullets. I have both the bullet and turret in varifocal and they are both excellent cameras.
 

mercfh

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So basically it comes down to just "preference" of whatever the form-factor I guess. I do like the bullets more....but dunno if they are worth 30 bucks+ more with no audio (it's odd to me they have no mic?)
 

sebastiantombs

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Yeah, it was odd to me, too. I like the turret better, it seems less obvious to me but honestly, no one ever seems to notice the cameras in the first place unless they're looking for cameras. Comes down to personal preference.
 
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