4mm vs 6mm

[Optimus Prime]

I need help trying to decide if I want to install 4mm or 6mm 4MP cameras to cover my driveway. I currently have a TOP201 that has survived the elements for 2 years, but I would like better now.

My driveway is 21ft wide by 30 ft long, with 2 cars parked in it each night. One side of the driveway is a fence, and the other side is a small side yard. We pull in from the alleyway,

Thoughts? I don't think I can get the job done with only one 2.8mm 2.1MP camera I already have...I'll just put it in the garage to give it a home.

Pic is attached. I'd appreciate your thoughts.

 

[bigredfish]

Agree with two cameras to cover most driveways with 2 vehicles. See my examples below. If you mount at about 7ft you will get a decent FOV beyond the cars. I would go with 4mm, or better, vari-focus cameras. 6mm may be a bit much.

Of course light is key, I keep the coach light on with 1250 lumen LED's and the street light helps a lot. I do keep one cam in B&W/Auto mode and one in color..Starlight VF bullets

(Dont forget to change YT player to 1080p)

 

[gwminor48]

I don't see your pic but one possibility is a variable focus cam so you can dial it in to the exact setting you need.

 

[Optimus Prime]

Thank you for the replies. What are the current recommendations for 4mm cameras with Varifocal lenses? I can order from LTS or Cantonk for Hik clones, and I’m not opposed to ordering from China via proven IPCAMTALK vendors.

Also, what are Coach Lights?

 

[gwminor48]

There's a thread that has become very lengthy about a Dahua model that's become very popular. I hope to order one or 2 myself eventually.
Dahua Starlight Varifocal Turret (IPC-HDW5231R-Z)

 

[bigredfish]

With Vari-focal lens, you typically get 2.8mm-12mm or so, no need to specify a fixed lens. Gives you more flexibility.

I would recommend the Dahua camera above also or similar HIK low light cameras.

Coach lights = exterior lights mounted on the building/garage

 

[mat200]

I need help trying to decide if I want to install 4mm or 6mm 4MP cameras to cover my driveway. I currently have a TOP201 that has survived the elements for 2 years, but I would like better now.

My driveway is 21ft wide by 30 ft long, with 2 cars parked in it each night. One side of the driveway is a fence, and the other side is a small side yard. We pull in from the alleyway,

Thoughts? I don't think I can get the job done with only one 2.8mm 2.1MP camera I already have...I'll just put it in the garage to give it a home.

Pic is attached. I'd appreciate your thoughts.

Hi Optimus Prime,

I HIGHLY recommend the Dahua starlight series for your night time needs. Do take a look at my notes ( looking for some advice .. ) as I have links to some great night time images they produce.

Also, 100% agree with you about using multiple cameras. Definitely plan for at least 2 cameras there.

In fact I would be tempted to place a 3rd, even a 4th camera to capture licence plates in the alley way.

Please check out @giomania 's notes:
Dahua Starlight Varifocal Turret (IPC-HDW5231R-Z)

I have also made notes which are a summary of a lot of the reading I've been doing here,:
Looking for some advice and direction!

Have fun joining us here.

 

[Optimus Prime]

Thanks. I saw on EMpire's site that he has a 2MP and a 4MP version. Is the current opinion still that the 2MP is a better camera?

 

[bigredfish]

In low light, Yes.

 

[mat200]

Thanks. I saw on EMpire's site that he has a 2MP and a 4MP version. Is the current opinion still that the 2MP is a better camera?

Hi,

For low light conditions - absolutely!

 

[Optimus Prime]

Just ordered 2 for the driveway. Now I need to learn about drilling holes in my house and mounting them properly.

 

[mat200]

Just ordered 2 for the driveway. Now I need to learn about drilling holes in my house and mounting them properly.

FYI - I really like to use the junction boxes and mounts when I can not easily stuff the wiring connections back into the walls / soffit

Look up PFA137 and PFB203W