A few newbie questions

[freqflyer]

I'm looking to install an IP camera system in my house and I have a few questions.

1. It appears certain NVRs only work with certain cameras. Does software like Blue Iris work with all or virtually all IP cameras? How can I tell what cameras work with Blue Iris?

2. Does Blue Iris have any way to add some sort of external trigger. For example. Having cameras inside the house not turn on if the house alarm is not armed?

3. Does anybody have any examples of how well certain cameras are able to software zoom? Example a picture of the camera as installed and a picture of is zoomed in on a face?

4. Also MP of camera do you recommend? The outdoor cameras will be looking out 50-75 feet and I would like to be able to zoom to be able to identify a face?


Thank you.

 

[fenderman]

@freqflyer Welcome to the forum.
1) Blue iris works with most popular cameras on the market. It will work with any camera that can supply an rtsp stream.
2) yes, there are some threads about this. You can also use the mobile app to do this.
3) digital zoom will be the same with every camera..
4) you will not be able to zoom in and view a face at 50 feet, its not going to happen unless you get a lens with a narrow field of view.

 

[dalepa]

1. Blue iris works with many IP cameras. Here's a list
2. Yes I believe, but I'm not an experts at external setups. Post a specific question here and someone will most like answer.
3. Depends greatly on the camera, where it mounted and the light.
4 2MP+ is fine. It more about the camera features and how it handles different light situations and noise.

Here's my latest starting recommendation:


1. Hikvision 2335 2.8mm (widest field of view) or 4mm
2. i5 or better PC with BlueIris Software
3. TP-link POE Switch
4. Ethernet Cable (if needed)
5. Crimping tools (if needed)

My first camera went in over the garage, and is a good place to start. 2.8mm will give a wide angle, but I used 2 4mm cameras which cost double, but results in a closer view to the subjects.

My second camera went in over my front door at 2.8mm.

Then:

1. Mount the hik 2335 (above the garage door in my case)
2. Run 1 ethernet cable from the camera to the POE switch (which is normally close to your router)
3. Run 1 ethernet cable from the POE switch to your router
4. Configure the Hikvision camera with SADP tool
5. Install Blue Iris and add the camera.

I'm looking to install an IP camera system in my house and I have a few questions.

1. It appears certain NVRs only work with certain cameras. Does software like Blue Iris work with all or virtually all IP cameras? How can I tell what cameras work with Blue Iris?

2. Does Blue Iris have any way to add some sort of external trigger. For example. Having cameras inside the house not turn on if the house alarm is not armed?

3. Does anybody have any examples of how well certain cameras are able to software zoom? Example a picture of the camera as installed and a picture of is zoomed in on a face?

4. Also MP of camera do you recommend? The outdoor cameras will be looking out 50-75 feet and I would like to be able to zoom to be able to identify a face?


Thank you.

 

[freqflyer]

4) you will not be able to zoom in and view a face at 50 feet, its not going to happen unless you get a lens with a narrow field of view.

What is a realistic range to expect?


As for digital zoom. I was just wanting to see a link of a pic and how well it zooms.

 

[fenderman]

What is a realistic range to expect?


As for digital zoom. I was just wanting to see a link of a pic and how well it zooms.

It varies by camera resolution and lens size, day vs night etc.....

 

[freqflyer]

I understand fenderman. I'm wanting to place a camera under the eves of the house facing the driveway and be able identify anybody by the car. 20-25 feet.

What resolution would I need for day time and night time?

 

[dalepa]

What is a realistic range to expect?


As for digital zoom. I was just wanting to see a link of a pic and how well it zooms.

Here's a Hikvision 2032 bullet example at dusk: Zoom in with any image viewer to see digital zoom




another 2032 at noon

 

[fenderman]

I understand fenderman. I'm wanting to place a camera under the eves of the house facing the driveway and be able identify anybody by the car. 20-25 feet.

What resolution would I need for day time and night time?

2mp will be fine during the day. with a standard 4mm lens..night will depend on lighting and the camera but difficult to get a good shot...there are tons of sample images and links of various cameras..see the camera captures https://www.ipcamtalk.com/forumdisplay.php/39-Camera-Captures

 

[zero-degrees]

@freqflyer I would really encourage you to browse the forum as most of what your asking is listed in the forum... There are several reviews and examples of peoples personal experiences with certain cameras as well as install and image capture samples/examples/references. Fender and delepa gave you initial direct answers to your questions at hand, however taking 30 min to move around the forum you will find everything and then some to support your additional questions.

Educational Reading/Tech Guides that will get you up to speed quickly and address your "lens and mp questions"
https://www.ipcamtalk.com/showthread.php/7097-Resource-Guide-on-IP-Technology-for-all-Noobs

LTS (HIK) Camera Review and Install:
https://www.ipcamtalk.com/showthread.php/5684-LTS-Camera-Install-3-amp-4MP-Domes-amp-Turrets?highlight=LTS+Review

HIK Turret install and sample pics:
https://www.ipcamtalk.com/showthread.php/6335-New-outdoor-installation-DS-2CD3345-I

HIK Setup and sample pics:
https://www.ipcamtalk.com/showthread.php/1892-My-Hikvision-Home-Setup

Dahua PTZ Example:
https://www.ipcamtalk.com/showthread.php/4223-Dahua-12240-IRB-N-video-sample

YouTube Lens Comparison Video:
http://www.cctvcamerapros.com/Security-Camera-Lens-Comparison-s/90.htm
http://trinitycctv.co.nz/cctv/learn-about-cctv/understanding-analogue-cctv-camera-lenses/

The above material should get you started - this forum and its users are a wealth of information however the more research and reading you do on your own vs just question asking the better educated you will be and the better your final install will be.

Good Luck!