Any Inexpensive USB based security cameras (similar to webcam) that are noteworthy?

[zortanos]

I need to setup two cameras in a small room, it measures about 12ft by 9ft, the room has a door on each end. so I had planned to place 1 camera at each end of the room giving an overview of the room.

My idea was to hookup a couple USB cameras to a linux server toward the middle of the room running some capture software.

I found some cameras on ebay that look to support 1080p and have night vision IR leds (for when lights are off in the room at night) and for $47 that is very affordable, but I want images that are clear enough to work with.

I would think that for the size of the room a 1080p camera should be fine, such as this one: 1080P 30fps/60fps/120fps Night Vision USB Webcam Camera for incoor cctv security | eBay

I am hoping to get some feedback from some people that might have experience with usb cameras.

spending $150+ per camera is more than I can afford right now, my idea was to use inexpensive but useable for now, and upgrade to something better later once we are actually generating some income. (this is for our new bussiness office.)

 

[mat200]

Hi @zortanos

If you look you can find some dahua oem or hikvision oem cameras which are sold at deal prices ( often this can mean requires more work to get to work well.. )

For example Q-see has a 4 pack of these for <$100
4 PACK 1080P SMART HOME WI-FI OUTDOOR BEACON CAMERAS - (QCW2MPSL-4)

According to their specs, this should be ONVIF compatible... ( do read reviews on them.. ) - note, their spec sheet however does not state they are ONVIF (

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1938/5007/files/QCW2MPSL.pdf?13020517799817787497

) compatible. ( I'd chat with Q-see and check reviewers and see if they really are ONVIF compatible... )

Also, Amcrest has some decent IP PoE cameras which are <$100 each.. Amazon Prime day coming up so you could see some deals there.

B&H iirc sometimes also has some Dahua OEM deals..

Andy of course is our go to guy here..

 

[zortanos]

so I found some Dahua OEM cameras, but it seems most use either coax or ethernet, none of them use usb, and usb allows for inexpensive digital.

so if I got a camera such as this Dahua OEM then I guess I would need to get some sort of capture card for my linux server correct?: Dahua OEM 4MP 1080P Smart IR Dome Camera HD Over Coax CCTV Security Camera IP67 | eBay

 

[jack7]

If you have wifi in the room, I suggest you try this $35 camera. Just put a microSD card in it for storage and use your phone. One camera may be enough. It has great features and has worked well for me for eight months. Best not to ever connect ethernet cable to it if you intend to use wifi.

https://www.amazon.com/Amcrest-Monitor-Detection-Motion-Tracking-Wireless/dp/B0821Q23GF/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=ash21&qid=1601949075&sr=8-1

ASH21 – Amcrest

support.amcrest.com

 

[Mike A.]

Way too much trouble and clunky. Lots of inexpensive IP cams WiFi and/or wired with better function and features. Plug them in, do some minimal setup, done in 15 minutes.