Awesome Forums - Interested in Your Thoughts...

[TropDayz]

I have been testing and reviewing webcams for several years - primarily WiFi, residential models - each requiring using their own app, etc.

I write reviews for Vine, and have for a few years, so I have a plethora of cameras / POE switches / NVRs / cables / routers / etc.

I plan on moving in the next 10-11 months to another state and at that time I am going to completely redo my camera system.

I have been researching Blue Iris and thus far it seems the best all around software to use.

Here are some questions I have:

What brand cameras has everyone had the best luck with? I will be looking for pan / tilt / zoom - some outdoor / some indoor. I prefer POE for security reasons but can VPN if necessary.

I have a AMD 9 3900X, 32GB with GeForce GTX 1660 Ti that I work on all the time but I also have a HP Compaq Elite 8300 Ultra-Slim Desktop that is not being used which could be devoted solely to the security system. Which would be preferable?

I use a Synology DS1019+ - is it worth using this for security storage or does it make more sense to store within a separate system all together?

Since I’m not on a time crunch and am looking at the potential of putting a system together prior to moving - where are the best places to shop in terms of quality products at the best prices?

I appreciate any thoughts you may have...

 

[looney2ns]

Read everything in the Wiki.
Also see attached file.

 

[SouthernYankee]

It is very easy to block jam WiFi. I would never recommend Wifi for any security or surveillance application. Hardwired alarm system and hardwired cameras.

 

[samplenhold]

Welcome to the forum. As others have stated, read the WIKI and the Cliff Notes.

Most folks here that use BI have either Dahua or Hikvision. I personally have 19 Dahua cams on my BI server and a couple of WIFI cams that I bought BEFORE I came to this forum. They go offline several times a day. WIFI for cams is not recommended.

A dedicated machine for BI is recommended. Info on this is in the Cliff Notes. Some folks do store their feeds on a NAS, but I prefer to store all my cam feeds on the BI server. Less LAN traffic issues and it does not tie up my NAS.

I have bought all of my Dahua cams from @EMPIRETECANDY who is a member here. He has an Amazon store front and an Aliexpress store front but I just send him an email and ask for price and availability and get them in about a week or less. Email is kingsecurity2014@163.com

 

[TropDayz]

I wanted to thank each of you for your responses. This was EXACTLY the data I hoped to gather.

I am a bit of a nerd and tend to research this type of thing for months prior to deciding on exactly the direction I want to proceed.

Due to my business I‘ve written about and helped advertise WiFi cameras for the last 10 years so I have around 35 of them - the bulk still sitting in boxes. I knew once we moved to FL I wasn’t going to use that technology but was unclear as to what I would use.

Since we won’t be moving for a year I am primarily researching now and working up rough ideas on products I will need. Since technology is constantly evolving it certainly doesn’t make sense for me to prepurchase many of these items as in a year there most likely will be better or the current models will be cheaper.

The SouthernYankee.pdf, WiKi and Cliff Notes has been incredibly helpful - each of which I have downloaded onto my tablet where I was able to highlight and take my own side notes.

My process takes a while but I‘ve found it’s the key to my ending up with systems I’m most happy with and not regretting going in different directions.