Beginner in IP Camer

Devan

n3wb
Mar 30, 2025
2
0
S
Hello everyone,

I’m new to IP cameras and eager to start learning. I found this guide: Ultimate Security Camera Guide, but I’m not sure if it’s suitable for complete beginners.

Ultimate Security Camera Guide 1 - Learn CCTV.com

In my small town, stores sell Hikvision and Dahua cameras, and I wonder if these are the best options, or if there are any good brands from the US or Western Europe (Germany, UK).

I’ve had limited experience with two companies:

Lorex indoor camera: Good, but it disconnected from the network weekly, and following the footage via the mobile app was very tedious.

Hikvision outdoor cameras: Convenient with NVR, but motion detection filtering (cars vs. people) was not available on the PTZ camera.

I’m interested in learning more. Along with the guide above, do you have recommendations for beginners? I’m also thinking about buying books on networking, such as:

Networking All-in-One for Dummies

Networking for Dummies

Home Networking DIY for Dummies

When the technician installed the Hikvision cameras, the process seemed simple, except for the cable installation. However, I was able to manage the motion detection settings and camera naming better than the technician, perhaps because they were more skilled in the physical installation and less familiar with the user interface.

I plan to open a small store to try my skills once I learn more. Are there any good authorized distributors? I don’t think manufacturers sell directly to small shops.

Any advice would be appreciated!
 
Hello everyone,

I’m new to IP cameras and eager to start learning. I found this guide: Ultimate Security Camera Guide, but I’m not sure if it’s suitable for complete beginners.

Ultimate Security Camera Guide 1 - Learn CCTV.com

In my small town, stores sell Hikvision and Dahua cameras, and I wonder if these are the best options, or if there are any good brands from the US or Western Europe (Germany, UK).

I’ve had limited experience with two companies:

Lorex indoor camera: Good, but it disconnected from the network weekly, and following the footage via the mobile app was very tedious.

Hikvision outdoor cameras: Convenient with NVR, but motion detection filtering (cars vs. people) was not available on the PTZ camera.

I’m interested in learning more. Along with the guide above, do you have recommendations for beginners? I’m also thinking about buying books on networking, such as:

Networking All-in-One for Dummies

Networking for Dummies

Home Networking DIY for Dummies

When the technician installed the Hikvision cameras, the process seemed simple, except for the cable installation. However, I was able to manage the motion detection settings and camera naming better than the technician, perhaps because they were more skilled in the physical installation and less familiar with the user interface.

I plan to open a small store to try my skills once I learn more. Are there any good authorized distributors? I don’t think manufacturers sell directly to small shops.

Any advice would be appreciated!

Hi @Devan

If you have the time we have threads covering this topic well .. can save that money for a book and put it to a good camera instead

I'd recommend picking up one good varifocal 4MP 1/1.8" sensor IP PoE camera, a small PoE switch, and a good length of cat5e/6 AWG 24 or 25 cable and start playing around to learn more faster.

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