Budget CCTV cams for zero light (rural) area perimeter security

[don.key]

Hi Folks!

I am about to move into the home that is located far away from towns and neighbours, in the middle of the woods. There is absolutely no light besides house itself.

I would like to install CCTV cameras for complete perimeter security, including AI backed motion detection, which cameras would you advise to use? My budget is about $250 for each camera.

I am very impressed by Hikvision ColorVu but as far as I understand those cams are only good in urban environments where some light is present.

Thanks

Don

 

[looney2ns]

Study this:

 

[Teken]

Hi Folks!

I am about to move into the home that is located far away from towns and neighbours, in the middle of the woods. There is absolutely no light besides house itself.

I would like to install CCTV cameras for complete perimeter security, including AI backed motion detection, which cameras would you advise to use? My budget is about $250 for each camera.

I am very impressed by Hikvision ColorVu but as far as I understand those cams are only good in urban environments where some light is present.

Thanks

Don

Besides Force Protection, I would suggest you invest in perimeter solar lighting. This is obviously coupled with AC lighting whether it be motion lights, garden lights, to exterior building lighting.

The obvious advantage of solar lighting is its one time up front cost. Along with having the ability to install said lighting anywhere on the property.

This not only increases curb appeal but increases health & safety. As you kindly noted even the best camera in the world needs some light.

Lighting is cheap, effective, and will help in the money shot to reduce ghosting and motion blur.

Just something to consider before you invest in video security.

 

[IAmATeaf]

Have a look at the Dahua 5442 4Mp cams, these are regarded as one of the best range of low light cams at the moment.

Also, if $250 per cam is regarded as a budget cam I’d like to know what cams you have covering your property right now?

 

[samplenhold]

If you truly have no nighttime light and are not planning on installing any, then you will have to rely on IR. This means that your video will be in B&W not color. So any of the prosumer Dahua or Hik cams will be fine. You may need to use additional, external IR sources, but that would be fine.

Buy one decent varifocal cam, like the Dahua 5442 turret or bullet, and use it to test your positions. See the Cliff Notes for a discussion of test rig use.

 

[don.key]

Thank you everyone for information.

I am (pleasantly) surprised that Dahua became viable camera, I remember many years ago they where true horror. But I will look into Dahua 5442 4Mp cams now.

@IAmATeaf : In my current place I use 2 x Axis Q6032 domes as well as 2 x P3384-VE units but they are quite old. I bought bunch of those cams many years ago at auction when local casino went out of business and they where already well used (especially mechanics in PTZ cams)..... I just love axis, they are rock solid products but in my new place I would need about 10 cameras and I cannot afford to buy axis cams. But I also do not want to buy cheapest option out there because I had bad experiences with cheap cams.