Bullet Camera recommendation for driveway

mvanders

n3wb
May 20, 2020
14
2
NY
Hi,
I am looking for a camera recommendation for my driveway/street. Would like to put a POE bullet camera mounted to a tree (yellow circle in image) aimed down a driveway toward a street. I have the cars covered by another camera but the driveway is blocked by trees and a hill. There are street lights which shut off around midnight so would want something which works relatively well in little light. The area of coverage is 30-70ft away from the tree where the camera would be mounted. Ideally would like to get the best camera coverage for under $500.
Thanks in advance for your suggestions.


Google_driveway.jpg
 
Hi,
I am looking for a camera recommendation for my driveway/street. Would like to put a POE bullet camera mounted to a tree (yellow circle in image) aimed down a driveway toward a street. I have the cars covered by another camera but the driveway is blocked by trees and a hill. There are street lights which shut off around midnight so would want something which works relatively well in little light. The area of coverage is 30-70ft away from the tree where the camera would be mounted. Ideally would like to get the best camera coverage for under $500.
Thanks in advance for your suggestions.


View attachment 226335
Z4E. EmpireTech 1/1.8" CMOS 4MP IR Vari-focal Bullet Network Camera IPC-B54IR-Z4E-S3
 
30-70ft is a big range, especially with not knowing what you are wanting to accomplish with the camera.

Seeing someone is one thing, but identifying someone is another.

Below are captures from my 2MP B52IR-X3 that has 3.6mm, 12mm, and 25mm focal lengths. The three lenses in the camera all point at the same spot. In this case, the guy is across the street about 100ft away.

He is in every capture, but not all of the FOVs give the same detail.

One can Detect or Observe.
One can Recognize.
One can Identify.

Pick the capture that best describes what you are wanting to accomplish and we can recommend the appropriate camera.

3.6mm:
1754959203882.png

12mm:
1754959223565.png

25mm:
1754959252433.png


Or, here is someone about 45-50ft away from the same camera model.

3.6mm
1754959316584.png

12mm:
1754959324934.png

25mm:
1754959332218.png
 
30-70ft is a big range, especially with not knowing what you are wanting to accomplish with the camera.

Seeing someone is one thing, but identifying someone is another.

Below are captures from my 2MP B52IR-X3 that has 3.6mm, 12mm, and 25mm focal lengths. The three lenses in the camera all point at the same spot. In this case, the guy is across the street about 100ft away.

He is in every capture, but not all of the FOVs give the same detail.

One can Detect or Observe.
One can Recognize.
One can Identify.

Pick the capture that best describes what you are wanting to accomplish and we can recommend the appropriate camera.

3.6mm:
View attachment 226338

12mm:
View attachment 226339

25mm:
View attachment 226340


Or, here is someone about 45-50ft away from the same camera model.

3.6mm
View attachment 226341

12mm:
View attachment 226342

25mm:
View attachment 226343
Thanks. I imagine 12mm is good. 70 ft away I would be less concerned with detail. As they get closer (like headed up the driveway) I would want a better image (recognize/identify).
 
As mentioned above, the IPC-B54IR-Z4E S3 is a great choice. Here is an example of my driveway in complete darkness. The end of the asphalt is 77' away, and the IR of the Z4E works exceptionally well (zoom of the camera for this video at 387). I had previously tried the IPC-B52IR-Z12E S2 and IPC-T54IR-ZE S3 at that location, but the Z4E easily produced the best results. (Note, I intentionally blurred the license plate of the vehicle.)
View attachment Camera Z4E.mp4