Hello from coastal Georgia. Please help me secure a large motel property.

[Q™]

@troybarnes you want need Dahua 2MP Starlight varifocal cameras which will provide you with everything you require...even the things that you don't yet understand.

 

[looney2ns]

Seriously, there is a lot more to it than just "buying a kit". You have a challenging situation for an install. Please heed the multitude of knowledge that is assembled here. You won't get through the learning curve in one afternoon. Anything done right takes time.
To make Q happy: You want to know who did it, not just what happened.
This takes studying and planning. Doing so will prevent you from falling into the trap so many have, that is installing a system, slapping it up, and then when something goes wrong on your property, the video you gathered......you find is worthless.
Please take time to study the reviews here and read other post's.
Take advantage of this: IPVM Camera Calculator V3
Keeping PPF >100, this will help you understand what it takes to make good facial id's.
Mounting cams higher than 8ft also make's ID's harder.
I suggest you purchase a camera or two from our favorite vender, then set them up on a temporary basis, on a portable test rig made of a 5gal bucket, rocks and a 2x4 to get a feel for what you can and cannot achieve.

To start, I'd put two cameras at the night window as shown below.
I would put this cam with a 2.8mm lens to the right of the night window: IPC-HDW4231EM-ASE
The cam on the left could be one of these two, depending on if you are legally allowed to record audio.
Review-Dahua Starlight IPC-HDW5231R-ZE 800 meter capable ePOE
Review-Dahua IPC-HDW2231RP-ZS Starlight Camera-Varifocal

 

[Q™]

Here's your pole to mount the main driveway cam on in order to capture licence plates and make/model of all vehicles entering the property via the main drive...

 

[mat200]

@troybarnes some great ideas from Q and Looney2ns

By the key drop off point consider the following camera ( which I really like for the front door at eye level for most people )
Review-Dahua IPC-HDBW4231F-E2-M Dual Starlight Cam

I definitely concur with Looney2ns about getting one decent camera to test with.

This is the one I would recommend as it is a nice solid varifocal starlight that you would want to keep and use even if you go with different models in most locations.
Review-Dahua IPC-HDW2231RP-ZS Starlight Camera-Varifocal

Example test rig here:
My test rig: rev.2

 

[Q™]

Here's your pole to mount the main driveway cam on in order to capture licence plates and make/model of all vehicles entering the property via the main drive

Except looking at the overhead google map I see vehicles can drive around (to the right of) the overhead roofed drive...so you'll need a 2nd camera on the same (outside) post in addition to the camera on the inside post.

 

[TonyR]

Except looking at the overhead google map I see vehicles can drive around (to the right of) the overhead roofed drive...so you'll need a 2nd camera on the same (outside) post in addition to the camera on the inside post.

Good catch.

 

[troybarnes]

Except looking at the overhead google map I see vehicles can drive around (to the right of) the overhead roofed drive...so you'll need a 2nd camera on the same (outside) post in addition to the camera on the inside post.

I did mention the roadway to the right of the canopy. And not only that, but cars can also pull in and out of the property from the other driveway and never have to go through the left side.

Your suggestion involves putting a camera about 4ft up a pole. Isn't that not ideal as far as preventing vandalism? It would also mean exposed cable or unsightly conduit. And since plates are on the rear of cars it wouldn't catch entering vehicles anyway, only ones exiting through there.

Sigh, too much to think about.

 

[mat200]

I did mention the roadway to the right of the canopy. And not only that, but cars can also pull in and out of the property from the other driveway and never have to go through the left side.

Your suggestion involves putting a camera about 4ft up a pole. Isn't that not ideal as far as preventing vandalism? It would also mean exposed cable or unsightly conduit. And since plates are on the rear of cars it wouldn't catch entering vehicles anyway, only ones exiting through there.

Sigh, too much to think about.

Hi @troybarnes

Don't worry too much, do get a camera and start testing.

In the end, you are going to have to place cameras close enough and at the right angle for them to do their jobs.

IF you need a camera which you can stand off further away then perhaps something like this for the other drive way will work - you can just aim it at the driveway further away from the office due to the 25x zoom:
Amcrest 1080P WiFi PTZ POE IP Camera PTZ 25x Optical Zoom Dahua OEM Sony Starvis Sensor, IP2M-858W

as it is a Dahua OEM product you should be able to get it to work well with Blue Iris or other recording solutions.
( ps - if the deal has expired - Andy EmpireTech and Montavue should also carry a similar Dahua OEM model )

 

[looney2ns]

Deal still appears live.

 

[troybarnes]

Oh boy, I am NOT doing 14 cameras!




So I'm nixing doing the entire property and just covering the office/residence



1. Office - Dome? IPC-HDBW4231F-E2-M dual cam that mat200 mentioned?
2. Canopy - Customers exiting cars and entering the office. IPC-HDW5231R-ZE?
3. Carport - Covers cars and the walkway back from the night window. IPC-HDW5231R-ZE?
4. Night window - Same dual cam?
5. Front door of residence - Covers walkway leading to night window and office (customers often park in the first two parking spots instead of under the canopy). IPC-HDW5231R-ZE?

Please critique this 5 camera setup. I would like to get them ordered before the year ends.

P.S. Is there any reason to get IPC-HDW4231EM-ASE instead of the IPC-HDW5231R-ZE besides the minuscule savings? What is the advantage of the former?