Help selecting cameras for new build

[Tuckie]

We're looking to install a few cameras into a new build and I was wondering if anyone had any model recommendations for what camera would work best for the highlighted areas? I was thinking 2MP starlights, but I'm not sure which I should go with.

 

[awsum140]

Read the Cliff Notes in the Wiki at the top of this page. Lots of infor for selecting the right camera in there.

 

[mat200]

We're looking to install a few cameras into a new build and I was wondering if anyone had any model recommendations for what camera would work best for the highlighted areas? I was thinking 2MP starlights, but I'm not sure which I should go with.

Welcome Tucker,

Just 2 cameras?

 

[Tuckie]

Read the Cliff Notes in the Wiki at the top of this page. Lots of infor for selecting the right camera in there.

I've been lurking on the forums and trying to read through all the material, cliff notes included, but there's a bit of information overload. Especially when looking at the 2MP Lineup: Dahua 2MP Starlight Lineup

I'm currently leaning towards a bullet style as opposed to the dome or turret, as I think they will be a little less conspicuous from a size standpoint.

I'm going to be running my own NVR software to record it all (Kerberos.io - free cheap video surveillance security system looks interesting).

Leaning towards varifocal, although a zoom camera is tempting just for dialing in the viewing angle.

I'm struggling with what sort of viewing angle to get for the porch that would be useful for identifying visitors.

Welcome Tucker,

Just 2 cameras?

For now. I definitely need one down the road on the right side of the house, as there's a basement access there, but these are going to be installed up into the soffit, so we've already run the ethernet and I would like to get this nailed down before the house has progressed too much.

Some more shots:
Front:

Rear:

 

[fenderman]

I've been lurking on the forums and trying to read through all the material, cliff notes included, but there's a bit of information overload. Especially when looking at the 2MP Lineup: Dahua 2MP Starlight Lineup

I'm currently leaning towards a bullet style as opposed to the dome or turret, as I think they will be a little less conspicuous from a size standpoint.

I'm going to be running my own NVR software to record it all (Kerberos.io - free cheap video surveillance security system looks interesting).

Leaning towards varifocal, although a zoom camera is tempting just for dialing in the viewing angle.

I'm struggling with what sort of viewing angle to get for the porch that would be useful for identifying visitors.




For now. I definitely need one down the road on the right side of the house, as there's a basement access there, but these are going to be installed up into the soffit, so we've already run the ethernet and I would like to get this nailed down before the house has progressed too much.

Some more shots:
Front:

Rear:

Bullets are more of an eye sore then Tuerrets.. if you go with bullets good luck with the spider webs...

 

[SouthernYankee]

The advice is to run more Ethernet cables than needed. I would run two cables to each corner of the house. Also drop cables at about 6 feet for the ground on both sides of all entry doors. Dropping cables is easy and cheap when the house is framed. Picking the cameras can be done later. In the cliff notes , use a bucket and 2x4 to figure the placement of cameras.

 

[Tuckie]

Bullets are more of an eye sore then Tuerrets.. if you go with bullets good luck with the spider webs...

Good to know about the spiders, is there a turret that you would recommend? Would the IPC-HDW5231R-ZE work for my needs?

The advice is to run more Ethernet cables than needed. I would run two cables to each corner of the house. Also drop cables at about 6 feet for the ground on both sides of all entry doors. Dropping cables is easy and cheap when the house is framed. Picking the cameras can be done later. In the cliff notes , use a bucket and 2x4 to figure the placement of cameras.

I went with conduit in a few key spots as well as into the attic. This should give me fairly good flexibility. I already have a fair bit of ethernet in place (although the focus was on interior).

I would like to get them ordered soonish for testing.

 

[mat200]

Hi @Tuckie

I would consider the following for your front door where the packages will be dropped:
Seeing double - New Dahua dual Starlight IPC-HDBW4231F-E2-M/M12
The other camera for doors I like is the Dahua OEM 2MP starlight mini-dome wedge.

Also, do consider additional cat6/5e drops for the door bell / intercom.

I would have one lens aimed for those approaching the door, and the other on the package drop area.

Remember better to over do the cabling now than under do it.

Also plan for anyone coming to your garage, front door, back door to walk through at least 2 camera FOVs zones to increase the chances of getting a good ID image.

iirc cliff notes should give some ideas of possible placement options.

Pick up one IPC-HDW5231R-ZE now, microSD card, and POE power source ( even an affordable POE switch ) and start testing positions.

 

[awsum140]

Turrets, eyeballs, are the way to go. The 5231 series are great for low light situations as are the 4231 series. They're both about the same size and less obvious than bullets, even mini bullets. I have a total of five bullets and two of them are "spider proof", they're 4231 series with the IR shut off. I'm constantly going out with a dust mop to clean the spider webs away from the other three. A bullet with the IR on, at night, is just a big spider web magnet that produces tons of false motion alerts.

Doubling up on ethernet cable, or adding at least one spare, is a good idea as well. Conduit in the walls can also save a lot of headaches in the future. Plan a minimum of two cameras for each side of the house so their fields of view are "opposing", IE looking at each other.