Home set up advice using Foscam

[Superdon]

Ok, I am new here so hope I am asking this in the right forum.

I have a small house and am going to fit two basic Foscam cams to cover front (fi9900p) and back (fi9800p). These will both be connected with WiFi which I have tested and seems to be pretty stable.

Now, I am thinking about recording. I don't think I need 24/7 recording. Just the recordings from motion detection.

I have an old Synology NAS which I was about to retire and sell on, but I guess I could use this as a standalone Nas for the cam's? I also have a new QNAP NAS which I could use for recording.

I have played with tinycam and that looks good. I currently am playing with the Foscam software and tinycam.

I can't work out the best way of doing this? I like tinycam and want the ability to quickly check live images from wherever I am in the world. Otherwise I want a simple effextive system, that will be reliable if and when I ever need it.

What's best??? Thanks.

 

[cyberwolf_uk]

If you have a Synology NAS install Surveillance Station on it and the mobile app on your phone so you can view remotely.... Once correct remote connectivity has been setup on your network.
Also if you funds will allow it get rid of your Foscam junk and purchase some Hikvision or Dahua cameras and install them via a wired connection. Failing that connect your Foscam cameras via wired connection and don't use Wifi.
Also don't port forward your cameras and block them from accessing the internet to prevent hackers!

 

[fenderman]

Ok, I am new here so hope I am asking this in the right forum.

I have a small house and am going to fit two basic Foscam cams to cover front (fi9900p) and back (fi9800p). These will both be connected with WiFi which I have tested and seems to be pretty stable.

Now, I am thinking about recording. I don't think I need 24/7 recording. Just the recordings from motion detection.

I have an old Synology NAS which I was about to retire and sell on, but I guess I could use this as a standalone Nas for the cam's? I also have a new QNAP NAS which I could use for recording.

I have played with tinycam and that looks good. I currently am playing with the Foscam software and tinycam.

I can't work out the best way of doing this? I like tinycam and want the ability to quickly check live images from wherever I am in the world. Otherwise I want a simple effextive system, that will be reliable if and when I ever need it.

What's best??? Thanks.

both of those cams are overpriced junk....return if possible...see dahua starlight and hikvision low light camera threads...

 

[Superdon]

If you have a Synology NAS install Surveillance Station on it and the mobile app on your phone so you can view remotely.... Once correct remote connectivity has been setup on your network.
Also if you funds will allow it get rid of your Foscam junk and purchase some Hikvision or Dahua cameras and install them via a wired connection. Failing that connect your Foscam cameras via wired connection and don't use Wifi.
Also don't port forward your cameras and block them from accessing the internet to prevent hackers!

I didn't want to invest a lot in this, so went for Foscam and in my testing they seem to be ok for my needs.

I have been testing using the Synology and surveillance station. If I use tinycam, or the foscam app to view the feed the images are smooth. If I view on surveillance station or through DS Cam the images stutter. I put this down to the fact the Synology is an old low power model? So not keen on using that.

As for not using WiFi. I know ideally I wouldn't. But certainly the back camera has to be and in testing both cam's have been fine over wifi.

 

[Superdon]

both of those cams are overpriced junk....return if possible...see dahua starlight and hikvision low light camera threads...

Having never had my own kit before, I have been quite impressed with them. If you say they are over priced, please suggest an alternative at the same or less money..

Needs to be outdoor, wifi and discrete

 

[fenderman]

Having never had my own kit before, I have been quite impressed with them. If you say they are over priced, please suggest an alternative at the same or less money..

Needs to be outdoor, wifi and discrete

you need to start reading the forum and the threads I noted....the its over priced because its junk ,foscam is bottom barrel garbage...but you know better...for 20 bux more you get a reliable camera that is far superior...

 

[Superdon]

I certainly don't know better, that's why I joined these forums

Just had a read of a few threads but a gentle pointer would be great. Happy to spend a little more ($20 more would be fine - I am in the UK though) if I can get what I need. Perhaps the model number of the Dahua or Hilvision cam's you suggest would help start me off?

I can send the Foscams back no problem. Main thing is the rear cam definitely needs to be Wifi, and possibly the front cam needs to be as well.

 

[fenderman]

I certainly don't know better, that's why I joined these forums

Just had a read of a few threads but a gentle pointer would be great. Happy to spend a little more ($20 more would be fine - I am in the UK though) if I can get what I need. Perhaps the model number of the Dahua or Hilvision cam's you suggest would help start me off?

I can send the Foscams back no problem. Main thing is the rear cam definitely needs to be Wifi, and possibly the front cam needs to be as well.

see dahua starlight threads...
1, no cam needs to be wifi...you run power to it...
2, any cam can be made wifi with a cheap wifi bridge, powerline, etc..start reading.

 

[Superdon]

Ok. Will have more of a think. However I have been testing these cam's over a week or so and have been please with them and don't think I need better images or features. The build seems good and the WiFi connection strong.

Are you saying these cameras will fail with time? If they last two years for the price paid I would be happy to be fair. I can't see why they wouldn't last at least that.

The main reason I came along here was to work out the best way to record in my circumstances. If I changed to Dahua cameras, I would still be having to ask that same question.

Don't.want to come across as ignoring your wisdom, just want to get what I have set up as best as I can and then see if I need to upgrade or not.

 

[fenderman]

Ok. Will have more of a think. However I have been testing these cam's over a week or so and have been please with them and don't think I need better images or features. The build seems good and the WiFi connection strong.

Are you saying these cameras will fail with time? If they last two years for the price paid I would be happy to be fair. I can't see why they wouldn't last at least that.

The main reason I came along here was to work out the best way to record in my circumstances. If I changed to Dahua cameras, I would still be having to ask that same question.

Don't.want to come across as ignoring your wisdom, just want to get what I have set up as best as I can and then see if I need to upgrade or not.

They will fall, wifi will drop, spider webs will muck up night vision...foscam is bottom barrel garbage sold to suckers... worse image quality vs dahua starlight..... learn from the mistake of others...

 

[mat200]

I certainly don't know better, that's why I joined these forums

Just had a read of a few threads but a gentle pointer would be great. Happy to spend a little more ($20 more would be fine - I am in the UK though) if I can get what I need. Perhaps the model number of the Dahua or Hilvision cam's you suggest would help start me off?

I can send the Foscams back no problem. Main thing is the rear cam definitely needs to be Wifi, and possibly the front cam needs to be as well.

Welcome Superdon!

Wired will make you far happier in the end, and even if you think it may not be possible - it often is possible to make a wired connection in most of the cases, often really a question of if you are willing to invest the time to do so. IF you own the property and plan to keep it, I HIGHLY recommend taking the time to wire up you locations.

I've also had less than desired cameras at first to play with, and that's OK. A lot of us would prefer that you spend your money wisely, and thus you will see many of us encouraging you to skip the poorer options right away and jump to the better camera options. Yes I know, it can be hard to really understand your options until you've had a chance to play with them.

One model which is very well liked here is the Dahua Starlight Varifocal Turret - I highly recommend considering it for your wired location, and testing it and comparing it to others. ( model IPC-HDW5231R-Z )

IF you have to get a [S]wired[/S] opps - edit - wifi camera, I found the following to be OK and a decent one to start playing with, although again we'd recommend skipping this model and moving to a better and newer wired PoE Dahua Starlight model - ( I have found this one for $70-80 direct from China. - about $40 cheaper than those Foscams )
IPC-HFW1320S-W | Dahua Technology - Dahua Technology

Again - wired options are much better, and it may take some time to compare and contrast.

It's easy to get swamped with information here, so I wanted to share some notes with you

Please check out @giomania 's notes:
Dahua Starlight Varifocal Turret (IPC-HDW5231R-Z)

I have also made notes which are a summary of a lot of the reading I've been doing here,:
Looking for some advice and direction!

Have fun joining us here.

Note:
The recommended camera for low light performance and quality:
IPC-HDW5231R-Z | Dahua Technology - Dahua Technology

Recommended vendor Andy EmpireTecAndy - look for his email and ask for the member discounted price.
You will also need a PoE power source - either AC power adapter or PoE switch.

Highly recommend buying one and using it to compare with other options.

 

[Superdon]

Thank you mat200, really helpful.

Welcome Superdon!

Wired will make you far happier in the end, and even if you think it may not be possible - it often is possible to make a wired connection in most of the cases, often really a question of if you are willing to invest the time to do so. IF you own the property and plan to keep it, I HIGHLY recommend taking the time to wire up you locations.

I've also had less than desired cameras at first to play with, and that's OK. A lot of us would prefer that you spend your money wisely, and thus you will see many of us encouraging you to skip the poorer options right away and jump to the better camera options. Yes I know, it can be hard to really understand your options until you've had a chance to play with them.

One model which is very well liked here is the Dahua Starlight Varifocal Turret - I highly recommend considering it for your wired location, and testing it and comparing it to others. ( model IPC-HDW5231R-Z )

IF you have to get a wired camera, I found the following to be OK and a decent one to start playing with, although again we'd recommend skipping this model and moving to a better and newer wired PoE Dahua Starlight model - ( I have found this one for $70-80 direct from China. - about $40 cheaper than those Foscams )
IPC-HFW1320S-W | Dahua Technology - Dahua Technology

Again - wired options are much better, and it may take some time to compare and contrast.

It's easy to get swamped with information here, so I wanted to share some notes with you

Please check out @giomania 's notes:
Dahua Starlight Varifocal Turret (IPC-HDW5231R-Z)

I have also made notes which are a summary of a lot of the reading I've been doing here,:
Looking for some advice and direction!

Have fun joining us here.

Note:
The recommended camera for low light performance and quality:
IPC-HDW5231R-Z | Dahua Technology - Dahua Technology

Recommended vendor Andy EmpireTecAndy - look for his email and ask for the member discounted price.
You will also need a PoE power source - either AC power adapter or PoE switch.

Highly recommend buying one and using it to compare with other options.

Thanks for that. Really helpful

 

[Superdon]

So, I have asked for a quote on the following...

1x IPC-HFW1320S-W
1x HDW5231R-Z
1x PFA137

Idea being I would use IPC-HFW1320S-W at the back where it's going to be very difficult to wire and the other wired at the front. I've still yet to look at it if I can go wired at the front, so it may have to be 2 X IPC-HFW1320S-W.

I know you all say avoid WiFi. I understand that totally.

How does the IPC-HFW1320S-W compare against the Foscam FI9900P? Is there anything I will be missing coming from the Foscam to the IPC-HFW1320S-W? I don't know much about all the specs etc.

Do Dahua do a junction box base for the IPC-HFW1320S-W? I would need one of those at the front.

I appreciate all your help and advice on this. The Foscam set up continues to look good to me, but I can easily send those cam's back. I do, however, also have some concerns about any warranty issues on the Dahua cam's as I am in the UK.

Any UK buyers from EmpireTecAndy - any issues with import taxes etc?

 

[fenderman]

Don't use bullet cameras

 

[looney2ns]

So, I have asked for a quote on the following...

1x IPC-HFW1320S-W
1x HDW5231R-Z
1x PFA137

Idea being I would use IPC-HFW1320S-W at the back where it's going to be very difficult to wire and the other wired at the front. I've still yet to look at it if I can go wired at the front, so it may have to be 2 X IPC-HFW1320S-W.

I know you all say avoid WiFi. I understand that totally.

How does the IPC-HFW1320S-W compare against the Foscam FI9900P? Is there anything I will be missing coming from the Foscam to the IPC-HFW1320S-W? I don't know much about all the specs etc.

Do Dahua do a junction box base for the IPC-HFW1320S-W? I would need one of those at the front.

I appreciate all your help and advice on this. The Foscam set up continues to look good to me, but I can easily send those cam's back. I do, however, also have some concerns about any warranty issues on the Dahua cam's as I am in the UK.

Any UK buyers from EmpireTecAndy - any issues with import taxes etc?

You said: Is there anything I will be missing coming from the Foscam to the IPC-HFW1320S-W? I don't know much about all the specs etc. Yes, you will miss out on lots of heartburn and aggravation. Plus you will avoid Murphy's law.

It is almost always possible to get an Ethernet cable to a cam. You have to run power to any cam, and that power should be semi secure. So why not run a network cable POE?

Andy will do his best to mitigate import taxes.
Dahua Starlight Varifocal Turret (IPC-HDW5231R-Z)
or
Dahua Starlight IPC-HDW5231R-ZE 800 meter capable ePOE
Or this with a 3.6mm lense:IPC-HDW4231EM-AS | Dahua Technology - Dahua Technology

Look here: for junction box availability: Dahua Technology - Leading Video Surveillance Solution Provider with CCTV Products, IP Camera, PTZ, HDCVI products, NVR, Intelligent Building, Intelligent Transportation and Software - Dahua Technology

Unless you LOVE spiders, don't buy bullets.

 

[cyberwolf_uk]

Any UK buyers from EmpireTecAndy - any issues with import taxes etc?

I've purchased a lot, I mean a lot of cameras from Andy and only ever been hit with UK import duty twice... I can't remember the exact amount but under £15 once and under £10 another time. But not in the last 12 months.
Andy will always try and arrange delivery without duty

 

[Superdon]

Ok, I COULD run ethernet to the rear cam but I won't be. Its not worth the benefits to me, simple as that. I am prepared to use something that has downsides - so will accept the fact that even a good quality WiFi cam might have issues. I can very easily get power to the location but not ethernet. I am aware I could use power lines etc.

So....is the Dahua WiFi cam better than the Foscam WiFi cam? And if you say not bullet, which outdoor discrete cam do you recommend?

And how's about warranty with purchases from Andy?

 

[Superdon]

I had another query as well. When the HDW5231R-Z is attached to the PFA137 junction box, will it work ok on a vertical wall? Anyone have a pic in that setup to try and work out how discrete or otherwise it is

 

[fenderman]

Do not buy foscam for any reason....we can play this game all day....if you've decided to keep them fine... come back in six months when you've been fed up...

 

[Superdon]

Do not buy foscam for any reason....we can play this game all day....if you've decided to keep them fine... come back in six months when you've been fed up...

I am starting to bend to your way of thinking and bow to your superior knowledge. I just feel a bit out of my depth....at least with the Foscams I can easily return them....it won't be so easy with the Dahua cam's. Which is why I may be asking some basic questions.