Need advice on first camera system

[Creso22]

Hello everyone I’m new here and would like some advice on a security system for my home. Im looking for ip nvr system for my home. This will be my first system but i want to get a good one. I don’t want to break the bank but i want a solid setup to capture good footage and clear video. Ive been looking at a lorex system. My home is roughly 2200 sq ft

https://www.costco.com/lorex-8-channel-4k-nvr-security-system-with-2tb-hdd-and-8-4k-cameras.product.100499244.html

Has anyone had experience with this system? Is it any good? Or do you recommend a different setup? Thanks

 

[sebastiantombs]

You'll find that almost, literally, everyone here will tell you to stay away from packaged systems, especially big box store stuff, for the most part. I'd suggest you have a look at the WiKi, on a computer and not a cell phone, and do some serious reading rather than wasting time, money and effort. Many people here use a dedicated PC running Blue Iris and either Hikivision or Dahua cameras. That combination provides the biggest bang for the buck, flexibility in configuration and the most functionality. Unfortunately, it is a learning curve but well worth the effort IMHO. Pre=packaged systems like Lorex are actually rebranded Dauhua or Hikivision but to get the price way down too may features are stripped out of the cameras, and NVR, and they can't be upgraded to full featured firmware.

 

[John Q Public]

It would be best to first read the IP Cam Talk Cliff Notes in the IP Cam Talk Wiki. The wiki is in the blue bar at the top of this page, this is valuable information to help first timers.

John

 

[Creso22]

Ok thanks

 

[SouthernYankee]

Cameras are for surveillance, not really for security.

read study plan befor spending money
Go slow, small steps, lean as you go.
-------------------------------
My standard welcome to the forum message.

Please read the IP Cam Talk Cliff Notes and other items in the IP Cam Talk Wiki. (read on a real computer, not a phone). The wiki is in the blue bar at the top of the page.

Read How to Secure Your Network (Don't Get Hacked!) in the wiki also.

Quick start
1) If you do not have a wired monitored alarm system, get that first
2) Use Dahua starlight cameras or Hikvision darkfighter cameras if you need good low light cameras.
3) use a VPN to access home network (openVPN)
4) Do not use wifi cameras.
5) Do not use cloud storage
6) Do Not use uPNP, P2P, QR, do not open ports,
7) More megapixel is not necessarily better.
8) Avoid chinese hacked cameras (most ebay, amazon, aliexpress cameras(not all, but most))
9) Do not use reolink, ring, nest, Arlo cameras (they are junk), no cloud cameras
10) If possible use a turret camera , bullet collect spiders, dome collect dirt and reflect light (IR)
11) Use only solid copper, AWG 23 or 24 ethernet wire. , no CCA (Copper Clad Aluminum)
12) use a test mount to verify the camera mount location. My test rig: rev.2
13) (Looney2ns)If you want to be able to ID faces, don't mount cams higher than 8ft. You want to know who did it, not just what happened.
14) Use a router that has openVPN built in (Most ASUS, Some NetGear....)
15) camera placement use the calculator... IPVM Camera Calculator V3
16) POE list PoE Switch Suggestion List


Cameras to look at
IPC-T5442TM-AS-LED Review IPC-T5442TM-AS-LED (Full Color, Starlight+) - 4MP starlight
IPC-T5442TM-AS Review-OEM 4mp AI Cam IPC-T5442TM-AS Starlight+ - 4MP starlight+
IPC-T2347G-LU Review of the Hikvision OEM model IPC-T2347G-LU 'ColorVu' IP CCTV camera. (DS-2CD2347G1-LU)
IPC-HDW2231R-ZS Review-Dahua IPC-HDW2231RP-ZS Starlight Camera-Varifocal
IPC-HDW2231T-ZS-S2 Review-OEM IPC-T2231T-ZS 2mp Varifocal Starlight Camera
IPC-HDW5231R-ZE Review-Dahua Starlight IPC-HDW5231R-ZE 800 meter capable ePOE
IPC-HFW4239T-ASE IPC-HFW4239T-ASE
IPCT-HDW5431RE-I Review - IP Cam Talk 4 MP IR Fixed Turret Network Camera
DS-2CD2325FWD-I
N22AL12 New Dahua N22AL12 Budget Cam w/Starlight -- low cost entry

Other dahua 4MP starlight Dahua 4MP Starlight Lineup

My preferred indoor cameras
DS-2CD2442FWD-IW
IPC-K35A Review-Dahua IPC-K35A 3mp Cube Camera

If interested in Blue Iris and other setup items see the following post

Newbie Starter Guide to IP Cam System – VPN setup – Computer Hardware – Blue Iris – Dahua Cameras

This is an intermediate / newbie guide for people just starting out looking for a surveillance setup. I know this setup might not be for everyone and there are many options. You can find a lot of this information in the Wiki: IP Cam Talk Wiki | IP Cam Talk A great place to start in the Wiki...

ipcamtalk.com

Camera Sensor size info Sensor Size Chart Generally bigger is better

Before asking a question search the forum first...
The best way to search the forum is to use Google Advance search

Google Advanced Search

set site or domain to ipcamtalk.com

Read,study,plan before spending money ..... plan plan plan
Test do not guess

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[sebastiantombs]

I think your welcome should become a sticky or even a "must read" for newbies, SouthernYankee.

 

[looney2ns]

I think your welcome should become a sticky or even a "must read" for newbies, SouthernYankee.

People still wouldn't read it before asking questions. The Wiki is already a sticky, yet most miss it.

 

[sebastiantombs]

Then maybe as a "must read" when creating an account.