Need camera ideas

[AgentShawn]

So, I'm being given a budget for the year to replace some old analog cameras with IP cameras.

We use Mirasys as our surveillance system if that helps.

The state requires 30fps and that's good enough for us. We don't want 4K and we want to save on space as much as possible.

I'm looking for as cheap as I can go but still have a reliable IP camera. Cheaper typically means I can buy more cameras.

Anyone have any suggestions at all? My ears are open!

 

[bp2008]

You say "The state requires 30fps". Does that mean you require 30 FPS? That sounds like a rule written by someone who somehow thinks a high frame rate is the mark of quality.

Also because you mention "the state", does that mean you are subject to NDAA rules? On this forum you will mostly find home users like myself recommending cameras that are not NDAA compliant.

 

[bp2008]

As an example, I'm personally very happy with Annke FCD600 as a low budget overview cam since it uses two image sensors and lenses to deliver a 180 degree field of view with minimal distortion, and it usually costs around $80 USD. But it is manufactured by Dahua so it isn't NDAA compliant, and it also won't do 30 FPS.

 

[AgentShawn]

You say "The state requires 30fps". Does that mean you require 30 FPS? That sounds like a rule written by someone who somehow thinks a high frame rate is the mark of quality.

Also because you mention "the state", does that mean you are subject to NDAA rules? On this forum you will mostly find home users like myself recommending cameras that are not NDAA compliant.

Yes, it has to be 30 FPS at min. The state regulations require it for casinos which is where I work surveillance at. I'm looking for something 1080p 2 MP as well. I need something less intensive on servers. My budget isn't that big for this year.

We have Dahua IP cameras for PTZ. But there was a time when Dahua was outlawed in the US but now I think it's allowed again. I'm not sure. We'd like to get away from Dahua to be honest as it has been a problematic camera when using with ONVIF with our system.

 

[Oneup]

Cheap cameras give cheap results.

 

[AgentShawn]

Cheap cameras give cheap results.

True.

An integrator quoted me one for $1,100 each. If I could get a good one for half that, I'd love that because I can get more but it needs to perform for a 24/7/365 operation that doesn't shut down. If that's too cheap of a camera, then I have to stay with the more expensive one. I totally get that.

 

[wittaj]

Yes, it has to be 30 FPS at min. The state regulations require it for casinos which is where I work surveillance at. I'm looking for something 1080p 2 MP as well. I need something less intensive on servers. My budget isn't that big for this year.

We have Dahua IP cameras for PTZ. But there was a time when Dahua was outlawed in the US but now I think it's allowed again. I'm not sure. We'd like to get away from Dahua to be honest as it has been a problematic camera when using with ONVIF with our system.

Dahua is still part of the "ban" for government installations. Not sure if the casino regulations require anything else, but homeowners and other businesses can still use Dahua.

 

[Timokreon]

Yes, it has to be 30 FPS at min. The state regulations require it for casinos which is where I work surveillance at. I'm looking for something 1080p 2 MP as well. I need something less intensive on servers. My budget isn't that big for this year.

We have Dahua IP cameras for PTZ. But there was a time when Dahua was outlawed in the US but now I think it's allowed again. I'm not sure. We'd like to get away from Dahua to be honest as it has been a problematic camera when using with ONVIF with our system.

If you're working for a casino in Illinois, there are only a few actual companies owning the casinos, then your surveillance budget should be pretty high considering IGB rules with an iron thumb.

Sounds like your GM and Director of Surveillance are being cheapskates in the attempt to look better for the home office and get their bonus at the end of the year.

 

[mat200]

Yes, it has to be 30 FPS at min. The state regulations require it for casinos which is where I work surveillance at. I'm looking for something 1080p 2 MP as well. I need something less intensive on servers. My budget isn't that big for this year.

We have Dahua IP cameras for PTZ. But there was a time when Dahua was outlawed in the US but now I think it's allowed again. I'm not sure. We'd like to get away from Dahua to be honest as it has been a problematic camera when using with ONVIF with our system.

As an example, I'm personally very happy with Annke FCD600 as a low budget overview cam since it uses two image sensors and lenses to deliver a 180 degree field of view with minimal distortion, and it usually costs around $80 USD. But it is manufactured by Dahua so it isn't NDAA compliant, and it also won't do 30 FPS.

@bp2008 has a good point .. both Hikvision and Dahua are on the "bad list" for NDAA ( iirc Annke sells Hikvision OEM )

Dahua OEM IP cameras we have had good results with their ONVIF / standards when using Blue Iris.
( key here is IP, not analog )

"We use Mirasys as our surveillance system if that helps"

Suspect it is a Mirasys and that particular camera model compatibility issue.
( Dahua analog cameras, I would assume use the Dahua specs for analog best and not Hikvision specs .. so that could be an issue you are facing. Also, as ONVIF is for IP I do not understand how an analog camera would have much to do with ONVIF )

"ONVIF (the Open Network Video Interface Forum) is a global and open industry forum with the goal of facilitating the development and use of a global open standard for the interface of physical IP-based security products."

True.

An integrator quoted me one for $1,100 each. If I could get a good one for half that, I'd love that because I can get more but it needs to perform for a 24/7/365 operation that doesn't shut down. If that's too cheap of a camera, then I have to stay with the more expensive one. I totally get that.

HI @AgentShawn,

Questions :
1) $1100 each camera .. does that include installation and cabling ?
2) Do you plan to recable ?
3) Plan to stick with coax ? or go cat5e/6 if recabling ?
4) Are there other standards the state requires for cameras in a casino ? ( in addition to 30 fps )

Normally, I try to focus on the results I want to meet from a function pov.

Wondering if your boss is just attempting to meet the state's check box list.