New guy question looking to install a system

[jim7]

Hi new to the site looks to be a great place for information... I little on me ... I am fairly up too date on home automation and electronics... that being said I have used foscam cameras in the past because they were better then any baby monitor I have found.. (only thing i have used them for) I am now looking at adding outside cameras to a newly build pole barn and our house entrance... And I am getting lost...There are so many choices... what I am looking for is a 4MP camera most likely bullet 8 channel recorder. I plan on using 3 on the pole barn and one in the entrance with the possibility to add 4 more. My budget is max $2000.. I know how make and run cat5 and port forward ip's so the software is important but does not have to be completely idiot proof...(I say that now) Here is a couple I have found and am looking for opinions of people that are experts Be nice... From my research I think these are good please let me know...

https://amcrest.com/amcrest-4-megapixel-2688-x-1520-8ch-network-poe-video-security-system-nvr-kit-four-4mp-poe-weatherproof-bullet-ip-cameras-98ft-night-vision-pre-installed-2tb-hdd-and-more-black.html

http://www.costco.com/Q-See-16-Channel-HD-IP-NVR-with-3TB-HDD,-8-4MP-Cameras-with-100'-Night-Vision.product.100213199.html

http://www.costco.com/AvertX-8-Channel-HD-IP-NVR-with-4TB-HDD,-4-4MP-Cameras-with-100'-Night-Vision.product.100305642.html

http://www.samsclub.com/sams/8ch-4mp-8-camera-2tb/prod20580798.ip?xid=plp9139-elec:product:1:10

http://www.nellyssecurity.com/custom-systems-packages/hi-def-ip-security-camera-systems/complete-4-channel-hikvision-4mp-bullet-dome-ip-surveillance-system.html

Or should I build a system???

 

[PSPCommOp]

Welcome to the forum.

I have a 6 camera system (hikvis turrets) with a Dell OptiPlex, running BI and purchased all the cable, connectors, tools to crimp and a 24 port PoE switch for just under $1900 currently. This includes various things i purchased for the system but no longer use, such as another monitor for remote viewing and an external IR illuminator. It also includes the WD Purple HDD I installed in the OptiPlex to store over two weeks of footage, an SSD for the OS and BI to run as well as the Windows 10 Pro licensing fees. If I went with Dahua cams I prob could have spent even less money.

I think you're much better off building your own. Even if I added in the price of my router (Asus RT-AC68P) which is great for VPN, I'm still under your $2000 mark so its DEF possible.

Box systems can get the job done however they aren't good with customer service and if one part of the kit goes, if you want to take advantage of a good return policy, you MAY be required to take down the entire system and return everything instead of just replacing One camera or just the NVR or whatever it would be.

If you aren't comfortable deciding on piecing it together yourself, def contact Nelly, I've heard great things about them and their customer service. Many have also ordered LTS cameras (hikvis rebrand) thru milkisbad on here. He can message u a catalogue with contact info and they can help u put one together too.

 

[Q™]

("BI" is Blue Iris software Jim)

 

[FrankOceanXray]

Build it. No install is the same. Read. Research. Measure. Determine what your situation requires, what your demands are... then buy appropriately.