If you're new to this, recommend picking up one of the 4MP varifocal 1/1.8" cameras ( most go with Dahua OEM ), good length of copper wired 23 or 24 AWG cat5e / 6 cable and a small PoE switch and start playing around as you learn. ( this will be the fastest way imho to self learn, search here for test rig setups to see what others are using )