Opinions on Camera locations and type

[Lax]

This is my first post, and find it awesome I discovered this site. I would really appreciate suggestions for my new home. I wanted a robust surveillance systems. Was thinking of Dahua eyeball w/ NVR. Here is some information.

- This is in the city (SF) with many hot prowl burglaries in the area
- I want the cameras to capture identifying footage and serve as a visible deterrent.
- the local policeman requested I put cameras close to head level so he can use the footage to arrest people. I want the footage to benefit the neighbors too, who will have access.

I have attached pics of the front of the building and the back. The camera locations are marked in red.

My questions:
- Since cameras will be low, they need to be vandal resistant. Bullet cams don't seem like an option. Thinking eyeball cams/turrets might work. I know domes are the best, but this is in a place with sunlight and streetlight, will there be an issue of reflection off the dome.
- should I consider 2.8mm or 3.6mm?
- do I need starlight cams in the city?
- any comments on my camera location? Since my backyard cam is at a height. Any recommendation for a good dahua PTZ.

Will the Dahua 4MP eyeball work for me? IPC-HDW4431EM-AS. Any comments will be highly appreciated. http://www1.dahuasecurity.com/products/ipc-hdw4431em-as-3731.html.

Pictures:

 

[SquareEyes]

Just a thought.

Have you spoken with your neighbors to see if they are also interested in adding cameras to their places too?

If near neighbors were co-operative you could provide better coverage for everyone at less cost per neighbor. Additionally, it casts a wider net of deterrent for the bad guys.

 

[Lax]

@SquareEyes I am in touch with my neighbors few doors down who have put together a good system jointly. However my immediate neighbors are not interested because the units are tenant occupied.

 

[SquareEyes]

Sounds like you have already taken a smart first step, talking to the neighbors.

Is the building you are in a single or multi dwelling premises?

 

[Lax]

There are two units in my building but I am the owner of both and will live in the top floor.

 

[SquareEyes]

The choice of cameras largely when you think "action" is going to happen.

Turrets would be my choice of styles for the front of the house.

I would reconsider mounting the garage cams on that fascia, if there is room above the garage door inside the garage I would go straight through the masonry and mount to that with good anchors. Buildings around here aren't made of dead tree carcasses so I may be prejudiced.

Usually the naughty boys and girls appreciate the cover of darkness. The 2MP starlight cameras are only a few dollars more and much better suited to low light, in fact no comparison judging on linked camera's specs.

Empire Technology is a known vendor in these Parts and has both 4MP and 2MP listed in his store.

 

[SLC]

Here is a good example of the difference between 4MP and 2MP
If you go with the IPC-HDW5231R-Z | Dahua Technology - Dahua Technology varifocal you won't have to guess between 2.8 or 3.6mm. You may find you need something in between or more. These go from 2.7mm to 12mm. I would stick with the Starlights as they are excellent in low light conditions and you can run them in color mode all the time if you have enough external lighting.

I would also recommend using Andy @EMPIRETECANDY . Ordered 3 more cameras yesterday and already got my shipping notification. Be sure to let him know you are a member here and he gives better discounts to forum members.

 

[Lax]

@SquareEyes @SLC thanks for your suggestions. So you think the turrets will work on all locations. I thought I might need the domes to prevent vandalism. But seems like the turrets are economical enough that I can replace them if it is damaged. I will consider putting it on the fascia if possible. It is concrete. For the backyard since the camera is high, do you think I should consider a PTZ? any recommendations.

I am in touch with Andy.