Since I've now gotten into gear with purchasing the remaining items needed to assemble a working system I've been tracking the total spent with an Excel spreadsheet. It is totaling a bit more than I had expected. Was anyone else here surprised by the total they ended up spending?
Typical Budgets?
- Thread starter davej
- Start date
Q™
IPCT Contributor
awsum140
Known around here
I think you'll find a "running total" is more realistic than a "goal total". This stuff is the crack of the technical world, very habit forming. I no longer watch my total.
And I am starting out with cheap cameras. Those of you with good cameras must have quite a total.
Q™
IPCT Contributor
Q™
IPCT Contributor
"Cheap" cameras don't cost a whole lot less than "reasonably good" cameras and -- if you add in aggravation and poor performance -- reasonably good cameras are less expensive than "cheap cameras." You can purchase "reasonably good" fixed focal length Starlight cameras from Andy (@EMPIRETECANDY) for approximately $100.00 each.
awsum140
Known around here
Cheap cameras are actually expensive since they end up getting replaced and tossed once you try one, decent, camera. Like I said, the "crack" of the tech world.
I started with two SV3C and a no-name 4mp. Once I bought a Dahua, 5231R-Z, I realized that the money I spent on the SV3C and no-name, $400 total, was a total waste of money, time and effort.
I started with two SV3C and a no-name 4mp. Once I bought a Dahua, 5231R-Z, I realized that the money I spent on the SV3C and no-name, $400 total, was a total waste of money, time and effort.
mat200
IPCT Contributor
- Jan 17, 2017
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Hi Davej,
Total for me added up quickly to beyond what I originally hoped for.
To reduce your initial costs consider fewer good cameras vs many cheaper cameras - paying attention to your greatest risk areas.
Over cable - and plan to add a couple more cameras later when you have funds.
SkyLake
Getting comfortable
- Jul 30, 2016
- 354
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You start with one or two camera's...... And before you even know, you will end up like this... 
mat200
IPCT Contributor
- Jan 17, 2017
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Man I'm wanting to add this.. unfortunately I suspect the WAF is low on it...
They do things a bit different in South Africa...
They do things a bit different in South Africa...
