The Automation Guy
Known around here
You don't have to replace all the Annke cameras. Get one variable focal length 5442 series camera and have him try it out. When set up correctly (ie not the stock default settings), the nighttime performance will be remarkably better than the Annke. Then it will be up to your Dad to decide if it is worth the cost to replace what he already has. To most of us, it is. That's because a CCTV system isn't measured by how well it performs in the best conditions, it's how well it performs in the worst conditions. If a camera is a poor performer in bad conditions, it isn't worth having. Personally I don't want usable coverage only 60% of the time, I want usable coverage 100% of the time. If I have to pay $200 USD on a camera to get that, it's still better than spending $100 USD on a camera that will meet my needs only 60% of the time.
As far as the NUC option, I think that has been well discussed. However I'll through my 2 cents in. Theoretically, either CPU you listed will work just fine for your needs. However, the fact that it is in a NUC has limitations that simply are not worth it. A 11th gen i7 or i5 chip in a small form factor would be a much better option due to the customization and flexibility it offers. For example, I for one would never record footage just to a NAS. Doing so requires two different machines to be working properly in order to get archived footage. I'd rather record locally and then move the files to the NAS for long term storage. This way I know I am getting archived footage as long as the BI machine is working. We also don't know if/how the CPU is throttled due to the NUC size. I have to assume it is being throttled.
All this being said, you don't really need to look at 11gen chips either. Using something like a i7-6700 or newer chip would provide plenty of power. Small form factor machines with these chips are a dime a dozen on EBay (at least in the USA) and would cost a fraction of the NUC with an 11th gen processor in it.
Anyway, I hope you take these and everyone else's comments with an open mind. The fact that the vast majority of users here are saying to steer away from the NUC should be a sign. In the end, it's obviously your Dad's choice, but there is real wisdom on this forum and you would be wise to listen to it.
As far as the NUC option, I think that has been well discussed. However I'll through my 2 cents in. Theoretically, either CPU you listed will work just fine for your needs. However, the fact that it is in a NUC has limitations that simply are not worth it. A 11th gen i7 or i5 chip in a small form factor would be a much better option due to the customization and flexibility it offers. For example, I for one would never record footage just to a NAS. Doing so requires two different machines to be working properly in order to get archived footage. I'd rather record locally and then move the files to the NAS for long term storage. This way I know I am getting archived footage as long as the BI machine is working. We also don't know if/how the CPU is throttled due to the NUC size. I have to assume it is being throttled.
All this being said, you don't really need to look at 11gen chips either. Using something like a i7-6700 or newer chip would provide plenty of power. Small form factor machines with these chips are a dime a dozen on EBay (at least in the USA) and would cost a fraction of the NUC with an 11th gen processor in it.
Anyway, I hope you take these and everyone else's comments with an open mind. The fact that the vast majority of users here are saying to steer away from the NUC should be a sign. In the end, it's obviously your Dad's choice, but there is real wisdom on this forum and you would be wise to listen to it.
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