Security cameras

I've had a bit of a search through the forums and security cameras have come up a couple of times, but not with a lot of detail.
After reading a recent post on the xlights FB page about someone's display being damaged and party stolen before they have even switched it on, is a timely reminder that in this day and age the security of our $$$ investments just sitting in our yards should be carefully considered. There are other threads with alternative measures for security like zipties, locks, concrete poles and trip wires for alarms etc, but seeing as we live in a digital age and we are (mostly) working with digital lights, I feel it's important to have a discussion and shared knowledge base on security camera options.

I assume that like most things in life you get what you pay for, but I was wondering if some of the experts wouldn't mind sharing some links or suggestions of gear to consider for the wider group?

Is there a budget option that will do a decent job in identifying faces in the dark or do you need to spend the big bucks for this type of detail? And if so, what kind of big bucks are we talking? $1000 for one person could be small change, for others it could be a year's play money gone.

Do they need to be constantly recording? If so what size/type drive(s) required? How many channels? Wireless/wifi options? Remote control from a phone app? Other features that are a must? Audio? B&W vs colour?

aaaaaaand go! (asking for a friend...)

 

I have recently done a little research into security cameras, I must say its a little overwhelming with the amount of different brands features price and quality. In the end I used and old Iphone and run a free app called alfred. It works ok although I haven't yet set it up properly but it seems to have most of the features you need.

 

There are defiantly some budget camera that are really good. For under a $200 you can get a wireless camera that will connect to your home wifi. You can enable it to trigger for movement and send you an email, plus you can check on all the footage via a smart phone or browser.
I have personally tested this range for a few days at my place : http://surveillance.zmodo.com/home-wifi-camera-1.html
Now some of these, do require a memory card if you want it to record.
This isn't the best solution out their, but it can be a good starting point

 

You can get wired outdoor IP cameras for well under $100. I'd always go wired over wireless.

The indoor ones I got earlier this week weren't PoE, but for $40 delivered the image is surprisingly good.

 

I just found this on Ebay : https://www.ebay.com.au/i/271636477386?chn=ps&dispctrl=1

 

yes David is correct, dont go wireless, wired is a lot better IMO.

I have them for many reasons and they work great. Analog HD (AHD) and/or IP are both good.

I use 2MP and 4MP cameras are get good results day and night from both.

I have a 3TB drive in my DVR and it provides a month or two or continuous storage (I record 24/7 and also trigger time stamps on motion).

 

Most of them (Chinese and all) can have the ability to use a cloud service for remote viewing via mobile (good when you are behind a CGNAT on NBN) or if you have a static and public IP you can open the appropriate ports on your router (if upnp doesnt work) and view them that way.

 

I have some hikvision ones connected to my Synology, thinking of adding an 8mp (4k) one next

 

Thanks all for the feedback so far.
@ryanschristmaslights i know we discussed this a few weeks back in chat but I lost the notes I took down including links.
Was Hikvision the brand we were discussing?
Thanks for the tip about the audio too.

 

Aliexpress, XinRay Store.

That's where I got my HIKVISION System,

 

That is the one I'm looking at, but in 4mm

 

i brought these last week http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/6pcs-200...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649

 

Cameras are a deterrent at most. All a determined thief has to do is chuck on a hoodie and some black trackies and mission accomplished. And 'if' they are identified, the chances of recovering your goods is next to zero, and most will get off without a conviction (stealing a christmas light or a reindeer would probably give the judge a giggle more than anything). Their only real use is to alert the owner via their motion sensing and you are able to get out there to scare them off.

As proof somewhat, my work has cameras everywhere and the yard gets broken into at least once every few months (even with the back to base security system). Nothing ever recovered.

Much easier to secure your props, build so they will need to bring tools to remove them. Don't make it obvious how they are secured. Put up some motion activated floods (out of reach of course). Amazing how thieves hate working under lights. And a few dummy dome cameras might add that extra oomph if they are going to be out there for a while.

I had someone have a go at my arches last year and they only managed to bend them, each end was bolted to a 12" ground screw below grass level. Wanted them so much they climbed a high slatted fence and tilted the motion sensors of the floods towards the ground. They'll probably try again this year I imagine!