Need help deciding on IP Camera's

Jun 12, 2018
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Hey guys,

Here is the situation. Having a baby shortly and want to put out some camera's to monitor it. There are 3 different locations in the house it would sleep.

Looking for a system that has no reliance on the cloud. I do not want video to leave my local network. Preferably both IOS/Android apps to view (PC/Web based apps would be a bonus).

Camera's should be as high quality as possible (not reduced frame rate). Should be able to provide image in low-to-no-light conditions.

Preference is being able to be powered via PoE. Pan-Zoom-Tilt would be awesome but not a deal breaker.

Extras like temp readings and movement sensors are great, but not important. If some local type of server is required for command and control, virtual is preferred over physical as I already have a vmware cluster in place.

I am not worried about storing the video, although I can provision some space on a NAS locally for that. Primarily it is realtime streaming from camera;s to our tablets/phones.

I'm also not looking for the cheapest solution. Willing to go as far as say $1500 for the right choice of 3 camera's.
 
i posted a response on security cameras in the link below - i climbed the learning curve going from NEST wireless camera to HikVision wired cameras - it should help

http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-3705928/home-security-systems-recommendations.html#20980059i

no need for a server - i run my cameras off a TrendNet 8 port POE switch (125 watt) - from the switch, i run the video stream to a dedicated SSD in my computer, which means, if you want 24/7 security, the computer stays on 24/7 if you want easy access to recorded video. The HikVision cameras accept, or mine do, up to 128 GB micro SD cards, one at each camera - i can access the cameras over my android phone, no issue.

You'll want a 3rd party video management software - one of the reasons is the OEM software usually wants a server to direct the video stream to, while Blue Iris lets me direct it straight- all the OEMs seem to lack control, fine tuning ability etc. I use Blue Iris, can be had on amazon for as low as $45 - don't bother with their android app that they sell separately for $10 until you've tried the mfgr's smartphone app - My HikVision android app is far more stable and easier to use than the Blue Iris app

once you've read thru my linked post, any other questions, post them here

and since your indicated usage is for child monitoring, you might appreciate this video - the backstory, the parents couldn't figure out how their 15 month old toddler was getting out of her room at 4:00AM - looks like she had some partners in crime http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5813765/Dad-toddler-caught-camera-escaping-bed-help-two-dogs-reveals-special-bond.html

as for cost, the HikVision cameras i went with were exterior cameras, what they call their "value line", 2566x1588 (iirc) and ran about $189. The switch ran $130. Best place to source them is B&H photo. If purchased from a US distributor, HikVision will svc them under warranty and assist in setting them up. You can source them from the Asia market but be careful, not only no warranty, but US firmware updates will brick the asian market units.