Hi, looking for a good POE system

T

todda2001

n3wb
Dec 20, 2025
4
7
USA
Hi everyone. I am one of those newbs that uses Ring cameras :p, but would like to upgrade to a system with much improved video quality. I can run ethernet to the cameras, so I think POE may be the way to go. I don't mind doing a little research, but I don't want to spend 6 months picking out a system so I'm hoping for some suggestions. Like I mentioned, video quality is a main requirement, along with the ability to view the video from my phone. I'll probably still keep the Ring doorbell camera for simplicity at this location, but I would like to install better devices in other locations around the outside of the house. While money isn't a big concern, I'm probably not interested in a most expensive system out there.

Thanks in advance!

Todd
 
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This is the palce to buy your equipment.
Dahua gear with a different sticker. Great guy and forum favorite distributor for years.

EmpireTech | Security Protection | Security Cameras & NVRs

Building security systems for home and business offices. Protecting customers' personal safety and property security. All the security cameras and NVRs we sell are of great quality and at affordable prices.
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a sketch or aerial view of your property would be a good start
 
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Welcome!

Without knowing what your goals of the camera is, this thread is used as the go to for the new person here outlining the commonly recommended cameras (along with Amazon links) based on distance to IDENTIFY that represent the overall best value/best bang for the buck in terms of price and performance day and night. It might be a 2MP camera in some instances. Many here feel 4MP is the current sweet spot for these cameras.

The Importance of Focal Length over MP in camera selection

And coupled with that thread is this great thread which will show why all of the same 2.8 or 3.6mm cameras is the wrong choice (these are the common focal lengths consumer brands sell):

i-want-2-8mm-cameras-everywhere-to-see-everything-this-is-why-you-need-specific-fovs-with-purposeful-focal-lengths.70053/

We would encourage you to look at those threads in detail.

It will probably raise more questions than answers LOL.


Most here are not going to recommend a box system, and we also commonly recommend purchasing one good varifocal camera and testing and playing with it at multiple spots to learn about these types of cameras and then purchase the types of cameras you need for your goals. Usually one model ixed focal lengths available in a Ring or other box systems are not going to meet all your needs.

empiretech01.com

EmpireTech IPC-T54IR-ZE-S3 1/1.8" CMOS 4MP IR Starlight 2.7mm–12mm Var

4-MP 1/1.8" CMOS image sensor, low luminance, and high definition image. Outputs max. 4MP (2688×1520) @25/30 fps. Built-in IR LED, and the max. illumination distance is 40 m. ROI, SVC, AI H.264/H.265, encoding after filter, flexible coding, applicable to various bandwidth and storage...
empiretech01.com empiretech01.com
 
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Hi, I'm still reading, but am leaning towards getting a varifocal camera to test like @wittaj suggested. Is there a good NVR system, or do most of you use a PC and software such as Blue Iris? Also, do you recommend segmenting the video system from the rest of your home network (other PCs, mobile devices, etc.)? I have 600MB internet service and am using Cat 6 cable everywhere in the house, so I assume there isn't a need to segment the video out. Thanks!
 
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todda2001 said:
Hi, I'm still reading, but am leaning towards getting a varifocal camera to test like @wittaj suggested. Is there a good NVR system, or do most of you use a PC and software such as Blue Iris? Also, do you recommend segmenting the video system from the rest of your home network (other PCs, mobile devices, etc.)? I have 600MB internet service and am using Cat 6 cable everywhere in the house, so I assume there isn't a need to segment the video out. Thanks!
Click to expand...

welcome

NVR will need to be matched with your camera to get the most of your setup.

many here like blue iris on a PC as they can better mix different camera oems.
 
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