Need recommendations

[Rightone47]

I didn't search because recommendations from last year might be thought of as "less recommended" by now...

I would like Cameras with PTZ, preferably 4K, 8MP, Auto tracking.

I have to have Wireless, no choice. I have a Cathedral ceiling, which is supported by 18,000 2x4's, making an attic crawl impossible.

I would prefer Power plug in over Solar.

I have Reolink now, which aren't security cameras. They are expensive Fake cameras that don't work. I can get Fake cameras for $9 probably on Ebay.

After that, I have to figure out Blue Iris, but I assume any camera will say they work with the platform.

Thanks for any input.

 

[bigredfish]

For inside or outside?

Wireless will kill any real choice anyway

 

[wittaj]

Welcome.

Sadly, the advancements in this arena are not as fast as other industries, so yes, last years recommendations would still be valid.

If you want true 8MP that isn't a toy, you are looking at over $2k. We assure you 4MP is more than adequate.

Wifi and cameras do not go together. Especially for a true surveillance camera that is much better than a reolink.

There are always ways if you don't want to run an ethernet cable.

You need power anyway, so go with a powerline adapter to run the data over your electric lines.


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.


But as it relates to PTZs, the best overall value on the ideal MP/sensor ratio:

https://www.amazon.com/EmpireTech-SD5A425XA-HNR-Starlight-Auto-Tracking-IVSEnglish/dp/B08GKQSK2W




Cheapest ones but will struggle at night due to less than ideal MP/sensor ratio:

https://www.amazon.com/EmpireTech-Full-Color-Illuminator-Auto-Tracking-PTZ4M-25X-PV/dp/B0CN8JG6TF?ref_=ast_sto_dp

https://www.amazon.com/EmpireTech-Starlight-5mm-125mm-Auto-Tracking-Protection/dp/B0BPH7L1Z1?ref_=ast_sto_dp

EmpireTech PTZ494M-25X 1/2.8" CMOS 4MP 25x Starlight IR 4.8mm–120mm Va


Open up the wallet for a great night experience:

1/1.2" 8Megapixel STARVIS CMOS | 45x optical zoom | Ultra light sensitivity | Max. 25/30 fps@4K | Auto-tracking | Perimeter protection | Face detection | Face recognition | Metadata | SMD Plus | IP67 | Dual light fusion | Electronic defog | Wiper

 

[Rightone47]

For inside or outside?

Wireless will kill any real choice anyway

Outside. If the Reolink cams don't work because they are wireless, then I would lose my entire argument against them.

 

[wittaj]

Outside. If the Reolink cams don't work because they are wireless, then I would lose my entire argument against them.

Even wired reolinks are poor choices at night if you want to be able to ID and give the police something to go on other than what time it happened.

 

[Rightone47]

Holy Crap. Thanks, wittaj.

I will read all the links. I use Powerline adapters from the Router to every room's computer and the living room Projector / Roku.

My Brain isn't yet figuring out how I would run 4 to 6 Cameras like that though. (My Brain is full after the Internet connections)

 

[Rightone47]

Even wired reolinks are poor choices at night if you want to be able to ID and give the police something to go on other than what time it happened.

Well, if you are saying the stuff I have recorded for a Year now ISN'T a bunch of Ghosts, I will have to cancel my Travel channel viewership...

 

[wittaj]

Holy Crap. Thanks, wittaj.

I will read all the links. I use Powerline adapters from the Router to every room's computer and the living room Projector / Roku.

My Brain isn't yet figuring out how I would run 4 to 6 Cameras like that though. (My Brain is full after the Internet connections)

Oh you are halfway there then!

Throw a POE switch at the end of one of the powerline adaptors and run a batch of cameras that way.

Or if they are spread too far around the house, then multiple powerline adaptors.

I have used one for years without issue feeding Blue Iris (which is notorious for throwing No Signal errors at any minor loss LOL).

 

[wittaj]

Well, if you are saying the stuff I have recorded for a Year now ISN'T a bunch of Ghosts, I will have to cancel my Travel channel viewership...

Oh I am sure any recorded movement at night on your reolinks are a bunch of ghosts LOL. And blurs, and see thru people missing arms and legs LOL

 

[Rightone47]

Oh I am sure any recorded movement at night on your reolinks are a bunch of ghosts LOL. And blurs, and see thru people missing arms and legs LOL

My favorites are Ghost Deer. I hope they are Reptilians though, since the Gubment is talking about that now.

 

[Rightone47]

Oh you are halfway there then!

Throw a POE switch at the end of one of the powerline adaptors and run a batch of cameras that way.

Or if they are spread too far around the house, then multiple powerline adaptors.

I have used one for years without issue feeding Blue Iris (which is notorious for throwing No Signal errors at any minor loss LOL).

Ok, my Router is of course hooked into Powerline Adapter 1... I run computers on all the other Adapters... So if I have 6 extra Adapters running the new cameras, how does the Blue Iris or other software figure that out?

 

[wittaj]

You will assign each camera a unique IP address and then you can bring it into any VMS like Blue Iris or an NVR via the IP address.

 

[Rightone47]

You will assign each camera a unique IP address

So you're saying there's a chance...

 

[wittaj]

If it doesn't work, it is because of the way your electric wiring is that prevents it.

But if your house is already using them, it is a strong likelihood the cameras will work as well.

As long as each camera has a unique IP and are ONVIF compliant, you are good to go.

 

[Rightone47]

Ok, so ONVIF is basically all cameras and apps that get along together and don't fight constantly like the Ghost Cats!!! ???

 

[wittaj]

Kinda, sorta LOL. Basically not anything cloud based. But not all ONVIF is created equal and some work better than others.

 

[Rightone47]

Ok I'll read your links. Have to get a refund from Reolink first anyway. They are real shy right now.

 

[wittaj]

Yeah, we have seen many come here getting wrapped into their tactics of stalling until the refund window is closed. Just stay persistent that you simply want to return it.

 

[Rightone47]

Well, I will tell them I will give them a couple of weeks (Still have 11 Months).

If nothing by then, they can talk to my Attorney General.

That usually results in a message like "We would love to give you everything you ask for."

As far as Powerline adapters, do they need to all be the same brand?

 

[wittaj]

Good luck! We have seen many people get sucked into it with firmware updates and "give us two more weeks and the new firmware will fix your exact problem" blah blah blah.

Yes, it can be any brand powerline adapter - they don't have to match (other than the pairs on either end LOL).