[sharky]

i am looking to set up an outdoor security camera,especially one that can "see" in the dark. I bought a low priced blackandwhite 15" monitor already(clearanced at RShack).

any recommendations? i am thinking a WIRED outdoor security camera will capture a better picture than a WIRE-LESS outdoor security camera. however WIRE-LESS is big prefrence because of ease of use. Eventually i will be going to a colored monitor so buying a color security camera would not be wasting $$

[Knotbored]

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=91851

This is an inexpensive way to get started. 300 pixel camera with night vision for $50
I don't know anything about the camera but have many shop tools from dealer Harborfreight and think the prices are great.

[JohnWill]

First off, for outdoor use at night, you're going to need one with fairly powerful IR lamps to illuminate the scene. Next, under IR illumination, the pictures are always B/W, you won't see color. What kind of area are you trying to cover with this camera? Personally, I'd probably spend the money on better lighting.

[sharky]

What am i using it for? i moved into a low crime area several years ago that has now turned into a high crime area....especially petty crime,vandalism crime. Criminals are getting bold such as breaking into vehicles in lighted areas,even unscrewing motion dector lights when they go off. i PERSONNALY want to catch the criminals in the act

The coverage area is not too large, 'typical' driveway,front lawn area.

About a camera that can 'see' good in the dark, i am not too concern with having a color camera, Black and white will do fine. "IR technology" is a new concept to me. I think i might go with the one Knotbored found.--THAT is not etched in stone if someone has another recommendation.

Also say i have two equally powerful IR cameras, one wireless,the other wired. Will the picture quality be the same on a monitor or do you suppose the wireless IR camera does not give as good as picture as the IR wired camera

[DoubleHelix]

If I lived in a high-crime area, I'd install an actual security system. I wouldn't be interested in catching anyone in the act but instead in preventing the crime to begin with. I'd also install some motion-sensing flood lights that illuminate the place like a Christmas tree if anyone tried to tiptoe up to the house in the middle of the night.

[JohnWill]

Well, that camera has the IR LED's around the face, but I suspect it's range will be limited. Also, the resolution may leave something to be desired if you want to actually identify the criminals using the video.

[kiwiguy]

IR illumination provided by the camera (I have 4 remote cameras here, 3 wired one wireless) is useless past about 12 feet or so.

Colour cameras are not usually as good at low-light operation as B/W.

Wireless are next to useless here as the 2.4 GHz spectrum is quite busy, hence the range is only about 30' before it breaks up. Too many cordless phones, WiFi and microwave ovens.

To illuminate the area you want, you will need to buy or make IR LED floodlights.

[Lynn8518]

If you're looking for something that is a little more low key than a complete security system, you could go with a Sony camcorder. They have hard drive camcorders that will hold around 30+ hours on a lower quality mode. However, it would be a 0 lux rating when in night mode. The picture would look a little green because it is literally like night vision goggles. Just another idea for you.

[JohnWill]

Let me guess, every day he gets his ladder out and climbs up to retrieve the day's video?

[bdimag]

Originally Posted by DoubleHelix

If I lived in a high-crime area, I'd install an actual security system. I wouldn't be interested in catching anyone in the act but instead in preventing the crime to begin with. I'd also install some motion-sensing flood lights that illuminate the place like a Christmas tree if anyone tried to tiptoe up to the house in the middle of the night.

he still said they're getting so bold as to do the crime in lighted areas, and that theyll just unscrew the bults (or break em even - im sure)... also - one thing they like to do is "smash and grab" - so who cares if theres any light - cause they're already "out"

Originally Posted by Lynn8518

If you're looking for something that is a little more low key than a complete security system, you could go with a Sony camcorder. They have hard drive camcorders that will hold around 30+ hours on a lower quality mode. However, it would be a 0 lux rating when in night mode. The picture would look a little green because it is literally like night vision goggles. Just another idea for you.

lol I can just imagine somebody setting up a camcorder on a stand at their front window.. then some punk criminal comes up for the car, looks in the window and is like "HEY!"... break the window - and another free camcorder!

[sharky]

Originally Posted by kiwiguy

IR illumination provided by the camera (I have 4 remote cameras here, 3 wired one wireless) is useless past about 12 feet or so.
Colour cameras are not usually as good at low-light operation as B/W.
Wireless are next to useless here as the 2.4 GHz spectrum is quite busy, hence the range is only about 30' before it breaks up. Too many cordless phones, WiFi and microwave ovens.To illuminate the area you want, you will need to buy or make IR LED floodlights.

exactly the info i was looking for, real experience with security lighting. i was wondering if 2.4 or 900 would have trouble transmitting because of telephones ,so forth. Also i have been wondering if BW would have advantages over color too. Many of the BW security cameras seem to be clearancing out at stores

[sharky]

Originally Posted by Lynn8518

If you're looking for something that is a little more low key than a complete security system, you could go with a Sony camcorder. They have hard drive camcorders that will hold around 30+ hours on a lower quality mode. Just another idea for you.

i will look into tthat idea

[sharky]

Originally Posted by bdimag

he still said they're getting so bold as to do the crime in lighted areas, and that theyll just unscrew the bults (or break em even - im sure)... also - one thing they like to do is "smash and grab" - so who cares if theres any light - cause they're already "out".
lol I can just imagine somebody setting up a camcorder on a stand at their front window.. then some punk criminal comes up for the car, looks in the window and is like "HEY!"... break the window - and another free camcorder!

i live for the day i catch a criminal or vandal on my property lol! they will leave with something broken

[hewee]

puter hater is not here much anymore but she got one a frys that was a system and you had a buy a hard drive too or the model she got you did. But it is about the size of a VCR and records everything on the hard drive. Then you can set it up to work the way you want to and how it records and how long and when it records. Have it so it picks up something on the camera so it starts to record. I forget what it cost but it worked good because I seen it when I went to LA and was with her when she got it. Not sure if she got another better night time camera or not.
But she had it or was going to have it so she could also be a work and see thing on the camera on her laptop.
So you may want to PM puter hater.

[JohnWill]

Originally Posted by sharky

i live for the day i catch a criminal or vandal on my property lol! they will leave with something broken

You're one of those guys?