CCTV camera recommendation

doubledrat · 07-09-2005, 12:49 PM

Hi

I am looking for a good-quality CCTV camera (which does not break the bank) I am not too bothered about nightvision as I have floodlights. I would prefer colour, but would accept black-and-white if it made a big difference to the quality/price.

Can anybody recommend a camera which would fit the bill? Or which ones to avoid?

Cheers,

Otto-Mate · 07-09-2005, 1:37 PM

You can get excellent quaity "Day/Night" cameras these day. Colour during daylight, switch automatically to low-light black and white at night.

Some links to try...

http://www.letsautomate.com/10741.cfm?
http://www.rfconcepts.co.uk/cctv-camera.htm
http://search.ebay.co.uk/_W0QQsassZonlineshopsales

M.

doubledrat · 07-09-2005, 1:44 PM

thanks M, but there are so many available I really need someone to say "I have xxxx and it's brilliant". I saw some output from a day/night camera that cost £120 from maplin and the quality was abysmal!

vex · 11-09-2005, 1:59 PM

The other consideration is what signal type they output and how you power them.

I am currently looking into a range of CCTV cameras that are line powered and have a modulator actually built in. This means they are easy to using an existing tv distribution system.

ZippyCat · 11-09-2005, 9:04 PM

I have installed many CCTV systems and also currently design commercial systems as part of my as a building services consultancy role. If you suggest a budget I can recommend a CCTV system to suit. Are you looking to record, view only, have dedicated monitors etc?

Regards

ZippyCat

doubledrat · 12-09-2005, 9:33 AM

thanks guys.

I have a "spare" pc, so intend to buy one of the 4 camera pc cards that's available. this will allow me to monitor, record and access over the internet. as for price of cameras, would £100-150 each do it?

ZippyCat · 12-09-2005, 11:54 AM

You could certainly buy something within that price range that provides a reasonable picture. Due to your budgetary constraints, I would suggest take a look at:

http://www.henrys.co.uk/cctv.htm

I have dealt with them in the past at the lower end of the market (CCTV can easily cost tens of thousands). I would recommend either of the following range of cameras:

http://www.henrys.co.uk/cctv/vd120.htm

http://www.henrys.co.uk/cctv/vandalproofdomecamera.htm

Go for the colour models as these should be OK if you say you have flood lighting (480 TVL). These can be connected to a 4 camera pc card, and I would recommend the GeoVision. If you go for the 120 series camera, then select the add on wall bracket for £20. The other model can be mounted on the wall, however you may need to rotate the camera within the dome due to the orientation.

12-09-2005, 4:23 PM

These are fantastic cameras http://www.rfconcepts.co.uk/colour_sony_ir.htm

I have fitted loads and have several around my home.

They can see in total darkness, i know your not too fussy about that but when the floodlights come on in darkness they will appear with a true day image.

essential if you are recording.

doubledrat · 12-09-2005, 4:52 PM

zippy,av2die4: thanks for the pointers

zippy: have you compared geovision with x-vision or the swann?

I've heard that the same camera can look worse on geovision (review here http://www.compshopper.co.uk/shopper...dvr-4-net.html says "We used the same cameras in the same locations and lighting conditions to test this card and the GeoVision. The Swann's picture quality was far better. It wasn't anywhere near the quality of the webcams, compared to which it looked washed out, but it was relatively sharp and crisp and didn't suffer from any of the over-saturation and exaggerated contrast that plagued the GeoVision.")

cheers

doubledrat · 12-09-2005, 4:59 PM

av2diefor: do you have any footage from this camera that I could see please? that would be very helpful in making a decision

ZippyCat · 12-09-2005, 6:49 PM

I haven’t had experience with the GeoVision system as I only ever install / spec dedicated DVRs, however I generally hear positive comments about the GeoVision cards & software. I would expect the newer GeoVision cards to perform better than the other brands you have listed. What I would suggest is you register with the following forum, full of very knowledgeable trade installers who would be more than happy to point you in the right direction:

http://www.thesecurityinstaller.co.uk/community/

There is a dedicated CCTV forum under the ‘Security Related’ section.

12-09-2005, 7:37 PM

Geovision is great, i have a GV-1000 runnig on a dedicated pc, i also have 2 dvr's running also.
The stand alones are more reliable (if you spend) but pc based has the most features by far.
Both systems can be viewed from anywhere in the world to see whats going on, i even can view the geovision from my nokia!

If you want to see a demo of the cameras pm me or i can send you a disc with footage on.

Also have a look at the forum on here http://ezcctv.com/techforum/index.php.