Cameras: A Q&A

Q. : Which is better: wired or wireless.

A. Unless you have unlimited resources, stay away from wireless.  We haven't seen a reliable wireless system yet for less than $3,000.

Q. : Are there basically guidelines for cameras?

A.  At a minimum, analog cameras should have no less than 700 TVL (lines per inch) and 30 IR (infrared for night vision). They should also be weatherproof.  Some of the new analog system have 960 lines. The higher the better.

HD: True HD systems are either 720p or 1080p. Some systems claim to be "HD-like". Those tend to be higher quality analog systems. Most HD systems have adequate infrared for night, although the image may go to black and white.

Q: What does a good analog camera look like at night?

Here's a sample:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6kpA3tMjfw

Q: What does an HD system look like at night?

Here's a sample:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQgI67qk7cY

Q: What other factors impact the quality of video?

A. Good lighting. We believe good lighting does more to discourage crime than cameras. But good cameras and good lighting work together to help produce good video when crime does occur.

Q: Where should I mount my cameras?

A.  The lower to the ground, the better -- although putting them lower than eight feet might encourage vandalism. We recommend you put the cameras no higher than 14 feet off the ground because the angle makes it difficult to see faces and details. Although outdoor cameras are waterproof, covered areas are always better than uncovered areas. Waterproofing connections between cameras and cable are also essential (tape, clear plastic tubes, etc.).

Q: Where should I put my DVR?

A: Put it in a location that is midway between all of your cameras if possible.  Most systems come with 60 or 100-foot cables. Longer cables are available, up to 300 feet, but will cost you extra.

Q: Is remote access important?

A. Not only important, but handy. The wife of one of our founders uses remote access to find parking near her house after shopping.  She uses her IPAD in the rear of the house at night to check strange noises on the street -- all without leaving the comfort of her bed.  

Q: Are there systems you generally recommend?

A: For quality of products and ease of use, we generally find that Swann and Q-see systems are the best. Lorex systems are decent, but don't seem as durable or weatherproof.

Q: Where do you recommend we shop for a system?

A:  At the moment, Costco and Samsclub seem to offer the best quality systems at the lowest prices. We have recommended Amazon in the past, and still do from time to time, but stay away from third-party sellers. You may end up with poor quality knock-off cameras, as one of our founders learned. All three sellers have excellent return policies.

Q: Are there specific systems you'd recommend?

A: The technology is changing so quickly, it seems that everytime we latch onto a good system, it gets sold out quickly. Moreover, Costco and Samsclub have monthly sales. That's why we use the guidelines for camera quality and infrared.