Q: Do you sell video equipment?
A. No. You buy your own system. We help you choose the best system for you.
Q: Do you charge for your services?
A. No. We are all volunteers who have helped Quarter and Marigny residents install more than 75 systems.
Why are you doing this?
A: We want to help keep you safe. Having your own system lets you see what's going on outside without stepping into a potentially dangerous situation.
We do ask that you register your system with SafeCamNOLA and allow detectives to retrieve video if a crime takes place in your neighborhood. No one monitors your system. You alone have access.
Here's the SafeCamNOLA website: (http://safecamnola.com)
Q. Do you install systems?
A. If you choose to use our installer, he gets paid a minium $100 for four hours work and $25 an hour thereafter. Most installations take four to six hours.
Q. Can I just buy a system and have your installer put it in?
A. No. Our installer has no experience helping residents put the best system together within their budget.
Q. If I buy a system you recommend, can I install it myself?
A. Yes.
Q. Do I need special skills?
A. If you have do-it-yourself skills, most likely. You'll need a good-qualty ladder, a drill, a screwdriver or two, be able to run wires and drill one quarter-sized hole from the outside to the inside of your house. Good computer skills will help you understand the setup. No electricians or contractors are needed.
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.
How we can help you
Q: Do you sell video equipment?
A. No. You buy your own system. We help you choose the best system for you.
Q: Do you charge for your services?
A. No. We are all volunteers who have helped Quarter and Marigny residents install more than 75 systems.
Why are you doing this?
A: We want to help keep you safe. Having your own system lets you see what's going on outside without stepping into a potentially dangerous situation.
We do ask that you register your system with SafeCamNOLA and allow detectives to retrieve video if a crime takes place in your neighborhood. No one monitors your system. You alone have access.
Q. Do you install systems?
A. If you choose to use our installer, he gets paid a minium $100 for four hours work and $25 an hour thereafter. Most installations take four to six hours.
Q. Can I just buy a system and have your installer put it in?
A. No. Our installer has no experience helping residents put the best system together within their budget.
Q. If I buy a system you recommend, can I install it myself?
A. Yes.
Q. Do I need special skills?
A. If you have do-it-yourself skills, most likely. You'll need a good-qualty ladder, a drill, a screwdriver or two, be able to run wires and drill one quarter-sized hole from the outside to the inside of your house. Good computer skills will help you understand the setup. No electricians or contractors are needed.
