CCTV Recommendations

[planetkrypton]

Hello, I’ve seen some older threads regarding this, and am wondering if anyone has any updated recommendations on a complete CCTV expandable setup.

I’m looking for POE support and at least 4MP to cover the front and back of the house. I’ve looked at Reolink (they usually have an offer for an 8 port NVR with 4 x5MP cams around £380) in the past, but have been a put off by them indicating that their NVR only works with their cameras (which I though sounded like rubbish as I’m sure that their cameras support ONVIF).

It’s a huge minefield for the initiated. Any suggestions?

Thanks!

[OilSheikh]

I use a webcam connected to a PC ( you can buy a DELL / HP i3 one for £40 off ebay ). I then have a software installed that records it and saves it to a certain folder. My Box account then syncs that folder every 30 mins.

Make sure your Windows account is password protected, so even if a thief nicks your PC, they can't access your Box account.

[fredwck]

I had also spent ages researching this stuff, apparently ** snip ** are good suppliers. Most of them have PoE support and loads of options.

I think a good NAS (like synology) is more versatile than NVRs. The recorder is just software.

[Garland147]

I do a webcam attached to a PC

[s000m]

I use Reolink, if you don't mind the wait you can get them on Aliexpress for a good price. My only complaint on them is that the motion detection can be overly senstive sometimes bombarding me with e-mail notifications when it rains heavily for instance. I also have a Ring doorbell which surpsingly works very well but as you may or may not know you need to subscribe to their service in order to keep a record of your footage.

If you dont' need that many camera's I would suggest Ring, if you after a more comprehensive setup take a look at the Reolinks (consider the Pan Tilt and zoom options of the more expensive models).

[Marcvs]

Been hearing a few good things about the UniFi cameras (have ordered a couple to test out) and will report back.

I am sure I could DIY something as good, but for relatives I want something that just works without faff.

[OwP]

Looking for a similar solution, will keep an eye on this thread. I do have a Ring doorbell that's OK, but I would like to expand coverage. Please report back with your experience.

[IAmATeaf]

I went for BlueIris as the NVR running on a Win10 PC. Have 6 2Mp Dahua starlight turret cams, when I did my install only 2Mp starlights were available but a few months back they released 4Mp starlights which is what I would buy right now.

Cost me quite a fair wedge, the cams with a mounting box were around £150 each, the PC cost around £125, POE switch around £80 plus a few other bits and bobs.

[[GSV]Trig]

I really like the Honeywell and Bosch stuff, depends what you are looking at price and performance wise..

[petrefax]

i have 3 x Foscam cameras with a dedicated Win10 PC running BlueIris as my NVR. the cameras are (in my opinion) reasonable mid-range kit & if you keep an eye on their website there's often sales around key dates like bank holidays etc.

their app is pretty handy for hooking up to the cameras & having an always on link to them from your phone (granted, i could achieve similar with the BlueIris web interface but why re-invent the wheel)

BlueIris is really easy to get on with & easy to configure, I've got it set up to split recordings into 1 hour clips & drop new recordings onto the dedicated machine, then archive these to a server so i get to keep a good 3 weeks of recordings

[EtheAv8r]

I have Hikvision DS-7608NI-E2 8 Port NVR with a mix of DS-2CD2T42WD-I5 and DS-2CD2342WD-I
cameras. Very robust, high end quality system with POE so cameras only need Ethernet cable connection and no other for power, and it was easy to install (but a lot of loft crawling to run external grade CAT 6 cables and drill through external walls to feed cameras. Not budget, but excellent kit.

[Jager]

I have Hikvision

How muhc did that setup cost if you don't mind me asking?

I've also heard very good things about Hikvision. They also have a range called 'HiLook' which is apparently aimed more for home/business owners that want a DIY install. Not sure what the difference is though or how much easier it is

[[GSV]Trig]

I've used HIKVision before, they were one of the first ones to force a password change on a unit when it came out of the box.
Mate of mine does installs if you're in the right area, however, he does travel farther afield if requested.

[ACBRAH]

thanks for the suggestions. has been growing on me lately to get a cctv setup.

[adamg]

I have Hikvision DS-7608NI-E2 8 Port NVR with a mix of DS-2CD2T42WD-I5 and DS-2CD2342WD-I
cameras. Very robust, high end quality system with POE so cameras only need Ethernet cable connection and no other for power, and it was easy to install (but a lot of loft crawling to run external grade CAT 6 cables and drill through external walls to feed cameras. Not budget, but excellent kit.

I have the exact same setup with the Hikvision DS-7608NI-E2 and 3x DS-2CD2342WD-I, installed another 4 of them for friends since this, everybody very happy with the quality of the system. Huge step up over the previous system that was being used.

DS-7608NI-K2 is the replacement NVR nowadays though as the -E2 is no longer sold, Scan stock this.

[xxdeanoxx]

We have a SWANN CCTV system and I do not recommend. Will likely replace with some of the suggestions people have posted.