Spec me a CCTV System

Tinders · 23 Dec 2017 at 10:59

Hi Peeps,

Heres a slightly daft question, are NVR's universal, ie will they work with all ip cams, i have some budget Dahua's, that im going to use in place of my old analogue system, but i'll need to buy a NVR with POE, but im wondering if its ok to buy, say a Hik, and use different cams?

Any recommendations for 8ch NVR with POE that doesnt cost a bomb?

Bigpops · 27 Dec 2017 at 18:55

They aren't universal, but NVRs will have a list of protocols they support, along with basic onvif.
Here's a screen grab of what my Hik recorder supports

BennyC · 27 Dec 2017 at 20:55

I was contemplating replacing my ancient RAID enclosure with a NAS unit which lead me on to Synology's website, NVR's and now I'm perplexed as to whether I should have both separate NAS & NVR units or look to just build a multipurpose rig to serve as a NAS and NVR :confused:

I would like to set up a few cameras (probably 4) in the future so figured buying something capable in that regard makes sense.

My needs are pretty basic: TimeMachine backups, file storage & streaming and CCTV (eventually). Being able to access this remotely would be a bonus but isn't really essential.

eidolon · 29 Dec 2017 at 19:39

I've installed my DS-7204HUHI-F1/N with 4 x 3MP analogue cameras but I noticed that it also supports 2 more IP cameras. Can I just buy pretty much any ONVIF compatible IP camera or are Hikvisions ones recommended?
Ideally I'd get wifi ones for ease of installation.

godinman · 30 Dec 2017 at 09:27

I may be wrong but I seem to remember that the two IP cameras have to be hikvision. I'd check the part where you add new cameras and make sure that onvif is an option there.

welshdragon · 31 Dec 2017 at 09:09

BennyC said:
I was contemplating replacing my ancient RAID enclosure with a NAS unit which lead me on to Synology's website, NVR's and now I'm perplexed as to whether I should have both separate NAS & NVR units or look to just build a multipurpose rig to serve as a NAS and NVR

I would like to set up a few cameras (probably 4) in the future so figured buying something capable in that regard makes sense.

My needs are pretty basic: TimeMachine backups, file storage & streaming and CCTV (eventually). Being able to access this remotely would be a bonus but isn't really essential.

A nas will handle all that fine.

I have a qnap nas which either does, or can do all that and it looks after 3 IP cameras. It's really flexible and easy to setup. Depends on which model you get as to how many cameras you can use out the box. Mine allowed two and I had to pay £30 to add an extra camera licence. Dedicated app is ok, and having used an nvr previously no better or worst than most other apps I've seen.

BennyC · 31 Dec 2017 at 09:32

welshdragon said:
A nas will handle all that fine.

I have a qnap nas which either does, or can do all that and it looks after 3 IP cameras. It's really flexible and easy to setup. Depends on which model you get as to how many cameras you can use out the box. Mine allowed two and I had to pay £30 to add an extra camera licence. Dedicated app is ok, and having used an nvr previously no better or worst than most other apps I've seen.

That's great, thanks. Since my original post I picked up a DS218j and 2 x 3TB WD Red Drives. It has licences for 2 IP cameras which will give me front, back & garage coverage. As you say additional licenses are around £45 but think 2 cameras will do me fine for now as it's mostly peace of mind rather than being in a high risk area and needing a deterrent.

Are these the camera's that everyone recommends? I know it'll vary by requirement, angle, environment etc. We have street lights out the front and one wall light on the coach house car parking area behind (15-20m away) so it's far from pitch black out there after dark.

https://www.jmcsecure.co.uk/ipc-d14...k10-dome-camera-with-30m-night-vision-and-poe

Scream · 1 Jan 2018 at 01:02

Those are the new HiWatch range from Hikvision. Not sure what to make of them but they are cheaper compared to their professional range that used to be sold to the public.

Unless you have some reason to have a dome, always go for turret.

Minstadave · 1 Jan 2018 at 11:25

Can anyone recommend a basic two camera (preferably WiFi) and software setup? I have a NAS that is like to use to record to as it’s just sat idle.

I’m currently using two Camnoopy cams and tried to link them with iSpy via Onvif but it’s flakey, video quality is awful and now I can’t get the camera to connect.

ahar · 1 Jan 2018 at 14:29

Minstadave said:
Can anyone recommend a basic two camera (preferably WiFi) and software setup? I have a NAS that is like to use to record to as it’s just sat idle.

It won't use your NAS, but I've been using two Logitech Circle 2 cameras and been impressed. You get 24 hours of recording free (more if you subscribe), a decent mobile app, live viewing and activity notifications.

They connect via WiFi, are weatherproof and have wired and battery versions. Not as good as a dedicated set up, but pretty good for the money I've found so far.

Pho · 1 Jan 2018 at 17:17

Scream said:
Those are the new HiWatch range from Hikvision. Not sure what to make of them but they are cheaper compared to their professional range that used to be sold to the public.

Unless you have some reason to have a dome, always go for turret.

Hmm, I know very little about CCTV cameras other than I've been putting off getting some set-up for about 3 years.

Comparing say the HiWatch IPC-B140 to the Hikvision DS-2CD2042WD-I, they're both priced pretty much the same (~£80) and largely have very similar specs (same aperture, megapixels, IR distance, PoE etc). I'm guessing the true Hikvision has a better sensor, but it looks like on paper they're largely just as good? Which if true, is really encouraging.

BennyC · 1 Jan 2018 at 20:57

Scream said:
Those are the new HiWatch range from Hikvision. Not sure what to make of them but they are cheaper compared to their professional range that used to be sold to the public.

Unless you have some reason to have a dome, always go for turret.

Thanks, I'll look in to some turret options. Presumably viewing angles aren't much different. Enlighten me, in which scenario would a dome be preferential?

Scream · 1 Jan 2018 at 22:54

Domes are only needed to prevent someone from moving the camera if they are easily accessed as the cover prevents access to the lens.

However they are a nightmare for glare especially at night under IR. Turrets have no glare issues and most of EXIR cams have little hassle with spiders and their cobwebs.

Stay away from bullet cams.

Mark M · 2 Jan 2018 at 13:54

azibux1 said:
So with the somewhat-recent Hik news

Think Ive missed it but what is the somewhat-recent news?

azibux1 · 2 Jan 2018 at 14:32

Mark M said:
Think Ive missed it but what is the somewhat-recent news?

They don't want their kit sold to end-users directly. So they're cutting supply of their pro ranges from resellers like Use-IP

Mark M · 2 Jan 2018 at 15:18

Ah I see. Still seems to be plenty on Aliexpress at the moment but wonder if they will pull the supply their too?

BennyC · 2 Jan 2018 at 20:02

Scream said:
Domes are only needed to prevent someone from moving the camera if they are easily accessed as the cover prevents access to the lens.

However they are a nightmare for glare especially at night under IR. Turrets have no glare issues and most of EXIR cams have little hassle with spiders and their cobwebs.

Stay away from bullet cams.

Super, thanks. Mine will be on the soffit of the second storey so well out of reach.

azibux1 · 4 Jan 2018 at 23:48

Mark M said:
Ah I see. Still seems to be plenty on Aliexpress at the moment but wonder if they will pull the supply their too?

I reckon they'll stay.

BennyC said:
Super, thanks. Mine will be on the soffit of the second storey so well out of reach.

Bear in mind that at that height all you will see is "heads" instead of faces

SiD the Turtle · 5 Jan 2018 at 08:38

The only issue I see now with buying Hikvision is that apparently their support won't give you unlock codes if you forget your camera's password unless you have proof you got it from an authorised re-seller.

Never had to call them myself but there are anecdotes of people finding themselves with a brick.

Still, can't fault my cameras and hopefully will never lock myself out of them!

BennyC · 8 Jan 2018 at 16:17

Could anyone confirm if the TP-Link TL-SG1008P switch is suitable for use with Hikvision cameras? (Most likely the DS-2CD2342WD-I)

I'm pretty certain this is a Gigabit switch too and just that 4 of the 8 ports are 10/100 PoE, is that right?

(Edit: The SF1008P is 10/100 only, the SG is 10/100/1000)

Recommendations for Cat5e cable too please :cool:

We have plenty at work... but they're all off cuts so not much good

My forum search-fu dug out @bledd's recommendation for here. Not sure if this is still current or there is another favoured retailer? None of it will be exposed outside, all within the roof & soffits.