Can you recommend...camera system in a box...

Guys /Gals,

I am looking for a camera system in a box for a friend of mine and wanted to get your thoughts on what's out there. I don't do much with residential / small business and I am spoiled by Axis, Panasonic, Verint, Bosch, etc, etc...

I know that you get what you pay for so I am trying to convince otherwise but the budget seems to be between $500 to $1000 dealer cost. He just helped me do about 60 yds of concrete last year so I won't be making a dime on this one.

I know the local ADI or Alarmax can suggest what they have a bunch of but wanted to get other thoughts on what you have had good luck with.


Looking for 4 to 8 varifocal camera(s) capability, built in IR , IR cut filter would be nice but I know what that means...$$$

Thanks in advance.

For a simple setup, I've heard the simple costco deals aren't too bad... just be sure you meet the minimum requirements as far as number of cameras, frames per second total, etc. Otherwise you need to custom engineer something.

Palm Video has a lot of demos with room and low light. I really have yet to find a camera I am happy with, though 600 line resolution and true day/night ones come close.

Your budget would prohibit these specifications though.

Just don't do AD, none of their hardware or software ever seems to work right.

With that budget, it'll be tough to move past a Costco or similar system with any specs worthwhile. I've had decent luck with Speco hardware, not to mention they have one hell of a warranty on cameras and DVR's. You could also do something no-name through Supercircuits, their cameras aren't too bad for what they are, but for longevity, it's tough for the Chinese cameras to stand up.

DELInstallations said:

I've had decent luck with Speco hardware, not to mention they have one hell of a warranty on cameras and DVR's. You could also do something no-name through Supercircuits, their cameras aren't too bad for what they are, but for longevity, it's tough for the Chinese cameras to stand up.

Click to expand...

I avoid Speco cameras like the plaque. Their 'intensifier' technology blurs any quick movement especially at night.

As for Supercircuits, sure go ahead and order from them, that is, if you don't mind future spam in your mailbox!

BraveSirRobbin said:

I avoid Speco cameras like the plaque. Their 'intensifier' technology blurs any quick movement especially at night.
As for Supercircuits, sure go ahead and order from them, that is, if you don't mind future spam in your mailbox!

Click to expand...

In the OP's case, myself, I'd choose some of the same product lines.

Almost every camera manufacturer out there plays with shutter speed to increase their low light performance, it's a dirty little secret in the industry, not just a Speco issue. I have Panasonics and Samsungs that are horrendous in low light, but have 0 lux ratings. In the case of Speco in particular, they've got decent performance across their product line in addition to a 5 year warranty, that says a lot. The intensifiers, if you give them a little light, the smear isn't a factor, it's only in pitch black.

IR cameras tend to have the largest need for additional hardware (illuminators, etc.) as well as the most constant maintenance due to insects, spiders, etc. not to mention the worst overall performance/images.

I'm sure most know the rules for cameras, the more "proper" light at night you can provide, the better the image and performance. Pitch black or heavy highlights, you need to plan appropriately, and truth be told, there's no silver bullet out there.

As far as Supercircuits and email, many people I know that are concerned with spam have a "disposable" email for such purposes, however many vendors out there have had their information compromised in some sort, just look at Sony or Amazon. Sign of the times.

DELInstallations said:

In the OP's case, myself, I'd choose some of the same product lines.

Almost every camera manufacturer out there plays with shutter speed to increase their low light performance, it's a dirty little secret in the industry, not just a Speco issue. I have Panasonics and Samsungs that are horrendous in low light, but have 0 lux ratings. In the case of Speco in particular, they've got decent performance across their product line in addition to a 5 year warranty, that says a lot. The intensifiers, if you give them a little light, the smear isn't a factor, it's only in pitch black.

IR cameras tend to have the largest need for additional hardware (illuminators, etc.) as well as the most constant maintenance due to insects, spiders, etc. not to mention the worst overall performance/images.

I'm sure most know the rules for cameras, the more "proper" light at night you can provide, the better the image and performance. Pitch black or heavy highlights, you need to plan appropriately, and truth be told, there's no silver bullet out there.

As far as Supercircuits and email, many people I know that are concerned with spam have a "disposable" email for such purposes, however many vendors out there have had their information compromised in some sort, just look at Sony or Amazon. Sign of the times.

Click to expand...

It has nothing to do with shutter speed. Just compare cameras with true day night that removes an IR cut off filter with the Speco. The intensifier technology itself blurs the image. I also have PLENTY of light (streetlight plus four 60 watt outside lights) so it isn't a low light issue.

As far as your Supercircuits comment, well, if you want the risk go right ahead. Myself, I prefer vendors that don't sell their email addresses to spammers. :wacko:

Thanks guys. I'd really like to use some of the Panasonic 502's and be done with it. I have 484's at my house and he saw my images and I told him that he's not going to get that...for the money he is looking at spending.

FYI: I just came back from ISC West 2012 and visited with the Speco Technologies booth. They did admit that their earlier intensifier series of cameras had a big problem with blurring images at night, but they have come out with a new "Intensifier 3" series of cameras with much improved technology to minimize this effect.

BraveSirRobbin-
Any mention of MSRP on that line?

OP-
I have a Costco (Q-See) system that I purchased on sale for $500. 16 ch. w/8 cameras recording in D1@15fps. The cameras are, of course, garbage but the DVR is pretty nice - it is made by one of the "better" Chinese manufacturers (Don't recall which one at the moment). The newer systems by Q-See at Costco can now record D1@30fps on all channels and come with slightly better cameras. In the end, for $500, it gave me what I was looking for - a deterent to my property since the cameras are mounted to cover everything. Over time I will upgrage to IP 1 camera at a time. I'm also using IP Cam Viewer on my phone so I can SSH into my network and view them.

Sorry, I did not ask, but I may go again today and if I do I will ask them. What type are you looking at (i.e. outdoor bullet, dome, etc...)?

Outdoor dome

One other thing interesting about Speco is they only "officially" sell via authorized distributors! In other words, if you are purchasing a Speco product online, most likely your factory warranty will be void!

From Speco's site stating this policy:

Speco Technologies only sells wholesale products through authorized distributors to ensure that customers obtain proper support and service.

If a Speco Technologies product is purchased from an unauthorized distributor or other source, including RETAILERS, MAIL ORDER SELLERS and ONLINE SELLERS, it will not be honored or serviced under existing Speco Technologies warranty policy. Any sale of products by an unauthorized source or other manner not authorized by Speco Technologies will void the warranty on the applicable product.


Speco Technologies DOES NOT AUTHORIZE ANY INTERNET or MAIL ORDER product sales.

Click to expand...

Online vendors include Amazon, Spytown, Safemart, Provantage, CCTVproducts, etc...

While not honoring a warranty from non-authorized vendors is nothing new... having absolutely none that are online is pathetic!

Their statement covers the 3rd party resellers, as there are plenty of direct vendors that sell via the net. I buy from them all the time and have had no issues with Speco not honoring a warranty. ^_^

I was referring to the I3's anyways, since the 2's had issues with smear, and the 3's have been on the market almost a year anyhow. Also increased the LOR to 650 from memory. The street price of most of the line runs anywhere from mid $200's up to $300's.