Outside security cameras

[Chad Sheets]

What is a decent number for lux and TV lines? What is a great number for lux and TV lines? All the cameras have the number ratings, but I have nothing I can compare the ratings to in my mind.



Another question, am I understanging it right, that B&W cameras show better pictures compared to color as a general rule?



What will the infared do for you in reality? Is that for areas with no light at all? I have flood lights everywhere with motion sensors on them. . total of 10 lights with 2 bulbs each, so I wouldnt have a need for infared, right?

 

[Dkevdog]

Chad- the "Box" you refer to in being able to watch multiple cameras on a "tv" (most use monitors- they have no tuners) is called a multiplexer . They can run anywhere from $300 up to $2K. They can display the camera name/location and up to 16 even 24 images (cameras) at a time, in different screen configurations. WAY cool. They also have the output signals for sending them to time lapse recorders. A note about time lapse recorders- they are just that. The ones that record for weeks and months at time, only capture an image every 5 to 10 seconds- plenty of time for someone to sneak by un noticed. Every installation we did of these units required the changing of the tape every 24 to 48 hours. They then kept a library for one month or more. But they had nearly full video capture- not just time lapse. It all depends on your budget and needs.



Cameras in general- yes B&W will capture a more clear image than color any day. They have much lower LUX readings and make them a better choice for exterior housings in poor lighting. If you really want to have fun, B&W infrared units are available for total darkness capture. As far as resolution goes??? How much do you want to spend??



A good B&W camera (Sony ExWave 1/3CCD - $225) has 570 lines of resolution and will capture in . 04lux. More than most people need for monitoring.



Most Color cameras (for converstation, a Sony 1/2"CCD- Price $750) will only have 470 lines of resolution, and only capable of a . 8lux capture.



Keep in mind that 0 lux is complete darkness. . 8 lux is some ambient light- but still better than the human eye can see. If your property is lit, you should have no problem. B&W cameras still beat color cameras for night security. We would often install combo cams that could switch to B&W capture at night to improve visibility. Mercury and sodium lighting make color cams look like I TRIED TO BY-PASS THE CUSSING FILTER at night. As you have also found, B&W are considerably cheaper all the way around. Message or E-mail me of you need more help or info .



Kev

 

[Dkevdog]

One more note about LUX and resolution- they are often implied numbers. Manufactures will use different methods to achieve the numbers they want. LUX readings are not always taken at the same distance. I have seen cheapo (x-10 and others) have readings as low as . 01 Lux. IMPOSSIBLE!!! Well, not really, especially if the readings were taken 5 feet from the lens... ... point is, if you unrealistic claims at unrealistic prices, be real leary about the claims. Just note the price of the cameras I listed above- they are professional models and their ratings are realistic, in field test results. That's why they don't ake claims of . 01 lux or 800 lines of reslolution.



Also- if your motion detector lights come on- most inexpensive cameras will totally wash out. In english, you'l' have a snow white picture on the screen. You will have to make sure that the cameras have auto iris , a feature which allows the cameras to adjust for differences in lighting.



Kev

 

[Chad Sheets]

Well, they are on my list of things to get, just not at the top of that list. Our house will be done next month and I will probably make a move next spring once I have had time to evaluate evrything in my suroundings all winter. I apreciate all the advice and help from everyone, and I am going to save all of this good information. If anyone thinks of anything else, feel free to email me or whatever. Thanks for all the help guys.

 

[QRTRHRS]

Couple of big dogs backed up with a 12 guage riot gun loaded with buckshot comes to mind. Actually, my horses hear things and raise the alarm while the dogs are still snoozing away.



If the house is not drywalled in yet (if your using drywall), now is the time to plan on security. I would not necessarily run coax but I would put some PVC pipe in where you think you may want to later. Also, think about pre wiring for motion detector lights.



Landscaping can be planned with security in mind. Besides the obvious of to much or to high around the windows, certain plantings make good fences. Some of my more out of the way areas are loaded with briars. Not much goes through them.

 

[The patriot]

If you have a covered entrance you might be able to get away with a camera that's not weatherproof.

I saw small cameras in a place named All Electronics (think theyre in California) real cheap. If you have some knowledge on systems, you could put together a setup pretty cheap.

I forget the prices, but they had Nokia cell phone batteries for $9. 00 !!!! Original Nokia stuff!!!

As for inside the house, I have 2 dogs, and a zoned alarm with a touch pad in the bedroom.

I can tell where anyone is in the house by what zone is "lit".

HTH

Eric