Video over IP CCTV system? Thoughts / Recommendations?

[Vstar]

I seem to have landed some budget to replace our existing CCTV (GeoVision with composite video over Cat5) which works just great (stable and reliable), but could do with a few more cameras.

The problem is that with refurbishments going on in school, I need to move to IP cameras, which I haven't really played with too much yet.

 

So, can anyone recommend some cameras (not too expensive, but reliable) both indoor and out (must be POE), and something to record the video on?

 

Your thoughts are greatly welcomed!

[plexer]

Milestone Xprotect as your DVR.

 

Ben

[CyberNerd]

I would very much recommend AXIS Cameras running on ZoneMinder

[FN-GM]

Another vote for Milestone with AXIS cameras.

[bossman]

@Vstar:

 

We use this:Luxriot

 

Been very good with 360degree cameras and only takes up 15Mb bandwith on our backbone from 30 cameras around site.

 

Obviously not free but worth a look at.

 

Also ditto zoneminder as we were in the process of implementing this when our DHT ordered the Luxriot system above.

 

Also get a large capacity server or NAS for video storage as a must.

[use-IP]

Luxriot is very popular with schools. Their Enterprise version allows unlimited cameras and unlimited clients, and has no annual fees for updates, camera packs, support etc.

 

To start a new system for minimal cost, IP cameras from Vivotek & ACTi are very popular, as both offer free CCTV software for use with their own cameras (you can of course move to open software such as Luxriot or Milestone later).

[themightymrp]

Dont use the panasonic BL-C1 cameras with their associated software, thats what we have and they are pants!

[Quackers]

Geovisions new stuff is IP based with POE, we have just started moving to it as the Geovision stuff is great. There new Fisheye cams are just amazing.

[Jamman960]

We're currently using Sony cameras and a Viostor NVR, the web based interface isn't great but on the whole it works well

[trekmad]

Another vote for Geovision. Buy an IP camera and the software is free and will allow up to 32 cameras on a PC. Been using it for 10 years and the software it brilliant and has great features. Just swapping the last lot of analog cameras for IP ones this coming september.

[Linfit]

We have had Milestone with Axis cameras for 18 months, came as part of our newbuild. Been very impressed with it, especially the quality of the camera images.

When we have had to reveiew footage, we have never yet failed to identify perps. Not cheap, but very good: its been the aspect of our new build which has caused us the least headaches.

[Geoff]

I would very much recommend AXIS Cameras running on ZoneMinder

 

Yep, totally agree with this. Running this combo here too.

[jamesfed]

+1 for Milestone Xprotect from us here - nice bit of software indeed

 

We've got a mix of Axis and Sony cameras here but I'd have to go with the Sony cameras as far as picture qulity go (comparing 720p on both).

 

Axis do have some intresting designs though including a very nice internal fish eye style camera.

[plexer]

Milestone is quite cheap really for the 26 camera version we have and they do a free version that supports up to 8 cams.

 

Ben

[m25man]

Checkout Blue Iris Blue Iris - Home

This software gets a lot of good reports from Pro Users. Works with most cameras.

[synaesthesia]

We're using Brickcom CB100's with iSpy. Cheap yet astonishingly good quality.

[eddyc]

We use Avigilon Cameras and the Avigilon software - lots of cameras, no perfomance issues and great quality - we have just bought a couple of their 2MP HD Domes...

 

Home | Avigilon - The Best Evidence

[Sunstone]

Lots of votes for Milestone but others worth considering are Exacq (schools we work with often choose this over Milestone when demonstrated side by side) just as reliable but nice interface for the end users (not just the IT person) with easy tour setting and nice map overlay. Mirasys also worth a look. Both of these are pretty bombproof.

 

Axis cameras are ok but personally I think there are better cameras out there for the money. Especially low light situations. I've installed loads of Axis cameras and it's a safe choice (particularly if you are going to carry out the work in house) but you can achieve some spectacular shots with the right settings on some lower cost cameras.

 

I've just installed 20 x 2mp (or above) HD cameras at a school in North London and the Axis cameras didn't come close in any of the side by side tests during the day and the nightime shots were terrible.

 

 

We actually ended up installing three different manufacturers at this site because each of the shots had different requirements. Sadly one camera type cannot cover all situations.

 

Good luck with it.

Edited January 17, 2013 by Sunstone