Security cameras?

[Howard Barlow]

Give me some feedback on what you are using, please. My wife wants a couple in the house. We don't know if we want to have the alarm company add to our system, or get our own that will stream to the phones. What say you?

[groovyone]

I've looked into a few options, but then I keep getting distracted and forgetting what I had looked at. Something I have been considering for a while.

[Jake]

I'm using a 4 camera setup I got for pretty cheap($300'ish) at costco. It has a smart phone app. I haven't set that up yet though.
Running the wires to the cameras was kind of a beating.

[Howard Barlow]

Got a price from the alarm company. That ain't happening. Guess I'll go shopping on the internet.

[texkam]

iSpy: Free Camera Security Software (Open Source)
Yawcam - Yet Another Webcam Software

[Patti Edens]

Swann system with 8 cameras we got at Fry's Electronics. The Fry's in Sugarland came out to the house, advised us of what we needed and installed all outside cameras (6 outside 2 inside), software, DVD, etc. We can look at the cameras and the stored history from any computer on the net and we could on iPhone too, but have not done that. Price was best we found, but that was several months ago.

[prncfarquad]

The last two systems I have purchased were from BH Photo. I believe they were by ARM. I have been pleased with them so far. You can access on smart phone or internet. We have used the ones from Sams/costco before and they have worked well too. The problem with the lower end solutions IMO is the quality of the cameras. Low light they don't do well.

edit: here is the last system I bought.

[groovyone]

Fry's has a few in the ad: Fry's Electronics Ad Page 6

[Ricco]

My only suggestion if you get a DVR system and the like is to have an "obvious" dummy system, complete with wires running through it and keep the "real" DVR somewhat hidden and not easily accessible (but well ventilated).
Having installed a few of these in the past, I also highly suggest that placement of the cameras be fairly careful.
Depending on layout and architecture of the home, one "obvious" camera would do, but have the others placed discretely as possible to overlap each other.

Additionally, upgrade the individual and "crucial" cameras as needed.

[Howard Barlow]

Thanks, folks. I'll take a look at these.

[Steelsun]

I'm in the investigations and security consulting business, so here's a few of my opinions I give my clients. (caveat: I do not sell or install security systems or cameras, but do refer them out on occasion).

For high end clients and businesses I recommend going with a commercial installer and/or monitor. Biggest drawback is high costs (equipment & installation).

For "normal" people and small biz I say just like some of the others above - get a do it yourself system. Sams/Costco has some ready made set ups that are not bad and at the right price points.
Fry's has some too, plus many build it yourself kits that can be customized to your needs. It's what I would go with.
You can buy some online, but there are alot of shady vendors out there that will sell you chinese crap that will die quickly.
Also check out Security Cameras | Video Security Camera System | CCTV Video Surveillance Systems for an online vendor that is pretty good. I've bought and used a few systems from them over the years (including body worn surveillance systems).