After extensive research (there’s always more research that can be done) I decided to purchase a self contained security camera kit from Reolink. There are others that are better and more expensive. But I think this will do the job. Did it meet all my requirements? Nope. But it kept me busy for a few weeks installing it and I’m happy with the system.
- ONVIF compatible – Not completely
- Cost effective – Under $500
- Wired – comes with 400 feet of cable
- Phone app – Actually works pretty good
- Configurable controls – the central recorder is a black box
- Expandable – I can add 4 more cameras
- Low maintenance – It sits on a shelf out of the way
I wanted to get a system that was interchangeable with other systems so I could get a newer cheaper camera in the future, or so I could use my current cameras with a new system. Almost all the mid range systems are proprietary, but I see this as a means for the companies to provide better and cheaper support. I think all the cameras can be used with other systems anyway, they are just not supported this way. I’d have to buy more systems and test them out to find out.
You can spend $1,000 or more on some systems. I was considering getting just cameras and using a PC to run the recording software. BlueIris is a Windows package that you can buy and configure how you want motion detection setup. It interfaces with other security alarm systems. I really wanted to use this because it would be fun to play around with it. But then I had to think about what computer to buy, where to put it. I’d have to buy a hard disk, buy windows to install on it. and let it run all day and night in the garage. I really don’t see that I need that much hassle. The NVR (networked video recorder) is a small quiet box .
There seems to be only one NVR that Reolink sells, whether it’s the 4MP/5MP or the 8MP setup. I had read that the earlier boxes had a noisy fan and I thought I might want to install it inside the house so that I could hook the output to a TV or monitor next to the TV. The box has no fan at all. There is a limit to how much bandwidth there is and 8MP (4K) cameras are sending over lots of high res pictures. I went with the newest hi-def cameras although some of the older cameras had some pretty good color and night-time performance.
I ordered the system directly from the Reolink website. I wanted to be sure and get the right kit and the latest version. The price was the same as on Amazon and they ship from the US. In fact, there is a 10% first time buyer’s discount on top of being on sale, so instead of the regular $529 price I only paid $429. I accidentally entered the wrong email address when I ordered so I didn’t receive any confirmation emails. I created an account on the website and sent a support request in. They got back to me right away said that they couldn’t change the email on the order or reconcile it to my on-line accounts. I ordered it on a Thursday and it arrived on Tuesday. I was very pleased. If you want to order any other cameras then add them to your first order for the 10% discount.
I dumped out the contents and hooked everything up on a table in the garage. I have a TV out there and hooked up the HDMI output on the NVR box. Everything worked first time. The cameras are solidly built and they get a little warm when plugged in. They have 24 IR leds for nighttime viewing that glow a little in the visible spectrum. I like the look because they can be seen at night watching you. One by one I installed the cameras, running the first cables back to my table and TV.
There were lots of little problems to overcome when running wires through your walls and in your attic.