It would help to know why you need the cameras.
If the idea is to discourage illegal activity/suspicious persons, then your best bet (and certainly the simplest and cheapest option) would be to install realistic-looking dummy cameras that are not hooked to anything. Add a home security company sign (also available cheaply online) and you’re in business.
Otherwise, recommendations for specific cameras/systems would depend on specific needs like wanting to keep an eye on the property while you’re away, being able to read license plates (requires higher resolution), getting notifications via smartphone or e-mail etc.
[QUOTE=Roderick Femm]
I think what I want are wireless Wi-Fi with continuous recording to my own machine (not to the cloud, unless there is one without a monthly fee).
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You can do this via third-party software, getting cameras with built-in video cards or buying an NVR (network video recorder).
Most decent camera software allows you to tweak settings for motion detection to make it more/less sensitive or to cover only a portion of the field of view, lessening unnecessary alerts.
You can find powered models via DC adapter, or ones that use POE (power over ethernet, which may be more convenient if you would otherwise need a long power cord). As for night recording - unless you are covering a well-lit area, cameras typically function/record in black-and-white on infrared night mode, and both clarity and coverage area are less than in the daytime.
Nope. Lots of cameras can be set up for monitoring from android or iPhones.
As wide as you can afford is recommended for best coverage. I don’t think resolution should suffer with a wide field of view.
This depends on your needs. If you require reading license plates from a distance and getting an image of a prowler sufficient for conviction, you’ll want a high resolution/multiple megapixel device. Mine are 3 MP and can read license plates 50-75 feet away.
Yes. The cameras I have offer both, though the audio feed typically is intermittent.
If you’re tech-savvy, can handle setup instructions that read as though they were written by autistic Chinese persons* and have good ancillary equipment (including a quality router and strong Wi-Fi), you’ll be in good shape.
In lieu of making a specific camera recommendation (I am not familiar with network video recorders), I suggest doing research online to check on consumer reviews and get an idea about ease of setup and quality of tech support. There are a lot of manufacturers out there, some of whom sell crap; there is also a problem with “gray market” cameras which are basically unauthorized versions/knockoffs from Chinese exporters which may work but be incompatible with hardware/software updates and leave you out in the cold if you want help from the legitimate manufacturer (Hikvision is an example). For a camera with really good resolution, wide field of view and other desirable features expect to spend $100 minimum per camera.
*industry standard.
