+1 for Stuart, he's fantastic. Very reasonable prices too.

http://1stprecinctsecurity.com/

Quote:

Hey all:

I am starting to believe that I need a security camera system outside my house monitoring and recording my property and its entrances. Having said that all I have figured out so far is that I need something with night vision. However, with so many options and choices ... any recommendations for both:

(a). Camera systems
(b). Installation cost (would need electrical wiring/network cables)

So far I have reduced my list to:

Wireless surveillance cameras

IP security camera system with 1080p cameras

super easy:

http://www.logitech.com/en-us/video-security-systems

Has anyone setup a DIY security camera that records to the cloud? I want to setup somthing simple for my apartment, and is wondering what brands / setup has been successful for you? I don't want ADT or anything along those lines.

TIA.

Try Stuart Metrick at Supreme Security. He'll not only install the system but he'll do a whole security sweep of the premises and help you fix your vulnerable spots. He's very funny, too.

If you want cheap -- $52 Wifi free standing camera

http://www.ebay.com/itm/290756146111

Foscam is the way to go if you want to stay on the cheap. Buy the Amazon bundle if you'll be needing multiple cameras. The indoor cameras are fully pan/tilt with two-way audio, not sure about the outdoor cameras - those might be fixed position/no audio. Don't think either have zoom capabilities, but both have IR (night vision).

You can try a monitoring service such as Cyber Doorman or Virtual Doorman. I'm not sure what the cost would be for installation, but we've used both companies in my building, and Cyber Doorman was much cheaper than Virtual for monitoring, and we've been happy with the service. PM me if you want to talk further.

In your attachment, I installed Foscam cameras in my house. They are wifi cameras linked to a router that should be on 24/7. I'm not a techie but was able to install the cameras myself, following the step-by-step instructions on the disc as well as the Foscam.com website tutorials. I turned the motion-detection that emails me photos when motion detection is triggered. I could also monitor the cameras live when I want to from a remote computer or from my smartphone by logging on to the camera's URL that looks like http://98.xxx.xx.xx.xx with the password I chose. I presume all the others work that way, unless you get Comcast and pay about $40++ a month.

OK, I'm replying to my own post. I see many solutions available on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/ ... ref=pd_zg_hrsr_e_1_3_last

Can anyone recommend a contractor to install one of these?

I live in a small apartment building (under 20 units) and after a couple of thefts and vandalism episodes, we are trying to find a reasonable security solution. We ideally would have a camera at each of the four entrances (two garages, two doors) feeding to a backup system. Online access would be even better.

Has anyone had good success with a particular solution? What about contractors?

We'd ideally prefer something that we weren't having to pay each month to service.

thanks!