Looking for outdoor IR IP camera

mrvtec · Post by **mrvtec** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 12:07 am

Hello.
I have just installed zoneminder and played with it a bit and I think it works really well.
But I am looking for a proper IP IR camera.
I already have a bought a cheap one from here ( http://www.bsti.com.tw/ip-surveillance/ ... index.html ).

I got i to work with Zoneminder but it has problem with delivering good pictures in the dark, they are over-exposed and blurry(tried to adjust it but it does not seem to be possible to get a good configuration).

It was cheap so I knew it was sort of a gamble and I won't complain about that but I am wondering what I should buy.

kingofkya · Post by **kingofkya** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 1:29 am

Join the clube anything cheap below $700 performs horrible the best deal seams to be the mobix cameras but there not exactly cheap ether axis ones work good but the heat relly seams to get to them well mine anyways.

coke · Post by **coke** » Mon Dec 28, 2009 2:47 pm

Distance is probably key. I've got an ACTi that makes a beautiful image, but it's only covering roughly 20 feet from the camera. Specs claim 15 meters. <$400

http://store.bluecherry.net/ProductDeta ... =ACM-1311N

mrvtec · Post by **mrvtec** » Wed Dec 30, 2009 9:15 pm

Hi, thanks for the answers.
For one of the cameras, the distance does not be more than 5 meters, so maybe I should check it out. The second camera should be around 10 meters.

My current camera seems like it makes overexposure by having the "shutter" open too long(which also makes it blurry). But adjusting brightness etc does not seem to change that(like the exposure time is the same and the brightness is adjusted afterrwards). Also it does a poor job of autoadjusting brightness.

Thats what I get from being cheap.

Post by **Flasheart** » Thu Dec 31, 2009 6:56 am

Y-Cam Black has an external fitting available and does IR - and also works seamlessly with ZM.

Cost is around Â£150 and includes wifi.c

IR is limited of course, again around 5m. Using three of them and reasonably happy.

nerbonne · Post by **nerbonne** » Mon Jan 04, 2010 11:43 pm

Do I need the external housing for the Y-Cam Black? I live in a fairly dry climate (San Diego).

Also, I see from the wiki that the Trendnet IP501P is supported, but what about the Trendnet IP512P?

Post by **Flasheart** » Tue Jan 05, 2010 6:53 am

If it will get wet, then yes you need a housing.

Unlike the axis ones, it's pretty cheap though. $50 on top. (Some of the high end housings are in excess of a thousand)

mrvtec · Post by **mrvtec** » Mon Jan 11, 2010 1:45 am

I have looked at Y-Cam black but I was unsure if it really could provide a proper nighttime image when there is motion. Oh well I might try it out also. I seem to have gotten addicted to Zone Minder now.

btw. I think the y-cams look a bit like the panasonic bl-c20 or is it just me.

Post by **Flasheart** » Mon Jan 11, 2010 7:03 am

Y-Cam blacks don't give a great image at night time, but I'm not aware of any camera that has its own light source that does. Less than 1A of LED's is not going to give light. If that's critical, you might want to add an IR floodlight.

Alternatively, and I've used this with great success - pair any old camera next to a normal 150 or 500 watt security PIR light. (they're a tenner in the DIY stores).

Light comes on when somebody walks past. ZM takes this as an unmistakable motion trigger and records modect with a very high success rate.

jeanleryenierga · Post by **jeanleryenierga** » Tue Jan 26, 2010 8:53 am

....next time, choose the good one to ensure it's visibility....