Ryan or anyone: Camera recommendation for me please

[saintjohnny]

I LOVE this software, I intend on purchasing it for many people as I'm hoping to run a side job installing security systems. It saves so much time not having to fine tune motion detection settings for false positives. I have been researching IP cameras all day and I can't seem to find what I need. For basic driveway/indoor room viewing any camera seems to do the trick, but once you get into 50-100 feet away outside viewing, and/or night time viewing it gets more difficult. The first question everyone asks is if they will be able to recognize someones face and most cameras are not detailed enough. I guess 640 resolution would work as long as it was zoomed in on the point of interest? I'd like to go w/ the max resolution of 1280.

Can you recommend me a camera that you know works well with this software for far away viewing (plus far away night time viewing if possible)? I am currently looking at the panasonics you recommended as well as the axis. I'm willing to spend 500 to possibly 1000 on a camera as long as it is awesome and I dont mind hard drive storage I'll just grab 2 terabytes as part of my install costs. Thanks!

[pcmac]

what panasonic-axis models were suggested?

I am also aiming to offer installing security systems & have been researching systems

[ryan]

Hi saintjohnny,

I imagine you've already read our basic network camera overview here: http://vitamindvideo.com/support/ref_guide_tips_27.html

I'm afraid we don't typically suggest specific models, nor is it our expertise (we focus on making useful and useable software for the cameras, something they are virtually always missing). I will mention that if you get an infrared camera make sure to note the IR distance, some don't cover the range you're inquiring about. Some great night vision cameras also have poor image/color during daytime conditions.

If you're really trying to record far away, you'll want higher resolution. As you noted, 640x480 would be able to make out a distant face, but only if was zoomed in on that specific spot. If you're viewing a truly distant scene VDV might start to encounter more incorrect identifications or object misses until the object becomes larger in the scene (closer to the camera).

Hope that helps a bit, sorry for not having a silver bullet model number for you.

[saintjohnny]

Thanks Ryan! I'm posting my results here for others who may stumble here or googlers:

I am going with AXIS M1114-E (http://www.axis.com/products/cam_m1114e/) and also the specs can be seen here (among other cameras): http://www.axis.com/files/datasheet/ds_ ... 205_lo.pdf which shows 1280 resolution and an external enclosure. This camera also shows on the camera page: http://www.vitamindinc.com/cameras.html

I'd prefer to get it on newegg but it's not there now so I'll just use amazon.

Edit: also a toss up on getting this instead for better night time viewing http://www.axis.com/products/cam_p3344ve/

[pcmac]

AXIS M1114-E search on amazon comes up $649.94 -$825.25
, can you link exact model?

I was looking at Axis M3014

Axis 0284004 M3011 camera $358.94 amazon
IP Axis Dome Camera M3014 from $429.00


also ACM-3701 is a 'discount' alternative. Here's the link http://www.acti.com/product/detail/Fixe ... a/ACM-3701

[saintjohnny]

The price is right on the 3014, but it only goes up to 640 x 480 instead of 720p HD. the 3344 also looks nice: http://www.axis.com/products/cam_p3344ve/ but the price is going up even more. Great sample videos on youtube for all cameras.

Also try the product selector: http://www.axis.com/products/video/selector/index.php it updates in real time as you select the features you need.

AXIS M1114-E search on amazon comes up $649.94 -$825.25
, can you link exact model?

I was looking at Axis M3014

Axis 0284004 M3011 camera $358.94 amazon
IP Axis Dome Camera M3014 from $429.00


also ACM-3701 is a 'discount' alternative. Here's the link http://www.acti.com/product/detail/Fixe ... a/ACM-3701