Got an SS now we need cameras.

So, my mom had a security system installed in our house after someone broke into her company car (stole her GPS unit) and my cavalier (stole Ipod). Now our "personal" cars are in the garage.

Anyway, she wants (I do to) security cameras on the outside, one watching the drive way (and maybe one on the back porch).

How does anyone recommend setting these up? Any recommended cameras?

I definitely want it (them) recording to a server.

Not the cheapest at all, but I am in the middle of installing some Panasonic network cameras for a client and they are really really nice. Some of the nicest cameras I have ever seen (build quality, usage, features, etc.).

A solution that really has worked well for us is the Milestone Pro software DVR solution with Axis IP cameras (we have also used Speco cameras with great success). The software is dead simple to use and setup. Just install the software onto your server then point to where you want the archived video to reside. Also I think the Milestone software is free to use with one camera but if you go over that limit you will have to pay for the software.

http://www.milestonesys.com/

http://www.cdwg.com/shop/search/results.aspx?key=axis&searchscope=All&sr=1

I myself use Panasonic B&W cctv cams. I can't remember the models right off but they are BP models. Seems something like a bp-330 or so. I have tried some of the cheap IR cams out but during night time the IR does nothing unless you are standing right under them. I would have went with ip cams but swinging that amount of money just wasn't in my budget at the time. I have a mv99p multiplexer that I use to feed a vcr which in turn feeds one tv. Right now it is a very ghetto setup but it cost around 375$ to get it up and running. Most stuff was bought on ebay. I already had a vcr and a tv.

This is the current setup... not exact equipment but close...

Four cctv cams
Four enclosures
Multiplexer
Cable
VCR
TV

This should be my future system.....

Four cctv cams but going to expand a bit to cover a few more areas
Enclosures for the cams
Multiplexer
Cable to connect it all
Video Modulator
Server *Most likely going to be running zoneminder on centos*

The server will have a cctv capture card in it that is capable of capturing 8 channels. It will capture 24/7 and store it for a week or two hopefully. The cams will be connected from the multiplexer to the server via the loop outs on the multi. The multi will also feed a video modulator which will let me set a channel to be used to view the cams on any tv in the house. All cams are also viewable on any computer. I may insert the vcr back in as a backup to recording while I'm away or if the server has a problem and needs to be worked on.

Now the rest of my security is based on x10 and heyu. I have motion detectors placed around and about. Still working on expanding this as well. When the system is armed and motion is detected it plays an alert in the house to let you know motion has been detected and where it was detected. I also have it setup to send an email to tell where motion was detected at as well. Can send your phone or pager a message to let you know that something is going on. I also have extra lights setup in the driveway so at night when the motion detectors are triggered the lights come on to flood everything with light to make sure the camera sees it all. When the outside lights come on you can also have a few inside lights come on as well to make them think someone is home. Perhaps have lights to turn on and off at random times while you are gone to also make people think you are home.

When looking for cams look at lux ratings carefully. The lower the lux the better it can see at night. If you do go old school cctv cams make sure they have auto iris lens so it can adjust to the brightness outside.

Next step would be an electric fence and automated machine guns. Seriously though crime is a pain in the bum. Here where I live it is very heavy for drug traffic and people stealing things to sell to get their high. Someone had beat my dog at one point while breaking in. People will do anything.....

I'll second the Axis cameras. I recently set up a few Axis 207s and they worked great. They even have wireless versions in case you can't get a cable into your garage or outside.

The 207 was around $350 but was well worth it. The nighttime mode on the camera was very effective (as long as there was the smallest amount of light). I installed one inside an office and turned all the lights off and was able to see better off of my laptop looking at the camera feed then looking in the room myself. The only light was a street light about 200 feet away reflecting through several interior windows. It was so dark I couldn't see boxes on the ground, but when i looked at the recorded feed i could clearly make out my face.

Hope this helps.