Help with security cameras (pics)

[Roman79]

The vandalism in my parking lot is on the rise again so I'd like to setup a camera to catch the little b@st@rds.

Here's a view of the area I want to monitor:



This is just taken with a crappy $25 webcam (through a screen), but you get the idea. I intend to mount a camera on a post outside my patio door (seen in the top left of the picture) which will move it closer to the parking lot and give a better view.

Here's what I want:

1. Either continuous or motion sensitive recording
2. Should be able to identify someone out as far as the green car in the pic (keeping in mind the camera will be moved about 20ft closer)
3. Wired or wireless cam, doesn't really matter since it's so close
4. Low light capability would be a plus (doesn't have to be great though cause there is a light over the parking lot)

I'm planning on either using a webcam connected to my HTPC (which will be right by the patio door) or some sort of closed circuit camera system. There seems to be a lot of interesting closed circuit cams on ebay, but it's hard to tell how good they are.

Any suggestions guys?

 

[SarverSystems]

I would just go to Home Depot and buy a set of those floodlights that turn on when they sense motion. That'll help with the light situation.

I'd just use a webcam, which is what the video cameras are anyways. Get a junk one, mount it to the pole, run the USB cable into the house and connect it to your HTPC.

If I were you, I'd mount the camera AND HTPC inside that garage in the pic. That way you're closer to the action and will get clearer pics.

 

[Roman79]

I would just go to Home Depot and buy a set of those floodlights that turn on when they sense motion. That'll help with the light situation.

I suppose I could do that but there is already a large light over the parking lot. I've thought about it but I don't really have a good spot to put it.

If I were you, I'd mount the camera AND HTPC inside that garage in the pic. That way you're closer to the action and will get clearer pics.

I'm sorry but I LOL'd when I read this. I know that looks like a garage in the picture but it's actually a garbage shed. I normally plug my nose, open the door, and throw my garbage in

I was also considering something like this since I could probably connect it directly to my tv-tuner.

 

[Xahok]

Due to the quality of the image, it may be a smarter idea to make the camera visable as a deturnant so it won't happen again, rather than hiding the camera and waiting for them to do it.

 

[Roman79]

This pic was taken with a cheap webcam, I am really looking at getting something better.
A few months ago my super mounted a (fake) camera in the lobby; it was gone (stolen) within a week or two.

Maybe someone could suggest a good, but not overly expensive webcam?

 

[Private Citizen]

There are some cameras used for what your looking for on newegg. Dlink makes them. The cameras are powered over ethernet. Software controls the cameras and can be viewed with a web browser.

 

[VRMan]

I picked up an Axis wireless model (207w I think) and it has great resolution. Really easy to setup and use. I highly recommend it.

 

[Frank4d]

I picked up an Axis wireless model (207w I think) and it has great resolution. Really easy to setup and use. I highly recommend it.

If the distance between his apartment and car in the parking lot is close enough for wireless to work, he could make a 12 volt to 5.1 volt adapter (what the Axis cam uses) and put the wireless cam in his car. Can't get closer to the action than that.