Anybody know about this one? ZOSI 8-Channel HD-TVI, on Amazon. My main concern is the quality of the recorded picture, and then, ease of installation.

Most likely, I'd mount most or all the cameras indoors.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M...em_apa_0HKKzbNMFJDET

If they're all going to be mounted indoors it shouldn't be much of an issue for picture quality, unless they'll be at the top of a wall in a room with a vaulted ceiling.

Those cameras that come in camera bundles generally don't have great quality if they're mounted a fair distance away from what they're supposed to be watching.

If you are truly concerned about the picture quality look at the camera specs (not just resolution).
Then ask "where are you mounting it?" and what would the "View" be from there?
What is the distance from the camera, what is the lighting like (at all times including night and shadows), is there a lot of motion?
For $139 for the set you can't expect to get the results of a quality IP or CCTV camera but you will see something so just test your conditions to see if it is adequate.
Just know lighting is a major factor.

Dunno, I'd rather do IP cams if it were me. It just seems like in 2017, IP cams are where it's at, and I'd rather run Cat5e as opposed to coax+power for the long term. How long are the runs from the cams to the box?

Thanks, guys! As for lighting, my main reason for mounting indoors is to keep a low profile and not let the neighbors think we have anything of value. The secondary benefit is that I want to aim them at entry ways -- the two doorways and two windows that could also be compromised, and they are always lit up, even when we're gone. The two windows are in less-well-lit areas (bedrooms) so I may have to leave lights on for the cameras to work at their optimum.

It looks like this system has upload capabilities, so we could store recent video off-site in case we get hit and they discover the recorder. We would delete when we return and review.

Radioman, I really don't know what you're suggesting. What are these IP cams and Cat5e that you are referring to?

Maybe a link to some samples with very simple and basic explanations that I could understand would help. Technology is not my strong suit.

quote:

Originally posted by newtoSig765:


Radioman, I really don't know what you're suggesting. What are these IP cams and Cat5e that you are referring to?

Maybe a link to some samples with very simple and basic explanations that I could understand would help. Technology is not my strong suit.

That's a problem. IP cams take some tinkering to set up the first time. If you are not into that sort of thing and don't know the difference between an IP address and anything else, then maybe the plug and go complete sets are indeed for you.

Only problem is there is a lot of crappy junk out there and it's easy to waste money on garbage. I've never heard of that brand from Amazon, which may or may not mean anything. It may be rebranded good stuff, or more likely, it may be junk.

When it comes to cameras, skip the High-Point, and buy a Glock, or at least a Ruger.

Look for Dahua or Hikvision as a minimum. (but these may be IP cams only -- not sure)

newer offerings from Amcrest is good quality stuff in general, but somewhat overpriced.

I bought one of these recently,
http://www.ebay.com/itm/DaHua-...p2060353.m1438.l2649

but it is an IP cam, so it takes some tinkering to get it going.

quote:

Originally posted by radioman:
...Only problem is there is a lot of crappy junk out there...

The one I posted comes from Hong Kong, I noticed, so I'm not very enthusiastic about it after all. I'll keep looking, but in terms of what we can afford and what I want to accomplish, that one fits the bill.

Both HIK and Dahua make HD analog setups. Direct cable (coax or cat5 or siamese can be used) from each camera to the DVR (including power/video in one cable), no IP networking or computer guru needed

The current generation of HD-CVI (Dahua) and HD-TVI (HIK) rival all but the most exotic IP cameras now. Plug and play, reliable, and great image quality.

Can you recommend a link to a supplier?