Reddit reviews HIKVISION DS-7608NI-E2/8P 8CH PoE NVR Network Video Recorder

Hi,

I would recommend a Hikvision NVR like this, and 3MP or 4MP Hikvision IP cameras to suit your installation locations. It is important to choose the camera type based on where you will install it - I like to use dome cameras for front porches (vandal-resistant), bullets for back yard etc (deterrent, flexibility of positioning).

I have written an in-depth guide on how to choose IP cameras here on my blog and these are my recommended IP cameras. I use Hikvision bullets and domes myself.

Daniel

$2K is a bit steep.

Four IP cameras, like Hikvision DS-2CD2032F (3MP nightvision HD bullet POE camera) will cost around $425 total. (about $100/camera, plus shipping)

A Hikvision NVR like DS-7608NI-E2/8P goes for $275

https://www.amazon.com/HIKVISION-DS-7608NI-E2-8P-Network-Recorder/dp/B00VMNRZS4

Note, although there are 4-channel recorders, it is always better to go up a model, both for future growth, and the higher model is faster.

Add:

• Hard drive for NVR: WD 1T 'purple' (Hard drive made for video recorders) $60
  
  
• Four 150-foot CAT-5E patch cables: $100 total
  
  
• APC Back UPS 450: $75
  
  
• All the above is all you need., and you're at about $900 for parts.
  
  
• Hikvision has all sorts of features, email alerts, etc.
  
  You need four cables run to a central place where you can put NVR and UPS, ideally where there is an ethernet port as well.
  
  It will take about two-three hours to install drive, configure NVR, setup port forwarding in firewall, hang/adjust cams, run cables. I would think a competent installer could do all that for $250-300.
  
  
• License plate recognition:
  
  LPR is based on the number of pixels-per-foot, the distance, and lighting/speed of car.
  
  
• As a general guide, if you hang a Hikvision 4mm 3MP camera, you can read a license plate clearly at about 30 feet.
  There are all sorts of calculations that go into the number of PPF (pixels-per-foot) based on the field of view (FOV) of the camera, etc. If you need to read license plates for sure, potentially you may need to go higher than 3MP cameras, and use a longer lens than 4mm. A 4MP or 5MP camera could read a plate, (with ideal angle, lighting, speed, etc) at around 50 feet. For longer distances, need a longer lens, and of course YMMV depending on angle, light conditions, speed of car, etc.
  
  
• For most cameras, 4mm lens is the most common.
  
  
• 2.8mm is VERY handy for around the house, as 2.8 has nearly 90 degree view angle, vs around 70 degrees for 4mm.
  
  
• if you had one camera with a better view of the street, then going to a 6mm or 12mm lens may help (keep in mind it's a trade off, since a camera setup to grab license plates won't have a wide-angle view of the whole area.
  
  
  

There are so many to choose from. Hikvision is a good compromise between cost and quality. There are quite a couple of products out there that, although branded with other logos, have Hikvision hardware underneath. I have used Swann and Hikvision NVR and between the two I would recommend Hikvision.

I run various branded cams on my NVR and if you are not after fancy features like number plate recognition or item removal .... most of the are well supported.

I would start with an 8 port NVR device as you will inevitably want to add more once you stat and from my experience a 4 port is just not enough for us DIY types.

I would recommend something like below as a start.
Hik 8 PoE NVR

This will work for cams up to 6MP but will probably only allow you to record 4 x 5MP cams simultaneously. If you need more you will have to record at lower quality. You would also have to fit it with HDD’s

You also get NVR models with alarm inputs (digital) that you can combine for instance door sensors with you NVR for better reliability. Just some food for thought.

You get much better spec’d Hikvision NVR’s as well other brand but you have to start somewhere.

Thanks for your responses, I'm just trying to sort this out to make sure I know what to plan for.

Let's say I go with something like this HikVision NVR. Do I need a BlueIris server on top of that? Or was that what you were saying I would run a BlueIris server INSTEAD of?

Why not just get the Hikvision NVR Link

Its the same price and you don't have to worry about any ONVIF issues. It also is a Plug and Play model so it supplies the POE for the cameras.

You will also need a HDD for storage. I use WD Purple Drives.

For work we use alot of DS-2CD2132F-I-2.8MM cameras. They do a good job for what they cost. I would be sure to update the firmware on your NVR and Cameras when you get them.

If you want space on the rear of the camera to make connections you want a CB110 for each camera. Though if they are going under the soffit you should be able to make the connections there.

The software you want to use with the NVR is [iVMS-4200] (http://overseas.hikvision.com/us/Tools_84.html) go to Client Software and download the newest version.