Best video transmission surveillance systems according to redditors
We found 49 Reddit comments discussing the best video transmission surveillance systems. We ranked the 23 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
I've done CCTV for a living, and still install a bunch of systems whenever my clients need them.
I've installed systems like this from Zosi, Elec, Amcrest, Annke, Swann, and a couple others. They're all the same. They'll all do what you want.
Here are a few pieces of advice:
Feel free to message me if you have any other questions.
If you want an actual camera system i'd recommend one of two options.
Run CAT5e for your camera wires. Once you've chosen the spots it's time to choose the cameras.
With CAT5e you have two options. You can use baluns (like these) and hook them up to analog cameras, or just terminate them with RJ45 connectors/keystones and you can use IP cameras.
Both options will work, but i'm a bigger fan of Network devices so I would choose to go IP. You don't need crazy expensive gear anymore with IP, but it is going to cost more than analog.
For NVR I would go with a Synology product, these are great prices and have a wonderful interface that anyone can understand. They carry many models so you can find something that suits your needs.
For Camera's i'd recommend Hikvision, something like these work great.
At the end of the day there are so many options, combinations and possibilities that it comes down to your research to figure something out that works best for you.
I have two wyze cams outside. They're both in outdoor housings with desiccant packs in them. They're under eves, which does help keep them from getting direct rain. This is the housing I have them in. They've worked flawlessly so far.
As for SD cards, I have a 64gb micro SD in each camera. Continuous recording has come in handy in the past few days as one of my cameras caught a car accident and officers were able to determine who was likely at fault.
Do some work in CCTV. But often in non IP cameras, I just run Cat5 and that one wire run can be the power for the camera and the video signal for the DVR. It is not difficult.
It looks like there are many that work, but this one is what we have.
Outdoor cam is in testing phase. Wyze says it's still on track for release before the end of the year. Be aware that the outdoor cam will certainly cost more. Wyze employees have said it will have battery/usb power options, PIR motion detection and have a wireless indoor hub. For direct information anyone can search for wyze employee posts on their outdoor cam roadmap thread.
You might want to just get a outdoor case for your cam. I have this one out in direct sun, rain, snow, no problems. Most protective case I've found after searching all over. If you can place your cam right under an overhang, I've seen many people say they do perfectly fine with no case.
If you have a GoPro4 you might want the one with the H4-3D ... They are almost the same, but the GoPro4 has a slightly different balance on the gimbal and some cut out for a new side button on the GoPro4. You can reconfigure the H3-3D in software to compensate for the balance, but might need to put in a shim to prevent the side button from being hit. Some people have no issue with GP4 on the H3 gimbal, others do. Some people don't mind tinkering ... other's want turnkey simplicity.
http://www.amazon.com/DJI-Phantom-Quadcopter-Bundle-Zenmuse/dp/B00SHUEPBK/
Other than that for time delay photography or basic video, you are set.
Only if you also want a live preview feed to frame your shots will you need to do anything else. If not, just turn on the camera, take it up in the air and point it at your subject.
For live SD preview:
Technically ... Due to the power of those video transmitters, you'll also want to get yourself an entry level HAM radio license if you are operating this in the US.
For live HD preview ... Buy yourself an Inspire 1. The cost of the included HD stream system alone ($1400 DJI Lightbridge) makes the Inspire 1 a better buy then adding it a Phantom 2. Crazy, but that's the state of live HD wireless feeds right now.
I think even that is a bit fancy.
This set is probably more on the money.
You don't need anything fancy. A cheaper analog camera plugged into a Composite-to-HDMI or Composite-toVGA adapter plugged into a monitor will give you want you want for < $100, monitor not included.
BUT - I think you will be happier, long-term, if you do keep a few days' worth of video, just in case there's an issue about something. Sometimes being able to prove something didn't happen is as important as proving what did happen. (e.g., the person who's supposed to be watching the door/monitor goes away for 5 mins to use the toilet. wouldn't it be nice to have a record of what, if anything, happened during those 5 mins?)
But, for what you're asking for:
Camera https://www.amazon.com/NYXCAM-Security-Surveillance-Weatherproof-Monitoring/dp/B078H83RHV/
Power supply https://www.amazon.com/ABLEGRID-Supply-Adapter-Security-Camera/dp/B015PWVUSS/
Hybrid power/video cable https://www.amazon.com/Swann-100ft-Surveillance-Security-Cameras/dp/B0104X85X6/
Or, use CAT 5 and a set of these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XCGZ3H5/
BNC/RCA adapter: https://www.amazon.com/VCE-5-PACK-Plated-Female-Adapter/dp/B01N20F61M/
and you should be able to plug into a TV/monitor that accepts composite video (typically a single yellow RCA plug/jack) - or if you want to output to HDMI, one of these https://www.amazon.com/GANA-Composite-Converter-Adapter-Supporting/dp/B01L8GG6PW/ + a USB power source.
I haven't personally used those products, I've gone down the IP camera rabbit hole; but if you wanted to do something simple & cheap for < $100, that's how I'd do it.
Sure, this is what I got:
Funlux 720p HD Wireless Outdoor Security Camera Night Vision Video Surveillance Wifi Camera https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M25NW3X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_iQbDzb6H22W8W
They sell in packs of two and it is slightly cheaper:
Funlux Wireless 720P HD Outdoor Security Camera Day/ Night Video Surveillance Camera (2 Pack) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M25NUVN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_pTbDzbHH2YJFX
For internal cameras we got these:
Funlux Wireless 720p HD - 115°Wide Viewing Angle - Smart Home WiFi IP Security Camera System with 2 - way Audio, Infrared Night Vision and Motion Detection (3 Pack) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HJKBCV4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_CVbDzbSZW738R
I also put mine with silicon into this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07G72SQXB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1
Nice. I just got mine about a month ago and I found this decent case on Amazon. I figured it was unnecessary after I had purchased it because I too mounted my cam under an overhang. We'll see how it lasts through the winter and if it was a Wyze investment.
Here's the link if you're interested.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G72SQXB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_F8FmDbE8STHW5
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XKV8WF6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&amp;psc=1 Just picked up a couple of these bad boys for if my day ever comes. It's legal out here so I would totally file a police report if I had to
The wifi has me somewhat concerned. But you can try out a pretty cheap option. Wyze are ok cameras and have motion detection and night vision, they are like $25.
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https://www.amazon.com/Wyze-Indoor-Wireless-Camera-Vision/dp/B076H3SRXG/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=video+security+camera&qid=1562081492&s=gateway&sr=8-4
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To make it outdoor safe you need a hood for around $12.
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https://www.amazon.com/Camera-Bracket-Protective-Security-Outdoor/dp/B07G72SQXB/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1YNZ1XYBJOW9S&keywords=wyze+outdoor+cam&qid=1562081608&s=gateway&sprefix=wye+out%2Caps%2C206&sr=8-5
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Next question is do you have an external power outlet to power the camera? This setup would work and do the basics for around $50. There are plenty of full systems out there but it sounds like it might be over kill. If you run into anything problems feel free to ping me.
Real Time Stream Protocol (RTSP) is a standardized protocol for streaming audio/video from cameras (among other things).
Basically it makes it so that I can connect several different brands of (RTSP) cameras to one central server that records them all and sends notifications to my phone when it detects movements.
My favorite at the moment is the Wyze cameras. They just recently added RTSP support and are only $26 each:
https://www.amazon.com/Wyze-Indoor-Wireless-Camera-Vision/dp/B076H3SRXG
Get a weatherproof mount if you are wanting to mount them outside:
https://www.amazon.com/Camera-Bracket-Protective-Security-Outdoor/dp/B07G72SQXB
I use lots of UBNT gear at home, but I had decent luck w/ one of these:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0198H6EUK/
but it also needs PoE+ input...
Not OP, but I have a Wyze V2 on my porch in this housing. It’s mounted up under a soffit, so it’s pretty protected from any rain/snow, as long as the wind isn’t blowing straight up, and can’t even be seen until you’re actually on the porch.
My original plan was to wire an outlet into a junction box, in the attic, to plug the camera in, using the provided usb cable. But, if I ever needed to unplug it, I would’ve had to climb up in the attic to do so. So, I ended up using one of
these cables, and dropping it down to an outlet in my garage, where I could unplug it, if I ever needed to. Granted, there’s only about 6” of the cable actually exposed, as it comes out of the back of the housing (I dremel’d a new hole out of the back, and covered the original hole on the bottom) and up into the soffit, and it’s pretty much protected from the sun/whatnot. But it’s held up well, at least through the hottest months and so far into the coldest months.
The house does have coax. I had heard of moca but hadn't really done much research into that. Would it be better to buy some adapters like the ActionTec Bonded MoCA 2.0 adapters or would these passive adapters work okay?
Here is a 16 port one for only $55 on Amazon.
You'll need to buy a set of BNC to RCA jacks, but those are pretty cheap and available on Amazon as well or Monoprice.
On the device end, you'll also need a balun to convert from RCA to RJ45.
Honestly? I combine a Wyze Cam with an outdoor mount in the soffit above the door (much better angle than a doorbell provides) and an Aeotec Z-wave doorbell.
The total investment is $107 with zero subscription fees.
The Arduino can't really process video that well. Does the video need to go through the Arduino at all? If not, you can use a CAT5 balun. It essentially adapts the video connector to an RJ45 connector. This one also includes power.
I have these
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07G72SQXB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_urEBDbHVD873C
Taped up the seam and a little silicone to further seal the lense area and they've been good to go
I have used "passive PoE splitters" like these along with a buck regulator similar to this to implement my own DIY PoE solution for remotely powering RPIs. This will only work with "Alternative B" PoE (see "Mode B" and/or "Mode A").
Alternatively, you could use something like this which is basically the above solution in a single device (and didn't exist when I built my system).
All the above product links are super cheap-o Chinesium units; you've been warned :-/
Something like this would be great, but this only supports 12v out and the cameras require a passive 24v .5a PoE. So even with that paired with injectors it could only do a maximum of 12v passive.
https://www.amazon.com/Power-Ethernet-Over-Coax-Transmitter/dp/B07282D6YS
MoCa needs to be set up on both ends: you need an adapter and the modem side either needs an adapter or if it has built in functionality then it needs to be enabled.
I re-read and it sounds like you know that an adapter is needed at both ends. Im not sure about the adapter you’re talking about (only because im not looking it up). However, the signal of the others should not be affected significantly or noticeably.
Edit:: if this is what you’re talking about i dont believe this will work for moca.
Oh, that makes sense. As far as I know, there is no way to do it wirelessly. The only 2 options I can think of are the DJI LightBridge 2 or using an HDMI wireless transmitter. Both options would require a power source.
This seems to be a decent, inexpensive indoor night camera.
Wyze Camera Wall Mount Bracket, Mrount Protective Cover with Security Wall Mount for Wyze Cam V2 V1 and Ismart Spot Camera Indoor Outdoor Use, White (2 Pack) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07HC9FDSH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_XafrDbNT8NDZB
It may be cheesy, but if cheap is what you're going for:
https://www.amazon.com/IP-Wireless-Security-Surveillance-Monitoring/dp/B06XKV8WF6/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1506360594&amp;sr=8-8&amp;keywords=ip+camera
Sounds like an MLG setup. I'm thinking about something like this, do you think I'll have any problems with it all being powered by a 3S battery?
Wolf Whoop vtx
Eachine EV800 goggles
Anbee Antenna
So if I get a PoE Switch do I just buy these for one end of the cat5e then?
https://www.amazon.com/BeElion-Passive-Injector-Splitter-Connector/dp/B01HMNJHII/ref=sr_1_1?s=photo&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1489764936&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=poe+injector+splitter
> VRX
One of these hooked up to an old 32" CRT in the downstairs TV room and a pair of Eachine EV800d box gogs. Both pick up amazingly well.
> What VTX,
This Tx and Cam mounted in the cab of my CA-10. Or at least, they were, I recently tried some Eachine VTx's for my airplanes and the one I fiddled with didn't work so I ripped this VTx out of the CA-10 for the plane. ITt'l go back in eventually.
Not a bad VTx, has a mic on it and everything, though I didn't know until I got my goggles and DVR'd some footage.
> and antennas do you use?
VTx, standalone VRx: RCHP cloverleaf
Eachine EV-800d: The two antennae that came with it factory. I don't necessarily need this thing to be able to pick up through that many obstructions since it's kinda portable and I can be outside with the model while using them, but they still pick up jsut fine inside the house when I'm outside of the house.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N9E33XA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_FJM6ybRDZN741
This is the camera that most people are putting on tiny whoops(really small drones). I've used this exact one, and it works pretty good. It will only give you about 50 ft of range though.
If you are looking for more range, you will have the buy a camera and a transmitter, such as these two:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N948FF7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_xMM6ybVKT9E49
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01E6GPYS6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_wNM6ybJQT95DW
EDIT: you would also need a recover for the video.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H36AIGY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_6PM6ybWV3Y0EJ
This puts out RCA to a monitor of your choice
Thank you for all that! That was a useful YouTube video, too.
I had to make the purchases yesterday, since I'll be playing with actors in the studio on Monday. That said, I still have time to buy some things.
It's a comfort that I seem to be on the right track. The biggest difference between what I bought and your suggestions is that you suggested I buy the Dock-Kings and other pricier receiver/converting gear. I'd appreciate if you could look at my list of purchased items to determine if you think it will work, or if you see some some red flags.
I suppose in the long run, if this theatre show concept shows promise, we would then invest in more reliable gear, such as no-compression wireless HDMI tx/rx. For now, here it is:
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4 cameras:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06Y5D8SPZ/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (1S LiPo)
2 x https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06Y56RL5P/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (1S LiPo)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0184DVN4G/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (2S or 3S LiPo)
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3 receivers (should I buy different antennae?):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0774SMGQN/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1
2 x https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01H36AIGY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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3 AC/DC adapters for the receivers:
3 x https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ISM267G/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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3S LiPo (for 3S LiPo camera and try battery-powered Receiver)
2 x https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GF63645/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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Battery chargers
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00466PKE0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/Battery-Charger-Channel-Inductrix-Connectors/dp/B074M6G2MD
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Each receiver has an AV output + AV RCA cable. I'll plug in the RCAs from 2 or 3 receivers into this Switcher:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KXVBB7C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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Using an RCA cable, connect the Switcher's Output to this RCA to HDMI converter:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KTDG177/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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Then HDMI to projector.
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Ta-da?
DON'T get that kit - the pieces are ancient and on a 2200mAh battery that thing will barely fly.
Here's a suggestion: instead of a 5-inch, build a Whoop. The advantage of doing that is 1) it's much, much cheaper, and 2) you could fly the thing in the classroom if you wanted.
Shipping won't be a problem - we're getting everything from Amazon prime.
BetaFPV F4 FC - We start with this. My first thought was to use the much cheaper Silverware-based Lite board. However, the problem with that is getting a transmitter that works with it. So instead we're going to go with a Betaflight board. Part of what you can do is use the Project Mockingbird tune on it and explain how the settings impact flight.
Beta65S Frame (Package of 2) - Ideally, we would use the set that includes the frame and motors, but sadly that's currently out of stock so we're going to have to buy the frame and motors separately.
These 7x16 motors - The BetaFPV motors are better, but those are out of stock at the moment. Plus, you're not going to be racing this thing, so we're not going to worry about great motors for this project.
FPV Camera and VTX - Again, we're not going for the greatest quality here, just something that will work. If you have access to a 3D printer, you can print off a mount. Otherwise, we're going to secure this to the board with some outdoor mounting tape and small rubber band hair ties.
Props - We're going with 4-blade for thrust - You get 16 of them, so 4 pairs.
Now you have a quad. What's our total price (as of today on Amazon, all with Prime shipping)?
$87.94 - Yup, you have a Betaflight enabled quad with OSD for less than $100. And this quad will actually be a decent flying one too. The only thing you will need to solder are the power wires to the camera.
We also need batteries and a charger. For the charger we're going to go with a basic USB charger. Nothing fancy, but it will do. For batteries, these batteries will be fine for your purposes. And we get 4 of them. We're at $108.92, with Prime shipping.
Now we have our aircraft, battery, and charger. We still need a transmitter and some FPV gear. This is where stuff gets really expensive, but we have some options that will work for your project.
First, BETAFPV sells a really basic transmitter that uses FrSKY for $39. Normally, I'd say get a QX7, but we're artificially restricting ourselves to Amazon Prime for this. This really is a no-frills, toy-grade transmitter, but it works. And now our total cost is at $150.
For FPV, you have two options. The first is a bargain-basement headset. Here's one for $50. Is it going to be a great headset? Heck no! But it will work just fine.
The other option is to display the FPV feed on a TV. If you're going to do an in-class presentation, I'd go that way. Make sure you have a TV with an analog input though! Here's a cheap FPV receiver with analog output. $16! You don't get diversity, you don't get a great antenna, but again, we're just going for the basics. This receiver requires a 12V power supply, which could either be a 3S LiPo or a plug-in one. Since you don't have any LiPos, let's just go with a wall power supply. $13.
Either way, you're at under $200 all-in. For your project, you can show how to install Betaflight, show how different tuning parameters affect flight, and even fly indoors for an in-class demonstration! Plus, if you decide to get into the hobby, you can get yourself a QX7 and a better set of FPV goggles and have a decent quad for indoor flying.
I haven't included any soldering equipment - for this, you just need a fine-tip soldering iron. You just need to attach the four lines of the FPV camera to the board - red to positive, black to negative, the camera output to the camera input on the board, and the board video output to the VTX input on the camera. The connections will be VERY small, so this is where getting help would be a good idea.
For the camera mount, there are any number of them on Thingiverse that would work just fine. Otherwise, get some 3M mounting tape and the small rubber bands used for kid's hair. Put the mounting tape on the board and use the rubber band between the tiny little nubs on the side of the frame to secure the camera down. If you have access to a 3D printer, this camera mount will work just fine. 3D printing the parts can be part of your class project.
This would give you literally everything you need to fly, some opportunities to set up Betaflight and tune things, and is something you could actually use if you decide to fly FPV when the project is done. Plus, everything's on Amazon Prime so the shipping should not be a problem.
Si:
https://www.amazon.com/Flysight-TX5820-Transmitter-Long-distance-Transmission/dp/B01D4CISRC
PoE passthrough means that it doesn't need to have power? I have outdoor power, so can't I just get a normal PoE switch?
For this: https://www.amazon.com/OdiySurveil-IEEE802-3at-IEEE802-3af-Power-Out-Extender/dp/B0198H6EUK/
Are you saying it would split 1 PoE port from my indoors switch into 4 PoE ports that could have enough power for Dahua IP cameras? Without plugging in the outdoor switch?
I haven't installed my POE system yet because it seems....so complicated. And I've been having issues with the NVR. But I've found these and were thinking about using them to alleviate trying to find a spot that I can run power to just for the camera placement.
Cool, I'll do some hunting around Denver and online for price ranges, thank you for the suggestions. Though my gut feeling is on some kits like this as an example is that while you'll get the main body and lenses, the rest will be cheaply made or worthless. More value on the core pieces but kits like these seem tempting ( I do read the reviews and items included closely ).