Helping start up a small business, need IP cameras

[TheXIV]

I am working with a company who is currently setting up shop and is in need of IP cameras to set up throughout the building. The man I'm working with is already set on using a DVR system, he just needs the cameras.

The types of cameras he needs are 2 standard IP cameras for indoors, and 2 domed IP cameras for outdoor surveillance. He also wants to compare prices for IP Cameras that are powered through a CAT5 cable when compared to the standard 110 V AC powered ones.

Now, the sheer selection of IP cameras on the market is pretty intimidating, so I want to ask if anyone here has any suggestions on what to look at, and any advice would be welcome.

Basically: 4 IP cameras, 2 of them domed, and either powered through CAT5 or standard AC.

[use-IP]

It's that old chestnut - the more you pay, the better you get ...

If it's just for monitoring an area indoors such as a corridor, then the Axis 207 is pretty good value for money, works to a reasonably low light level and delivers reasonable images.

If you want ID shots, then it's probably worth paying a bit more for something like an Axis 210 or 211.

As you suggest, for external, a dome camera probably delivers best value as it provides camera, lens, housing and PSU for the one price. Something like the Axis 216 (sorry I have little experience of IP cameras except Axis, most others I tried were disappointing by comparison).

NB you need to be sure that outdoor cameras are rated for outdoor use. By this I don't just mean weatherproof. Obviously you can put most cameras into a weatherproof housing. Axis do not rate their CMOS cameras for outdoor duties, as exposure to sunlight might damage the CMOS chip (if this happens the damage is obvious and they will not cover it by warranty).

If you use a camera that is able to drive an auto-iris lens you'll get much better results outdoors, as plainly the camera will be able to open and close the iris to regulate the light entering the camera as ambient light levels fluctuate.

All IP cameras can be configured to work via Power Over Ethernet (POE). Some IP cameras are sold as POE ready, they will only need the hub-end power injector POE unit, and will then internally re-split the power from the data. Those that are not POE ready will need the 'Active Splitter' unit at the camera end, this essentially splits the power and data back into two leads for connecting to the camera.

NB power-hungry cameras such as ptzs cannot usually be fed via POE, nor housing heaters.

POE is usually preferable as you do not then need an approved electrician to run the mains supply cables, obviously this keeps the install costs down.

The biggest impact on whether you achieve ID shots or not is usually the field of view - if you try to cover too wide an angle you'll end up with small people!

Hope that helps.
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