Having a few issues around my apartment with theives, and some days my spare car and trailer are left alone in the parking lot that is not visible from the road. I would like to set up a cheap camera with recording capablities (1 camera). I found some decent cameras on amazon for around $40, and they seem to fit the bill,http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001IBFSJ8/ref=s9_simh_gw_p421_d0_g147_i2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=03R4N9SXCFD978Y1DDA7&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846 but where do I go from there in order to save the video? I have an external harddrive that I could devote to the cause, but in my quick search of the net, I didn't uncover anything that would work..I guess some software would be needed. Could this be done for less than $100? Doesn't have to be wireless. The max time I would need to record is 3 days, if I go out of town or something.

[Edited on January 12, 2012 at 11:29 PM. Reason : asd]

[Edited on January 12, 2012 at 11:32 PM. Reason : asdf]

1/12/2012 11:26:11 PM

You need a recorder to go with it. Unlikely for $100, but not that far off. You can find DIY dvr systems for $150 or so.

But honestly it's not worth it. I bought and setup a security system after my car was broken into. I caught three different thieves breaking in to my car, but not one was ever arrested, and the cops just chuckled when I showed them the tape.

It's basically a waste of money unless you are willing to spend $$$ on HD cameras that can capture very high quality facial images.

1/13/2012 3:00:04 AM

thanks...i looked somemore into the dvr system, i do need to figure out if its worth it. but my first thought wasn't to involve the cops, i don't have much use for them, i'd like to see what kind of vehicle they are driving and what they look like, so I can deal with them, however i deem appropriate

1/13/2012 9:31:32 AM

^^ that's very solid advice.

The problem with security cameras is that people don't have a clue how to set them up where they're useful. For instance if you want to use a cheap VGA camera you need to put it in your instrument panel or somewhere that will give a *clear* picture of their face, not just some nondescript person breaking into something.

The best setup I've seen is taking a GoPro or ContourHD camera (which have super-wide angle lenses and nice window mounts) and mount it in the front of the car so that it captures the interior clearly (mainly the driver seat.) Then you set them on 1-picture every 3-5 seconds with an EyeFi card that backs up to your home computer (indoors/secure.) If something goes down you've got a copy on your computer for the cops of a HD image pointed straight at their face.



[Edited on January 13, 2012 at 9:40 AM. Reason : advice, not device ]

1/13/2012 9:39:32 AM

I have a 500GB 16 camera DVR from Taiwan that I could possibly sell you. It accepts those barrel connectors that the amazon camera has.

1/13/2012 10:01:53 AM

^^ this man knows.

The only thing a cheap camera will do is be a visual deterrent if its mounted both conspicuously and out of easy reach. Even then some guys just don't care.

1/13/2012 1:35:57 PM