Outdoor cameras
Some of you have asked about the cameras. What do I use and how reliable they are.
Since about 2013 I’m using PoE cameras made by Hikvision. So far I’ve used 3 models: 2032 (bullet), 2132 (dome) and 2632 (large bullet). PoE stands for power-over-ethernet, these cameras need no separate power cable, just ethernet. You can check the links at the bottom.
All three models are 3MP with 1080p mode. All are highly configurable and I’ve no complaints about the quality. The oldest camera was sitting outside on the hill under rain, sun and lots of dirt for more than two years with 0 issues.
You may have a separate NVR to manage the cameras and record videos. I didn’t have such luxury due to construction constraints and all my cameras were storing snapshots to a remote NAS via Internet (timelapse is coming).
With 2132 and 2632 you can add up an SD card (i use 64GB) and have them record everything nonstop.
I’ve used Hikvision apps on iOS and Mac, it took me literally 15 mins to figure out all details and add all of them.
These are links to Amazon, I’m sure you’ll be able to find them elsewhere if needed:
2032: http://www.amazon.com/Hikvision-DS-2CD2032-I-12mm-Version-Security/dp/B00VIQCEXQ
2132: http://www.amazon.com/Hikvision-DS-2CD2132-I-Fixed-Focal-Camera/dp/B00ESK3LKY
2632: http://www.amazon.com/Hikvision-DS-2CD2632F--Network-2-8-12mm-Vari-focal/dp/B0140I2AC8