IP Security Cameras

[DonLandis]

I've been wanting to add one of these for quite some time. Finally, Panasonic has a nice system available. It includes a free web server to access your IP camera and control all camera functions. All sorts of accessories that allow for recording images and motion detection with e-mail alerts etc.

http://www.viewnetcam2.com/ip_ddns/

For about $1300 you can get a camera that will read a license plate full screen from about 100 meters away, or for $200 pan / tilt no zoom camera. These are all PnP to your router, requiring no PC unless you want to install recording software.

http://www.panasonicnetworkcameras.com/

http://www.securityideas.com/pablpaneca.html

Do any of you have experience with these IP cameras and what do you think?

[RichW]

They work great for me. I have three at my place at the coast. I can even activate lighting and video recording. I possibly scared off one suspicious character a while back.

You may want to secure access to it to prevent IP address scanners from discovering its existence.

[DonLandis]

Tapping your experience Rich-
Do you think it is wise to post a sign on your property that video surveillance is active?

Local laws already require us to post that our property has a registered alarm system. But I was more concerned that this would give me peace of mind. Plus, some of these cameras have 2 way audio. I recently did a TV show on Laundromat businesses and this is the type of surveillance they were suggesting. They post signs and can talk back to troublemakers.

The manuals on these cameras explain how to set up security for the IP. Looks no more difficult than setting up your WEP.

[Jacob S]

This sounds like something I was looking for a few years back to catch people that vandalize, do hit and runs, and steals items around my property.

[RichW]

Do you think it is wise to post a sign on your property that video surveillance is active?

Absolutely! I have one posted above the doorbell to our summer home. Criminals in this area look for easy targets where they won't get caught or identified. Even putting a spare car in the driveway usually will cause the miscreants to move on to "easier pickings".

[n8dagr8]

Even putting a spare car in the driveway usually will cause the miscreants to move on to "easier pickings".

so you weren't home? Dang!....now I know.

[Jacob S]

More would probably start wearing masks and hide the plate number or hide the car if knowing that a place is that well secure.