Suggestions, knowledge about home security cams

[Ed in Tx]

I've decided I need a home security camera system. Don't need it to go over the internet to a smartphone. Just a system with 2 cameras for now, up to 4, and video and HDMI out to a monitor, HDD and SD card recording. Any ideas, suggestions? I know little or nothing about these.

[Findm-Keepm]

Originally Posted by Ed in Tx

I've decided I need a home security camera system. Don't need it to go over the internet to a smartphone. Just a system with 2 cameras for now, up to 4, and video and HDMI out to a monitor, HDD and SD card recording. Any ideas, suggestions? I know little or nothing about these.

I helped install one of Harbor Freight's systems, with the DVR, and IP access. Three cameras, and I think we went with 800x600 resolution for 120 hours of recording time before it records over itself. You could get more record time, just sacrifice resolution. Easy peasy, although the power for the cameras was sometimes challenging. Also, make sure the cameras aren't in an area with a lot of glare (by a window with shiny stuff around) as it tends to wash out the cameras. Bunker Hill security was the name of the system, and I have no idea how much they paid for the system.

I have one of those non-camera systems with sensors and dial-out capability. 65 bucks from Hong Kong, but it works! The remotes are convenient (but cheap feeling) and the sensors all use 12V 123A batteries that have to be replaced every year, but I like it. I got mine off eBay - 3 motion sensors, two door/window switches, a keypad base unit, two remotes, and the alarm siren. Plug and play mostly, just had to program in the codes /phone numbers for the keypad.