[ale] OT: Security Webcam

[Geoffrey]

Nick Travis wrote:
> I'm looking at installing a couple security cameras, I would like to
> be able to use motion with them, but I need some recommendations on
> the cameras.  I need a few that are decent quality and will be used
> indoors and 2 that will be used outdoors with good video quality. 
> They will be monitoring the exit to our facility and I would like to
> be able to read tag numbers from about 100ft away in low light
> conditions if possible.  Anyone have any suggestions?

You'll need to spend some bucks for such quality.  You'll drop $50-$70 
for color cameras that have night vision support and a fixed lens. 
They'll read a tag at about 30'.

Beyond that, you're looking at some high resolution cameras.

For indoors the previous should be sufficient, unless you've got a 100ft 
room. :)  You can get them at compusa and frys.

I'd stay away from any usb cameras.  Althought they work, I've not found 
them to be near as fast as a capture card/camera combo.  You can get a 
capture card with 4 inputs and 4 chips for about $300.  You can get a 
capture card with 4 inputs and 1 chip for about $100.  Single input, 
single chip cards can be had for about $20.

If you're not subscribed to the motion list, you should.  You'll find 
folks there who have more experience with the higher end cameras then I do.

-- 
Until later, Geoffrey