http://www.laceyjanephotography.com/home-security-cameras-dvr-2/
Know a lot about Security Systems? Please read & tell me which you think is best for recording?
I basically need a "nanny cam" to record (motion activated) activity in my bedroom, when I'm not home. Things are getting stolen. It has to be not noticeable. I've been looking into it. Is it better (as far the recording of the action) to get a USB DVR (just plugs into PC), a portable DVR or a DVR PCI Card? I can't have one that plugs into my VCR for 1) I record shows while I'm @ work & 2), it would be noticeable if my VCR cut on when someone walked into the room. There are so many options. Is it better to get it separate or something that already has everything needed? I need a pinhole or covert camera that motion activated & can record on something other than my VCR. Color & audio would be a plus, but not necessary. I've reasearched till my head hurts, but I'm still no expert & want to make the right decision. Thanks!
I don't envy our predicament. I know the market is full of info and alot of it is biased crap.
In your situation, I would think this is a short term solution. The cheapest way is to hook a pinhole camera up to a VCR set to slow record. You could probably get up to 8 hours on a tape if it is set to slow speed (Typically this would be long enough to catch the a$$h0le.) Another inexpensive method would be a digital camcorder with an AV input.
As far as higher end solutions, I would not recommend a PC based system for anything ongoing. PC's, particularly those based in Billyware (AKA Windows) tend to crash. Mildly irritating when dealing with a word Doc but really irritating if it results in lost video footage. I would suggest sticking with an embedded Linux based unit. These look like a standard VCR except they have a harddrive.
You might also be able to find a company who rents surveillance systems out on a short term basis. If you were local I could help you out, but Tennessee is another story.
I have also written an article on video surveillance. It goes through some of the technical aspects of video surveillance and camera selection. It can be found on my website at http://www.keepsafesystems.ca
You might also consider just putting some bait out there. Put some money somewhere slightly obvious. Do this in the morning and check when you come back. If you have a child, make sure it is somewhere where the child cannot reach. If it is gone then find some reason to let the person go. Of course if you are dealing with more than one person this could be difficult
Good Luck
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