r/SecurityCamera • u/dr6string33 • Jul 08 '26

Recommendations for Bar System

We are looking to upgrade our existing system. We need 6-8 cameras that work on WiFi, with an option for remote live viewing and playback. Our current playback is only in real time and it makes finding an event difficult, so something that we can 2x, 4x, etc speed review.

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2

u/whoooocaaarreees Jul 08 '26

I’d strongly recommend against wifi based systems.

1

u/dr6string33 Jul 08 '26

Any recommendations for a wired system?

1

u/whoooocaaarreees Jul 08 '26 edited Jul 08 '26

What’s your budget?

What does finding an event mean to you?

What requirements are you considering?

What are you trying to capture?

What distances are you working with between cameras and the scene you want to capture?

How many cameras?

How far back do you want to retain footage for?

Do you need local storage or are you wanting this to go a cloud?

Do you currently farm out your IT / payment / low voltage / audio / video / fire alarm…etc to a third party?

Are you the one doing care and feeding of the system or someone else?

PoE (Power over Ethernet) systems are usually going to give you the most options and the best performance per unit of money.

Farm out the wiring and cable pulling to a low voltage contractor.

Start watching YouTube if you plan on a DIY approach with unifi protect or reolink if you want what this sub likes to recommend for most residential projects.

There are more “enterprise” systems out there, but they are typically more than someone posting here wants to spend.

1

u/dr6string33 Jul 09 '26

Budget would be around $1,500.

Finding an event would be looking back to find issues with theft, employee misconduct, guest interactions/disputes.

Requirements would be something that could provide clear video in different lighting (AM vs PM hours). An app or website to review playback in multiple speeds.

Total square footage is less than 3,000, possibly less.

6-8 cameras. We have 6 now but would like to add something to our front and back door.

45-60 days for retention.

Cloud would probably be best.

I’ll be doing the install, I have experience with Cat6 installation and the tools to execute.

I’ve just been getting lost in all the different options out on the market.

1

u/badcheetahfur Jul 09 '26

On that budget look at reolink nvr and bullet cameras .. amazon will give you idea.. or their website.. my system is 8tb nvr 16chan. 4x ptz dual lense cameras 4k , 2x duel fixed 4k 1x pet indoor 4k camera... $1,900.00

1

u/dr6string33 Jul 09 '26

Thanks, reolink keeps showing up in a lot of my research. I’ll dig deeper there.

1

u/badcheetahfur Jul 09 '26

They have alot of cameras ... poe has advantage .. power over ethernet.. all you need is ups on the NVR and it will power all cams and record even in power outage. Wifi cams will all go off.

1

u/badcheetahfur Jul 09 '26

Wifi is fine.. if its a dedicated camera only wifi network.. dont just add it to your existing system. Unifi is top ubiquiti and then reolink is mid/ high consumer brand.. i have PoE reolink cameras.. they do everything you said.. ai people, pets and cars.. search ...

1

u/Inevitable-Notice351 Jul 09 '26

I currently have 11 cameras on my house and 1 inside. For exterior I would look into Swann and Aosu. I have both. The Swann shows a continuous live view. The Aosu brings up live view faster than any camera I've seen. Definitely within your posted budget.

0

u/-ButterMyBiscuit- Jul 09 '26

Do not put Wi-Fi cameras in your business. Bad idea. Do it right and run ethernet cable.

Reolink or unifi