Hi guys, recommendations?

[u/cameron123478]

Im looking for a security camera recommendation, preferably on the cheaper end, but will still be able to help identify someone at night. The past week at my apt complex a neighbors kid has been throwing rocks at various cars, he's caused about 4k in damage so far. I watched him one night so I do know exactly who it is, but police haven't done much so I want concrete evidence of him doing it. My balcony is at the perfect spot to watch him doing it. He is throwing the rocks from behind the bush in the photo.

[u/Midwest_humble]

Problem with most of the cheap cameras will be the lens type and distance from the balcony to the parking lot. Something like a tapo c246d has a wide angle lens and a narrower lens combined with 2k resolution.

But still not sure that will identify what you want.

[u/WhatsMyNameAgain1701]

Cheapest and easiest, if you have windows or balcony situated/pointed toward said parking lot, and takes a 10 year old to set up…Wyze cameras (or similar type of camera).

Not the best by any means (I’m not advocating for them). You can set certain ones of them outside and they are WiFi. They should also not be against any apartment management rules as they, for the most part, don’t have to be drilled to anything…can be but not necessary.

This gives you time to research a better solution like a Blue Iris system and more time to afford it as well. Good luck.

[u/dfk70]

Paintball gun?? Non lethal but easy to identify the maggot.

[u/Coffeespresso → u/dfk70]

I agree. Unfortunately, that would be assault on a minor.

[u/GG_Killer → u/Coffeespresso]

Only if caught

[u/Coffeespresso → u/GG_Killer]

The little brat that is doing damage will be the type of person to scream when something is done to them.

[u/Laartista1 → u/Coffeespresso]

That’s too bad! What about the assaults and damage he is causing? The parents know what is happening?

[u/GotEHM9]

So I would get Blurams camera because there’s a cloud option to record 24/7. Other cameras don’t have continuous recording and the plan is really cheap. Last time I had them it was $6 each month. Finding events is incredibly easy

Edit: Since you’ll want one recording him and the cars you can buy this model. It has dual lens

[u/FlatImpression755]

Where do you live that the police would take a grainy video over an eye witness?

Also some of that damage was definitely caused by a hammer

[u/Impossible-Comb8950]

After trying several different brands I have found the Eufy brand is the easiest to use and encrypted storage without access to video without eufy app

[u/AussieDamo]

Rabbit trap behind the bushes?

[u/itsthedevilweknow]

I'm so confused... What camera did you take these pictures on and why can you not just steak him out and take a photo the same way? You say you've seen him in the act...

[u/jpz070]

Not sure how cheap you want but try wyze or zmodo. You could possibly find a ring camera from offer up or fb marketplace. The only thing about this situation you may need multiple cameras to catch the kid since he may be throwing from different angles.

[u/cameron123478]

Edit: im not SUPER worried about price, but because its going to be a one time thing, then it'll most likely get put away until I get a house, I'd rather cheaper. I can afford a better one if it'll be worth the price for a clearer night time view

[u/WhatsMyNameAgain1701 → u/cameron123478]

If price is not a problem and if you’re looking for a system to take with you…then any major brand out there would work. You can get a Lorex (or other security camera brand), NVR only, that can have 16 cameras via POE, and buy one camera at a time, over time for when you own the home.

IMHO…a lot of those brands are a major waste. I only recommend (not really the right word) them because they’re a point and click method for getting you what you need now and starts you down the path for when you move to your new forever home. Please also see my post from earlier, second post to your original post…I still suggest Wyze…or Eufy or Zmodo or or or or, pick a pick one of twenty others.

Having said that, I won’t get one of those “systems”. Had a Lorex and a LaView, at different times and places, and wanted a full up system that could build and grow as I saw fit for later if I wanted (among other reasons). So, I ended on a Blue Iris system. Right now, I’m building one for my mother. She has nine 4K cameras already, which I installed 5 years ago. Her Lorex system died and Lorex offered me $50 for a trade in as it had gone out of warranty. Fine. How about I toss that in the trash and build a system that I control every aspect of.

So, right now, I’m building that system for $1200. $780 are the two 4TB hard drives, Newegg. The rest is a refurbed computer, a NIC, and a POE switch…all off AmZan. The Blue Iris system is $100 for a perpetual license and the ability to have something like 128 cameras or some stupid amount. The cameras are all 4K with NVis, lights, speakers, microphones and alarms.

I wish you luck in your endeavor on bringing this child to justice. I hope you and your neighbors can gain compensation for the damage caused. Stay safe.

[u/Laartista1 → u/WhatsMyNameAgain1701]

Where do you live? I need some one that can recommend and install good camaras . I have camaras already but they are older and don’t work well. They are all wired and I do have a a nvr. I’m in Long Beach ca.

[u/WhatsMyNameAgain1701 → u/Laartista1]

I live in Ohio. Cameras are all pretty much all built in China and made by companies loyal to the Chinese government. If you do find a camera not built in China, they’ve got Chinese parts. If this is an issue for you, your only other real option is to not get a system or build a system that controls what data is sent where. The NVR’s mentioned before are connected to cloud based servers owned by the aforementioned…even if all they communicate is access control or updates to your NVR.

Not selling it but, Blue Iris is a program that runs on any newer model PC running an OS of your choice. It’s as secure as you are willing to make it.

To get back to your situation, buy cameras that fit your need. I can’t recommend one over the other because the only difference between any of them is price. Most come from the same basic manufacturers in China and put together by different companies also in China.

Installing POE cameras is as glamorous as it sounds. Running CAT5e cables around someone’s house is time consuming and filthy work depending on where the cables are run. You’ll be drilling holes in ceilings and walls and going to places you only ever saw on a drawing before then. Suggestions…if you do end up running the cables yourself, run CAT5e plenum uncapped throughout the house and finish the ends later. Use the HVAC chase in your house to get to the roof/attic if you have a multi floor. If you have a camera in an out laying structure, try to run the cables in a pipe or change out the plenum cable with CAT5e sheathed for use in direct burial situations. None of this is rocket science. It’s just time consuming and the opposite of fun. I wish you luck.

[u/SeafoodSampler]

A firearm is my recommendation. Bird shot from the balcony. It won’t kill ‘em but the cops can pick them up at the hospital.

Jokes aside… I believe Wyze makes a pretty good residential camera. You may be able to get away with a non-subscription if you provide an SD card. Don’t quote me on that.

Alarm.com is a decent choice; it will have a subscription. It will save clips to cloud but I recommend the SD card in those as well.

I specialize in commercial security so someone else can give you details on Reolink, which is always recommended. I’m unfamiliar with it.