I take my security pretty seriously. Be it cyber security, home security, identity theft security, etc, etc...I've taken proactive steps harden myself and my family as a target. For that reason, I've always wanted to have a robust home video surveillance system. Having bought my first house (been a lifelong renter until then) a few months back, I figured now was the time. So, my research began.Home surveillance seems to break down between two camps: IP cameras that operate over your home network...or CCTV (Closed curcuit TV) surveillance. Defender builds CCTV systems.
I have had 3 different models of the very popular Panasonic IP cameras in the past. They were ok, but did not have night-vision IR capabilities, their video storage capability was very limited, and they were rather complex...especially when it came to managing multiple cameras. I would classify them more as nanny-cam in terms of their capabilities, rather than true security systems.
I had looked at some of the other more advanced IP cameras, particularly the Sharx Security cameras. The Sharx cameras seem to be extremely capable, get great reviews, and their customer service is reputable. They appear to be the best IP Cameras out there, and I strongly considered them...but I ultimately decided to get a CCTV system for several reasons. Primarily of which was cost. I wanted 5 cameras, and with the Sharx running ~$400 each...it was prohibitive for me. But, if you have only 1 or 2 spots you want monitored, definately give the Sharx cameras a look.
I eventually decided to go with this Defender DVR system for my particular situation. They routinely get pretty solid reviews and their systems seemed very well integrated. I bought the one with the four cameras included because I wanted to use a different camera than the one that is included (more on that later).
While it is fairly time consuming to setup all the cameras and string the wires, the setup of the DVR system itself is pretty straight-forward. The DVR and its corresponding user interface is VERY good. It's quite intuitive and simple. Searching for events during playback is easy and quick, and there are multiple options for live viewing. I would give the DVR itself 5 stars for recording, playback, and searching. It really is that good.
The cameras included with the Defender system are simply ok. Not great. Not bad. Just ok. The clarity is pretty decent, the IR illumination at night is acceptable, but the color accuracy is lacking. Brown looks blue, gray looks green, etc. They'll do a good job of detecting movement and recording the event...but getting an accurate description of people and/or vehicles could be challenging. I'd give the cameras 3 stars.
I've actually purchased several of these cameras to use with this defender system.VideoSecu 600TVL Outdoor Day Night Vision Home Security Surveillance Camera Vandal Proof 1/3" SONY CCD with Power Supply B6Q. While these are more expensive than the cameras included with the defender system, they are more clear, have better IR, and the color accuracy is much better. Not to mention that they are more stylish when mounting outdoors...which greatly enhances the WAF (Wife Acceptability Factor) of having a bunch of cameras mounted outside.
While I like this system, and have no buyers remorse...by far the greatest WEAKNESS of this system is the mobile integration and the security of remote viewing. Enabling remote viewing requires you to open a port on your router and enable Active X...but it only supports short, weak passwords. Furthermore it does not support HTTPS, so there is no encryption. I can only imagine that hacking the password on this DVR would be pretty simple...and sniffing the IP traffic would be pretty easy, as well. Granted, the odds of your home security DVR being targeted is probably pretty slim. But...if you believe yourself to be a likely target, or are borderline paranoid like myself...it should make you nervous, especially if you plan to access the DVR from public wifi. To get around these weaknesses, I use a PPTP VPN server (A spare DD-WRT router I had lying around). That way my DVR is behind a much stronger password, and the traffic is encrypted.
Overall, it's a good system, especially if you want to use it as a stand alone system in your house that you will check in the event that something happens. For a few more dollars, you can get better performance by getting better cameras. I'd recommend buying the DVR by itself and getting the cameras separate. I would also caution against using the remote viewing capability outside of your own network...the security (cyber-wise) is questionable at best.
I did purchase an extension cable for one camera out in front of the house. Keep in mind that if you are using the cameras that come with this kit you have to use the Defender extension cables, not a standard BNC CCTV cable. Defender DF10W 60ft Camera Extension Wire
The biggest frustration with this product is lack of support on iPhone. The app they recommend is absolutely terrible and doesn't work. I really wanted this to work on my phone, but I didn't test it out before spending the hours setting up the system in my home. I wish I would have and I would have returned the product.The only thing i can say bad about this product is the flimsy camera mounting brackets. after using some of the foam shipped with the product, the camera's actually stay in set place, instead of finding their balanced weight when top mounted or shooting skyward when bottom mounted. Oh, yea don't pull too much on the 60ft camera cord, they will break internally. out of 1200ft only 1, 60ft section didn't work. Other than that, i think its worth every penny, compared to namebrand systems, such as honeywell or sony.I specifically purchased this unit because of the e-mail alert feature, and was very disappointed to find out it wasn't true. The product is advertised to generate e-mail alerts to up to 7 e-mail addresses. I have yet to get it to work with one address, and more than one is impossible. This is a quote from the Defender support center; "Unfortunately there is no resolution to the issue, it appears there was a typo in the manual and on the website. We are looking into resolving this discrepancy right now but unfortunately, I cannot see a resolution to this issue in the near future, if at all, so if this will not meet your needs you may want to look into returning for a refund."
If you don't require this feature the unit appears to operate normally. It could not have been a "typo", it was obviously false advertising.I used to own 4 Logitech WiLife wireless cameras. They don't work anymore since I replaced my ATT 2Wire moden/router, which went out a few month ago. I replaced it with the Linksys EA6500 now but this new router won't recognize the WiLife cameras. After calling to the Logitech and the Linksys tech support services, they won't be able to help me. Thus, I decided to find a new camera system.
Based on cheap price and some reviews, I decided with this product. The pictures are bad. During the day, my green trees and lawn will be seen as purple. A person with a black shirt seen as purple. Green car will be seen as green. At night, the night vision is fine. The pictures are just distorted for further distance. You won't be able to see whom or what kind of car is parked in front of your house. However, you know someone is in front of your house that for sure.
Unless, like me, you want a cheap product then this is for you. If you want a better picture quality, this is not for you. Find a better products out there.
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