SnappyPappy

I have a cabin on the lake that our family enjoys on weekends, holidays, and occasional vacations. I certain someone is using our cabin. I would like a suggestion for a surveillance type came- a camera that could be mounted and left at the cabin, which would snap periodic pictures. I would be interested in a small camera that could be mounted indoor or outdoor. Any suggestions

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

trail cam....motion activated like hunters use.

Frank T Loc: New York, NY

I'd look at something like this camera at B&H.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=743040&Q=&is=REG&A=details

I'd stay away from a trail camera because they usually use a flash in low light and would give away their position.

There's lots of ways to skin this cat, including webcams and solar powered surveillance cameras if you've got a big budget. I also own a JVC Camcorder that can be set to take one frame every minute and that could work for you too.

Geezer Loc: Capreol, Ontario, Canada

You didn't mention if you had power or Cable TV with internet access at the cabin. I've got my home secured with cameras and a DVR, and when we go out to our trailer in summer, I can access the cameras at home (in real time) and also view what has been recorded. I just bring along my laptop with a wireless cellphone adapter.
Your situation can have a solution, but it depends on what you want to spend. Like solar panels, a bank of batteries and also some sort of way to get on the net.

tlbuljac Loc: Oklahoma

your visitor most likely is Smokey The Bear looking for warmth and comfort as well as food

Falcon Loc: Abilene, Texas

Or maybe Goldilocks!

larrywilk Loc: Palm Harbor, FL

You can get small cameras with 1/4 inch lenses at resellers like Newegg or Tiger direct among others that work off a 9 volt battery. They can also be set for motion activation. Your issue would be how to record or receive the pictures. You can use a dvr or computer or go direct through a modem if you have internet.

Wahawk Loc: NE IA

Many of the newer trail cams use IR flash which is invisible to the naked eye, so nothing is alerted to it. Here is just one example of an inexpensive camera to use. Only 3mp but for the price a good place to start!

http://www.walmart.com/ip/21270190?wmlspartner=wlpa&adid=22222222227000000000&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=&wl3=21486607510&wl4=&wl5=pla&veh=sem

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

So you want it to record, or do you want it to send the signal to your house or smartphone?

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I'd like to put a little camera outside so I know when the dogs want to come in. I thought of using a backup camera for a car.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_0_13?url=search-alias%3Dautomotive&field-keywords=backup+camera&sprefix=backup+camera%2Caps%2C183

larrywilk Loc: Palm Harbor, FL

I've got four cameras around the perimeter of my house. I can record to a dvr setup on my computer (extra). You can get an inexpensive four camera setup for about $100 or so. I bought a single wireless camera with receiver for $40 that hooks up to a TV for a live feed. They are very easy to set up and install. Biggest problem with wireless is how many and what type walls separate the camera from receiver.

For about $100 you can purchase an IP camera that can be viewed remotely. Most software packages have the motion detection option. I even use my webcam on motion detection when I am away to view anything in my computer room that shouldn't be there.

Another issue is resolution. The back up camera is low resolution and is therefor hard to identify anything other than shapes. People aren't very clear. You would be better off with a higher resolution so that you can actually see who or what is there.

Options, like camera types, are numerous. You can even install a system that is monitored by your alarm company.

These are something I've researched and actually installed in my home and at my place of employment. While nowhere near an expert I am familiar with some of the issues and options available.

Hope this helps.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Can you post links for equipment?

larrywilk Loc: Palm Harbor, FL

Links:

http://www.lorextechnology.com/products/index.jsp Kinda high
Mobile

http://www.fgeng.com/#4camsys

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=StoreModule&Depa=1&Category=288&ModuleType=5&DisplayedItems=81-338-078%2c81-147-011%2c81-147-009%2c81-103-035&Tid=10038
Very reputable

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/category/category_tlc.asp?CatId=4442&cm_sp=Masthead-_-Home%20Office-_-Spot%2024

Very good as well - locally called Comp USA

One thing to be aware of is, I recommend you do not use the sound to record. That can open up a new can of worms.

If you do a Google search for IP camera, surveillance camera or security camera systems you will find hundreds.
There are also several very good software programs available for free. Again, a Google search will locate them for you.

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

Check Cabela's or sportsman's guide, they got them, ir too, Bob.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Thanks.