Outdoor camera options/suggestions

[GreenScrew]

After some time with the ProHD I'm happy with the Amcrest products and services and want to expand by adding a couple outdoor cameras. But I'm struggling a bit with the features/capabilities:

1) I'd like to be able to record to SD card. Is it correct that none of the outdoor cameras support SD cards? Should I expect that this might be available in a future/updated model? I can't see not having this feature - I understand the security implications given the camera is outdoor but don't see any reason it can't be located in the base that isn't accessible once it's mounted.
2) Maybe as an alternative to the above but that I'm really not crazy about, I can set up a storage location using usb disk attached to my router. I do already have a 1TB drive attached. Is this possible and does anyone have experience with it to provide pros/cons to such a solution? I'd personally rather save the network bandwidth and a little worried that the write speed might be a concern for writing video? Also, is the playback function just the same as with SD card (through both Amcrest Clout and Amcrest Live)?
3) POE. Does every outdoor camera require this? I realize its not a major effort to get a POE injector/adapter, but for my locations I'd just as soon run power along with Ethernet wire. For the reliability if nothing else. Wireless and POE just sound like more problems waiting to happen.
4) I would also prefer a panning camera which I'd mount to corner of garage to see 2 important lines of view. Is there any disadvantage to this versus 2 stationary cameras pointed in each direction? It sounds like it's possible to set up automatic panning to search for motion (though not sure I'd need that as there is a primary entrance I'd keep it pointed at most of the time I think)
5) Finally, I assume its not advise to use an indoor camera for outdoor use? The ProHD really is perfect for what I want....

Thanks to anyone that can provide me with suggestions/advice in this matter! I'd really like to stick with Amcrest products to be able to share the same services for all cameras (will add additional indoor, and two outdoor, for 4 total cameras)

[Melvin]

Hello GreenScrew,

1) Currently none of the outdoor models support SD card. I am not aware of any future date for such camera release but its a possibility.
2) Not all USB drives might work. You can try the WD cloud NAS device that connects to the router and then you can record videos to the drive through FTP. Amcrest cloud service and NVR is another option.
3) If you have a POE swicth , all you need to do is a run an ethernet cord to the camera and it should not be that hectic. You cal also try our POE NVR which also has built in POE switch like the one below.

https://amcrest.com/amcrest-nv4108e-108 ... black.html

We also have kits with cameras and NVR with preinstalled hard drive.

https://amcrest.com/amcrest-3-megapixel ... black.html

4) I believe two stationary cameras should do the job as they have good direct vision than the PTZ inddor cameras.

5) Its not recommended to use Indoor cameras outside as they are not weather proof.

[Ghostyroasty]

I do not see the options available to me that are listed here: https://support.amcrest.com/hc/en-us/ar ... -IP2M-842-

NAS is not visible at all. The only option is ftp server. Current build info. is listed below:
Software Version2.212.0000.2.R, build : 2016-01-24
WEB Version3.2.1.273284

[Melvin]

Hello ,

Currently the NAS option is only supported by the indoor models. The outdoor IP2m842 model supports FTP but not NAS. Apologize for any inconvenience this has caused.

[Peter_JS]

Hi,

A correction to this statement in the last post and some further suggestions.

I have 3 IP4M-1025E and 1 IP2M-842E.
1) The IP4M-1025E's (which are outdoor cameras) support NAS (which means NFS as far as I can tell) which is contrary to your comment about indoor only. The IP2M-842E does not, as mentioned above.
2) Also the IP4M-1025E's in FTP mode write .MP4 files - which is great. The IP2M-842E does not, it only writes .DAV files.

It would be really, really, really, really useful if the firmware on the IP2M-842E could be brought up to scratch and made the same as IP4M-1025E. These cameras are still being sold (I bought mine a few weeks ago) and it would be great if they had the same basic O&M features as the newer products.

Thanks in advance,
Peter

[Mpatto]

Do not buy a dome unless you are placing it under an overhang. Try to find a turret. Dahua would be best.