Amcrest Forum

There's something that’s starting to really frustrate me. I have some analog cameras from 2015 (and maybe even earlier, though I don’t remember if I used presets on those). One of the cameras I still rely on heavily today is a 10x zoom model that allows for presets. I can set it to zoom out at night and zoom in during the day, and with presets, it's a simple "set it and forget it" system. I never have to worry about getting the exact same field of view every time.

I know PTZ cameras exist—I have plenty of them. But the main reason I prefer bullet or turret cameras is their low profile. For example, if I place a bullet camera on my garage 100 feet from the road, I can use presets to zoom in as a target moves into the driveway, adjusting the view as necessary. The difference is that these cameras don’t look like they have zoom functions, unlike PTZ cameras, which can be a giveaway. People often notice PTZs, and may even try to avoid them, while a static-looking bullet camera with zoom and presets can discreetly adjust itself. Most people would think they’re too far away to be clearly seen or identified.

That’s one reason I like my older globe-style PTZ cameras. The downside is they don't have built-in IR, so I have to rely on IR blasters or use them in well-lit areas. Still, it’s hard to tell exactly where the camera is pointing from a distance, which is useful when the camera is far away. Like when one of my static cameras captured movement, and my PTZ quickly switched to a preset over 300 feet away where someone was prowling around cars. I was ready when they made it into my driveway—barely four steps in, and they turned around and left because they noticed my cameras.

Size isn’t a concern for me either. My analog bullet camera with presets is quite large, and I have older 10x zoom models that are also bulky, mostly because of the heat sinks needed for the IR. The lenses in these older cameras are the same as some of my indoor PTZ models, but the indoor versions are smaller because they lack IR. Plus, when people see small, compact cameras, they often think they’re fake or ineffective, and they might still try to cause trouble. I'd rather go with a visible deterrent and not have to worry about what happens once a threat appears.

Right now I have 7108-AI, 5108-E1, and 8M16-H5 DVRs in my fleet of 8mp DVRs that is from Amcrest and I have 5 other branded DVRs that I still use because of the cameras I have used for years that today I can't live without. I would love to get away from the DVRs and just go with NVRs..

I can't break away from Analog until I can find Turret or bullet tyle IP cameras that offer presets for the zoom lenses.. Maybe I will be lucky to get one from Amcrest.. It would be a Great selling IP camera. As long as it is with more then just 2.8mm to 12mm. Just isn't enough.. Needs to be like my 10x zoom 5mm to 50mm or maybe even one that is like my LRP IP camera that is 8mm to 22mm would be great with Presets.. Just saying..

After getting my IP2M-863 AI V2 I am also an optical zoom junkie. Wow.

And size matters, I like the fact that it is large, and imposing. We have a fairly large house, so it doesnt look out of place. It is 190 feet (just went out with the roller ruler..) to where the driveway is visible to the house, with another 200' to the gate, then another 150' to the road. So by the time people see the camera, they are committed. And the porch lights (4w flamelights) are as bright, or brighter than the IR lights on the camera. So it doesnt stand out from that at night either.

If the packaging of the -863 is necessary for the mechanicals inside, I dont see it fitting in a much smaller turret style. Plus, the lower profile on the turret would be a detriment in my application. I have the IP2M-863 AI V2 mounted on the corner of the house, to enable coverage of two sides and be sheltered. There are also floodlights and gutter downspout there. I went out and got a pic:
(ok, I am due for pressure wash and paint .I know. It is dry season here, and the time to do it. It is on the list. )

I would like a wider picture at night. The IR illuminator is AWESOME. But, on wide zoom at night, the lights and tree blow out the pic. The lens on the -843 is ~13" below the soffit, so just the bottom of the floods and downspout get in.
If this was a turret can, I would think the lens would be maybe 5-6" from the soffit, and get more interference.
See the dot to the right of the tree? thats the cone right of center in the next pic. The camera (in below pic) is 'zoomed in' JUST far enough to get the glare from the spotlights and gutter downspout out of the picture, allowing the iris to open and 'see' farther away.
If this was a turret cam, I would have to zoom in further, and lose field of view at night.

I agree with you -

Revo2Maxx wrote: ↑Sat Oct 19, 2024 4:03 pm ""I was ready when they made it into my driveway—barely four steps in, and they turned around and left because they noticed my cameras""

""Plus, when people see small, compact cameras, they often think they’re fake or ineffective, and they might still try to cause trouble. I'd rather go with a visible deterrent and not have to worry about what happens once a threat appears.""

Those, combined with my particular use environment, would make a smaller turret '25x optical zoom' camera not a desirable product. I can understand the lack of selection in the market. From my "severe lack of experience"" point of view, FWIW.

My 'particular use scenario' has me looking for inexpensive, 1080/2MP fixed cameras to use as spotters for the PTZ. Would LOVE something with a 35mm lens, like my old Axis 221's. Nothing I see from Amcrest. Nor others out there otherwise, at least that I have (not) found. Trying to figure out what other brands might work, and WOW am I glad about Amazon Prime liberal return policies.

Just another point of view.