Home security camera questions?

[QuarterMillionMan]

Are there any people on here who knows about installing a home security camera? I'm thinking of installing a basic system in my apartment just in case someone decides to break in and believe me my apartment would be easy to break into. These are some of the qualities that I'm looking for;



1) motion sensing camera
2) able to capture video or still pics in the dark (much like those deers in hunting shows)
3) price point under $100
4) networked using my wireless router
5) emailing me instant pictures when activated



Are these things possible? Or am I wishing for something beyond modern capabilities/pricing?

[MonkeyMama]

I don't know, but I am a big believer in fake security. If we invested in a camera it would probably be a fake one. They can be very strong deterrent. (Just an idea, in case your with list is not possible).

[bjl584]

You're most likely not going to get everything you want for $100 or less unless you can find a used set up someplace.

[ua_guy]

Agreed that finding all those features for $100 or less is going to be tough/impossible. It's also not going to do much to deter theives if it's only capturing what's going on inside. It would be great if you got the thief's smiling face on camera, but what you really want is for thieves to not even try to break in. You mentioned your place would be "easy" to break into. Have you considered cheap remedies regarding the exterior appearance or reducing the likelihood that your apartment would become a target? Things like window coverings, dowels or pvc pipe placed in sliding door tracks, kick bars for the doors, automatic light timers, laminated window/shatterproof films, and generic security signage can go a LONG way. So do cheap/easy things like varying your schedule and being as "unpredictable" as possible go a very long way.

[rennigade]

Check out the foscams. I bought one for $65. It emails you pics if it detects motion...or you can just set up up as a standard real time IP camera. I watch my dog all day with it. You can also download apps so you can watch from your phone and move the camera around. It also has infra red.

[FrugalSensei]

Foscam and similar cameras (Wansview, Tenvis) would indeed be your best best but I would agree with others who question why you aren't more interested in deterrence and prevention. I have fake cameras and they work like a charm but then again I am more interested in preventing the burglary versus catching the criminals. Total cost of 4 fake cameras = $25