Review on 📷 Anpviz Analog CCTV Camera HD 1080P 4-in-1: Varifocal Lens Video Surveillance with Weatherproof Metal Housing - Ultimate Security Solution by Bim Cook

I have been building CCTV systems for my home since 2012. 3, through 4, through 6) I currently have an 8 channel (four camera) Cobra from Harbor Freight which is an HD-TVI and AHD compatible system. The cameras are ok, I just don't like the whole "bullet" style. So I looked for dome cameras. In the past I have bought systems with fixed lenses (usually 3.6mm) and a set of M12 lenses with different focal lengths. While this approach works in principle, it sucks in practice. Every time you want to change the focus or focal length, you have to disassemble the camera; this makes it possible to break something, bring in moisture, dirt, etc. Also, there is the problem of constant changes in temperature, weather, etc., which can lead to defocusing of CCTV camera lenses. Log in to the varifocal camera system. This is the fourth varifocal camera I own and was bought to replace one that finally gave up after five years of use. Setup is fairly easy, but remember that varifocal cameras are physically larger and heavier than regular dome or bullet cameras. with extra glass and mechanism - make sure your surface can handle the extra weight and surface area required for these cameras. To remove the camera from the mount, simply use a tiny hex wrench to loosen the locking screw and then unscrew the locking ring from the base. Attach the base with just two screws, then route the cables while letting the camera hang from the mounting base before attaching the final two screws. If you tighten right away, you won't be able to feed the cables through later without loosening a few screws. There is an instruction manual that tells you how to set the dip switches (possibly a 4-way joystick in case they change the specific model they send you). Just select your system type and let it run. If you get this wrong you might not get an image, but you can't do any harm by selecting the wrong DIP switch settings. The camera is very easy to set up, after you install it, set the focal length (zoom) first. ), rotate it in the direction you want - if you see the lens closest to the front (which is what you actually see) getting closer to the glass, it means the angle is getting bigger as it moves in the chamber withdraws, that is, it increases. At this point the picture will be terribly blurry. This is where you want to adjust the focus screw (you won't see anything move, but the lens inside will move). Set up your phone for remote viewing from your DVR (which I do). After you have set the focal length and sharpness, point/rotate the camera to the desired position. Then simply tighten the locking ring. TIP: The threads on the base and retaining ring are either pure aluminum or, at best, poorly painted. It would be highly advisable to apply some lubricant to the threads before tightening them. I see no need to tighten the set screw, in fact it caused some problems trying to remove the camera this replaced. More on this; I didn't lubricate the threads on the previous camera, so removal was very difficult (and not fun considering I'm two flights up the stairs). TIP #2: If you're doing a fresh install and don't run cables before then, I highly recommend installing Cat5e Shielded and Direct Burial cables with RJ45 connectors (Ethernet jacks) and then running them through the Balun connector. First, it protects your infrastructure in the future if you later decide to upgrade to an IP camera system. Second, the quality of the cable itself is an order of magnitude higher than the crappy ones that come with most DVRs. I learned this the hard way and rewired my entire setup (which I'm very happy with, just wish I had done it from the start). TIP #3: It doesn't matter if you use BNC cables or Balun connectors Cat5e, it would be highly advisable to cover places of connectors with liquid tape. I can't say I've ever had failures due to items getting into the connectors, but they do get rusty and dirty and this can create an awkward problem if you later decide to unplug the cameras. the date. I can't comment on the durability of this particular brand of camera. These are usually private label cameras, but if they have Sony CCD chips and are weatherproof enough, you'll be able to use them for years. for fixed-lens cameras) will surely come in handy if you later find that a certain area is better served with a wider or narrower angle, or if you need to adjust the focus later. The picture quality is above average for the OEM units included in the DVR CCTV kit, the night vision is great too. The housing itself is made of metal and has various rubber grommets and sealants at the cable entry points to prevent moisture problems. Customer service responds quickly, so 5 stars for that too. Disclosure: They offer a $5 coupon for leaving a review. However, it should be noted that there were no requirements as to what rating would be required to receive this discount - so that's decent.