FAQ
TL;DR: For 4MP DS‑2CD2143G0, expect 25–30 fps; “I would take this 2143.” Plan NVR bandwidth for 5–8 cameras and add IR lighting. This FAQ helps budget DIY homeowners pick cameras, NVR, PoE, storage, and lighting for cottage monitoring. [Elektroda, rdt, post #18139213]
Why it matters: Smart choices prevent night‑time blind spots, bandwidth bottlenecks, and costly rework.
Quick Facts
- Hikvision DS‑7608NI‑K2 class NVRs offer approx. 80 Mb/s incoming bandwidth; avoid saturating with many 4MP streams. [Elektroda, rdt, post #18137058]
- DS‑2CD2143G0 runs 25/30 fps at 2688×1520; DS‑2CD2135FWD‑I tops at 12.5 fps at max res. [Elektroda, rdt, post #18139213]
- Consider PoE switches from Polsar, Hikvision, or Dahua for 8‑port builds. [Elektroda, sosarek, post #18136945]
- For better night images, use 940 nm IR illuminators instead of motion floodlights. [Elektroda, sosarek, post #18138385]
- Add surge protectors on external lines; even basic units can help protect gear. [Elektroda, rdt, post #18137058]
How many 4MP cameras can a DS‑7608NI‑K2 record at max quality?
Expect about five 4MP cameras at max settings. With six, lower frame rate or resolution to stay stable. Expansion takes time, so plan realistically and size for your true needs. “If you set everything to the max, you can fully handle 5 cameras.” [Elektroda, rdt, post #18138825]
Which is better for my setup—DS‑2CD2143G0 or DS‑2CD2135FWD‑I?
Pick the DS‑2CD2143G0. It delivers 25/30 fps at 4MP, improving motion clarity. The DS‑2CD2135FWD‑I reaches only 12.5 fps at max resolution. Expert advice: “I would take this 2143.” Faster frames help with identification and tracking. [Elektroda, rdt, post #18139213]
Is WDR worth paying for on outdoor soffit cameras?
Yes. Choose WDR where scenes mix bright and dark areas, day or night. Soffit cameras often face sunlit yards and shaded porches. WDR recovers facial detail and plate contrast in those conditions. “A camera with WDR can be useful in places with difficult lighting.” [Elektroda, suworow, post #18137021]
Should I use motion floodlights or IR for night footage?
Use IR illuminators for consistent night video. Floodlights can blind cameras during sudden changes, reducing capture quality. IR keeps exposure stable and avoids missed frames right after triggering. It deters less than floods, but records better. Expert note: “an infrared heater is a better idea.” [Elektroda, rdt, post #18138825]
Do 940 nm IR illuminators really help at night?
Yes. If you care about image quality at night, add 940 nm IR illuminators. They boost clarity and avoid visible red glow that alerts intruders. Mount them near cameras to maintain consistent exposure and reduce reliance on floodlights. “If you care about the image at night, 940nm illuminators.” [Elektroda, sosarek, post #18138385]
What’s motion detection for in these cameras?
Use motion detection to save disk space and speed up event searches. It is not a full security layer. Set zones carefully to cut false alerts from trees or headlights. Recording on motion still uses bandwidth during activity bursts. “Motion detection is used to save disk space and to easier search for events.” [Elektroda, rdt, post #18138825]
Do I also need an alarm system?
Yes. Cameras document; alarms deter and alert. Pair CCTV with an alarm for real protection and response. “An alarm system is the basis.” Start with perimeter sensors and a siren, then integrate with the NVR for unified monitoring. [Elektroda, sosarek, post #18138385]
Can I mix brands via ONVIF, or should I stick to one manufacturer?
Stick to one manufacturer for cameras and NVR. Cross‑brand ONVIF often limits features and complicates support. Single‑vendor ecosystems streamline updates and analytics. “One manufacturer, I don’t believe in ONVIF.” Use any reliable switch, but keep core devices unified. [Elektroda, rdt, post #18138825]
Which PoE switch should I buy for six to eight cameras?
Look at 8‑port PoE switches from Polsar, Hikvision, or Dahua. They’re common picks alongside Hikvision systems. Choose enough ports for current cameras with room to grow. Use proper cabling and cable management for reliability. [Elektroda, sosarek, post #18136945]
What hard drive should I use for 24/7 recording?
Installer reports on WD Purple are mixed. One wrote, “wd purple is crap — I’ve listed dozens of these already,” and now swaps them for WD Black. Prioritize reliable, tested drives and monitor SMART health. If you inherit Purple, keep backups and replace on warning signs. [Elektroda, rdt, post #18137058]
How should I plan for 8 cameras if I only need 5–6 now?
Plan for eight early. The same installer expects many systems to reach eight, where 80 Mb/s NVRs struggle. At max quality, 4MP video alone can be around 16 Mb/s per camera. That saturates bandwidth fast. Size NVR and storage with headroom. [Elektroda, rdt, post #18137058]
How do I size NVR bandwidth for my cameras?
Use this three‑step sizing method:
- Note each camera’s bitrate at your target settings (e.g., ~16 Mb/s for 4MP max).
- Multiply by camera count and add 20% headroom for peaks.
- Choose an NVR whose incoming bandwidth exceeds that sum (e.g., above 80 Mb/s).
[Elektroda, rdt, post #18137058]
Will adding audio change my NVR sizing?
Yes. Audio adds bitrate and processing overhead. If you later enable audio, recalculate bandwidth and storage. “Maybe you will want audio as well,” so budget headroom now to avoid stutters and dropped frames when you enable it. [Elektroda, rdt, post #18137058]
