Q-See QSC48030 High Resolution Weatherproof CCD Camera w/100ft of Night Vision (Color)

After trying other cameras, I think this one is built well and it looks like it can handle tough weather. The image is very clear on the tv and very good when connected to the PC. I purchased the SWAN DVR card and it works perfectly with it. Overall, a good purchase and beats cheaper cameras.

This camera is definitely superior over all others I've seen in quality.

There is a BNC female connector on the back plate (male BNC adapters for RCA cables are available at Radio Shack, as is the 12v power converter. Save more money and time. Positive polarity.)

I noticed the camera rattling and loose inside. If your camera begins to rattle, open up the back plate and carefully remove the whole assembly - with the plate-attached metal stair-step stand that supports the camera. You can adjust the stand by twisting any loose columns. But be careful not to unfocus the camera.

Do not try to open the front of the camera, unless you absolutely have no choice - like to replace the IR ring!

The IR ring (infra-red led lights attached to a curcuit board) is held in place separately in the front of the camera with a small white pin connector with wire leads to the camera board. This is convenient because when the IR leds may burn out after a few years, you can just disconnect and replace the ring for cheap.

The sun shade slides only if the front and back end screws are loosened. At the top-back of the camera, there are 2 built-in screw fittings that confused me at first. (Be sure to refer to the picture here that shows how the wall connector is put together, or you will become frustrated since there are no instructions or diagrams on how to use the supplied hardware.) Do not try to move the angle of the shade, since the only way it moves is from front to back on slides.

The reason this or most surveillance cameras on the market today do not have any audio is because the public privacy law has changed to make eavesdropping illegal in many states. But if you are so inclined, find mini-microphones, transmitters and receivers on the hobby shop sites selling motorized airplanes that employ digital cameras. You might find better prices for mini-box color cameras as well with portable power supplies.

Note: Found this camera (54-IR leds) for $50 cheaper on Amazon - do a search on 1/3" Sony CCD Long range 54 IR Camera with 16mm Lens IR80P 1DT.

Enjoy!

I have three of these cameras and they all work great. The give a great quality picture both day and night. Installation is very easy. Beware however, the mounting brackets vary and I recevied two different types. I called the mfg and they gladly sent to me the bracket I wanted at not charge.

All I can say is, "Wow!" I have had many of those $30 big box, home center security cameras, and this beats them hands down. As I type this, I'm looking a full 120 feet out to the street in front of my house. It's dark outside, but the LED lighting system in the camera is flooding the entire view in IR light. We'll see how it holds up to Florida thunder storms this coming summer. If it does, I'll be buying 3 more! My only request from this manufacturer is that they incorporate sound into this model in the future.

I have several cameras from past purchases and always went with the cheaper 1/4" CCD and 420 lines of resolution. They don't even come close to comparing to this 1/3" and 480 lines! The night vision is much better than any other I have purchases as well. Very solid! Definitely worth the extra $$$ over the 1/4" equivalents...