I have been thinking about installing a camera to keep an eye on the car during the day / night. The car is at the front of the house but I live at the rear - I have not had a problem with it but I just want to be safe.

I wondered what the best options are for a single camera, BW or colour (not bothered which) and whether to go wired or wireless. I would assume that wireless cameras really need some form of low voltage supply from the mains rather than battery due to power consumption which tends to favour wired.

I also thought that I would want to connect to a standard TV and / or VCR.

As I do not want to spend an absolute fortune, does anyone have any recommendations?

There are domestic cameras that would probably suit you, they have a mono or colour camera, and some come with built in microphone and pir sensor.

If you want to use a wireless camera you still need to get power to the camera and theres a chance you could have signal problems through your house.

You will need a scart socket or phono sockect on your TV/ VCR for video input. Some cameras that come with the sensor, when connected to a scart the sensor can switch the TV to the camera as long as its set up properly.

B&Q will sell something that will work, or wait for members to link you in this post to suitable equipment.

B&W cameras are best suited for night time use - colour cameras generally cannot see as well in the dark.

Hi There.

There is no point in sticking up a £29 ebay day / night camera as even if something was to happen then you wouldnt be able to see anything, I can recommend an excellent day / night camera. (colour by day, black and white at night) with built in Infra Red which works to about 40 metres, (i can show you pics if you require). for about £180. Now as for the recording device you could purchase a second hand time lapse video recorder but you would need to change / rewind the tape every day. You could also purchase a PCI card for your PC and record the images on there or a stand alone DVR (Digital Video Recorder) which you can get a simple one from about £200.

If you need any further help let me know.

Wireless not only need to be wired up for power still, but can suffer from interference or cause interference if there is, say, a wireless network near you, or a cordless phone user, or microwave oven..

Wireless signals can also be picked up by anyone else within range.

Go for wired, and the advice given above is sound.

If you want to prosecute, then remember you need date and time stamped recordings, with a Video Tape log if you use VCR.

Data Protection Act is aimed mainly at the Business sector, and will only apply to you if you are looking at other peoples property so ensure the camera views the right area - if for instance it catches the next door having a bath, then you could be in trouble!

I can also help with selection should you require it.

have you tried looking on ebay.co.uk under cctv cameras in the buy search line

or try cctv-centre.co.uk it is a small company located in london and deal mainly i cctv cameras

hope this helps

Purchase a good quality Monochrome camera (420 TVL +) get a refurbished time lapse VCR with an alarm input to start it, and mount an external PIR (GJD) to trip the recording. After setting up correctly you will only be reviewing events.

how about a car alarm?

how about a car alarm?

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Not much good if someone has scratched faces into your paintwork with a screwdriver, before or after the incident.

Not much good if someone has scratched faces into your paintwork with a screwdriver, before or after the incident.

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In case that you _happen_ to get proper picture of someone - how do you find him? Doesn't ( ok, rarely ) happen even here..