What security camera system is best?

Question

I just purchased 24 units (three identical 8-unit buildings) that share a parking lot.  I've been at the property a lot in the last couple of weeks, and tenants are telling me that a group of teenagers will bust through the common entry doors and steal bikes and things in the hallway.  The evidence is there because the door frames and jambs are all busted.

I'd like to setup security cameras at the entry doors and also covering the parking lot.  I plan to get wi-fi in each building.  And I would also pay for the cameras to be wired in.

Let me know what security cameras or systems you recommend. I want something that would make facial recognition easy. I've heard Simply Safe advertise a lot on BP. Would be curious to hear what people think of them.

Greg Scott · Answer

Personally, I use ReoLink.

Their PoE cameras are super easy to set up and operate.  If you don't want to run wires, but have a nearby outlet, they have wifi cameras that can also be used. They are a little harder to set up but still work great.  We have about 25 cameras across our three properties.

You can set to only record motion, the presence of a car, the presence of people or record constantly.  Being selective in what your record can stretch out the amount of time the recordings are saved.  I don't believe they currently have facial recognition, but that doesn't really help you unless the same person keeps breaking in.

Attached is a picture from right now looking at some of our cameras.

Colleen F. · Answer

@Roseann Koefoed  we have Speco  but nest at home. The real thing you need to look at is whether you are going to get enough clarity from the camera you purchase to actually be able to prosecute.  Do you need 4k or 8 k camera?  what is the distance you place the camera from the area you want to observe.  I don't recommend using cameras that work on cell phone networks as there is too much delay in the recording.  Also metal door frames may help.