You're right, the home security camera market is flooded with options, making it tough to choose! It's good you're moving away from a system you're not happy with and looking for a more robust PoE-based setup. Here's a breakdown of factors to consider and a few systems that consistently get good reviews and are often recommended for performance and reliability

Key Considerations Before Choosing a System:
Wired vs. Wireless (You've chosen Wired PoE - Excellent!): PoE (Power over Ethernet) is generally more reliable than Wi-Fi, offering a stable connection and power supply in one cable. You're on the right track. Image Quality (Resolution, Frame Rate, HDR)

Higher resolution (4K/8MP or higher) provides more detail, crucial for identification. Aim for at least 30fps for smooth video. HDR (High Dynamic Range) helps in high-contrast lighting situations.

Night Vision

Look for cameras with good low-light performance and IR (infrared) or Starlight/Color Night Vision capabilities. Starlight usually offers color images in low light, which is a significant advantage.

Field of View (FOV)

Consider the area you need to cover. Wider FOV means fewer cameras but can introduce distortion at the edges.

Storage Options

DVR/NVR (Network Video Recorder) is the standard for wired systems. Decide on storage capacity based on how long you want to retain footage. Some systems also offer cloud backup.

Smart Features

Motion detection, person detection, vehicle detection, facial recognition (more advanced), and the ability to create custom zones. Accurate alerts minimize false alarms.

Mobile App and Remote Access

A user-friendly app is essential for viewing live feeds, reviewing recordings, and managing settings.

Weather Resistance (IP Rating)

Crucial for outdoor cameras. Look for cameras with an IP66 or IP67 rating for dust and water resistance.

Customer Support and Warranty

A reliable warranty and responsive customer support are important in case you encounter any issues.

Budget

Systems range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the number of cameras, features, and brand.

Recommended Systems (Based on General Reputation and User Feedback)



1. Amcrest



Pros

Known for good value, a wide range of camera options (including 4K/8MP PoE models), reliable performance, and decent mobile app. Often recommended for a good balance of features and price. They have cameras with Starlight night vision. Amcrest is often seen as a solid "step up" from Ring-type systems.

Cons

The user interface can be a bit clunky compared to some higher-end brands.

Example

Amcrest NV4108E-HS NVR with Amcrest UltraHD 4K (8MP) PoE cameras. Look for models with "Starlight" night vision if you want color in low light.

2. Reolink



Pros

Reolink is very popular and well-regarded. It has a wide range of PoE cameras, NVRs, and kits. Their cameras are generally well-built, offer good image quality (including 4K options), and have a user-friendly app. They're known for having good person/vehicle detection. Often cited as offering a good balance of features, reliability, and price.

Cons

Some users have reported occasional issues with firmware updates.

Example

Reolink RLK8-800B4 or RLK16-800B8. These kits typically include 4 or 8 4K PoE cameras and an NVR. They have more recent models with better AI detection and features.

3. Hikvision (and Dahua)



Pros

These are professional-grade brands often used in commercial settings. They offer excellent image quality, advanced features (like facial recognition on some models), and robust performance. Lots of options available.

Cons

Can be more complex to set up and configure compared to consumer-grade systems. Firmware updates and support can sometimes be challenging to navigate if you're not familiar with the brand. They may also be more expensive than Amcrest or Reolink. Due to political concerns, these brands sometimes face scrutiny. Check the latest import/use regulations in your area.

Example

Hikvision DS-7608NI-I2/8P NVR with Hikvision DS-2CD2347G2-LU cameras (ColorVu for excellent color night vision).

4. Uniview



Pros

Another professional-grade brand gaining popularity. Similar to Hikvision and Dahua in terms of features and performance. Known for good image quality and reliability.

Cons

Setup can be more complex. Not as widely available as some other brands.

Example

Uniview NVR301-08S2 NVR with Uniview IPC2124SR3-PF40 cameras.

5. Lorex / Swann (Alternatives, but with Caveats - Based on Your Brother's Experience) Pros

Widely available, often sold in big-box stores. Can be easy to set up.

Cons

Quality and reliability can be inconsistent. Customer support is often criticized. You already have a negative data point with your brother's experience. I'd advise caution here. These are generally considered a step down from the above brands.

Important Recommendations



Read Reviews

Before committing to a system, read reviews from multiple sources (Amazon, tech websites, forums, etc.). Pay attention to both positive and negative feedback.

Check Sample Footage

Look for sample video footage from the cameras you're considering. This will give you a better idea of their image quality, especially in low light.

Consider a Kit vs. Individual Components

Kits can be more convenient and cost-effective, but buying individual cameras and an NVR allows you to customize your system to your specific needs.

Professional Installation (Optional)

If you're not comfortable setting up the system yourself, consider hiring a professional installer.

Network Security

Make sure to secure your system with strong passwords and keep the firmware updated to protect against vulnerabilities.

Privacy Considerations

Be mindful of privacy regulations in your area and inform anyone who might be recorded that cameras are in use.

In Summary

For a reliable, high-quality PoE system, I would recommend starting your research with

Amcrest and Reolink. They offer a good balance of features, performance, and price. If you're looking for professional-grade performance and are comfortable with a more complex setup, consider Hikvision or Uniview, but be aware of the potential security and political concerns surrounding Hikvision. Avoid Lorex/Swann unless you're willing to take a risk based on your brother's prior experience.Good luck with your search! Let me know if you have any more questions. Flag for review