Hi all,

I am looking to install some security cameras outside my house. After doing some research., there seems to be so many types and systems on offer. I am not looking for anything too sophisticated just something with a decent picture quality such that you can see peoples faces/ number plates etc. etc. in both day light and pitch black.

My house is fully wired with cat6 cable connected to a Gbit switch and I have a couple of servers (linux) which are always on. My broadband speed is not great (around 1mb upload, 6 download).

The system itself
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In trying to find the best option, I guess ideally I would like to use my home network/ servers etc. as it feels like I would have more flexibility going forward with software options, backing up to the cloud, remote access etc. If I went down this route, what sort of camera would I use? I haven't found any external USB cameras. I have found wireless cameras but have heard you have to be careful that they are not hackable/ blocked.

Almost all systems I have come across seem to have their own system, software etc. Also it looks like the cameras are connected via a coax type connector and some power leads. Assume there is a good reason why people don't do what I was thinking about?

The cameras
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What sort of spec should I look out for to get decent enough pictures to he useful? There are lots of HD, H.265 (?) and you seem to get a distance for night time vision (is this the right thing to use?). etc.

Any pointers as to how to narrow down my search and advice greatly appreciated.

thanks in advance

Lee.