ZoneMinder Forums

I've been reading the forums for a couple days now trying to determine what types of cameras to purchase but have totally confused myself. I want to use ZM to monitor my house and garage. My property consists of a small corner lot (about 65' by 150') with a two story house and detached garage in the rear. There is a 6 foot privacy fence along the left property line so I don't have to see the crack heads next door and a public street and walkway along the right side. I'll start out with one or two cameras now and would expand to 8-12 cameras later. I'm also remodeling so I can run cable anywhere within the house and I have conduit out to the garage for any low voltage wiring that's needed. I need to start out monitoring the back yard which is about 60x60 feet and the garage.

I really need to be able to see what's happening at night around my house so a camera with low light capabilities is important. From my reading thus far it looks like analog cameras do better at night....

What are the merits of IP cameras vs analog cameras?
Which type of camera generally has better night vision capabilities?

I'd like to keep the camera budget to about $200 per camera.

Any guidance is appreciated

If you want to take a good view in the night its better to use good analog devices. Generaly almost all IP cams need to have more light and it depends only of chip (CCD or CMOS) inside.
Better way, in my opinion, is to take analog dual mode cam (with auto mechanical IR cut off filter) and maybe standalone additional IR radiator if nesesery. Big difference is the resolution. 1,3Mpix cam "can see" like 4 analogs in nearly position or same place with 200% better resolution. . IP cam working good in night is mutch more expensive.
sorry for language, non english

There are two types of cameras available 1) Compact Camera 2) DSLR Camera. DSLR cameras differ from compact digital cameras. They are differing in speed, flexibility, and the control. Lenses also can be changed to suit different photography needs and offer high quality shots.