ZoneMinder Forums

Hello all, I'm building a home surveillance system with Zoneminder. I have my CentOS 6.2 server successfully running the software, and my test using a cheap old Axis 2100 was also successful.

Now it's time to buy real cameras.

I'm looking for IP cameras since they're easier to integrate (for me) as my home is already well wired with Cat5 cabling, I don't want to string analog video cables all over. If the camera supports PoE (power over ethernet) that's even more desirable.

I'm looking for outdoor cameras, so they must perform well in a range of lighting conditions, temperature extremes, etc.

I'm looking for high-ish resolution cameras. Doesn't need to be 1080p, but something above 640x480.

Infrared "night vision" operation is desirable although maybe not strictly required.

I intend to do motion detect and record, or just full time 100% record from all cameras, I'm not sure which yet.

I'm not concerned with the cost, I have a few $k to spend on this project.

My main concern is for best camera performance but also best compatibility with Zoneminder. I can research camera specs on my own, but I'm hoping for some of you to chime in on your experiences with your zoneminder compatibility of high-end outdoor cameras. I'm looking for both good and bad... so if you know of specific brands or models to avoid, please let me know so I don't make an expensive mistake!

Thank you all.

Your post leaves a lot of wriggle room for opinions. I will tell you of my experience with cameras.

I have experience deploying large camera security systems and have used many cameras.
Most camera brands I used were Panasonic, Axis, Foscam, and Arecont.

Axis is a good tried-and-true company. They have a HUGE variety of cameras and configurations.
Their cameras may be placed in compatible outdoor housings.

If you want to go state-of-the-art, my recent years have been blessed with the purchase of several Arecont cameras
that do 180 degree and 360 degree recording. One 180 degree could cover an entire area with high quality video. The newer
Arecont cameras are day/night and coupled with an Axis infrared producing light source (for night) you get extremely high detail
images. The cameras with housings could be about $2k (USD) each but provide about 4 cameras worth of imaging. These are enterprise
grade devices.

I have a mix of Axis devices that range from $180 (USD) to about $2k (USD). All of them are good quality.

Foscam makes pretty decent cameras for a very low cost. The last camera I just purchased with a $100 (USD) Foscam with pan/tilt and night recording.
I'm really surprised by the quality and functionality for the cost. If something happens to a camera of this cost, no sweat, just buy another one to replace it.
They also make outdoor versions in the bullet style.

You have so many options and money/desire is your only determining factor.

Most IP cameras are POE compatible. Even cameras that aren't directly POE powered may be powered by ordering a power splitter to separate data and power from a poe source.

Conclusion is that if you want to do a quality install, Axis is probably where you will land and you can get nicer cameras in some areas and cheaper cameras in others. Arecont is really a high-grade enterprise solution but it's not unheard of for someone to install one of these at a nicer home with a large open area.

Foscam is a decent low-cost solution that will provide adequate results for little money.


As far as zoneminder compatibility, I use Axis and Foscam. I have not tried an Arecont with zoneminder but don't think I'd forsee too many issues outside of selecting the appropriate image from the 4 provided by the camera.

There's a good start on your options. Feel free to ask any questions.

I use AXIS M1114-E for outdoor situations