Anpviz Analog CCTV Camera 1080P HD 4-in-1(TVI/AHD/CVI/960H CVBS), 4X Manual Focus/Zoom Analog Camera 2.8-12mm Varifocal Lens, 36 IR-LEDs Dome Turret Security Camera for Business/Home/Store

Excellent night vision. Sharp images. Easy to install, good value analog camera

great camera for price, good night vision.

I've been putting together CCTV systems for my house since 2012. I'm currently on my third system, each time I've upgraded the DVR quality, or number of cameras (Went from 3, to 4, to 6)Right now I have a Cobra 8 channel (w/four cameras) from Harbour freight which is a HD-TVI and AHD compatible system. The cameras it comes with are ok, I just don't like the whole "bullet" style. Therefore I've sought out dome cameras.In the past, I've purchased fixed lens systems (typically 3.6mm) and a pack of M12 lenses of various focal lengths. While this approach works in principal, in practice it sucks. Each time you want to change the focus, or focal length you have to dissemble said camera; that gives the chance of breaking something, introducing moisture, dirt etc. Further, there is the issue of constant changes in temperature, weather etc which can cause CCTV camera lenses to go out of focus.Enter the varifocal camera system. This one is the fourth varifocal camera I've owned, and was purchased to replace one that finally died after five years of use.Setup is fairly easy, but keep in mind that varifocal cameras are physically larger and heavier than typical dome or bullet cameras due to the extra glass and mechanism - so be sure that your surface can support the heavier weight and larger footprint these cameras require. To remove the camera from the mount, just use a tiny allen key to loosen the lock screw, and then untwist the retention ring from the base. Mount the base using only two screws and then feed the cables through - leaving the camera hanging from the mounting base before adding the last two screws. If you tighten down right away you won't be able to pass the cables through later on without loosening a couple screws.There is a guide booklet which tells you how to set the DIP switches (Some may have a 4-way joystick instead, in case they change which particular model they ship you) just select your system type and let it rock. If you get it wrong, you may not get a picture but you can't do any damage by selecting the wrong DIP switch locations.The camera is very easy to set up once you get it mounted, firstly set up your focal distance (zoom), twist it in whichever direction you want - if you see the lens closest to the front (What you can actually see) coming closer to the glass then it means the angle is getting wider, if it retreats back into the camera that means it is zooming in. The picture will be horrendously blurry at this point. This is where you want to adjust the focus screw (you won't see anything move, but the lens inside is moving) you will want to either have someone with a good eye watching your monitor to let you know when things get sharp, or have your phone set up for remote viewing with your DVR already (which is what I do)Once you have your focal length set up and sharp, aim/rotate the camera to the position you want. Then it is a simple matter of tightening the retention ring. TIP: The threads on the base and retention ring are bare aluminum or poorly painted at best, you'd be very wise to add some sort of lubricant to the threading before you set it down tight. I see no need in tightening the locking screw, in fact it provided a bit of trouble when trying to remove the camera that this one replaced. Further to that; I did not lubricate the threading on the previous camera - so removing it was very challenging (and not fun, considering I'm two stories up a house on a ladder)TIP #2: If you're doing a new install and haven't run the wires yet, I'd HIGHLY recommend installing Cat5e Shielded and Direct Burial cable, terminated with RJ45 connectors (ethernet jacks) and then running it through a Balun connector. Firstly this future-proofs your infrastructure if you decide to upgrade to an IP camera system later on. Secondly, the cable quality itself is leaps and bounds above the crappy ones that most DVR's come with. I learned this the hard way and rewired my entire setup (which I'm much happier with, just wished I would have done it from the start)TIP #3: No matter if you use BNC cables, or the balun connectors with Cat5e, it would be a very wise idea to coat the connector areas with liquid tape. I can't say I've ever had a failure because of the elements getting into the connectors, but they do rust up and get crud in them, and that can lead to a frustrating problem if you decide to disconnect the cameras at a later date.I can't speak on the longevity of this particular brand of camera. Typically they are just private label cameras, but if they do have Sony CCD chips, and are reasonably weatherproof they should give you years of use.Although these varifocal cameras are a bit more money (Around $38-50 USD compared to about $18-25 for fixed lens cameras) you will certainly find them useful if you find out later that a certain area would be better served with a wider or tighter angle, or you need to adjust the focus later on.The picture quality is above par for the OEM ones included with the CCTV DVR, night vision is great too. The housing itself is metal and has various rubber gaskets and caulking at cable entry points to prevent moisture problems.The customer service responds quickly, so A+ for that as well.Disclosure: They do offer a $5 USD coupon for leaving a review. However, it should be noted that there was no requirement as to what rating would be required to acquire said discount - so that's decent.

Think this is so far the best camera for the price. Major improvement from my current one's. Night vision is also improved but black and white. The zoom feature is great. This camera would be perfect if it was available with color night vision. Just purchased 3 more. Install is simple.

It was everything that we expected and it is very useful.

I have an older cctv analog dvr and I bought this to replace a bad camera. First thing I noticed is it is a lot bigger than my original cameras but the picture quality and wide field of view is great! I had to use 960H mode for my system but I plan to eventually upgrade my dvr so that isn't a big concern for me; that it has dip switches on a pigtail outside the camera is nice for changing later.In the 960H mode I wasn't able to change the zoom but since the field of view is perfect for me know I don't really care. I did have to change the power supply to one with more current; currently I have a 2 amp supply but that may be overkill.I like the camera a lot so will probably be buying one to replace another bad camera in my system.

I ordered three of these cameras to replace older ones on my current system. For the price they cannot be beat. You are able to adjust the zoom and the focus depending on what you want the camera to view. I have had them for a few months now, and they have had no issues in the cold or the rain.

Unfortunately the night vision IR light failed in less than 30 days. I contacted Amazon; they referred to the seller's store. I called their phone number and sent a text. Neither was returned. The day light performance of the camera is good. Nice wide coverage and acceptable picture. But I need the night function for my application.

I've ordered a few of these - the last one the lens cover and retainer ring fell out when I opened it