I'm looking to source some IP cameras (wired) to use with Zoneminder and I'm wondering if anyone has done similar and which cameras you used?
There are plenty around on ebay/dx.com but I can't tell the wheat from the chaff and I'd prefer to pay a bit more for something decent. Requires night vision as well. PTZ isn't really necessary, I have a couple that do that but don't seem to work with Zoneminder (old cameras I was given).
We use Vivotek cameras and love them. They seem to be compatible with Zoneminder. http://www.zoneminder.com/wiki/index.php/Vivotek
As you say, a bit more expensive than straight out but work beautiful. They have a huge range.
We've installed heaps. With and without NVR units. No complaints.
IMO there are only two categories of cameras, low resolution cameras that can't identify faces, and high resolution cameras that can identify faces.
For low resolution I got the Kogan cameras ($59, wireless, infrared, PTZ), I have this one http://www.kogan.com/au/buy/wireless-ip-security-camera/ but also check out the HD camera, its not an actual high resolution camera but for $20 extra it might be worth it.
For high resolution I got the Dahua IPC-HDB3200C from Amazon for $220. It has 1080p and decent low light image. It doesn't have infrared but its not needed because only a very expensive infrared setup would allow me to identify faces, and without the infrared you can still see what is happening (I also have a security light which mostly solves this anyway)
My 24/7 machine has Windows 8 so instead of Zoneminder I'm running I-Spy which is very good software and also free.
Stay away from DX.com etc. You can find some cameras with good specced hardware in them but have huge firmware issues or messed up hardware (that you can't fix by flashing new firmware)
You have a very good chance of getting something good from there if a particular product has been recommended from there.
However DX.com changes suppliers and suppliers change their hardware/firmware so you can still very easily get junk, its not worth it considering what you can get elsewhere.
Also you might look at the Kogan IP Camera and think "I've seen that all around the Internet".
The difference is the Kogan camera has some quality control, a decent firmware and the hardware works as advertised.
This means that the wireless will work properly unlike many of the cheap DX.com/eBay cameras that won't connect to most wireless networks.
Also if you want a night vision camera that can identify faces for police etc, don't spend less then $300, you'll probably need a lot more. Alternatively you could set up your own IR lights with a cheaper HD camera and an IR filter.
I've worked with a couple, so I'll throw in my 2c…
Currently usin an EDIMAX 3115w, nice looking unit, well made, works well as a basic ipcam but the inbuilt software is pretty simple, it get's the job done but not ideal for a novice. On the other hand I've worked with a belkin (or swann, can't remember) and the unit was much nicer to work with, better software, camera just seemed to 'work' better if that makes sense - overall, if buying again I'd get the branded unit!