re: General security camera discussion (was "Unifi Protect security cameras")

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I would like to get an idea of what a really good Ubiquity system costs and which exact Ubiquity cameras and components are currently the best bang for the buck for a high quality system. In the event I someday replace my Wi-Fi cams and run Ethernet, I just wanted to know ballpark what to get and what that might roughly cost.

So for example, just a ballpark idea what NVR and other components are recommended and what outdoor cameras to get and be able to record for at least a week continuously for 9 PTZ cameras and 8 fixed cameras and get the resolutions to see tag numbers and get good facial IDs day or night out to at least 50'.

It's more of a curiosity right now as I am happy with my current comparatively cheap WiFi cameras.

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Ubiquiti does not currently sell a good PTZ option. Their only PTZ camera is $1,800 and it's not intended for residential. I hope they offer a mini-ptz relatively soon at a more reasonable price point.

The best value Ubiquiti camera IMO is the G5 Bullet at $129. Their cheapest NVR is the CK2+ for $199 and it comes with 1TB storage (upgradeable). The next step up is the UNVR for $299 which does not come with storage but takes up to 4 hard drives. It will also handle a lot more cameras than the CK2+. Then of course you will also need a PoE switch.

So for what I might call a basic home surveillance system would consist of 8ea G5 Bullets, a CK2+, and a PoE switch which totals about $1,300+tax plus wiring and installation.

And Ubiquiti cameras and NVRs are mostly not compatible with other systems. You can get a standard RTSP video stream out of the cameras but you won't get ONVIF events from them.

Getting tag numbers and face ID at 50' in the dark is extremely challenging. For plates (particularly at night) you will likely need a purpose-built ANPR camera, some of which cost more than your entire setup for a single camera. It will have to be placed properly as well (read: near the road looking up/down it). That is all this camera will do, it will be nearly useless for general monitoring. If a general purpose camera mounted on the home or other structure happens to be able to read plates of passing cars, it will surely only be possible during the day in the best of conditions. Night time at 50' and poor angle, you're just not going to read plates.