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

So lots of thoughts here.

First thing, I don't know what type of failure your DVR had, but it's possible the hard drive died (if you got 10 years out of it, consider yourself very lucky). In this case it could be a cheap and easy hard drive swap and you can keep rolling with what you've got, if you want to go that route.

If it's a different type of hardware failure and the whole unit needs to be replaced, you might consider one of the "hybrid" DVR + NVR units. These can use analog cams like you've got, and also IP cameras (and possibly wireless ones). I'm not very knowledgeable about analog cams, so you should check compatibility between your brand of cameras and any unit you might buy.

Next, wired cameras are always preferred over wireless whenever possible, so if you want to do a more thorough upgrade I would at least check to see if your BNC cables are fastened down. If they are not, maybe you (or a hired hand) can use them as pull strings to easily run cat5e or cat6 for some wired IP cams.

If you really don't want to run new cable, then depending on your storage requirements and your aversion to monthly subscriptions, you might consider any of the numerous wifi "cloud" cameras that don't require an on-site recorder. Personally I don't like or trust them to record what I need (and they don't record anything when the internet is down), but they are the quickest, easiest, and possibly cheapest option.

Or if you prefer local recording rather than shipping your video off to the cloud, you can pick up a pretty cheap system like these Amcrest outdoor wifi cameras + nvr or similar.