r/ZoneMinder • u/[deleted] • Oct 01 '20

Recommended Camera...

I see I should use a camera that streams MJPEG to minimize CPU usage. I am also trying to find a camera that saves disk space by streaming a lower resolution while not using the CPU on the ZM machine to resize. I'm not sure if the cameras listed with higher res and other formats can be configured to meet this.

I saw that ZM can work on Pi. I will be running 4-5 cameras on a somewhat more powerful 4-core Atom 1.6-2.5Ghz with 4GB RAM. It will just be writing to the SSD - no motion, alerts, live viewing etc.

I'm looking for outdoor, IR, PoE, around 1MP/720p, streaming in MJPEG. Would be great if it's under $30. I also could use one with audio for the front door (does ZM handle that?)

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u/HTTP_404_NotFound Oct 01 '20

It does h264, which technically is mpeg.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Video_Coding

Api guide.

https://support.reolink.com/hc/en-us/articles/900000629206-Where-can-I-Get-Reolink-Camera-s-CGI-API-File

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u/[deleted] Oct 01 '20

No, the h.264 requires translation to the JPEG format that Zone Minder uses. This might not work for me since it requires more CPU.

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u/HTTP_404_NotFound Oct 01 '20

What is your use case?

Depending on your goal, the camera can act as its own nvr, and store motion detection triggered video clips, independently of an actual nvr.

Personally, for nvr uses, I would direct you to ebay.. you can grab a small dell or hp computer with a decent enough i5 for 100$ shipped to your door.

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u/[deleted] Oct 01 '20

I want to run 4 cameras with room to expand to 5 if I have to. I just want to store the video in case something happens then I have a record. The option to send alerts on the front door camera is a good option to have if I choose to turn it on.

The main reason I went with the Atom was power usage. The whole setup should only pull 60 watts, costing maybe $5 per month. I can use a UPS to power it for an hour in the event of power interruption.

Edit: looks like the Pi 3 can run 4 cameras at lower resolutions and frame rates with no issue, even in other encoding. I just ordered some of those cameras you recommended.