Swann Home DVR Security Camera System with 1TB HDD, 8 Channel 8 Camera, 1080p Full HD Video, Indoor or Outdoor Wired Surveillance CCTV, Color Night Vision, Heat Motion Detection, LED Lights, 845808

Was about to pull the trigger on a $200 home video surveillance system, then I found a recommendation online to go with a swann system. Found this one on Amazon, looked good and the reviews seemed good so I jumped on it. Arrvied quick from Amazon. Noticed immediately that this is a well made, quality system. Nothing seemed "cheap" and it was well packaged, with DVR in one box and sets of 4 cameras in the two other boxes. Dry ran the dvr and a camera in my living room, everything seemed fine. Then I installed the DVR in a closet that has access to the attic, no problem except for the fact that I had to use a wireless access point to connect to the internet. From there I installed the cameras, running the cable through the attic to points outside my home. This is probably the hardest part of the install. I recommend getting a fish tape to help pulling the cables. Once you get the cable outside you can "dry fit" the cameras from the rough to exact locations. Using the Iphone app I could test place the camera and see exactly what I would get. The articulation on the base of each camera takes a little getting used to, but by the time you're on your second camera it's pretty much old hat. Expect to tweak the cameras at least a couple of times after mounting to get the right location. Video is crisp, but no way it's HD. I access the dvr using iOS and Windows apps. Haven't completely figured it out yet, but seems pretty easy to configure. I have to find the sweet spot on notifications though. It hits my iphone way too much when the leaves on a tree move or the dog goes outside. Bottom line is that this is a solid system, easily worth the $300 cost. And it looks like it'll do the job for a long time.

Super easy setup, especially considering my story. I bought a whole new set of cameras because my discontinued Night Owl DVR was on the fritz and it was time to upgrade. My fear was I would not be able to use the existing cables and would have to go back into the attic of doom to run the wires. Turns out, despite Swann's refusal to guide you regarding compatibility, the Night Owl wires DO WORK (same connectors, obviously), but more than that, my old heat/motion sensor cameras also work with the Swan DVR and look just fine. I laughed when I saw Swann claim each camera as a Swann device. Which makes me think they are all made in the same factory and white labeled, perhaps. But I digress.... Not every model of camera will work with every DVR, but in my case they did work no problems (yet), so maybe it's the Swann tech rep's job just to tell you "no" and steer you toward company products.I also wanted to say that the company declined to give me a credit against a large price drop that occurred within two or three weeks from my purchase. They have the right to do that, but you should know that they are going to say "too bad" if you expect that kind of accommodation. Helps you know the way the company does business.

Easy to install

This is my 2nd Swann system so the install was very easy, used existing cables. Very pleased with product and upgraded app.

Works well. Pictures are clear. Easy to navigate searches. Easy to install. Great all around product.

Poor, would not recommend the company or their products. Hardware failed not long after purchase. Put in a ticket with Swann. Told me 10 days I would receive a replacement. Never received it or tracking info. I keep following up with them and they keep blaming the warehouse as to why my replacement has not shipped. Sounds like a bunch of bs because it’s now been over a month. On top of that, I have received two emails asking me if my issue has been resolved, which makes no sense. It goes to show that they don’t know what they’re doing and just jerking me around.

we have this system already. This is a huge improvement ove the older cameras. easy to install. Love it!

This is a great kit for the price. Most kits with 8 cameras and dvr run for $600+ and a lot of them are brands I've never heard of. Previously I had a kit from Bunker Hill and it was just ok. The picture was pretty grainy and the color sucked. The picture on these is great, night vision works good, the only complaint I have is that I haven't been able to view remotely due to not being able to set up through the app. The app asks to either scan a code on the camera or type in the number. There is no code on the individual cameras, and the number does not have enough digits. So I need to call and get that fixed. Other than that I'm very happy overall with these camers, the color and quality is very clear and setup was easy. I will update if I get them setup for remote viewing.