The software I've gone with is called Blue Iris. Through all of my research this was the best reviewed, and feature-rich solution which did not require a monthly fee. The system of software, cameras, and infrastructure that I've set up will allow for easy upgrades (if needed), and use of most brands and product lines. The cameras I've chosen are able to provide a high quality picture and functionality while keeping costs low.
Instead of running the video feeds over the existing home network, I've isolated them to their own network. This will keep them much more secure, and prevent any possibility of the internet being slowed down due to constant video feeds.
The system will be recording 24/7 at a lower resolution, but will watch for triggers. Triggers can be several different things, but will generally be significant movement. When a camera is triggered, it will record in its highest quality. Anything of interest, then, will almost always be in the highest quality. Video clips from triggered recordings will be added to a list which can then be reviewed through the app, or web interface.
Things to note:
Fine tuning: I'm currently working on image adjustments, especially at night. Fine tuning the system will happen over the next couple of weeks as different weather, lighting, and other conditions occur. No camera setting will provide a perfect picture under all circumstances, but I'll do my best.
Gate Camera: Setup for this camera has taken up most of my time. Ethernet (network) cables will not carry a signal past 300 feet. The cable running between the network connection (in the Vineyard building), and the gate camera is well beyond 300 feet. As a result, I've needed to get creative in order to get a decent signal all the way to that camera. I've used signal boosters, and other equipment, to help span the distance. While I've been able to achieve a decent signal at the end of the line, the setup is not ideal.
The cables run through a conduit in the ground which is often flooded, but always has standing water in it. Due to years of exposure, the cables are not in great shape. The signal they're currently carrying is weak, which does not allow for the highest quality video stream. Trying the highest quality results in frequent signal loss. With a lower quality stream, I'm able to maintain a much more reliable signal (though it does cut out for a second or two every so often).
Possible solutions:
New ethernet cables - Pulling fresh ethernet lines through the conduit would most likely help the situation, but we would still be dependent on boosters to span the distance.
Coaxial cable - There are already coaxial cables running from the vineyard to the gate. With signal converters, I can run the data over one of those cables. This is something I've already tried, but was unsuccessful due to corrosion from sitting in water. Pulling new cables from the vineyard to the gate might be a good solution.
Fiber - This is probably the best solution, as fiber lines wouldn't be as affected by water, and distance isn't an issue. I'm not familiar with the cost of pulling new fiber lines though. I'll look into that further
Wall-mounted PTZ domes: Most of the cameras are PTZ domes. Two of them (so far) are mounted sideways, on a wall. Due to the way the cameras' movement is set up, wall mounts can be a little awkward for movement. While the up-down movement is normal, left-right movement will rotate the camera in a circle, instead of moving directly left and right. This takes a little getting used to, but is still effective in viewing any needed areas.
Since aesthetics were a big consideration, I went with this type of mount in a couple of different situations to make the cameras less noticeable. (Current wall-mounted cameras: Pool, Gate) The mounting style can always be changed if you decide you would like that better.
Dirty camera domes: I've noticed that some of the camera domes get dirty faster than others.
Wall-mounted domes are more susceptible to water spots, so I've treated them with Rain-X to protect them.
The MX cameras seem to be getting dusty fairly quickly, creating a haze in the image. It might be a good idea to ask the cleaning ladies (who clean Jason's building weekly, I believe) to clean the domes when they come.
IR Lights: Each camera is equipped with powerful Infrared (IR) lights. These lights are turned on automatically at night. While these lights are invisible to our eyes, staring at them can still do damage. Because of this, it's a good idea to limit looking directly at the cameras at night.
Adjustments: The camera system is highly customizable. Most aspects can be adjusted. Please keep me informed of changes you would like to see, and I'll get them worked out.