Home security camera decision. long motion activated record time so not clearing drive often, view from ipad, can it turn off when home,?

For residential systems, I like Swann, Lorex and Foscam. To do what you want sounds relatively simple, but there are things you do not need to worry about - and things you do.

There are two basic types.

1) Analog cameras into a multi-channel DVR. The DVR is on the computer network and various devices (computers, tables, smartphones) can connect to the DVR to video. Using the DVR's menu options (it runs on an operating system - Swann runs on Linux, but you don't need to know that, just use the menu options), you select the motion detection area, create "alarm" triggers to send you email... the DVR automatically deletes the oldest video so new video has space. There is an internal hard drive. for storage or you can send video to a server maintained by the equipment provider. The amount of recording that will fit to last weeks or months depends on the video quality selected and how often the video is recording. My system is set up with a 500 gig internal drive and with 4 cameras with motion detection, can record up to a month. There is no need to turn it off and no need to manually delete files. If you think you need 5 cameras, then an 8 or 9 channel DVR is probably a good idea in case you decide to add more cameras. You can also monitor the video from TVs around the house... I use Swann systems for this sort of thing. And add Lorex cameras. The client on the tablet or phone connects to the DVR and you can see all or one camera depending on what you feel like at the moment. The computer can get access using a browser with a software plug-in that is easy to install.

2) IP network based cameras. While not required, it is a good idea to use a "Network Video Recorder" (NVR) for video storage. This is basically a network appliance running an on the network. Typically running Linux or some other *nix variant, it can take the video input from the IP cameras and do the storage. Usually, the client on the computer, tablet or phone needs to be set up to deal with each camera, then all the cameras can be seen in a single window (or individually for a larger view).

Items common to both implementations:

a) "Wireless cameras" are not wireless. The need power, so there's a wire. The only part that is wireless is the video signal. For the analog cameras, plug in to power, the wireless video is sent to a small base station. The base station needs power and a connection to the DVR. The "wireless" implementation needs three wires. If a wired camera is used, then the cable that connects the camera to the DVR can also carry power. One "wire". This is useful when power back up systems are needed. For IP network based cameras, they connect to the existing wifi network. Video is a network hog. Plan on segmenting the wifi and wired computer network to reduce data throughput slowdowns. Keep the cameras separated form the rest of the network or expect local area network issues. Wired IP network based cameras can use Power over Ethernet (PoE) or local power. Your network may need upgrading with a switch or hub to supply PoE to the camera. This is helpful for the battery backup to the switch or hub.

b) Outdoor cameras should be outdoor rated. We don't know if you need night vision or if there are motion sensor lights that illuminate so the cameras do not need night vision.

c) Battery back up should be on ALL components. Cameras, DVR/NVR, network switch, hub, router, monitors, etc.

d) All the common gear (in "C") should be secured either in a metal locking cabinet (with ventilation slats) or cables or otherwise locked up.

e) If remote access is required, then knowledge of routers and static IP addresses is needed. The other option is to send images to the manufacturer or other internet site for secure remote access. Be sure your network is set up for the way you need to proceed.

There's more... perhaps hiring someone to do the work would be a simpler, more cost effective, approach.

I do not have a security camera system. I want one and do not have a clue how they work or which to get. Plus, I would like all the features as mentioned in question, like long record time without having to free space often, motion activated, view from ipad or iphone capable, and can i turn off while home or out in yard as to not have uneccessary video recording. send email or text alert when it is on and detects movement so we can check it out. im counting the need of 4 to 5 cameras

Maybe. Too bad you did not tell us the manufacturer and model of the system you are using. If we had that information, we could read the manual.

Here is a system that is affordable and meets most of your needs:

http://www.apexcctv.com/p-1536-cctv-security-syste...