I am a newbie and have questions regarding recording video

Hello, this is my first post. I am waiting delivery of my Vera Lite so I can start a HA system. I am very interested in security cameras. My only reference is a Swann system at my office that uses motion to record to a DVR from hard wired cameras. I am building a new house and can use wired cameras but would prefer wireless IP cameras.

My main question is how do you record video that might be used to look at a break in? If a camera detects activity can Vera activate lights? What is a very good high res exterior camera that sees well in the dark?

I am sure these are super basic questions for many on this forum and I appreciate any help you can send my way. I expect to get somewhat addicted to the benefits of Vera based components. I will probably spend a lot of time looking through this Forum for ideas and suggestions. Thanks for the help!

There is a lot on the forum on this subject.

You can integrate your IP cameras and some systems that use a DVR. Check out the DVR plugin to see what’s compatible (mine isn’t). Search the forum for what IP cameras interest you and you will see lots there too.

While you can view some video in Vera, you will be looking for your camera to support triggering vera to do things when say motion is happening. There is one nice built-in function, you can have vera turn on a light you define near a camera you have configured. Nice feature when you want to check on your home whilst away.

Good luck with your new Vera!

Excellent, thanks for the reply. As you mentioned, there is a lot of valuable information on this forum. I will use it as a guide to help my progress.