[weishaupt1776]

here are some suggestions from other forums

I have worked in the past with installing systems like you are talking about in vehicles, for Diplomatic Security.

Different styles, working with different data storage protocols. There are simple ones such as a single channel B/W hidden bullet camera with single audio input, with local hard disk storage (must be removed to be viewed)-easy and relatively inexpensive, up to multi point/angle high resolution color with audio, intelligent tracking that has "live feed" capability via cell pad upload with remote access and control, and GPS interface. Much more expensive. Depends mostly what you are willing to spend, and why.


As with most things of this type it is largely dependent on how much money you are willing to spend, and how 'tricked-out' you want to make it.

From a purely cost-effective standpoint, a handheld Digicam installed with some bungees is the simplest solution. This method is also relatively user-friendly in terms of being able to KEEP your equipment. You only have to unhook the power adapter and a bungee or two to take it out of the car when parked.

From there you can get about as exotic as you like.

There are 'carputers' out now that run on 12vdc (the power supplies are pretty well made for this application). You can put 2.5 or 3.5" HDDs in them and most of the cases have room for at least one PCI card, such as a 4 input Video Capture card. You still need to handle the I/O (kybd, pointer, display) functions, as well as all the power requirements for however many cameras you are using.

There are 7" in-dash, retractable, touchscreen LCDs available but they run at nearly twice the cost of a low-end desktop system just by themselves.

All of this can rack up the bucks really fast!

And then there's the question of WHICH camera? And how many frames/sec. There are big cost differences in a camera that is night-vision and color, and many of them are rather bulky.

All in all, the best solution is a $350-$500 digicam installed as above, IMO.

If you're interested in the carputer idea, you can start here: http://www.damnsmalllinux.org/store/