Network cameras

Consider the Axis M1054 for indoor use and the ACTi ACM-1231 for outdoor use, both of which are megapixel and can stream audio to SecuritySpy. If you need a camera with pan/tilt/zoom control, the Panasonic HCM715 for indoor use and the the Toshiba IK-WB15A for outdoor use are both excellent choices.

Ethernet switch or wireless access point

All wired cameras must be connected to an Ethernet switch - ideally a Gigabit speed switch. Connecting the cameras by wired Ethernet offers the best performance and reliability, but wireless cameras can also be used, which require a wireless router or access point.

Cabling

Use Cat-5 or Cat-5e Ethernet cables to connect your Mac and each camera to the Ethernet switch.

Mac

A quad-core iMac or Mac mini will support up to 20 standard-resolution cameras, or 6 megapixel cameras. Approximately 600 GB of free disk space provides a month of storage.

A dual-core Mac mini will support up to 10 standard-resolution cameras, or 3 megapixel cameras. Approximately 300 GB of free disk space provides a month of storage.