Night Owl O-885 8 Channel H.264 Level Smart Surveillance DVR

Pros: The cameras have sturdy all-metal bodies.

Cons: The cameras have CMOS sensors (with mediocre image quality) and a VERY NARROW field of view.

Other Thoughts: I've seen several claims that the cameras are fixed focus. But check for yourself - you may be surprised. The cameras that came with my O-885 absolutely positively DO have adjustable focus.

I've adjusted the focus on several cameras that came with my O-885. It's easy. Here's how:
- Unscrew the metal bezel from the front of the camera body. Note that there's a thin black O-ring to keep moisture out. Don't lose or damage this ring.
- Notice that the camera lens is surrounded by a black plastic ring. This ring is threaded. Turn it to adjust the focus.
- Replace the metal bezel when you're finished, being careful to not damage the delicate O-ring. (If the camera is used indoors, the O-ring probably doesn't matter.)

You won't find this documented anywhere. It's not on the box, or the instructions, or the Night Owl web site.

Pros: Runs cool

Cons: This product is discontinued. Some features don't work as advertised. Don't expect any bug fixes.

I confirmed all of the following information with Night Owl Level 3 tech support on 2013-03-27:

This product is discontinued. (The S4-DVR-xxx, LTE-DVR-xxx, Apollo-DVR, and ADV-xxxx products are recommended instead.)

This product does NOT work with Safari version 5.1.0 or newer. This means that it doesn't work with any reasonably up-to-date version of Mac OS X. For example, it doesn't work with OS X 10.6.x or newer.

This product ships with firmware version 2.0, which was released in 2011.

The Night Owl web site offers firmware version 2.3 which claims to support Safari 5.1, but that firmware update file is defective. It cannot be installed. There is no known workaround.

There *may* be a working firmware update at some time in the future, but there is no official promise. The product is discontinued, so firmware updates are unlikely.

Pros: Easy to install, configure, and use. Works well with iPhone. Netviewer software works well.

Cons: Cameras are ok, viewing from web page is not always easy because active x controls unknown and windows ie doesn't want to run it. Can't seem to make email feature work, but not planing to use it anyway.

Other Thoughts: Overall not a bad system and well worth the money.

Pros: 8 cameras, motion detection works very well, day time clarity is decent, night vision is ok....

Cons: cables are short (need to be 100ft not 60) menus are clunky, 42 degree viewing angle which stiiiiiiiiiiiinks, manufactures website says cameras are only good from 14-100 degrees... what about cold winter nights, and hot summer days where the cameras are outside????????? kinda useless if you ask me.

Other Thoughts: To clarify other reviews.
Cameras are not focusable. I called nightowl to confirm this.

These are Cmos cameras... (not the best for clarity), There are other systems for the same price (here on newegg)with better cameras that have a wider view, are focusable, and are CCD which are much clearer.

I normally do better research before spending 300$.. i would return this system but i already threw away the box...

Pros: I have installed one of these systems before in my other business.

Cons: One of the cameras came with a broken lens cover, I don't quite know what to do about it though.. Would have been 4 eggs if everything had been working.

Pros: cheap

Cons: View Angle degree for a security camera is 42 which is really stupid. What the hell can I see with tiny 42 degree angle?

Pros: Intuitive menus. Motion detection works well. Decent price.

Cons: Reliability. Video output quit within 3 months. Bought extended warranty and requested RMA, but shipping is on my dime -- $35. Instructions require me to ship everything. Fortunately, I had existing cameras and cables already installed prior to purchase. Imagine the hassle if all 8 cameras were mounted and cables installed through walls, attic, etc.

Pros: Had a little over a year and has worked great so far, Just ordered 2 more of the same. Night Owl 0-885

Cons: Had to call tech support to help set up remote viewing which is all good they were there and willing to help.

Other Thoughts: Night Owl is the best to me because of Tech. Support, They have been to there 24/7 like they advertise. I have a Lorex Edge to and you can forget about support until 2 days later if you are lucky to hear from them. Would like to sell the lorex.

Pros: Simple. It just works. 8 cameras running over a year.

Cons: No external controls like other models..but i wouldnt use them anyway. I control dvr from my pc.

Pros: Low price. Can view video remotely with a smartphone. Cameras have adjustable focus (although it isn't documented). Cameras have sturdy all-metal cases.

Cons: Cameras have a very narrow field of view. Cut a toilet paper tube to a length of 2 inches. Look through it with one eye. That's as much as a camera can see.

The viewing software doesn't work with Safari 5.1, so current Mac users should beware if they expect it to work.

Other Thoughts: Tech support is available 24x7 and eager to help you, but they have limited knowledge about the product itself. They have no real ability to report bugs. Night Own didn't design or build this product (it's actually from a Chinese manufacturer that builds security systems for various vendors).