Read the
Cliff Notes and check out the
WIKI. Also checkout
This is an intermediate / newbie guide for people just starting out looking for a surveillance setup. I know this setup might not be for everyone and there are many options. You can find a lot of this information in the Wiki: IP Cam Talk Wiki | IP Cam Talk A great place to start in the Wiki...
ipcamtalk.com
So it looks like you have changed your stance about not going wireless?
The first thing you need to do is look at your house and decide where you want coverage and make requirements for each position. From those requirements you make a plan and choose cams. You also have to decide on NVR or a PC running something like
Blue Iris. That decision will dictate what brand of cams you get. If you want to go the NVR route, then you really need to get the same brand NVR as the cams you get. Saying you want a POE and like deterrence lights is fine, but not every position needs those kind of cams.
Once you have a plan, buy just one varifocal cam, like the Dahua UPC-HDW5442T-ZE (aka
IPC-T5442T-ZE) and use it on a test rig as described in the Cliff Notes to test out each location. Do not run wires or mount the cam until you are happy with the location. You can use this cam to calculate the proper fixed lens FOV at a specific location. This will save you a little money and give you a little better low-light color performance.
Start small and work it over time. You will find that your plan evolves over time as you gain experience.
There are lots of threads on POE cams here with great reviews of them. Member
@Wildcat_1 has done some great reviews of them.