Could I try out CamPanel with a low-end camera solution first to see how it works?
You can certainly try Campanel with low-end cameras. The following types of cameras are supported: USB (i.e., low-cost PC webcams), Firewire camcorders, and analog cameras connected to capture cards. However, if you plan to use multiple USB webcams of the same brand, the webcams must be of one of the following types: ADS USB 2.0, Watchport/V, or Logitech QuickCam 4000. To use multiple analog cameras simultaneously, the capture cards you use need to be Hauppauge WinTV GO cards.