Panasonic Wireless 802.11 b/g Network Camera and Pet Cam (BL-C30A) Review

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(More customer reviews)The Panasonic BL-C30A is a wireless camera with embedded web server. It can be connected to your home network through an ethernet cable or wirelessly (the initial setup has to be performed through the ethernet connection). Once you've properly configured it for wireless mode, you don't need a computer: just plug the power adapter into an outlet and place the camera wherever you want (within the range of your wireless network).
Anyone can connect and view/control the camera remotely. If you have a broadband connection and know how to configure your router to open a port and assign it to the camera's IP address, you can see your webcam from anywhere in the world. Very handy to keep an eye on your office or empty apartment while you're away.
The embedded web server supports access restrictions through passwords of course; and users can pan/tilt the camera lens -- the only drawback is that Internet Explorer is required to use the camera (the display and controls are handled through an ActiveX control, which basically means that only Windows PCs with IE will be able to use access it).
Image quality is pretty good: you have a choice of straming video at 320x240 or 640x480 (at a reduced frame rate) and you can control brightness and video quality from remote. Users can also take 'snapshots' (i.e. save individual images).

I have another wireless webcam (a Linksys WVC11B) and the Panasonic's image quality and features are definitely superior (on the other hand the Linksys is also $100 cheaper).
The camera also offers additional advanced features like heat detection (which can turn the camera on automatically and send an email alert if someone, or something, warm gets within the sensor's range) and scripting. I've never used this, but I suppose it can be useful if you plan to set up the camera as part of a rudimentary security/surveillance system. Some cameras offer motion detection, but it can be triggered by changes in light -- heat detection seems to make more sense.
Main caveat: configuration can be tough, especially if you're a newbie. I consider myself pretty knowledgeable and it still took me a while to get it work with my wireless network until I figured out that I had to set the WEP encryption mode to 'open key' on my wireless access point (shared key mode is not supported, though this fact is buried in the documentation).
Overall, I recommend the BL-C30A but I wish Panasonic provided a way for non-IE users to access the camera (and the configuration software could also be vastly improved).

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Wireless Network Camera 802.11g, Automatic Network Configuration, Universal Plug and Play, Set-up Wizard, Remote Pan/Tilt Control, Built in PIR motion detector

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Linksys Compact Wireless-G Internet Video Camera Review

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(More customer reviews)The image quality of this camera isn't great, and as the other reviewer states, it needs lots of light. The resolution of the video is fairly poor, comparable to a very cheap 4-year-old webcam. If you need to see detail in the image (e.g. for certain security-camera purposes), then it will not work.
Another thing to note is that this camera is much bigger than it looks--it is about the size of your hand. I was hoping to squeeze it into a tight space, but the camera's size took me by surprise. It will be difficult to hide this camera if you are hoping to use it for hidden security purposes.
In sum, if you need a cheap camera that can sit out in the open and take low-detail video of a well-lit room, then this is your product. Otherwise, you should look for more professional (or wired) cameras.

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The Linksys Compact Wireless-G Internet Video Camera sends live video through the Internet to a web browser anywhere in the world! This compact, self-contained unit lets you keep track of your home, your kids, your workplace -- whatever's important to you. Unlike standard "web cams" that require an attached PC, the Internet Video Camera contains its own web server, so it can connect directly to a network, either over Wireless-G (802.11g) networking, or over 10/100 Ethernet cable. The advanced MPEG-4 video compression produces a high-quality, high-frame rate, up to 320x240 video stream. The Compact Internet Video Camera's unique form-factor and wireless connectivity allows you to mount it on a wall nearly anywhere, or slip it into its included stand for desktop use. Once it's connected to your home network, you can "see what it sees" from any Windows-based PC in the house, while the video stream is secured from the outside world, hidden behind your Router. If you want the video to be visible from outside your home network, you can open an appropriate port on the Router, and then create password protected accounts to manage access to the camera, or leave it wide open for the world to see. The SoloLink domain service (trial sign-up included) lets you access your camera using an easy-to-remember "name", even if your home Internet connection uses a dynamic IP address.

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D-Link Wireless Internet Camera, Home Security, 802.11b, 11Mbps Review

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(More customer reviews)I just bought this product and it's all what I expected. I just followed the quick installation guide, plugged in ethernet cable and the power, set the ip as recommended 192.168.0.20 on the camera and my wireless Netgear router and it works. I can view the camera immediately. But when I unplug the ethernet and into wireless mode, it didn't work. I ended up calling tech support and got a live support person in less than 5 minutes, he suggested I reboot(power down and up) my camera and router. The wireless mode now working.
I tried to set the camera up behind the router according to the instruction on the manual from the CD provided, it didn't work. After playing around for 3 hours, I finally figured out that the default port 80 and 8481 don't work, you have to open up the second port 81 and 8482. I IPView software provided in the CD does not have motion sensor, you can download the latest version of IPView with motion sensor for the DLINK website, and it works very well. It can detect a slightest movement.
PROS: price, good picture(can adjust brightness), motion sensor software(download latest IPView).
CONS: no audio, can not pan view(must manually pan camera), no email picture option.

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D-Link Wireless Internet Camera, Home Security, 802.11b, 11Mbps

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Panasonic BB-HCM527A PoE Ceiling Mount Dome Network Camera with Tilt Motion Review

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(More customer reviews)Businesses have used security/surveillance cameras for many years, to identify people in certain areas of the building, to watch for suspicious activity, or to catch people in the act of doing evil deeds. However, as technology has improved and prices have dropped, these cameras have now become popular additions to home security systems as well. While many people still choose Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras and recorders, mostly due to their low cost, the added flexibility of network cameras (otherwise known as IP cameras or Internet cameras) is starting to greatly influence homeowners. Network cameras allow easy installation and integration with your wired or wireless home network. While CCTV cameras require a standalone monitor to view the images, network cameras can be controlled and viewed from any computer on your home network, and can also be viewed from outside your network with computers, cell phones and PDAs that have an active Internet connection. But choosing a good network camera that meets your needs can be a bit tricky, as most of the network cameras currently on the market are either low end (relatively inexpensive) or high end (extremely expensive); with very few choices that fall in between. If you're looking for a network camera that you can control pan, tilt, and zoom, it can be very difficult to find a quality device that is affordable. Well Panasonic recognized the strong need for a mid-level network camera, which would offer features that are usually only available on high priced models. They answered this consumer need with the Panasonic BB-HCM527A PoE ceiling mount, dome network camera; complete with motorized pan, tilt and zoom features.
Setting up a home computer network and adding IP cameras to this network requires a bit of technical aptitude, so you may wish to call upon the help of someone with a computer technical background if you are not very tech-savvy. This review is for the BB-HCM527A network camera, so I am going to concentrate on the camera itself and not include a long dissertation about home networking in general.
The Panasonic BB-HCM527A network camera is NOT a Wi-Fi device, so you need to make sure you are able to run a CAT5, CAT5e or CAT6 cable from your network router, switch or hub to where your camera will be mounted. This model is also a PoE (Power over Ethernet) device, so you will want to make sure your network has a PoE switch, or you will need to purchase a separate PoE injector. Although PoE technology is becoming more popular in business environments, most home networks do not yet utilize this new and somewhat expensive technology. However, the advantage of PoE is that your power travels over the same Ethernet cable as your data; meaning that you do not have to have a power outlet right next to where you plan to mount your camera. I do not have a PoE network in my home, so I purchased the PD-3001/AC 1PORT Poe Injector Ac Input 802.3AF and Cisco Supported, made by PowerDsine. This allowed me to run a cable from my network switch to the injector, which plugs into a wall AC outlet, and then run another cable from the injector to the network camera itself. You now have your power and data connections all in one wire.
This remarkable device is a feature rich network camera, with nearly all of the bells and whistles you could want. It is able to pan from -175 to +175 degrees, giving a total sweep of roughly 350 degrees. Mounting the camera to the ceiling is a fairly straightforward process, utilizing the easy to follow instructions and mounting hardware, which is all included in the camera kit. It has a tilt angle adjustment from 0 degrees (straight down) to +82 degrees. The zoom capabilities of this camera are not quite as impressive; offering only a 4.6x zoom (2.3x optical, 2x digital). Still, for most home or small business applications this should prove to be sufficient. Video output can be adjusted between three different resolutions, at up to 30 frames per second. Output formats include JPEG, with three different quality settings, and MPEG4. The light sensitivity of this camera is from 2 to 100,000 lux, and can go all the way down to 0.2 lux when in "Color Night View" mode. It also allows 2-way, half-duplex audio, with a built-in microphone and an output for an external speaker (sold separately). Buyers should be aware that there is no built-in speaker in this camera, so it will only allow 1-way audio unless a self-powered speaker is plugged into the camera. All video and audio from this camera can be monitored from your home or business network, or from outside your local network with a computer, or a web compatible cellular phone or PDA; all using a free Internet service called "Viewnetcam." This Internet service is totally free for anyone who owns a Panasonic IP camera, and it gives full access to all of the camera controls, configuration settings, and video/audio output from the camera. I could go on and on, explaining all of the features and specifications of this network camera, but I will simply list them below for your review.
Technical Specs:
***************
* Lens = 73° Wide-Angle
* Lens Brightness = F1.9 (Wide) - F2.8 (Tele)
* Required Light Intensity = 2 to 100,000 lux (0.2 to 100,000 lux in Color Night View Mode)
* Lens Focus Point = Fixed (focal range: 0.5m to infinity)
* Zoom = 4.6x (2.3x optical, 2x digital)
* Image Sensor = 1/3.6 inch MAICOVICON, approx. 370,000 pixels
* Horizontal Viewing Angle = Tele: 32° (optical) / 16° (digital), Wide: 73°
* Vertical Viewing Angle = Tele: 24° (optical) / 12° (digital), Wide: 55°
* Remote Pan Angle = -175° up to +175°
* Remote Tilt Angle = 0° up to +82°
* Maximum Pan/Tilt Speed = Pan: 300°/sec, Tilt: 80°/sec
* Image Compression = JPEG (Motion JPEG), MPEG4
* Video Resolution Settings = 192 x 144, 320 x 240 (default), 640 x 480
* Image Quality Settings = JPEG (favor clarity, standard, favor motion), MPEG4
* Frame Rate = Max. 30 frames/sec @ 640 x 480, 320 x 240 or 192 x 144
* Progressive Scan Video Output
* Authentication = User ID/Password, SSL
* IPv4/v6 Dual Stack
* Supported IPv4 Network Protocols = TCP, UDP, IP, HTTP, FTP, SMTP, DHCP, DNS, ARP, ICMP, POP3, NTP, UPnP(tm), SMTP Authentication, RTP, RTSP, RTCP, SSL, HTTPS, TLS.
* Supported IPv6 Network Protocols = ICP, UDP, IP, HTTP, FTP, SMTP, DNS, ICMPv6, POP3, NDP, NTP, RTP, RTSP, RTCP, SSL, HTTPS, TLS.
* Buffered Images = Approx. 350 images (320 x 240) -standard image quality (16kb per image), with time display, without using SD/SDHC memory card.
* Image Buffer = Alarm, Time or Motion Detection Triggers
* Image Transfer via E-Mail = SMTP, FTP, HTTP
* DDNS Compatible = Yes (using free Viewnetcam.com viewer)
* Cellular Phone Compatibility = Remote Monitoring
* Multiple Camera Views = 4-up, 9-up, or 16-up
* Audio Signal = 2-Way / half-duplex
* Audio CODEC = ADPCM (32kbps)
* Audio Frequency Range = 300Hz - 3.4kHz
* Audio Input = Built-in Microphone or External Microphone Input Terminal (3.5mm mini-jack)
* Audio Output = Line Output Terminal for External Speaker (3.5mm mini-jack)
* Audio Reception = Method: ActiveX / Decoding: ActiveX
* Network Connection = Ethernet (10Base-T/100Base-TX)
* SD Card Slot for Image Buffer = Up to 2GB SD, or up to 8GB SDHC
* Analog Video Output = Analog Composite Plug (NTSC/PAL)
* Built-in Motion Sensor
* Power Source = PoE: 48V, IEEEE 802.3af-compliant Power over Ethernet
* Power Consumption = PoE: 4.4W (view only) / 7.9W (pan-scan)
* Dimensions = 6" (H) x 4 9/16" (W) x 6" (D)
Since this camera has a built-in motion sensor, you can adjust the trigger threshold and sensitivity settings on a PC, and the camera will then automatically capture and record images when motion is detected. The images can be stored in the camera's memory buffer, to a user installed SD or SDHC card, or they can be sent to you via e-mail or FTP transfer. This makes the BB-HCM527A network camera a great device for a business environment or for a vacation home, for motion detection security. And speaking of security, the BB-HCM527A can also be connected to most home or business security systems, so that the camera will automatically start recording when an alarm is triggered by the security system. Unfortunately the camera lens will not automatically pan or tilt to the area where the motion was detected. Therefore you will want to position the lens in the direction of the area you wish to be monitored in your absence. The camera also has a timer record feature, which allows you to setup days of the week and times at which you wish to have the camera record. Both video and audio can be captured during a motion triggered or timed event. Reading the saved data from the built-in memory buffer or from an installed SD card is very easy, using any web browser. You can also use 3rd party software, installed on any PC on your home or business network, to record full-time or triggered event streaming video and audio. Panasonic gives you a demo version of their own recording utility called Network Camera Recorder with Viewer Software. However, purchasing the fully licensed version of this software will set you back a few hundred dollars, and it is pretty basic software for such a hefty price tag.
Connecting this camera to my network wasn't overly challenging; but I have worked in the I.T. support field for over 20 years. Still, hooking this model camera up to your personal home or small business network really shouldn't prove to be very difficult for most people. The camera will acquire an IP address from your DHCP...Read more›

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Panasonic BB-HCM527A PoE Ceiling Mount Dome Network Camera with Tilt Motion

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D-Link 10/100 Fast Ethernet Internet Camera Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought DCS910 in Nov.2008 and DCS920 one month later. I am quite satisfied with both of them and I did not meet any problem till now, or say I could solve the problems that I have found.
The network attached camera supports up to 640x480 in resolution. It is higher then lots of other network attached camera which has only 320x240. So the image quality is quite good. It has good vision in dim light. you could see image or video on your web browser. It supports both MS ActiveX and Sun Java for live video monitoring but it does NOT support sound :(
You may need to install ActiveX control plug-in and Sun Java plug-in for your browser to support live video.
The supplied DViewCam software also supports monitoring up to 32 cameras and you could record videos into computer hard disk. I have not used video record feture till now because it requires turning on computer and consumes too much router/switch band width. I think check from web from time to time is good enough for my needs.
It support user account management, NTP time sync, DDNS name service, FTP and email deliver of photos at the frequency you defined.
The device does not support SSL protocol, so your password could not be encrypted for delivery. So you could not use https or ftps for secured communication. But this is understandable because encryption cost too much resources for the embeded system. You could not expect too much from tiny embeded device. Anyway, normal web access and FTP upload are good enough if you do not have too much security concern.
It is quite simple to access the device from within the internal/home network because you PC and the camera are in the same network segment. But if you want to access the device from external/Internet, there are some other things to take care. You need to have some basic networking concept for the setup.
I have seen one user complain the tech support and blame the device to be not usable. I could understand the mensioned situation. It is not the user's fault nor the product's fault. Tech support is not wrong on what they said but they should explain clearly on the technical background and guide the user for a smooth set up. User is not network expert so it will be a little difficult for them to understand and follow the network rules.
Normally, ISP will only give one dynamic IP address to a user. The IP address will change when you turn on the router or after a certain period of time. So you need to keep track to your current IP address on the WAN port of your router. This is usually done by register a DDNS service(free or paid service). Most router support DDNS auto update service and this camera also supports it but you need to set it up in your device. All the devices in your home network will share this single IP address. Network applications will monitor communication port for TCP/IP communication. Different devices in your network have different unique IP address. The IP address for a specific device is unique in the network. So if you want to access your camera through the internet in a remote location, you need to have DDNS service set; set up a internal static IP address to your camera; setup your router port forward to your camera IP address. For example, use http://dcs910.mydomainname.com:9011/ to access your camera, you need to buy(or register a free child domain name from some website) your domain name 'mydomainname.com'; register your domain name to a DDNS server(paid or free service); setup your router to auto update DDNS for your current IP address; set router to forward 9011 port request to the 80 port of the static internal IP address that you have assigned to your camera(such as 192.168.0.3 depends on the settings on your router and camera). You may need an experienced friend to help you for the setting.
Even if you have set everything correctly, it not necessarily means you could watch live video in your office. You should be able to access static current image from web browser in your office but live video is another story. Normally office network is protected by firewall on gateway. Most office firewall uses proxy and only open ports for web requests and some predefined application ports and bann all other communications. The ActiveX and Java live video of this device may need dedicated port connection to open communication session but this will not be allowed by default on the proxy. So unless you know your network administrator and could ask them open the port for you, you will not able to access live video in office. This is not the problem of the device, it is the rule of the network security. But anyway, you could see still image of your home which is good enough.
I have used my DCS910 and DCS920 for 3 months and I am quite satisfied with the device. I would like to highly recommand this device to you for its clear image, easy setup(if you understand networking in and out), and resonable price.

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The D-Link 10/100 Fast Ethernet Internet Camera (DCS-910) connects to a wired network to provide remote high-quality video recording. With its compact and sleek design, the DCS-910 is a low-cost Internet camera ideal for your home or small business. The DCS-910 connects quickly and easily to your existing 10/100 Fast Ethernet network, allowing you to steam high-quality MJPEG to your computer.

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Avaak Vue Personal Video Network Review

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(More customer reviews)I've been using the Vue system for several months (part of their beta test program). If you understand the intended purpose and application for this product I think you'll be happy with it. The cameras are completely wireless - no network or power, plus they are extremely small and unobtrusive. This allows you place them almost anywhere. Because they are wireless, the product isn't designed for constant recording (battery life). The Vue system is intended to provide you with the ability to remotely check in and view your home for a few minutes at a time. While not perfect, it does this job very well.
I use this to check on my lake house when I'm not there. I have one cam pointed out a window looking out over the dock and another at the main living area. I always wonder if a storm or high wind has created any problem with the boat - so this allows me to check in, take a peek and put my mind at rest. Plus I can see if the lawn guy cut the grass or not. And when I'm at work and wish I was at the lake, I can get a quick fix ;)
Pros: extremely simple setup. Wonderful design for the cams - no wires and extremely compact. Easy to login online and view images from cameras live.
Cons: website is a bit flaky and controls are somewhat strange (but I expect that will improve over time). Image quality is adequate.
Bottom line: If you want high quality streaming video 24x7, this is not the product. If you want an easy to install, easy to use camera system to check in remotely periodically for a live view this fits the bill.


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Remote video viewing. Unplugged. Create your own personal video network and view your life from anywhere. Vue is incredibly simple to set-up with no camera wires or power cords to install, and no software to load. Unique patented mounts let you position and place cameras in minutes. Your personal video network can be viewed from anywhere at anytime. Simply access cameras to view live video from any browser or flash-enabled mobile device on your personal, secure page at my.VueZone.com. Live streaming video, recorded video or snapshots are easily and securely shared across the web with family and friends. Vue Personal Video Network – See what you’re missing.

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Panasonic Wireless Network Camera and Pet Cam (BL-C20A) Review

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(More customer reviews)Compact, very easy to set up and the image is sharp and clear. Free DDNS service makes this the best buy. I have another camera, Linksys, and I had to pay for this service. I defitely will drop it when it comes up for renewal. No more Linksys camera for me!
After a few days of use..I still love it! I just found out that I can access the camera with my Mac via Firefox browser. This alone beats all other cameras in the market! Set up the motion detector to email pictures is a breeze. You can also set the camera to periodically send a picture, motion or not. The only thing that you could say it is less than the Linksys is it could not send a video. Linksys video only lasts 30 seconds anyway. Highly recommended.
8/21/08: I have 2 of these cameras and the first one (3 yrs old) just failed. It is just not powered up doesn't matter how many times I tried. I guess it is expected. It has been reliably in service for 3 yrs. I will buy it again, when Amazon has a good deal.
The camera's software works flawlessly in Mac OS. I regularly access my camera via Safari web browser. This alone beats most other camera out there. You can get to it from either Windows or Mac. I set it up to email the jpeg to my Blackberry and view the picture there. Could not figure out how to do this on an iPod though.
3/20/09: When the 2nd camera failed, I thought the power supply was the culprit. I bought a $15 power supply from W**T and guess what? It works again. So I now both of my cameras work again! If your camera failed, likely it is the power supply!
Also, I can access my cameras from my iPod touch (live) using the supplied Safari browser when I have a wifi connection. COOL!!

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Wireless Network Camera Automatic Network Configuration, Universal Plug and Play, Set-up Wizard, Remote Pan/Tilt Control, Built in PIR motion detector

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