Cameras yet again.....

[Rupp]

OK guys I got a gift certificate for Christmas to Automated Outlet. I'm going to get me a camera but I have that same old question. Which one? BSR has shown some screen shots from his and I believe that would suffice. I'm open for suggestions. One thing I would like is a camera that would give me about the same field of view that the wide eye X10 cames do.

 

[justonemore]

I am a firm believer in the cam that I got for xmas last year from wife (Gee..wonder where SHE got info from?)But...hopefully ski will chime in with specs.

 

[Rupp]

JOM,
Do you have any screen shots of the cameras output? Is it color or BW or both?

 

[Skibum]

It all boils down to color reproduction, light sensitivity and resolution....

What specs are you looking for, Rupp, and I'll point you in the right direction!

 

[Rupp]

Ski,
Unfortunately I do not know what I'm looking for. I'm more of the type that sees a screen shot and then I can say yes that's what I want. I'm going to mount in at my front door. I want it to be around the same camera angle as the wide view X10 cameras and I want a better picture than the X10 camera offers. Other than that I'm open for suggestions.

 

[DavidL]

In anticipation of the Homeseer plugin pricing increase, I finally bought the Hauppauge camera plugin (for $25). I had worked with Bryon (the developer) for a while attempting to get the PVR350 to work with his plugin, but looks like it's a lost battle.

So, what are the best video cards that people have been using with the Hauppauge plugin? Anybody see any good deals out there for one?

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

Let me chime in here to help/complicate matters.

I purchased THIS camera for my backyard that I am happy with. It is color by day and black and white by night. The included IR LED's provide OK illumination in total darkness, but I usually have some low voltage lights on so it wasn't the "main" reason for the purchase.

It also has an "auto iris" that I think is great because it doesn't get that color wash out in various sun angles (though it will wash out if the sun is directly aiming at the camera at a low angle). The only thing I wish it had was a larger field of view (viewing angle).

So I believe your suggested specs (anyone please add to this) might be:

• Color by Day, B&W by Night
• IR LED Illumination for Night
• Auto Iris
• Large Viewing Angle (3.6 or 2.5 mm lens, smaller =wider angle)
• Sony or Panasonic CCD Chipset
• Minimum 380 line resolution

Again, a more knowledgeable person could please polish up these specs.

Regards,

BSR

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

In anticipation of the Homeseer plugin pricing increase, I finally bought the Hauppauge camera plugin (for $25). I had worked with Bryon (the developer) for a while attempting to get the PVR350 to work with his plugin, but looks like it's a lost battle.

So, what are the best video cards that people have been using with the Hauppauge plugin? Anybody see any good deals out there for one?

David:

I never tried this, but I believe you can pick up the Hauppauge WinTV Go card for cheap.

 

[Skibum]

Large Viewing Angle (Someone help out with a "number" here)

a 3.6 or 2.5 mm lens is what you are looking for (smaller =wider angle)

Sony Type Chip?? (Again help!)

I used to swear by Sony....and they do have superb color, but they tend to be quite expensive. Lately I have tried a cam from Automated Outlet that uses a Panasonic chipset, and I am very happy.

 

[Skibum]

Rupp

Based solely on the fact that you were satisfied with the Xcams, a 380 line cam should be all that you need. Automated has a good selection. I would suggest looking at the CL-4128WH.

This is not a night vision cam, but it works well in low light.

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

Skibum:

I edited my specification list in my post above to reflect your suggestions!

BSR

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

How about THIS one?

Specifications:

Auto IRIS, Simple Installation, CDS Auto Light Control, Built-in IR-LED, Sun Visor, SMPS Adapter, Weather Proof

1/3†SONY Super HAD CCD
380 TV Lines Res.
270K pixels
0.00001 Lux
3.6 mm (F2.0) Lens
No Audio
45dB S/N Ratio (AGC OFF)
Built In CDS Sensor
Built In IR LED (x48) Reach up to 100 ft
Dimensions: 70 x 100 x 70 mm

Can be mounted from the bottom or back (Mounting bracket not included).

Power supply is included.

 

[Rupp]

Ski,
I would like a really nice camera for this location. Night time viewing would be nice as well. It will be in a protected outdoor environment as well. What does more lines get me. Better resolution?

 

[Skibum]

More lines= better resolution.. BUT if you are only capturing 320x240, then the best cam in the world wont make any difference.


BSR... That is a nice cam, albeit a bit expensive. THe one I suggested without the NV is about half that.

 

[Skibum]

I have a few of these that I am very fond of: http://automatedoutlet.com/product.php?pro...9&cat=73&page=1