Good networked color cam w/ nightvision ?

[Aaron]

I want to get a good networked camera for the baby's room... I have CAT6 ran there so Power Over Ethernet (PoE) is preferred but not required.

Needs...

Night vision (IR LEDs) at least 10'
$300 max cost (if something is really nice maybe a bit more)
must not require special software - run over normal browser
420 lines of resolution or higher @ 20fps or higher


Wants...

Optical zoom - any, it is only 8-10 ft away
Pan & Tilt
Built-in web site
640x480 or better resolution

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

You may want to consider audio capabilities as well.

This is over your price range by a c-note, but it has two way audio support

http://www.supercircuits.com/Security-Came...meras/ACM-3311N

 

[maknoll]

I want to get a good networked camera for the baby's room...

How about this one.

Not networked, but its only $100.00! One day only over at Woot

Features:

* Secure wireless encrypted transmission is completely private
* Hand held monitor with 2.36†color display, black and white display while in night vision
* Quick and easy set up, plug in and turn on, no settings to set
* Nine high intensity infrared LEDs pick up clear images up to 20 feet away while in the dark
* Automatically activates night vision when the photo sensor detects low ambient light levels
* Play lullabies remotely to soothe your baby back to sleep
* Voice operated transmission, turns the monitor screen off but audio will remain on. When sound from the camera reaches a certain level the screen will turn on automatically, and turn off after 30 seconds
* Belt clip on monitor, keep the monitor handy on your hip while you are doing housework
* Night light built in to camera with on/off switch
* Digital sound clarity
* Audio level indicator
* Rechargeable battery lasts 6 to 8 hours
* Transmits up to 500 feet


Camera Specifications:

* Transmission distance: 150 M (line of sight)
* Digital 2.4 GHz FHSS (Frequency-hopping spread spectrum) is Wi-Fi and wireless friendly
* FHSS provides a clear picture and superior sound quality with no static
* Utilizes encryption technology to ensure only you can view your cameras
* Nine IR LEDs provide night vision up to 20 feet
* Image Sensor: Color CMOS Image Sensor
* Antenna: Dipole antenna
* Modulation: GFSK, FHSS
* Image Sensor: Color CMOS Image Sensor
* Lens: f 6.0mm F 2.0
* Dimensions (W x H x D): 3.5"in x 5"in x 3"in with out stand
* Weight: 175g
* Power: DC 6V, 800mA or 4 AAA Batteries
* Operating Temperature: 0 Degrees Celsius to 40 Degrees Celsius

Monitor Features:

* 2.36†LCD full color display
* Brightness: 5 Steps
* Rechargeable battery lasts up to 8 hours
* VOX: Voice Activation
* Monitor Frequency: 2.4GHz
* Antenna: Dipole Antenna
* Modulation: GFSK, FHSS
* Dimensions (W x H x D): 2.5"in x 5.5"in x 1"in
* Weight: 120g
* Power: DC 6V, 800mA Li-Poly battery
* Operating Temperature: 0 Degrees Celsius to 40 Degrees Celsius

 

[Aaron]

Cams made to be baby cams suck... in every way.

AND, this does not meet the 'network' requirement.

 

[maknoll]

Cams made to be baby cams suck... in every way.

AND, this does not meet the 'network' requirement.

I agree on both counts, friend. Just trying to help, so cool your jets. Besides, I pointed out in my post that it didn't meet your 'network' requirement.

I know very little of cameras, other than there is likely nothing out there that meets all your requirements. Otherwise, you (or someone on the board) might have come up with something after three months time.

Anyone who has more than one kid will tell you that a baby cam is way over the top anyway ray:, but we all have different requirements.

 

[Aaron]

I got an AirLink101 777W... the W (wireless) part is giving me trouble, and of all things the audio is the problem - video is fine.

I need a cam since I'm a stay/work at home dad.

 

[felixrosbergen]

I am curious as to why one would consider the baby-cam over the top. I don't have kids myself (yet) but i would thing it's nice to be able to see from downstaits if the kids is still in bed or out, upside side or right side up, etc.

I thought a visual sound indicator would be usefill...so like 1 or 2 bars of crying is ok, but at 3 or 4 bar we better go check...all that without having to actually hear the kid. That combination with some serious sound insulation of the baby room a good idea?

 

[Neurorad]

Baby cam is a fun toy, but definately for the anxious, new parent. We use a wireless baby intercom, with an adjustable volume control, that can be turned down when needed. I can carry the intercom to the basement workshop, or to the garage, to get some work done until the baby wakes up.

The network camera will be most useful, to me, with 4+ year olds, so they can play by themselves in the basement playroom.

You can lay a baby down on his/her back, but once they get mobile, you're wasting your time checking.

OT, but what's the name of the device that let's you watch networked cameras on the TV?

 

[DeLicious]

over the top??? no no no no no... i love the cam in my daughter's room. had one in there since day 1 (she's now 4). now i know when she's up reading, if she's rolled off her bed, or if she's asleep right where she should be. i can check on her when the wife and i are gone and make sure the babysitter put her to bed on time, and a myriad of other uses. wonderful stuff.

 

[maknoll]

I am curious as to why one would consider the baby-cam over the top.

It's hard to explain, but it isn't long until everyone falls into a routine and it becomes superfluous. Don't get me wrong, we had an audio monitor for a little while with our first and it was sometimes neat to just listen while the baby was waking up and talking and playing alone. Quite entertaining!

In the end, we both (wife and I) came around to: a baby monitor is a cool toy for the parents, but it should not be considered a tool. Without pointing fingers -- if you need to know what's going on in there, it's best to be there in the first place.

The second kid didn't have such a luxury; but the younger ones always feel slighted, don't they.

 

[jokah]

we have a baby vid cam, its a necessity. It is nice to see if your babys twisted up, curled up in a ball because its cold, awake, asleep, etc.


Networked would be nice. However, a reliable portable would be nicer. Ours had least issues, but it still sucks, poor range, etc.

We use cam since video is grainy, but then use a portable gdec monitor for audio when were out of the house, camping, etc.

 

[Mr Spock]

I've got a few of the Airlink101 747 cameras. Got them at Frys on sale for about $100. Works OK, has 2 way audio, PZT, 640x480, GPIO, IR/nighttime mode. Their setup and viewing SW is ok, but not the greatest.

It's not POE, but you can get an de-inserter for that since it does run off 12VDC.

There are known issues with your 777's audio and as far as I know it's still not fixed yet. Someone just released a firmware update for it. Search this site for it.

 

[Aaron]

I was the one who released the firmware update... it is not public but since it helped the video I felt it should be released.

The audio issue is only on wireless... but it sucks pretty badly.

 

[felixrosbergen]

If the networked cam can be accessed over iPhone then you have your portable baby monitor...we're looking for something that we can essentially take over to the neighbours house when we sit on their back deck and drink beer.

 

[jharrell]

Axis or Acti but $300 is unlikely for a decent night vision IP, closer to $500. Axis will be supported by much more software than Acti (iPhone), but no great low light choices. Acti is cheaper and has good low light offerings, but less software supports them.