IP camera for beach house. I need still shots only

W

wwiii

New Member
I have a beach house and I would like to get a camera/software that has an option for viewing and sending still shots only. I want HD quality. My main problem is that I have to use HughesNet satellite for internet. The HughesNet has a wireless router connected to it. It is bandwidth limited and I have a limited amount of daily upload data size. I would like pan and tilt and the ability to turn on full video and remotely change the resolution. I would also like the ability to set up the frequency of the pictures taken. Wireless would be better but is not a deal stopper. I plan to put this in a window with the ability to view inside and outside the house. Reliability is a factor since the beach house is in Belize and I only get down there quarterly. BTW, I am a complete IP Camera newb.
 
I was refered here from AVS Forum where I have been a member since 2009
 
<p>Budget?&nbsp; I'm a big fan of Axis cameras, but they are on the expensive side.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Will the light conditions change (i.e. do you need low light capability)?</p>
 
Hardware wise I was hoping to stay under $150.00. I understand that I might also need some 3rd party software. I was looking at the Foscam FI9821W V2 Indoor Pan/Tilt H.264 720p Wireless IP Camera, 802.11b/g/n.
 
The main use for this camera is to show potential guest the beautiful view but any security benefit would not be without merit. Low light outside at night.
 
For that budget and requirements, you're looking at a Foscam and BlueIris.  The fosam's are cheap and you get what you pay for, but a good PTZ is several times that amount.
 
I have tried several different Foscam cameras looking out through windows with dismal results. Cameras constantly rebooting, reflections, etc. Night images with the IR on are impossible. See this http://foscam.us/forum/8910w-hanging-rebooting-based-on-image-data-t5769.html . In other situations they have worked fine for me. I currently have a 9821 mounted outdoors under an eve for weather protection. It was -12° F last night and no problems. You probably won't encounter such extremes in Belize though.  :lol:  My point is that you may need two separate cameras to achieve your goal of both inside and outside views. YMMV
 
 
I would look at a Raspberry and camera module...cheap, decent quality (can add lenses if needed) and the RPi can do tons of other things too
 
Wouldn't be PTZ which was a feature specified by the OP.  Given the budget, I'd try and make the foscam work - and if after a year you want better, then step up to something a bit more expensive.
 
Thanks for all of the responses. The web site that 42etus posted has kind of soured me on the above mentioned Foscan model. I really want something low maintenance. This units main use will be an advertising tool. I would like to be able to add a link to a website to allow daily views from the property. Do most of these cameras come with software that will allow me remote access and the ability of programming the unit to take still pictures or will I need to get some 3rd party software? 
 
I have two of the 9821 Foscam cameras and they work fine for me, although others seem to have issues with them. Again, YMMV. The Foscams come with software that would allow you to access the camera remotely and take snapshots. Not the greatest software, but it does work.
 
With the Foscams, the issues might not be with the camera output but with the built in user interface on the camera.  Just saying.
  
I've had a Foscam 8910W in the kitchen window looking at the driveway for several months.  It ftp's stills when there's motion, and a script checks for new jpg files and records video during a motion event.  Never had any problems with the camera, but I don't use the web user interface except for adjusting the camera.
 
The Foscams can be controlled without the user interface by sending commands directly to the camera.
Heres' the syntax of the url to get a snapshot:
http://(ipaddress_of_camera)/snapshot.cgi?user=(user)&pwd=(pass)
 
You could put that directly in a web page


<html>

<body>

<h3>Driveway</h3>

<img src="http://172.16.1.101/snapshot.cgi?user=admin&pwd=">

</body>

</html>
 
or use something like wget to grab a snapshot each day so your camera address isn't in the public web page.
 
Belize ... hmmmm.
 
 
 
 
If mostly for advertising, skip the PTZ, and just point a basic Foscam at the beach, mounted outside. They're small and if positioned correctly, may not be an object for theft. If on the 2nd floor, nobody will probably notice it.

It's about $150. Hardwire it, for ease of setup. Use outdoor (UV) rated cable, if it will get direct sunlight. Your camera may change, but the cable won't. I don't know if Foscams can be powered with POE (power over the Ethernet cable), but that would be ideal.

Most beach condos I've been to (Caribbean) have lights on the beach at night, to deter theft. I don't know how much you would need IR illumination.
 
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