Wireless Web Cam - Advice and Expectations
Wireless web camera expectation - advice summary
- Don't expect to find these cameras at the local Best Buy, Circuit City, Radio Shack or even Office Depot. The retail outlets just don't carry them. There are plenty of online merchants that carry wireless web cameras however.
- Expect average to grainy image quality wireless web cam in the $100 range
- Also, cameras in the $100 price range need good ambient light - the majority do not display well in dimly lit situation.
- Lux rating is how much light the camera needs to process images and display with good visibility - it will be listed in the specifications. Read more lux rating
- Need to record in dim light or capture video in a dark room? Opt for a LUX of at least 0.05, look for a 0.03 rating for very dark (night recording).
- Don't believe all negative product reviews; for every negative review there are typically as many positive reviewsfor the same camera
- FPS rating over 30 don't matter; the human eye can only detect about 24 FPS - any frame rate under 20 will appear jerky.
- Expect varying frame rates compared to manufacturer claim - it's dependent on how fast your network is running at the moment
- Use phone tech support provided when set up is an issue - typical router ip configuration problems can easily be solved over the phone
Wireless web camera - smart choice
Buying a wireless web camera is one of the best ways to keep your home or business secure - it's inexpensive and totally something you can "do yourself".
The advantage of these discreet devices is, well...they're discreet.
You can use them to keep an eye on what's going on IN your home without anyone suspecting they're being watched. Whether your spying on your your goldfish, dog, babysitter, kids, swimming pool or even yes...a spouse.
Keep in mind however, everyone's expectations are slightly different regarding purchasing, set up and usage of a wireles web cam.
Why?
Reviews are misleading
Because of the wide range of user knowledge and experience, reviews of any particular camera can range from horrendous to spectacular, and all points in between.
Do not obsess on negative wireless web camera reviews or base your purchase decision (or lack of) soley on a sour review
I've read some reviews for example, of the DCS-920 that were downright scary! Others that were extremely positive.
I own DCS-920...and it's a great low priced web cam. I did need some help from tech support to set it up but it works great, does exactly what I need, but I expected that I may need some support.
So...same camera - many different, user experiences.
Wireless camera set up can be tricky - here's the solution
The problem is, the manufacturer product description makes most wireless web camera set up sound incredibly easy. And, if you are intuitive and well versed in basic home router and software configuration, plus your PC or laptop has no other conflicting software, it is easy! DIY should be no problem.
But wait...that's not you...changing channels on your direct TV causes anxiety, much less setting up remote cameras around your house to accomplish "discreet wirleless" surveillance.
The Solution? Can you say "tech support"?
Remember, manufacturers need to sell product and at the same time they understand they are hard pressed to assume a common level of wireless, software and hardware expertise among their potential customer base. If you're suspecting a disconnect between what you read on the side of the "box" and you, becoming increasingly ready to smash the unit to "bits" as you attempt to connect...one more time, get used to it. Do you think that wireless web camera manufacturers would sell more cameras if they told you how incredibly frustrating getting the camera to work properly may be? Just remember...
Almost all good wireless web providers provide 800 # phone tech support to walk you through and trouble shoot issues. Most deliver solid help.
Any new camera owner having any slight connectivity issues should expect to spend some time with the tech support provided by the company. For example D-link and Linksys both have great phone support.
So when looking to buy a wireless web camera, read the product descriptions, and then read the wireless web camera product reviews.
If all the reviews are negative use your judgement and keep looking.
Read between the lines - many times poor product reviews of highly technical products stem from lack of user proficiency... you can usually tell if the reviewer is just "ranting"...especially if the next review of the same product is positive
There are many really solid performing wireless web cameras between $70-$120 that are proven winners - you just need to get used to they're unique quirks which takes patience. And also when in a bind don't get angry...call tech support!!