During the day when I'm at work I'd like to setup a webcam so I can monitor my front yard/door online. Is there an easy/cheap way to set this up? How would something like this work.

Do I need to attach it to my router? Is there one that can be AC powered instead of batteries?

Thanks!

5/7/2012 2:53:35 PM

The easiest way to do this is to get some network based cameras. They make wireless ones that work via WiFi.

Examples:
http://www.dlink.com/products/category/?cid=7

5/7/2012 2:58:52 PM

Purchased this one before Christmas and it does pretty well. It uses an AC adapter and can be wireless or hardwired (seemingly equal performance).

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16881623001

It supports motion detection, email alerts, and FTP. When I get a house I plan to purchase more.

5/7/2012 10:05:43 PM

Its a complete fucking waste of money. I caught motherfuckers on camera 4 times breaking into my car. From multiple camera angles. Cops basically just laughed at me and said they hope I have good insurance.

The only thing worth a shit is ADT or some other active monitoring service.

5/8/2012 3:59:51 AM

I've been considering the new Dropcam (720p, 30fps, IR night vision, online viewing and DVR, mobile apps).

Viewing the live video is free, so that's nice, but I really don't like their subscription model for the DVR features.

https://www.dropcam.com/

I'm trying to decide on a baby monitor solution. I am really not satisfied with the quality of all the non-HD IP cameras on the market right now. I'm also considering dragging a USB cable over there from my office and plugging up an HD webcam then use software, but still not as elegant as Dropcam.



[Edited on May 8, 2012 at 4:44 AM. Reason : .]

5/8/2012 4:44:13 AM

don't waste your time without HD - you won't be able to identify anyone >10' from the screen

5/8/2012 8:23:44 PM

Thanks for the tips, looks like I'll go with either the dlink one or the newegg one. Prices seem resaonable.

5/8/2012 9:40:50 PM

anyone used any programs to view your camera remotely? I have a normal webcam already and would like to view it from work. Skype/Logmein aren't great options (PITA and work blocks them).

something like yawcam or homecamera?

[Edited on October 29, 2012 at 11:11 AM. Reason : .]

10/29/2012 11:11:18 AM

Can you do anything with GoPro HD cams? Don't the newest ones stream via wireless?

10/29/2012 6:04:01 PM

^Why would you? If someone see's a gopro, they are going to steal a gopro

10/29/2012 9:41:16 PM

Only if you can get to it, but yeah you're right.

10/29/2012 9:45:28 PM

you talking to me, or the OP? This is an old thread...

If you're talking to me, I don't care to buy a new webcam at this point, especially if I can get free/cheap software to do what I need.

10/31/2012 10:59:18 AM

Ah, didn't notice the [old]ness. Nevermind who I was talking to

10/31/2012 11:13:58 AM

I got one of these bad boys.

http://www.foscam.com/prd_view.aspx?id=158

You can set up recording through your browser (IE). I have it pointed at the door step so I can see if my packages have been delivered yet from work.

Also, I got the FoscamPro app on ios and you can view/pan/tilt from your phone; record to your phone; take photos from the phone and setup several for whole house systems.

10/31/2012 3:40:43 PM

So I have this software called iCam that runs on my HTPC and Android phone. It works really well. Sends me a notification when it detects motion, records it, etc. I even have the thumbs drop in my dropbox folder so it's accessible everywhere.

This allows me to call the cops and make a mad dash home. Both take less than 10 minutes BUT I want it to play a loud alarm as well which would probably be the most effective. Aside from writing a script to watch a folder (dropbox folder with thumbs) then play a sound if there another solution? Might try belvedere:

http://lifehacker.com/341950/belvedere-automates-your-self+cleaning-pc

12/3/2012 2:23:10 PM