Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I purchased two of these cameras. They are new to the Linksys product line. They are not inexpensive. However, compared to all the other wireless-g cameras available, these are good and reasonably priced. (Note, I had tried another brand of wireless-g camera, and had written a review on it. I returned those cameras.)
The cameras support WEP or WPA security (I am using WEP), are good in low light conditions, are sensitive to infrared illumination, can be accessed from anywhere I have access to the internet, and have remotely controlled Pan and Tilt. I have had them for 1 month, and I like them. Kudos to Linksys.
A word of CAUTION, I have not seen any wireless network camera that is "plug and play." And if you have a wireless router, firewall, wireless security, cable modem, etc., it gets more complicated. That is just the way it is right now. For this price range, no manufacturer can afford to give you tech support, other than for the basics. And for networking, there are very little "basics."
The manual is decent (79 pages.), but could use more information. However, you still will need some knowledge about setting up network adapters, especially if you are using a different brand router (which I am.) With some knowledge, it's going to take at least an hour per camera (probably several hours for the first camera, if this is your first time setting up an internet camera.) With little or no knowledge, you may not want to bother. I can be very frustrating.Pros:
-- Can access the camera wirelessly (within your network) and through the Internet (within or outside of your network.) I am using DynDNS for access from outside my network. Your browser must support ActiveX (currently, works best with Internet Explorer.) Linksys also provides monitoring software for access outside of your browser (but it doesn't work.)
-- Moving the camera to other locations (within your wireless network) is easy. Just unplug, move, and replug into AC outlet.
-- Has nice features regarding IP assignment, email alerts, motion detection, etc. I have tried all these features and they work well. Motion detection requires some tweaking so that it isn't constantly picking up motion. When away, I get an email with a 5 second video clip whenever motion is detected. (This can be as little as 2 seconds, or no video clip at all, just an email alert.)
-- Good image quality. Quality depends upon compression settings (the camera is transmitting images digitally, adjustment may be necessary to minimize the volume of data being transmitted [bandwidth].) Webcams don't have the same bandwidth constraints, since they plug right into your computer, so there quality tends to be better. The camera has adjustable framerate and quality settings.
-- Fair color quality. I don't believe this is a serious issue for security. Black and white is still predominantly used for security. Part of the lack of color quality (or accuracy of color) is the camera's infrared sensitivity, which is a plus. However, if security is a serious issue, there might be better choices for surveillance.
-- Decent low light sensitivity. The camera's infrared sensitivity makes the camera more sensitive in lower light incandescently lit areas. If you can read under the existing light, you will get a very good picture. (For viewing under dark conditions, you would need to supply your own infrared lights.)
-- Motion detection with email alerts. Works well when set up properly.
-- Good fixed focus. Camera focus can not be changed, however, the images appear clear under most conditions. (The ability to manually focus on a remote camera is not a feature that is easy to do. There is no viewfinder on the camera! Remotely focusing cameras are expensive.)
-- Multiple indicator lights and LCD address display on the camera, in case you forget what IP address your camera is assigned to. These lights and display can be turned off remotely.
-- Remote pan and tilt. Works well. The motor is a little noisy. But for the price...
-- Can use a Dynamic DNS (DDNS) service other than SoloLink. I am using DynDNS and I have DDNS and a cable modem and a non-Linksys wireless router. Again, you need to know a little about networking. Cons:
-- Setup is complex. This is probably an issue with any wireless camera. Setting up access, in particular from outside your network, is a complex process. Going from wired to wireless is particularly complex. The initial setup does not include all the options available when you access the camera remotely. So, you can't do a complete job during the initial wired setup (particularly with setting fixed IP addresses and port assignments.)
-- Camera is not small (like webcams.) With the motors and dome, I understand this is the best functionality you probably will get for the size and price. Smaller cameras require smaller motors, etc. and that would cost more.
-- The stand the camera sits on is flimsy; the camera just sits on it. I am surprised there is no snap/lock (or whatever) to hold the camera to the stand. It would not have cost any more. However, there are mounting holes and a tripod socket on the camera.
-- Monitoring software, for access without using your browser, has problems. I was only able to get it to work on one of three computers I installed it on. Linksys has not been helpful. This software is required for viewing multiple images at once and provides a recording capability. One can view multiple images with your browser, but you need to open up more than one window on your browser and then try to arrange them.
-- Accessing the camera wirelessly through the Internet can be a problem if you don't have enough bandwidth (internet speed.) Also, some corporate firewalls won't let you through.
-- Camera antenna is very directional. Requires careful adjustment in some locations in order to access it. The worst position is upright (vertical) as shown in all the pictures!
-- No useful online help or forums. My guess is that camera is still too new.Other:
-- I have had both my cameras plugged in (AC power) for days with no need to reset. When I first installed my cameras, I unplugged them more frequently to reset. (There is a reset hole on the bottom of the camera; but unplugging is easier.) I don't have a conclusion.
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