IP / Security Camera suggestions

[ekoostik]

Looking for some advice on security cameras / ip cameras. I'm looking for a decent indoor cam that has good low light (night) capabilities. Was looking at the Panasonic BL-C230A but that seems to get panned for its low light capabilities.

Saw the Compro 540 review here at AT and that has me very tempted. Been looking at the Compro IP70, IP530 and IP540 since. IP70 if I decide I don't need Pan/Tilt. Otherwise 530 vs. 540 but I haven't been able to find a good explanation of the differences between those two??

Are there other cameras I should consider? Budget-wise I could possibly creep up to $250. Staying under $200 or even less is preferred. Would like to be able to stream to PC & record, and view on handheld device at same time (iPod Touch 3rd Gen). Lowlight is important.

Also been trying to find out more about minimum safe distance as far as IR lights go. Kids will often be around the camera and I don't want to burn anyone's retinas out. Is this something to worry about or is it not a problem with consumer grade devices (for example IR LEDs cameras)?

Thanks.

 

[Sauro]

I can't recommend much for you as far as cameras go since I use webcams without any IR capabilities, but for managing your equipment I do recommend the folowing software: http://www.webcamxp.com/home.aspx

You can set it up to stream via http and record/encode. It also includes motion detection and the ability to block out certain parts of the frame where motion is expected. Pretty powerful software. If you'd like to view the online stream I can give you a link to my cams.

 

[adairusmc]

Ubiquiti is coming out with their AirCam product very soon, and looks to be an extremely nice IP cam. They showed these off at a conference I attended this week in Salt Lake, and they should be around $100 retail, are indoor/outdoor, and will be 720p with low light and night capabilities.

 

[Jimmah]

I can't recommend much for you as far as cameras go since I use webcams without any IR capabilities, but for managing your equipment I do recommend the folowing software: http://www.webcamxp.com/home.aspx

You can set it up to stream via http and record/encode. It also includes motion detection and the ability to block out certain parts of the frame where motion is expected. Pretty powerful software. If you'd like to view the online stream I can give you a link to my cams.

This is by far the cheapest way. Although you can take most any webcam and make em IR capable by pulling out the IR lens. Add a 5$ ebay 24 IR LED board and shazam you've got day/night cameras really cheaply.

 

[Sauro]

Would you be so kind as to extrapolate on your previous mention of adding IR to these cameras?

 

[ekoostik]

Thanks all for the advice so far.

... but for managing your equipment I do recommend the folowing software: http://www.webcamxp.com/home.aspx

... Pretty powerful software. If you'd like to view the online stream I can give you a link to my cams.

That would be great, if you don't mind. I've read where others mention that software but haven't seen it live before. Also, what kind of camera(s?) are you using?

 

[Sauro]

I use the Logitech Orbit AF and Logitech 9000 pro. PM with login info for the cameras.