Need advice on decent monitoring/security camera for inside home

[Wekiva]

I'm looking for a single camera that can be installed inside my home to monitor kids when they come home from school. I had heard about the Dropcam Pro and also the Samsung SmartCam HD Pro. I thought research would be easy and I'd pick from between those two. So after spending several evenings pouring over reviews I'm very confused. Half the reviews love both of those cameras and the other half hate them. I am starting to realize that both are on the high end at nearly $200 for what I need.

Here are my requirements:
- wired or wireless (have the option for either)
- need to be able to watch live video from computer or iPhone
- like the idea of saving video to SD card but not sure it's required (won't pay for cloud)
- need to be able to hear audio
- the ability to talk back would be nice
- I don't think pan/tilt is important - would rather pay for quality
- having a camera that could be used in conjunction with future added cameras would be nice
- I want something that is well made

So...are there any other cameras you'd recommend?


***************EDIT******************
As I've thought about it I'm pretty sure I'll be getting two cameras initially. It would be helpful if the web browser or iPhone app allows you to switch between two cameras for live viewing.

 

[jdoggg12]

As someone that did a ton of research into this stuff last year, I hate to say it, but Foscam might be your best bet. At a reasonable price for the features you're asking for, this is probably the best value. Personally, I'd avoid the el cheapo cameras like Dropcam, Foscam, Uniden, etc. but I'm in the home security mindset, not family monitoring.

In the world of security cameras, real ones, $200 is entry level, not high end.

Hikvision, IMO, has the best combo of quality, features, and price. I'd strongly urge you to consider this one, since it seems to have the features you want, minus the PTZ (point, tilt, zoom). The quality will be light years behind a dropcam or foscam. http://www.networkcameracritic.com/?p=2236

If, however, you're more budget minded, you could simply go for the gold standard of the el cheapo options http://www.amazon.com/Foscam-FI9821W...dp_ob_title_ce

 

[Wekiva]

Jdoggg...I appreciate the reply. I ended up getting the Dropcam and am going to do teh 7 day cloud recording option. I do realize that I'm paying a bit of a premium but this is my foray into the security camera world. In a few years I'll be ready to go with a more robust system. The cameras you linked do seem like a great option when I'm ready for the switch. Thanks

 

[jdoggg12]

Hey, no problem - we all gotta walk our own path. For your reference - here's what part of my system looks like using the remote access feature in a web browser. I have it set to low quality for better streaming.

I have a tinfoil hat so I keep a few cameras off the online visibility in case someone were to 'find' the login info for my security server. If you have any questions about setup or hardware, feel free to PM me

 

[luv2liv]

i have hikvision too! it is awesome. can just record to local hard drive n if i want, push it to the cloud. but right now, i only have it set to take picture on motion and send over to email. the picture quality is soooo much better than foscam... then again i paid $180 per hikvision cam.