With a tightening economy and increasing incidences of burglary, homeowners have been forced to take effective home security measures that include installing security cameras.
These camera systems provide surveillance and are integrated with trip alarms and inconspicuous remote communication devices to ensure burglars are either kept away or caught in their act.
However, security cameras come in different types, specifications, and capabilities including wireless. Since every manufacturer describes their system as the best, it is upon homeowners to carefully evaluate provided features, systems and their implication on home security.
The 5 IP security camera reviews below describe five popular models, their features and what they offer.
Microseven M7B57-WPS Wireless IP Camera
Current Price and Rating on Amazon.com Listed Below:
This is one of the most reviewed camera systems manufactured by renowned Microseven™. The system comes with a built-in web server that is accessible with Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome and Safari.
Its capabilities include motion detection, snapshot capture, email and peer-to-peer networking. The motion triggered snapshot capture and email service provides accurate details of any imminent trespass and a high quality multiple-camera video streaming through DVR is available.
The Microseven software is applicable for Windows, Linux and Android OS as well as Mac OS X and iOS. The system features a 64 GB SD card memory slot and captures high quality 1280×960P video night and day.
It utilizes the most advanced WiFi connection settings with broad transmission. What’s more, the camera system is weatherproof.
Pros:
Installation and setup is simple and quick.
Captures images and stores videos clips at the Microseven website for free.
Picture quality is one of the best we’ve seen for a wireless camera.
Microseven offers really good technical support.
Cons:
Software user interface isn’t the most intuitive.
Documentation is very poorly written and difficult to follow.
It has been reported that the POE (Power Over Ethernet) does not always work. We didn’t notice those issues on our tests.
Features At A Glance:
- 1/3″ Aptina CMOS
- Resolution: 1280×960 Primary Stream, 640×480 Second Stream, 320×240 Third Stream
- Embedded Linux System, Microseven App for Windows, iOS, Mac OS X and Android, Remote Setup
- Wireless Standard: IEEE 802.11 b/g/n
- Wireless Security: WEP & WPA/WPA2 Encryption
- Built-in DVR via microSD Card (up to 64 GB)
- Build-in POE: IEEE 802.3af
- Lens: 3.6 mm 3MP F1.2
- Day & Night(ICR) auto-switch, 24Pcs LEDs IR 20m
- Image snapshot, Title OSD, DDNS, Peer to Peer (No Port Forwarding), Email and FTP Sent Image Snapshot and Motion Detection Triggered Sent Image Snapshot
- Apps for iPhone/iPad/Android Smart Phone
- Multiple users online simultaneously
- Microseven CMS Software
- P2P function, easy remote monitoring
- Onvif 2.0 version Compliant
- Image Controls: Brightness, Saturation, Contrast, Hue Adjustable
Box Includes:
1 – M7B57-WPS IP Camera w/ Build-in Mount Bracket
1 – WiFi Antenna
1 – Bag of screws
1 – Power adapter
Foscam FI9805P Outdoor Wireless Camera
Current Price and Rating on Amazon.com Listed Below:
This is one of the latest home security outdoor cameras by Foscam and comes with several trademark features as well as multiple enhancements.
The system features 1.3 megapixel (1280×960p) high definition video that only takes a minute to set up. It also offers cloud connectivity live viewing and storage via Foscam cloud.
Users can opt for hard drive storage in their computers where a H.264 compression is provided for space conservation and retained quality. FI890SP outdoor wireless camera features 36 IR 8mm lights that offer night vision up to 100 feet away and contain wide 4mm lenses that can achieve 70 degree viewing angle.
The camera is compatible with smartphones and can easily be linked to android or iOS devices.
Pros:
This camera provides great outdoor images even in extreme weather conditions.
Gives a nice long range view.
Easy to set up and connect to the Foscam Cloud service without problems.
Cons:
Technical support quality is very low.
It’s reported by others that the WIFI connection can become weak and drop at times although we didn’t experience this issue in our tests.
The software that the camera comes with doesn’t do well in supporting Mac.
Features At A Glance:
- Support iPhone & mobile phone viewing
- Adopts high performance and powerful media processor, single SOC chip, built-in (ARM+DSP) and high speed video protocol processor
- WPA2 Encryption Supported
- Easy to setup, user-friendly GUI, Do It Yourself installation
- Allows for remote viewing & manual recording over LAN or the internet through PC and mobile devices (including iPhone)
- Simple to setup with a friendly graphical interface
- Standard H.264 video compression algorithm to provide transmission of high definition video in narrow bandwidth networks.
- Audio jack, can output the audio to a speaker
- Night vision (up to 30 meters which is equivalent to 98ft) via auto IR-LED illumination
- Infrared Motion Detection (with email notification and image upload via FTP)
- Multi-user access with password protection
- Supports IE browser, Firefox as well as most other standard browsers including the standard Safari browser on the Iphone
- Wi-Fi compliant with wireless standards IEEE 802.11b/g/n. Wired connection is also included
- Supports both WEP & WPA Encryption
- Supports Dynamic IP Addresses such as through dyndns.org
- Multi-level user management system with password protection
Box Includes:
1 – Foscam Wireless IP Camera
1 – Wifi Antenna
1 – User Manual
1 – Installation CD
1 – Mounting Bracket
1 – Network Cable
1 – DC Power Supply 12v
TRENDnet Outdoor 3MP Surveillance Camera
Current Price and Rating on Amazon.com Listed Below:
Although this is not a wireless camera we had to include it in as an option because of how much value you get for the price. This system appears in most security camera reviews as one of the best options to buy for various reasons. It comes with efficient 3 megapixel IP66 powerful cameras with night vision of up to 100 feet.
They also include a weatherproof housing and are very easy to set up. You can save significant installation cost using PoE (Power over Ethernet) and the cameras can be used at home or offices.
The smart software program incorporates motion detection that triggers email alerts. Moreover, the system has an incredible image balancing with a wide digital dynamic range supporting both IPv6 and ONVIF.
Pros:
The hardware and mount that the camera comes with is sturdy and of good quality.
Picture quality is very good during the day and night.
No issues running the camera during long winter months.
Cons:
The included software for the camera is not the greatest and takes a bit to get used to.
Installation of the camera is not as easy as other brands of cameras.
Features At A Glance:
- PoE – Cut down on installation and power costs with Power over Ethernet (PoE)
- Power Port – Optional power port for non-PoE installation
- Outdoor Ready – Outdoor IP66 weather rated
- Sun Visor – Sun visor increases image quality throughout the day
- Compact – Ultra-compact housing
- 3 Megapixel – Record 2048 x 1536 pixel video at 15 fps in H.264 compression
- Night Vision – Night vision up to 30 meters (100 ft.) in complete darkness
- Smart IR – Dynamic IR adjustment optimizes night visibility
- Digital Zoom – Digitally zoom anywhere within the viewing field
- IPv6 -IPv6 support
- Advanced Playback – Advanced in-camera archived video review functionality
- D-WDR – Digital Wide Dynamic Range improves video quality in high contrast lighting environments
- Storage – Samba video support with notification if storage drive is full
- Free Apps – See live video on a mobile device with free Apple® and Android™ apps
- Complimentary Software – Complimentary pro-grade software to manage up to 32 TRENDnet cameras
Box Includes:
1 – TV-IP310PI
1 – CD-ROM (Utility Software & User’s Guide)
1 – Multi-Language Quick Installation Guide
1 – Camera mounting hardware
(Optional power supply sold separately)
Y-cam Home Monitor HD WiFi Security Camera
Current Price and Rating on Amazon.com Listed Below:
Y-cam home monitor is one of the most convenient home security camera systems available in the market. It allows users to tap into their home environments from anywhere in the world.
The camera system is wirelessly linked to a powerful cloud-based platform where users can create an account and manage their cameras as desired.
With no subscription or sign up required, this system offers a perfect way to keep an eye on what is going on at home from a separate monitor and communicated wirelessly. It also features motion detection and alerts as well as infrared night vision.
Pros:
No monthly sign-up or ongoing payments required and backups are free through the cloud
Very small and light camera
Really good video quality compared to more expensive cameras on the market.
Cons:
Customer service support is very minimal
The live video feeds sometimes freezes up for about 5 to 10 seconds from our experience with the camera.
Features At A Glance:
- Free secure online recording
- Bandwidth friendly
- Records footage before an event happens
- View live video on the web or get free apps for iOS, Android, Roku, Windows Phone
- Bank-level security protection
- HD 720p Video with Wide Angle
- Smoother, clearer, and further recording than ever
- Fast and easy setup
- Live view from anywhere
- Add multiple cameras
- Everything you need in the box
- Infrared night vision
- Motion detection and alerts
- Professional wireless cameras you can place anywhere
Box Includes:
1 – HomeMonitor HD camera
1 – Stand/wall mount
1 – 1m/3ft network (Ethernet) cable (for setup)
1 – 3m/10ft power supply with UK/US/EU plugs
1 – 2 x 1-inch screws and wall anchors
1 – Quick start guide
Lorex LW2731AC1 Live Add-on Wireless Camera
Current Price and Rating on Amazon.com Listed Below:
Lorex Corporation is one of the common names found in security camera reviews and have manufactured various high-quality systems. The LW2731AC1 system is basically an add-on for their camera models (LW2731, LW2732 and LW2734B).
These add-ons feature 2-way audio that allows intercom usage and also offer night vision up to 40 feet. They come with a 9V DC power supply and capture 52 degree viewing angle.
The devices can be installed in multiple places including ceiling, wall or counter and come with all the necessary installation hardware.
These additional systems compliment above-mentioned models to enhance surveillance and boost night vision thus increasing security as well as communication.
Pros:
Built-in microphone and speaker for two-way audio.
The price is fantastic for all the bells and whistles you get with the camera.
Provides a private and secure digital signal that uses Frequency-Hopping Spread Spectrum technology.
Cons:
Reports of very low reliability from other customers. Some have reported the camera/s not working at all within days after installation.
Motion detection can be a bit quirky especially when sensing animals or people.
The Skype that it comes with does not offer a smooth experience in order to store and view your videos from our experience.
Features At A Glance:
- Weather Resistant
- Day and Night Viewing
- Never Miss a Thing
- 2-Way Audio
- A Private and Secure Digital Wireless Signal
- The Lorex LIVE Sense Grows With Your Family
Box Includes:
1 – Indoor/outdoor camera
1 – Power adapter
Our Favorite Pick
Here at Surveillance Reviews.net we choose the Microseven M7B57-WPS Wireless IP Camera not only for it’s great price, but also it’s great day/night video quality at a whopping 1280×960P.
We would have liked it if the camera came with a built-in microphone and speaker in order to have two way audio like the Lorex LW2731AC1. If this feature was built into the camera along with the other features the camera comes with, no doubt you would have an almost perfect well-built camera.
Conclusion
There are several other security cameras available in the market and finding one should not be a daunting task. It is always advisable to purchase such systems from credible licensed retailers who can guarantee original genuine quality only.
This will ensure you get all the features and benefits described. Listed above were some of the popular wireless cameras recommended for homes and offices. Each provide unique benefits and offer a high amount of reliability, but ultimately it is you the consumer who makes that call.
For more information about Security Cameras and Surveillance click here.
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