Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)The Cisco WVC2300 video camera has some pretty impressive features. I wanted a network security camera so I could learn more about the technology in video surveillance. So having options like interchangeable lenses, I/O ports that can facilitate alarm system triggers, turn lights on and off from the camera web interface, two way voice, controls for mounting on a Pelco pan/tilt base to control movement remotely, and PC-less event recording directly to Network Attached Storage via integrated Samba client makes this camera a winner for my needs. It should be noted that this is a business class device that is designed with the pro-consumer and IT professional in mind. It's primary goal was not to be super easy to use and operate. If you're looking for a good super easy setup and basic feature(s) wireless camera with great reviews the Sharx Security VIPcella SCNC2606 Wifi Wireless 802.11g Security Network Camera is a excellent choice for cameras in this price point.The Cisco WVC2300 video camera Wifi g wireless IP camera has its own built in web server. So it does not need a pc to work. Authentication process requires a user name and password set by the camera's administrator. Here is a quick undocumented tip and or trick, if you need or have the desire to allow everyone to view the camera you can remove the user information from the demo account. You can view the video from your own home network or you can configure your router to view and control the camera from computers or cellphones on the internet, without dependence on any third party web sites or subscriptions. I also must give credit to the NETGEAR WNR3500L RangeMax Wireless-N300 Gigabit Router with USB as it was easy to configure the camera to be connected from the internet.It performs better than average for a wireless camera in it's price range likely because of the MIMO technology. I have not seen any other wireless security camera offer this feature. Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MIMO) technology is a wireless technology that uses multiple transmitters and receivers to transfer more data at the same time. MIMO technology leverages multipath behavior by using multiple, "smart" transmitters and receivers with an added "spatial" dimension to dramatically increase performance and range. MIMO allows multiple antennas to send and receive multiple spatial streams at the same time. This allows antennas to transmit and receive simultaneously. I've not had connection drops or slower video on this system and it's more than 75ft away from the wireless router on a different floor. If you decide to go with a network cable install it also supports POE Power over ethernet which is very cool. From my understanding the POE function does not work while the camera is in wireless mode. I love the freedom of wireless personally and you can put the camera almost anywhere. It does not have to be permanently in one location because of cables.
It is very well built and feels pretty heavy and solid. It is longer than I thought around 8 inches long and 3 to 4 inches wide. In order to protect the camera from electrical surge(s) and or unexpected lost of power I put the unit on a small ups. I can't tell you how many devices fail or die to soon because they are not properly protected (Best Buy had a CyberPower - 425VA SL-Series Battery Backup System for 29.99). Also if you unplug the camera or experience a power outage the camera may get confused and go back to ethernet mode and not wireless. This may cause some to believe the camera no longer works. To fix this issue if it happens simply reconnect to a wired connection and set it back to DHCP if you previously had a static address and power off then on without the cable to force back to wireless. You may have to find the new address on the router or wireless access point for the new wireless connection. Another reviewer stated some good practical advice (for any computer hardware) regarding downloading the newest update(s)"Firmware Version: 1.1.2.6" was the latest release for download when I purchased this camera. Also downloaded the monitoring console software and other items too like the video surveillance software that allows you to setup a recording schedule and storing the video on a pc.I was surprised that it already had a microphone built-in, but the speakers needed to be purchased separately, and they need to be powered speakers. Two way audio works, but a good deal of background noise (fairly soft), but very noticeable was experienced as well. I had a better experience using the half-duplex and not full-duplex option setting for the 2-way audio, so you can't talk and listen at the same time, but it cuts the amount of noise and interference. It is easy enough to toggle between talking and listening. In general you get basic picture size options going up to 640*480 and the typical Brightness, Sharpness, Contrast, control settings to adjust the picture. This is an adjustable cs mount lens. You can adjust the focus camera by slowly rotating clockwise or counterclockwise the very tip of the barrel of the lens base that is closest to you. I had to manually focus the camera to adjust for a clear and really sharp image. After the focus was corrected it's got a really good picture quality. For a optional lens, you can use any c/cs mount and Cisco offers some custom ones for $$$. The night feature works in extremely lower light, but not in total darkness. Motion Sensor was not as important to me, as it will be on 24x7. In this price range most software packages that come with the wireless security camera have a pretty useless motion sensor features. You may want to give a look at the Triple Sensor Technology (Body Heat Sensor, Motion Sensor, and Sound Sensor)on the Panasonic BL-C230A Wireless Internet Security Camera if motion detection is a primary concern. I did complete a simple configuration of motion detection and set it to email me when motion occurred. Both video and still jpeg attachment options worked fine. My Cisco WV2300 is on a tripod in the baby's room and the picture looks great on the ipod touch and the new iphone 4, but audio controls are only available on the MS Internet Explorer browser. If you desire two way audio on the iphone using this camera you can use an app like pc2me+ to remote to a windows pc using MS Internet Explorer browser and use that pc's speakers to hear sound from the camera's mic.
If they improve the following this would be a 5 star wireless camera.
Include a Pelco pan/tilt motorized unit (Most likely would move this camera out of the price range)AS20RS485 Indoor/Outdoor Pan/Tilt Camera Scanner is the cheapest unit I've found that appears to be compatible for around $140
Include a interchangeable camera Lens i.e. Computar Wide Angle 2.3mm Fixed Manual Iris Or get rid of digital zoom for a optical 4x or more (Most likely would move this camera out of the price range) Again about a extra $140 bucks or more...
Enable the audio controls in other browsers not just MS Internet Explorer
When you bring up the console homepage the default volume is set too high! (Maybe a setting I over looked, but if not they really should fix in the next update).
802.11n wireless network capable and go ahead and add a 3rd Antenna
Enable POE option when the camera is operating in wireless modeOther good wireless camera choices worth a look in this price range...
Sharx Security VIPcella SCNC2606 Wifi Wireless 802.11g Security Network Camera
Vivotek IP7132 - Network camera - color - 1/4" - CS-mount - audio - 802.11b, 802.11g
If you can go above this price range
Cisco Video Surveillance IP Camera (CIVS-IPC-2500W) D1 NTSC resolution (720 x 480)
If you can go well above this price range and you don't care about wireless...
Cisco Surveillance 4500 IP Camera Network Camera (Full HD)
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Product Description:
Linksys Business Series Surveillance products provide customizable ways for small business owners to monitor and protect their companies. These high-quality solutions can be optimized for many different applications and sites. Each camera can be quickly mounted utilizing the bracket included in the package. Its compact form factor also enables the camera to be put inside a protective enclosure for interior or exterior installations. The camera uses removable CS-mount lenses and can be customized with optional Zoom, Wide-Angle, Vari-focal, Auto-Iris, or other type of lenses as required for a specific application or setting.
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