Having built the AccuCam Network last year, I thought this year I'd try to move it up to another level in 2015, with higher quality cameras. I'm on a quest to find an inexpensive, high-resolution, local, zoomable/pannable system that allows for a clearer, larger video and weather cam image.

Foscam's cameras have all this and more -- at a much lower price than the competitors. I tested out the following items, as did Stormchaser Ron (his videos are shown below):

- Foscam FI9805P (1280x960p) H.264 Outdoor Wireless IP Camera - $259 Retail but currently on sale for 43% off @ $149!

- Foscam FI9831P (1280x960p) H.264 Pan/Tilt Wireless IP Camera (Indoor)$249 Retail but currently on sale for 1/2 price for $149!

IMAGE EXAMPLES (Outdoor Cam):

Click here, here, or here for a current static JPG image updated every 5 minutes. Here are a couple examples:

IR LEDs provide at least 60-foot infrared images at night on these cameras. Here's a comparison of the amount of light provided via IR vs. no IR, and porch lights vs. no porch lights. The only example with snow is shown below on the right; all IR cameras perform better with snow.

IMAGE AND VIDEO QUALITY:

Both cameras had clear, large HD (960p) images and streaming video. These cameras are not in the cloud (though it is an option). The advantage of having a "local" camera is that you can capture a high-quality image as well as stream a high-quality video stream on the local network. In addition, you can plug the camera into any monitor with RCA cables. This was something that AccuCam clients requested, so that they could show a feed of their camera via monitor or television.

RON'S VIDEO REVIEW (Outdoor Cam):

PAN/TILT:

Another great feature of the indoor camera (which Ron installed outdoors in a shelter for testing -- officially the camera won't support high humidity or cold temperatures, though we saw no problems) is the pan & tilt. Here's a low-res example of me controlling Ron's camera down in Johnstown, over the Internet in State College:

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Post by Jesse Ferrell.

IS LOCAL HARDER TO SETUP THAN CLOUD?

Normally "local" (non-cloud) webcams are harder to setup because you have to get the camera on the network and configure your firewall or router to let the signal through. With Foscams, the setup is made easier by the ability to scan a QR code on the camera itself, with your cellphone. If you choose the cloud option from there, your live video can also be available anywhere you are, from phone or computer, and you'll avoid having to configure your Internet router to pass the camera stream through.

My Unboxing Photos:

Ron's Unboxing Video (Indoor Cam):

FURTHER TESTING IS NEEDED: One thing I haven't figured out is how to stream the camera live for the masses, but I'm working with Foscam on this idea. I'd also like to test their higher-end units that have a 3x optical zoom (you can zoom these, but it only magnifies). Stay tuned for additional blogs about these cameras.

ANOTHER GADGET REVIEW COMING SOON: Up next on the test bed is the WickedHD 1080P CAR DVR HD Camera. Stay tuned for a review of that soon.

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