Web Cams

Web Cams and Network Cameras

Want to add "sight" to your business (or personal) communications?  Concerned about the security of your home, home office or just wondering what's happening at home while you're not?  Then look no further, a web cam is in your future.

Web and network cameras come in all shapes, sizes, configurations and prices.  You can spend a little (under $20) or a lot (over $2,000 for a system) depending on your specific needs and the size of your pocketbook.  However, as with any technology there are a few things to consider before you purchase the web cam that will add "sight" to your "sound" communications.

• Camera Purpose - Do you want to video conference, capture "happenings" in and around your home office, or watch what's going on while you're away (or at home).  Web cams and network cameras are designed for specific purposes and have the features, functions and software to match.  So buy the right camera for the specific need you've identified.
• Resolution- As with anything "graphic" - display, camera, printer, scanner, fax machine - the bigger and better the resolution, the better the picture.  However, with better resolution comes increased price, storage and network bandwidth requirements.  Before you run out and purchase the web cam with outstanding resolution numbers - make sure your display, system and network are prepared.  Which leads us to...
• Network Access - Frankly, if you don't have a broadband connection (DSL or cable modem), you probably shouldn't attempt to "video chat" with your friends, colleagues and business associates.  The lack of bandwidth will make the experience just too painful, jerky and, in the end, unusable and result in wasted time and money for you.
• Desktop/Network Connectivity - Web and network cameras have lots of connectivity options - USB, Ethernet, 802.11b/g wireless.  Think about how you can use the camera not only immediately, but in the near term - and look for a camera that will connect with your system/network most efficiently
• Audio Integration - You'll have choices here as well.  Audio from your desktop microphone, headset or the camera you purchase.  If you already have a headset or microphone, you probably don't need another in the camera, however, if you don't, now is the time to decide how you want to configure your audio/video solution and which component(s) will include the variety of features and functions you'll need.

  Web Home Office Reports

• Application Integration - One of the best ways to use a web cam is to integrate it with your existing instant messaging service.  Different cameras are compatible with different services, so if you're using Yahoo or AOL or MSN's service - make sure your camera's software is compatible before you buy.  And, of course, this is recommendation carries over into any and all applications you wish to integrate your new camera with.  Checking before will save you tons of time and frustration later.
• Price - When isn't this an issue?  As we mentioned above, these cameras come in all shapes, sizes, configurations - and PRICES.  Once you decide on a camera, don't be afraid to "dig around" on the web to find the best price.  There are LOTS of options available.

So, ready to take a look at what is out there?  We've tried to hit on the majority of web and network cameras and their manufacturers.  In fact, the number was so large, that we had to build a separate document with all the choices on them (and relevant information).  You can find this document at:  Web Cams and Network Cameras.

Additionally, we've chosen our favorite web or network camera from every manufacturer.  Just look for the " symbol!

Web Cams and Network Cameras Review

Web Cams and Network Cameras*

(Rankings - best, 5 symbols, worst, 1 symbol)

* A = Amateur, R = Rookie, P = Pro

Actiontec

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Actiontec's 54Mbps wireless network camera is simple to integrate into your 802.11b/g wireless network.

Cost - $$$1/2

Actiontec's 54Mbps Wireless Network Camera is priced at $199.99.  See our product matrix Web Cams and Network Cameras for all product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

If you need to "watch" your property, office, whatever - Actiontec's camera can help with motion detection and text overlay as well as web-based access.

Ease of Use - @@@@

The web-based interface makes setting up and using the camera straight forward.
Works With - YYY

Actiontec's camera uses Windows for video playback.

Support - pppp

Actiontec's camera carries a one year warranty.  The web site includes downloads, a FAQ and user manuals.  If you need more help, you can email tech support or call them on their "800" number.

Features - iii1/2

Standard network camera features and functions - 802.11b/g wireless LAN, motion detection, time stamp, text overlay and 64/128-bit WEP encryption.

Overall Rating - %%%1/2

A solid 802.11b/g wireless network camera. 

Adesso

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Adesso's USB web cameras install easily to work with your existing instant messaging service or collaboration software.

Cost - $$$$

The AstraPix PC210 is priced at $29.95 as is the PC230.  We were unable to locate pricing for the AstraPix PC102.  See our product matrix Web Cams and Network Cameras for all product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

Basic web cams that can enhance your ability to work with customer and business partners by adding a bit of video!

Ease of Use - @@@@

All three cameras have shutter buttons, manual focus and the ability to swivel about for greater ease of use.
Works With - YYY

Adesso's web cam's are designed for the Windows environment.

Support - ppp

Adesso's web cams carry a one year warranty.  Tech support  is limited and it is clear they'd really rather you didn't call - there is no "800" number for toll free access and users are encouraged to utilize email if there is a problem.  Adesso has a FAQ on their support page as well as a place to download drivers.

Features - iii1/2

Basic web cam capabilities, the AstraPix PC210 and 230 have a 350K CMOS sensor for a bit better resolution.  The AstraPix PC210 also includes a software bundle with Photo EZ, Video Monitor, Photo Greeting Cards, Photo Special Effects, Video E-Mail, Video Games and Digital Movie Producer and the PC102 includes Ulead Photo Explorer and Cool 360.  The AstraPix 230 is a 1.3 mega pixel camera, supports USB 2.0 and includes Abovia PhotoIdea software.

Overall Rating - %%%1/2

Competitively priced, basic webcam technology.

Axis Communications

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Axis network cameras are simple to install, plug them in and assign an IP address to them and you're off.

Cost - $$$1/2

Axis makes seventeen network cameras ranging in price from $273.41 to $2,136.95.  See our product matrix Web Cams and Network Cameras for product information.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹

If you need to "watch" your property, office, whatever - the Axis network cameras will make the job efficient and effective with motion detection alerts and image capture using email or FTP.

Ease of Use - @@@@

The cameras have lots of inputs and a built-in web-server to make working with them straight forward and effective.
Works With - YYYY1/2

Almost all of the Axis network cameras are compatible with Windows, Macintosh and Linux operating systems.

Support - ppp1/2

Axis provides a one year warranty on their network cameras.  The tech support area on the Axis Communications web site includes a FAQ and software downloads.  If you need more help, you can fill out an online request form or call tech support on their "800" number daily from 9 AM to 5 PM Pacific.

Features - iiii1/2

Lots of features and capabilities. Built-in web servers on almost every model, motion sensing - alarms and video capture, cameras with infrared capabilities, audio capture, pan/tilt/zoom are available as well.  Additionally almost every camera includes 4-5 (up to 11) levels of video compression, password protection and bandwidth control to ensure that the video coming from the camera won't "eat up" all the bandwidth on your network.

Overall Rating - %%%%

Solid cameras with a ton of good functionality - at a price that is competi