IP Cameras you use

[Millertime]

I need to have the ability to monitor a toddler while at home and at work (medical concerns). Currently I have been using a Foscam 8910W but it appears to be nearing the end of it's life. Is anyone using a Dropcam Pro, or Samsung Smartcam Pro or any other IP Camera? If so, what has your experience been? I have no desire to pay the monthly cloud fee for Dropcam, so am not sure if it is worth purchasing given that there is no way to record without using their cloud service.

[The_Penguin]

I use Hikvision 2032s and a few cheap Dlink and Trendnet cameras, and use Blue Iris software.
Out of all of them, the Hikvisions are the most reliable.
http://www.nellyssecurity.com/camera...2cd2032-i.html You didn't mention if you need audio as well, the 2032 doesn't do audio but other models. do.

You can get them cheaper direct from China, as low as $95.00 but shipping takes a while, and support is less than stellar.
A good resource for IP cameras is the forums at cam-it.org

[Russic]

We use a dropcam pro in our office. Indeed, the monthly cloud costs are annoying, but it is nice being able to scrub back to any moment in the previous week. We have a large window near the door, so it's also nice to be able to designate a box around the door to trigger the notifications, otherwise it'd go off constantly.

[Millertime]

I do need audio as well (one way). I don't need notifications, but I would like the ability to record to my Macbook or mobile device.

[kermitology]

Originally Posted by Russic

We use a dropcam pro in our office. Indeed, the monthly cloud costs are annoying, but it is nice being able to scrub back to any moment in the previous week. We have a large window near the door, so it's also nice to be able to designate a box around the door to trigger the notifications, otherwise it'd go off constantly.

Why not just use any old IP Camera and a network video recorder? Seems like in the long run that would be more cost effective.

I use Foscam cameras for my kids rooms. I've got a FI8910W and a FI9121W. I like the FI8910W more it seems.. it's just more stable. The 720p seems to overwhelm my network if I crank it up to that resolution.

[EldrickOnIce]

I just use that same Foscam as well. I understand there must be better / easier solutions, but for what I want it to do (email still pics of movement and talk to the dog from time to time) it's ideal.
It will record video, but have never tried to network drive.

[Millertime]

I have 2 of the 8910ws and after the firmware updates, they have become very unstable. They were perfect for what I needed, but the video quality of the newer cameras is so much better, and with compression, they should not use much more data through mobile devices. I do not find the Foscams as user friendly as they could be, especially after reading the reviews of newer ones.

[EldrickOnIce]

Originally Posted by Millertime

I have 2 of the 8910ws and after the firmware updates, they have become very unstable. They were perfect for what I needed, but the video quality of the newer cameras is so much better, and with compression, they should not use much more data through mobile devices. I do not find the Foscams as user friendly as they could be, especially after reading the reviews of newer ones.

No, they aren't user friendly at all... and yes, the hit is HUGE over mobile data.

[Russic]

For those curious, the Dropcam uses about 60gigs/month, so if you don't have a big data cap you may want to beware.