SKJM Forum

Support => iCam Support => Topic started by: 35remington on August 14, 2012, 10:17:24 PM

Title: Suggestions for a good outdoor camera?
Post by: 35remington on August 14, 2012, 10:17:24 PM
We have had great luck with the Foscam indoor wireless cameras. Now, I am on the hunt for something to cover our backyard. The outdoor Foscams have abhorrent ratings on the Internet. Can anyone comment on a good outdoor wireless camera?
Title: Re: Suggestions for a good outdoor camera?
Post by: SKJM Support on August 15, 2012, 10:21:43 AM
We discuss the recommended cameras on our forum at: http://skjm.com/forum/index.php?topic=908.0 (http://skjm.com/forum/index.php?topic=908.0)
Title: Re: Suggestions for a good outdoor camera?
Post by: 35remington on August 15, 2012, 11:37:01 PM
If you think that thread answers my question, we are going to have to agree to disagree.
Title: Re: Suggestions for a good outdoor camera?
Post by: rjgvt on August 16, 2012, 05:08:20 AM
35remington,

Are you looking to put wireless cameras outside or point a camera outside at a window? Night vision or day vision? I have two Airlink AIC1620W cameras that are pointed out of a window. They don't have IR and no night vision. I would like to put an IR IP cam outside, but I live in cold winter state. I use outdoor trail cameras outside with IR night vision at my hunting camp, but have to pull the media cards to view the images. Not as convenient as IP and webcams. I do have a motion light at my camp and have caught a bear on my porch with the Airlink cam and a Logitech webcam pointed out of a window. The AIC1620W and similar cams can also be put into a heated/cooled outdoor cam enclosure but still wouldn't have night vision.

Note: If you point a cam (webcam or IP) out of a window, sunlight can be a problem. If cams are pointed to the north, no issues. If pointed elsewhere, you'll get reflections on double pane windows that wreak havoc with the images. I use black felt to block reflections. Might look funny from outside, but I don't care. My house and camp, my security! Hope this helps.
Title: Re: Suggestions for a good outdoor camera?
Post by: 35remington on August 22, 2012, 09:31:12 AM
35remington,

Are you looking to put wireless cameras outside or point a camera outside at a window? Night vision or day vision? I have two Airlink AIC1620W cameras that are pointed out of a window. They don't have IR and no night vision. I would like to put an IR IP cam outside, but I live in cold winter state. I use outdoor trail cameras outside with IR night vision at my hunting camp, but have to pull the media cards to view the images. Not as convenient as IP and webcams. I do have a motion light at my camp and have caught a bear on my porch with the Airlink cam and a Logitech webcam pointed out of a window. The AIC1620W and similar cams can also be put into a heated/cooled outdoor cam enclosure but still wouldn't have night vision.

Note: If you point a cam (webcam or IP) out of a window, sunlight can be a problem. If cams are pointed to the north, no issues. If pointed elsewhere, you'll get reflections on double pane windows that wreak havoc with the images. I use black felt to block reflections. Might look funny from outside, but I don't care. My house and camp, my security! Hope this helps.

Outside: YES
Night Vision: YES
IR Cut Filter: YES (Helps day-time images look normal and not washed out)

I live in South Texas.  Doesn't get that cold.  If we get a cold snap, I can always bring the cameras inside.  For now, I have mounted two FI8910W cameras outside under the eaves.  We received 5 inches of rain over the weekend, and nary a drop on the cameras.  They don't seem to have been affected by the humidity either, but I guess only time will tell.
Title: Re: Suggestions for a good outdoor camera?
Post by: rjgvt on August 22, 2012, 12:14:07 PM
How far can you see a good image at night with IR?
Title: Re: Suggestions for a good outdoor camera?
Post by: 35remington on August 22, 2012, 01:19:47 PM
How far can you see a good image at night with IR?

Guess it depends on your definition of good. Here are two images taken recently. In the first, the subject is approx 6 ft from the camera, and in the second, probably 20 feet.

(http://img.tapatalk.com/459306c8-30e2-9132.jpg)

(http://img.tapatalk.com/459306c8-30eb-e8d0.jpg)