Author Topic: foscam fi8918w in a small space  (Read 3332 times)

Puffin

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foscam fi8918w in a small space
« on: March 13, 2012, 05:52:33 AM »
OK I am new to all this to sorry for being a pain but all help is really appreciated...  This is going to sound mad so no laughing

What I am looking to do is set up a infra red webcam in a vivarium that measures about 4ft by 2ft, would this camera be too big?  Would it be able to cover most of the area ahead? (the 1st 9" wouldnt matter as nothing goes on there)

Any suggestions would be appreciated

OUAnthony

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Re: foscam fi8918w in a small space
« Reply #1 on: March 13, 2012, 12:49:47 PM »
I'm thinking you probably need a wide-angle lens in such a small space (they do sell them, but requires modification to your camera, I think). And even then, I'm not sure what your results will be. You can't mount the camera outside and point it at the vivarium? That would extend the life of the camera too.

Puffin

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Re: foscam fi8918w in a small space
« Reply #2 on: March 13, 2012, 03:00:05 PM »
I should have thought to mention I want to put it on the short side looking down the length.  Not longways

I thought about putting outside but viewing would be restricted due to the design of the vivarium

OUAnthony

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Re: foscam fi8918w in a small space
« Reply #3 on: March 14, 2012, 03:35:13 AM »
I wonder if you could mount the camera up high in the vivarium, about a third of the way down the length of the enclosure...then point it towards the closer end and have a mirror mounted there...so aiming the camera at a mirror. That might increase the field of vision significantly. You could use the camera settings to permanent flip/rotate the image as needed. That might also reduce the chances of something crawling on the camera and peeing in it or getting dirt on the lens. You might experiment with a USB webcam that has a similar lens and see what kind of results you can expect, but keep in mind that the IP camera is going to be significantly bigger than a USB camera...meaning the lens will be further from the walls/ceilings of the container than that of the webcam. If the viewing field isn't wide enough, you might need the wide-angle lens (just make sure it won't interfere with the IR). Also, some cameras do well with IR, but do not have realistic colors for visible light...so make sure you read plenty of reviews before purchasing the camera. Also consider the temperature and humidity inside the vivarium where the camera will be located.

P.S. Now that I think about it, doesn't this camera have PTZ? If so, I guess you wouldn't need the wide-angle lens...you could just rotate the camera.

Puffin

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Re: foscam fi8918w in a small space
« Reply #4 on: March 14, 2012, 06:32:03 AM »
Well ive ordered one so I'll prob be hassling you with the setting up when I get confused

When I get done I'll test and hopefully be able to post a couple of images or the result

Puffin

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Re: foscam fi8918w in a small space
« Reply #5 on: March 15, 2012, 06:42:46 PM »
Just for info works really well, makes the space look small but pleased with the results, thanks for your help.

Considering a mirror for a couple of areas I can't see

OUAnthony

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Re: foscam fi8918w in a small space
« Reply #6 on: March 15, 2012, 10:05:22 PM »
Does that camera have pan/tilt/zoom? If so, iCam will possibly control it, allowing you to turn the camera and point it at the areas that you can't see.