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Linksys WVC54GCA Wireless IP Camera - $142 @ OfficeWorks

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Wireless Internet camera with motion detection. Streams MPEG-4 and MJPEG video at up to 640x480. Cheapest on StaticIce is around $185.

The difference between this type of camera and a webcam is it's self-contained with its own little built-in web server - it doesn't need a host computer. You can plug it directly into your broadband router and access it from your local network or the Internet.

Spotted this deal a few days and almost picked one up myself, but was reluctant to post because cheap IP cameras often have reliability issues and annoyances. But short of spending $300-500 for an Axis, you probably won't find a better one, and if it works well for you it's a bargain :)

(Edited by scotty — change link)

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  • Got one of these a week ago from OW. It's excellent, sits there and just works. Motion detection, auto recording, emails you alerts, it's awesome and a very good price.

    • Weird. Thought I put that link in when submitting - don't know why the image links to itself.

  • You can plug it directly into your broadband router and access it from your local network or the Internet.
    …or you can plug it in, and someone else can access it from the Internet. ;-)

    • Yeah, but this is usually because people either neglect to password protect the camera or change default passwords.

      There are certain strings that when Googled will return pages for hundreds of open IP cameras, but you'd have to go through quite a few boring videos of buildings and landscapes before you're peeping into anyone's house without their knowledge :)

  • Is it weatherproof - can install outdoor?

  • can someone please upload an image taken from the camera. Im keen to see the quality.

    Also, does anyone know of an equivalent non-wireless variety (presumably for cheaper!)?

    • +4

      Here's one from my backyard http://i44.tinypic.com/1z1y3j8.jpg

      • 404 not found … did you spot something revealing in the pic after posting? :)

        • Link works for me.

          • @loveyoulooongtime: I tried it from a different connection and it works… looks like tinypic.com is blocked by one of openDNS's filters (when enabled), but the usual 'site blocked' message didn't appear this time.

            The pic looks alright… I doubt we can get much better for that price!

  • So what's all this about plugging it in?? I thought it's wireless…

    I mean sure you have to plug it in to power - but I thought the whole benefit is you can put it anywhere and it will wirelessly connect to the router.

    • You have to connect it via ethernet to set it up. After that you can unplug it and use it wirelessly.

  • it is wireless, apart from the power plug.

    vid quality is fine, you can easily make out faces etc.

    it is not waterproof so they say mount only indoors but really as long as it is under cover it should be fine.

  • Anyone know if it will work at night??????

    • +2

      No, they don't show up anything at night. Doesn't work at all without ambient light.

  • Anyone know if you install an IR floodlight next to this unit if it will then work at night ?

    • Where do you get IR lights from?

      Couldn't you just use a motion-sensor spotlight in conjunction with this camera?

      • You can get IR lights from ebay or an online shop like allthings.com.au.

        I prefer IR myself as it doesn't draw attention to the fact that there's a light or camera there. People will know which areas to avoid. :)

        Also, the coverage area of a PIR sensor may not match the field of view of the camera. You can also fool a PIR sensor by moving really slowly.

        I don't know if this particular linksys will work with IR, but I doubt it. An IR-sensitive camera must have either a moveable IR cut filter, or not have one at all.

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