Can anyone suggest a PC security camera?

[1love1earth]

OK, here's what I'm looking for, a camera with "auto-on" motion sensing, pref. wireless, including software for the PC. It HAS to look like, or BE a "webcam"/PC'ish looking accessory, unless it is a "hidden camera". A dome cam/security style cam just won't work here, as it screams what it actually is, and would look out of place.

I'm a renter and I want a security camera to see if anyone comes into my place for any reason while I'm away. While entry is unlikely, this is an insurance policy I can't afford not to take out IMO.

So do you guys have a suggestion? The motion sensor has to be decent enough to NEVER fail to trip (6-12 ft range, more is better), this would eliminate the entire point of installing it.

Black and white is probably cheaper, but it is easily enough I think. Further, I'd rather not shell out for a VCR, so hooking it up through the PC (ie intended for PC use with recording/viewing software) is a must, right?

Again, motion sensing is a must, otherwise I'm going to have to watch a whole lot of video each day, I'd rather just be able to set the camera when I leave, and if I see any recorded info when I come home, I know to look at it.

It'd be real nice to have video if someone came in, to see what they were looking at, where they went, etc. One camera "should" be good enough if placed just right.

Local electronics stores had absolutely NOTHING worthwhile, I figure online will be the best, but there's a whole lot out there.

 

[Godless]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826216001&Tpk=wvc54gc

If you have a wireless access point, this is a cheap camera that should work pretty well for security purposes. You can set it up to email you a short video when it detects motion.

As for the accuracy of motion detection, I would test the fuck out of it. With strategic positioning, you should be able to cover a door area with 100% accuracy.

If you are thinking about a camera that just direct connects to your PC, you'll have to do some searching to find a webcam that comes bundled with motion detection SW or maybe some 3rd party application.

 

[upgradeshafted]

x-10.com

 

[upgradeshafted]

cheap good products all wireless if you want..good motion sensors even night vision cameras...nice remote to change camera to camera

 

[yamaha_1fan]

x10.com no hyphen

hyphen takes you elsewhere

 

[Godless]

Hmm. I am not at all an expert on X10, but these cameras all seem to require a VHS type of connection. I tried digging around on the site for a camera (or receiver) that would link to a PC, but the heavy-handed salesyness of the site drove me close the browser tab before I could find one.

I guess you could get a cheap NTSC receiver card for a desktop PC, but it seems like a lot of headache compared to the device I linked above (if you already have a wireless access point).

I have been going some googling and it looks like there are some SW apps that can provide the desired functionality (IMO, the best solution will detect motion and start a video recording and send it via email) with a standard webcam, but I have yet to find one that looks particularly good. I will keep poking around as this would be the cheapest option (if you don't mind having your PC running 24/7).

 

[Godless]

So far, I've been able to find two SW apps that will provide the desired functionality, but both of them cost money ($40 and $60), so it really makes the wireless cam I posted a generally better option, even if you need to buy a wireless AP.

 

[1love1earth]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16830137004

went with that guy, reviews seemed good, should serve it's purpose one way or another, even if it just takes a jpeg every minute, I don't mind sifting through it.

Should be fun

My PC can be on 24/7 no problem, but the camera really only needs to be active while I'm away.

I'll have to play around with it, but I'm going to guess that most folks supplement a camera with some form of special software to record/manipulate from the PC local to the camera.

Also something to keep in mind with wireless cameras (especially IP/network ones) if you do not secure them properly, it is possible for someone to tap into it, which might not be good, and even when secured properly, if someone really wanted in and knew what they were doing, they could.

I might just keep mine wired and leave it on the PC desk facing the right way, looks like it's a video chat cam that way.

Nothing is more important than security. Once this is in place, Satori, Hashberry, and some GH Big Bang fems will be making a debut.