1st Buy the camera. Then pay a subscription to pan/zoom, record video to my own NAS, get vid with email alerts, etc? Why should I buy this?
1590129
I see no need to pay for a subscription and get basic service only. If you have alternatives, go with those. I like the equipment but do not like the "extra charge for a subscription to be able to record. I don't need that service so basic is my level.
1590130
It's your choice. The subscription for up to 5 cameras for one year is next to nothing $50? A home security system is going to cost you almost that much each month. It's a matter of choice that all, what works for me may not work for you.
1590131
I have several other systems that died in the garage for several reasons. This system is the most versatile one I have ever used. The cameras can be placed anywhere, no power or wires required. I have five cameras on my house and three on my condo. If someone comes into my carport or front door I get an alert. Set up took minutes. In my office after seeing my system on my IPhone five other people bought the same system. Painless and cheap. A real ten.
1049773
This camera is now obsolete, so if you want to buy it, check Ebay. I sold mine last year. Sorry.
1527120
I have two SERIES 3 and considered cost. We like to record several show during prime time, the Roamio made it possible. The 3TB upgrade in recording space alone was well worth it.
162089
Run the software that come with it.. It has a basic Dvr... The quality isn't the best but it is a great cam for the price Tpg
1756010
yes spend the money. why buy a money for a primo camera and buy a cheap piece of #%#@. I made that mistake with my k5 and almost ruined it the 1st day I had it. when you hold them side by side you can tell the quality. do the research. nobody has any good to say about the cheapy!
1509465
Robin S: I don't use this camera anymore. It was very hard to set up for me, and it has terrible software with it. I have some friends that have different cameras that actually work. My advise is to look at a different camera. You get what you pay for. Did I mention that it is huge and a monstrosity.
162088
Run the software that come with it.. It has a basic Dvr... The quality isn't the best but it is a great cam for the priceTpg
597147
If you can afford it, get it. There is no such thing as "buying the crappy, just to learn" If I could I would own one.. Probably the only thing you can worry about is the size, some people don't like big cameras.
1188435
Well I was thinking the same thing while looking at GoPro cameras. My thought on this was I already have the camera, housing makes it waterproof for my needs, and I can still use the camera out of the housing for day to day pictures. So I decided on the housing and not going with GoPro just yet. From a financial standpoint there was no reason to get a new setup when the camera I had works great already. I am planning on using this on my next underwater trip and will know that I am still getting a great picture for my money.
1188433
In my opinion, I would buy a newer camera instead of this housing, mainly because the high price of this old housing, if it was cheaper I might consider to buy it, but nowadays I would go with a goPro or something newer with better specs.
2280397
Canons are notoriously excellent at photos and video, but notoriously awful at sound. They wont try and hide that. They know it. The mic kit u got is great, but get a zoom audio recording device. It's MUCH better at recording sound. U'll just have to match the sound with the video when u edit. U can hook lapels up, mics, or use the built in mics, which are just as good. Ur camera won't stop giving u that buzz because of all the stuff going on in the camera when u film. The zoom won't do that.
739762
You do not need a receiver or DVR, but it is highly recommended. Blue Iris is the best, since it handles all Foscam models. You need a PC (or server) which will aggregate all of the footage for you and allow you to take control of the camera from the Blue Iris console itself. Once you manage the camera from Blue Iris, you don't need to manage it locally any longer (Blue Iris handles everything). Blue Iris is about $60. It is a one-time license. Your 2nd question regarding wireless - Like all wifi, it is only as strong as you configure it. Evildoers would have to first be on your wireless network in order to take control of the camera. Be sure to do the following on your ROUTER, in order to keep you and your family safe: 1.) Use WPA2 encryption, with a strong passphrase that is NOT in any English/Spanish/German dictionaries. Use symbols. 2.) Turn OFF WPS (Wifi Protected Setup) 3.) Turn on MAC Filtering. This is easily bypassed by hackers, but does another hurdle to the security mix. 4.) Don't use a Wifi SSID that represents your house. For example, I see many times where people put their house # in their SSID. BAD MOVE, GOOD FOR HACKERS! Use something that doesn't tie your wifi to yourself. 5.) On your Foscam CAMERA(s): Change the default username and password. That way, if someone does attach to your wifi network, they can't easily Google "Foscam default username/password" and log into your camera with ease. 6.) On your Foscam CAMERA(s): Update the camera's firmware periodically. There are exploits that come out which exploit the vulnerability on some of the ports/services that run on the camera (as with any device on the planet). Be sure to keep up-to-date on the firmware. Apologies for being thorough. Hope this helps!
1255410
If you really want to use the camera I would suggest buying a card. They are not expensive, as a matter of fact I always keep an extra card or two handy just in case. The alternative is returning and waiting for them to resend. :)
1281089
If you have the option I would buy a bundle, you will get everything you need to charge your camera and start shooting the same day. The unit doesn't come with memory card or any extra items you might want.
868861
There was no such requirement when I reviewed this item. There was an offer to sign up with an external cloud service to record images, but it was optional. Your WiFi is your own business, not theirs, beyond using the camera to connect free via your local connection.
1568821
I would also buy this camera but not being able local record for free is a deal breaker. Hopefully Nest will change all that now that they are acquiring Dropcam.
707578
Do like I did when my 8mm died: Go to a pawn shop and negotiate a rock-bottom price for a used one, then first thing transfer everything worth keeping to DVD. If your old camcorder was stereo, be certain to by a stereo unit again (which is where I GOOFED)! TC