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alligator · Jul 3, 2007, 07:34 PM

I have a house that will be vacant for a significant portion of the year, and I'd like to keep an eye on things. I have cable internet (5 mbs) at the house, but no computer that is permanently kept there. Can someone recommend a good solution for keeping a camera there? Should I look into a server (and connect to it remotely), or a camera with a built-in web server?

JoshuaZ · Jul 3, 2007, 07:38 PM

Or rent it out to someone? Or have those auto lights that go on or off. Maybe a home security system. Beats the heck out of you reviewing pictures from last week and finding someone had a party without you.

OreoCookie · Jul 3, 2007, 07:49 PM

I'd rent it out.

residentEvil · Jul 3, 2007, 07:52 PM

i use web cam(s) that trigger an email when there is motion. no need to look at any past data; it emails you the activity.

and of course, you can log into it too for live feed just to make sure everything is working.

peeb · Jul 3, 2007, 08:17 PM

There is no substitute for a good relationship with your neighbours.

Mastrap · Jul 3, 2007, 08:42 PM

I've got the same problem. I am currently looking into IP cameras for our weekend property where we have a DSL line installed. There are cameras available that come with a web server and will upload images to a predefined ftp space which I would like to use both as a security and weather camera.

My problem is that these cameras need to be set up first and I have yet to find one with Mac software.

greenG4 · Jul 3, 2007, 09:37 PM

Originally Posted by Mastrap

My problem is that these cameras need to be set up first and I have yet to find one with Mac software.

Go with third party software like: Evological - EvoCam

Mastrap · Jul 3, 2007, 09:59 PM

I thought about that, but this would mean having to keep a Mac running all of the time. The benefit of an IP camera is that they come with a build in web server, so they are standalone and don't need any support. I've been surfing around this evening but the general consensus seems to be that the cheaper models ( less than $150) have pretty mediocre image quality, even more so in low light which is a bit disappointing.

residentEvil · Jul 3, 2007, 10:00 PM

Originally Posted by Mastrap

I've got the same problem. I am currently looking into IP cameras for our weekend property where we have a DSL line installed. There are cameras available that come with a web server and will upload images to a predefined ftp space which I would like to use both as a security and weather camera.

My problem is that these cameras need to be set up first and I have yet to find one with Mac software.

most network cameras have web based software setup. any browser will do. if you are talking about the $19 'specials' then well...you get what you pay for. so, not sure what mac software you are needing for setup.

don't confuse network cameras with pc-based cameras. network cameras don't need a host to operate. pc-based cameras do.

Mastrap · Jul 3, 2007, 10:03 PM

Originally Posted by residentEvil

most network cameras have web based software setup. any browser will do. if you are talking about the $19 'specials' then well...you get what you pay for. so, not sure what mac software you are needing for setup.

That's not what I am reading in the reviews I am finding. Most of them appear to be needing Active X and don't play well with OS X. I am willing to spend about $200 on this, but for that I expect decent quality.

Originally Posted by residentEvil

don't confuse network cameras with pc-based cameras. network cameras don't need a host to operate. pc-based cameras do.

I understand that. My first intention was to just run my old G4 as a server for the camera, but that would be a sensationally bad use of electricity and resources. An IP camera seems to be a much more elegant solution, but setup and control for most of them do appear to require Active X.

greenG4 · Jul 3, 2007, 10:14 PM

Originally Posted by Mastrap

I thought about that, but this would mean having to keep a Mac running all of the time. The benefit of an IP camera is that they come with a build in web server, so they are standalone and don't need any support. I've been surfing around this evening but the general consensus seems to be that the cheaper models ( less than $150) have pretty mediocre image quality, even more so in low light which is a bit disappointing.

The software would be fine on the Mac you have elsewhere. Many network cameras work with the software. All you would need to maintain it is an active DSL/cable line and a router.

residentEvil · Jul 4, 2007, 07:32 AM

Originally Posted by Mastrap

That's not what I am reading in the reviews I am finding. Most of them appear to be needing Active X and don't play well with OS X. I am willing to spend about $200 on this, but for that I expect decent quality.

I understand that. My first intention was to just run my old G4 as a server for the camera, but that would be a sensationally bad use of electricity and resources. An IP camera seems to be a much more elegant solution, but setup and control for most of them do appear to require Active X.

i use Axis cameras. their live video feed can be active x or java based. as for their web software, not sure...i'll check

yes; the Axis cameras need to install active x controls for management OR viewing.

alligator · Jul 4, 2007, 08:37 AM

I've used the Axis cameras/web servers before, and that's what I'm considering. Specifically, I'm wondering if I should plunk down the big change and get the Axis 214 PTZ Outdoor Camera. This gets me a moveable camera with a built in web server that can send encrypted video over the internet. I'd put the camera outside so I could see the front yard and front door of the house. This would allow me to call my neighbors to ask them to look at the house if something was wrong. I'd also save energy by not having a computer running 24/7. Plus, computers crash, and when you are 250 miles away, it is kind of a pain to fix.

greenG4 · Jul 4, 2007, 09:39 AM

Originally Posted by residentEvil

i use Axis cameras. their live video feed can be active x or java based. as for their web software, not sure...i'll check

yes; the Axis cameras need to install active x controls for management OR viewing.

Evological - EvoCam - Supported Network Cameras

No ActiveX required. A good number of Axis cameras are supported. There is one other pretty big software title that supports them, but I can't remember what it is right now.

Edit: SecuritySpy: Video Surveillance Software This is it.

finboy · Jul 4, 2007, 09:54 AM

Originally Posted by peeb

There is no substitute for a good relationship with your neighbours.

Our vacation house is next door to the chief of police. That works out well.

peeb · Jul 5, 2007, 10:12 AM

You don't live in Louisiana, I'm guessing?