Panasonic BL-C20 VGA Network Camera
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Similar in Web Cameras
- Capture Resolution: 640 x 480 320 x 240 160 x 120
- Digital Video Capture Speed: 15 frames per second
- Web Camera Type: Network Camera
- Image Sensor Type: CMOS
- Interface Type: LAN (RJ-45) Wireless - IEEE 802.11b Wireless - IEEE 802.11g
- Resolution: VGA
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359
Ideal for home surveillance - webcam
Pros
Excellent quality of live streams, lightweight camera, easily portable, free host webspace
Cons
Wish the cat5 cable was inluded in the box, no audio
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
A solid choice for affordable and clear webcamera monitoring.
I have been toying with webcams for years. I have used a variety of USB plug and play models. They were all so-so but met my basic needs for web phone calls. Upon hiring a Nanny for our little boy, I decided that I needed to upgrade and to add some sophistication to my webcams.
I have always been frustrated with webcams that were wired, that restricted my ability to place them where I really wanted to. As they were USB plug and play models, I was limited to a few feet in front of my computer. Wireless was the option I wanted and the Panasonic BLC 20A fit that need and at a price I could afford.
My local Fry's store had the cameras on sale for $150 each. They had a 30 day return policy and I planned to return them if they did not work or measure up for my needs.
The package came with the camera, bracket, power supply, mounting hardware, CD-ROM, software and instructions.
The actual features of the camera include: 10x digital zoom, motion detection function, multi-camera capability (up to 12) and colour night view mode. Up to 20 people can view the cams simultaneously. These cameras are white, and small with a Width: 3.4 inches, Depth: 1.4 inches, Height: 3.4 inches and weight 0.36 pounds. The cameras need a power source and the attached cord is long enough to get the camera in your area of choice. I have a DLink Router in my office and the cameras are in different rooms. I never have a problem with an interrupted signal.
These are not hidden cams or surveillance cams. These cameras do not provide audio, just mjpegs at 15 pictures/frames per second. The speed of your network will determine if your stream is smooth or jerky.
The quality of my image stream is very very clear, I am able to view both of my cameras on 1 page and I can easily zoom in x10 by rolling my mouse. For example, I have 1 cam set on the kitchen table. I am able to see my little boy eating and actually see what he is eating. Panning is easily accomplished by moving the mouse up/down, right or left.
There is WEP encryption options on the software which prevents unauthorized users from viewing your cameras. I also have given my intended users passwords. I feel secure that my images and camera feeds are protected from unauthorized viewers.
I have set my cameras for motion detection which means it only starts broadcasting when someone/something. This feature works well. The software also provides options for setting specified broadcast times. There are lots of extras that you can configure such as emailing motion activated logs, number of viewers, etc...
Panasonic offers free webspace to host your cameras on. Viewnetcam.com allows users to easily configue their cameras viewing over the internet. I use my viewnetcam.com space and have been pleased by the look and feel. By using this site, you can configure your camera to an easy to remember name such as http://Bobscam.viewnetcam.com
This webspace is yours for life!
Installation was not easy and it took me several tries and a phone call to tech support. You need a cat5 cable to connect to your computer for initial setup, but the cable is not included! When you have more than 1 camera, the technical details get more complicated. Each camera must have it's own port address in order to work properly. Tech support was very courteous, knowledgable and helpful.
Take care when selecting your camera model. The wired and wireless boxes are virtually identical. The cameras are identical as well. It is easy to get the wrong camera!
I am well pleased with my wireless webcams and the quality and affordability. A solid recommendation for those who want to monitor their pets, children, aged parents or just to keep an eye on things at home.
I have always been frustrated with webcams that were wired, that restricted my ability to place them where I really wanted to. As they were USB plug and play models, I was limited to a few feet in front of my computer. Wireless was the option I wanted and the Panasonic BLC 20A fit that need and at a price I could afford.
My local Fry's store had the cameras on sale for $150 each. They had a 30 day return policy and I planned to return them if they did not work or measure up for my needs.
The package came with the camera, bracket, power supply, mounting hardware, CD-ROM, software and instructions.
The actual features of the camera include: 10x digital zoom, motion detection function, multi-camera capability (up to 12) and colour night view mode. Up to 20 people can view the cams simultaneously. These cameras are white, and small with a Width: 3.4 inches, Depth: 1.4 inches, Height: 3.4 inches and weight 0.36 pounds. The cameras need a power source and the attached cord is long enough to get the camera in your area of choice. I have a DLink Router in my office and the cameras are in different rooms. I never have a problem with an interrupted signal.
These are not hidden cams or surveillance cams. These cameras do not provide audio, just mjpegs at 15 pictures/frames per second. The speed of your network will determine if your stream is smooth or jerky.
The quality of my image stream is very very clear, I am able to view both of my cameras on 1 page and I can easily zoom in x10 by rolling my mouse. For example, I have 1 cam set on the kitchen table. I am able to see my little boy eating and actually see what he is eating. Panning is easily accomplished by moving the mouse up/down, right or left.
There is WEP encryption options on the software which prevents unauthorized users from viewing your cameras. I also have given my intended users passwords. I feel secure that my images and camera feeds are protected from unauthorized viewers.
I have set my cameras for motion detection which means it only starts broadcasting when someone/something. This feature works well. The software also provides options for setting specified broadcast times. There are lots of extras that you can configure such as emailing motion activated logs, number of viewers, etc...
Panasonic offers free webspace to host your cameras on. Viewnetcam.com allows users to easily configue their cameras viewing over the internet. I use my viewnetcam.com space and have been pleased by the look and feel. By using this site, you can configure your camera to an easy to remember name such as http://Bobscam.viewnetcam.com
This webspace is yours for life!
Installation was not easy and it took me several tries and a phone call to tech support. You need a cat5 cable to connect to your computer for initial setup, but the cable is not included! When you have more than 1 camera, the technical details get more complicated. Each camera must have it's own port address in order to work properly. Tech support was very courteous, knowledgable and helpful.
Take care when selecting your camera model. The wired and wireless boxes are virtually identical. The cameras are identical as well. It is easy to get the wrong camera!
I am well pleased with my wireless webcams and the quality and affordability. A solid recommendation for those who want to monitor their pets, children, aged parents or just to keep an eye on things at home.
