How do wireless IP network cameras work?

JulyKnot

People on here mentioned these to me a while back as an alternative to what I currently use and I'm re-considering it again.

I understand that to remotely access the camera from phones etc, internet allowance would be used up but would the same apply from within the home network?

So if camera permanently recording to pc software, would internet allowance be used?

worried_jim

Yes. Do you have a limit on your package?

USM

No this is incorrect - if you are only recording and viewing internally and not viewing from outside the home, your internet allowance will not be used.

JulyKnot

Yes I have a limit of 10 Gb.

Who is right?

And does anyone have any recommendations? I've seen some with pan and tilt for under £30 and others in the £100 -200 range.

Thinking of giving the 30 quid one a go

bluesnake

Yes and no.

It depends on how you set it up and the software you use.

How much it sends out, or stores depends on picture quality and how sensitive you make the area(s) it covers, and how much action takes place.

sometimes it is better to record to disk, then download the video file and fast forward.

What exactly do you want to use it for, and monitor?

kwikbreaks

You only use internet allowance if you view them from the web. No internal network transfers of any kind use your internet allowanace. With a 10GB limit you probably don't want to use any external access so don't open up the ports you use for the cameras in your router.

I seriously doubt you'll find any IP camera for £30 let alone pan and tilt. You can get reasonable quality CCTV dome cameras for £30 but they are not IP and nor can they be remotely directed.

JulyKnot

This is what I was looking at.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wireless-camera-Pan-Tilt-2-ways/dp/B00432J56G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1364042532&sr=8-1

Currently using webcam on window sill to see who is causing mischief when no one at home.

But considering above as a new pet monitor and when no longer needed for that seeing if it would replace current cctv setup.

alanwsg

Something like this?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wireless-WiFi-Security-SPY-IP-CAM-CCTV-Internet-Lan-Surveillance-CMOS-IR-Camera-/250987931734?pt=UK_CCTV&hash=item3a700be856

I have one in the garden for spotting the badgers (BTW, it's NOT waterproof).
I can use it over my local (Wifi and/or LAN) network without affecting my BB usage cap.
I can also view it from outside (E.g. on my smartphone) but that uses a fair bit of BB traffic.

paulofessex

Most IP cams can be set to take photos when someone enters a range of area which you can set. This photo can if set up correctly be emailed to you straight away. This is handy with respect of not having to have it recording 24/7 to a pc. You can set it remotely to record to your pc should the emailed photo give you concern.

I have ip cams indoors however l much prefer the dvr for the wired CCTV cameras outside

JulyKnot

alanwsg wrote: »

Something like this?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wireless-WiFi-Security-SPY-IP-CAM-CCTV-Internet-Lan-Surveillance-CMOS-IR-Camera-/250987931734?pt=UK_CCTV&hash=item3a700be856

I have one in the garden for spotting the badgers (BTW, it's NOT waterproof).
I can use it over my local (Wifi and/or LAN) network without affecting my BB usage cap.
I can also view it from outside (E.g. on my smartphone) but that uses a fair bit of BB traffic.

That looks very similar to what I was looking at on Amazon.And it sounds as though you are using it how I would want to ( except I am not expecting it work after dark due to window being in the way)

JulyKnot

paulofessex wrote: »

Most IP cams can be set to take photos when someone enters a range of area which you can set. This photo can if set up correctly be emailed to you straight away. This is handy with respect of not having to have it recording 24/7 to a pc. You can set it remotely to record to your pc should the emailed photo give you concern.

I have ip cams indoors however l much prefer the dvr for the wired CCTV cameras outside

I currently use vitaminD software and that has that facility but when I tried the email bit, it missed the event ( empty photo) so that's why I just let it run permanently and then review.