Wireless Camera Review

A wireless camera is a standalone device that connects directly to a wireless local area network (LAN) to provide realtime video that can be viewed from anywhere in the world. Once the camera is connected, users can view live video feeds from any web browser or mobile device. While most wireless cameras are used for security purposes, they can also be used to keep an eye on children and pets at home or employees in an office. Basic wireless IP cameras constitute an affordable, easy-to-use and realtime surveillance solution for both residences and small businesses.

Wireless Cameras: What to Look For

Today's wireless cameras are truly plug-and-play devices with zero or very simple configuration. But with so many on the market, determining which ones will give you the most bang for your buck and few technical headaches can be difficult. To pinpoint those most cost-effective and easy-to-use cameras, we determined four principal rating criteria including camera features, recording and viewing options, ease of use, and help and support. Based on these criteria (outlined below), we found the best overall wireless cameras to be the Foscam F18918W Wireless IP Camera, the Linksys WVC80N Wireless-N Internet Home Monitoring Camera and the SecurView Wireless Internet Camera Day/Night TV-IP121W. For further information on these devices, browse through our articles on wireless cameras.

Features
Each camera in our lineup possesses a range of features that make both configuration and application of the device simple. Firstly, we evaluated the design functionalities of each camera including maximum resolution, audio capabilities and max viewing angle, all of which determine the overall output quality of the camera. We also looked for features that enhanced usability, like infrared LEDs for night vision, digital zoom and the ability to take still images.

Just as important are elements that foster convenience and ease of use such as remote management capability, multi-level user management and email alerts (sent when a camera's motion detection is triggered). In a similar vein, we looked for Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) support. This means the camera adheres to certain specifications that enable automatic device-to-device networking, making setup of the camera (i.e., connecting it to a wireless network's router) quick and easy.

Recording & Viewing Options
Most wireless IP cameras offer two primary configurations that can be customized based on a user's preferences: recording of video or streaming live feeds. A live video feed is sent over a wireless network and can be viewed from a remote web browser or internet-enabled mobile device. While some wireless cameras support all smartphones and other mobile devices (e.g., the iPad), other cameras only support a few select devices.

To record video, the wireless CCTV camera system can be configured to record continuously, at scheduled times or if motion detection is triggered. Since most wireless IP cameras do not have internal DVR, they can either record footage to a local hard drive on the network or upload footage and pictures to a website via FTP. Many of the wireless cameras in our lineup boast several of the recording and viewing options outlined above.

Under this category we also assessed the internet connectivity of each camera. We looked at the wireless networks each supported, Wi-Fi encryption support, and whether or not it had an Ethernet port to give users the flexibility of a hardwired connection.

Ease of Use
The best wireless cameras are those that remove the steep learning curve often associated with complex, high-tech devices. We looked for easy-to-use cameras that require minimal configuration and boast intuitive setup and simple operation. Additionally, a camera's graphical interface accessible from web browsers should be easy to navigate and offer some remote management capabilities, like the ability to zoom or change the camera's resolution.

Help & Support
As easy as wireless security cameras may be to set up and use, comprehensive help and support options are essential to ensure smooth installation and use of the camera. In addition to the typical contact information offered by manufacturers (e.g., email addresses, toll-free telephone, etc.), we looked for the warranties offered with each product and whether or not complimentary software to connect the camera to a network was included, as opposed to being sold separately. We also looked for technical resources offered on the manufacturer's website, such as troubleshooting guides and product manuals.

Top-notch wireless cameras are those that boast robust features, several recording and viewing options, comprehensive help and support and simplified ease of use. Our side-by-side matrix and product reviews delve deep into each of these rating categories to help users find a camera that fits their needs.

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