Best Entry-Level Streaming Video

This camera has been around a while, and I have been using it (actually a pair of them) for a year and a half, and there still isn't anything better for the price. In short, this humble camera is a real breakthrough. Since it's still selling well after two years, I decided to go ahead and review it.

First off, this is not a webcam -- it's an Internet camera. Meaning it has its own built-in web server and will serve streaming video to the Net without additional software. That's where the breakthrough is. Where are the other manufacturers so far?

Now, my cameras are the DCS-900W (802.11b wireless) version of this camera -- not the Ethernet version. I'm mystified as to why Epinions has never listed the wireless version for review, especially since the Ethernet version is almost useless for most applications for which this camera was designed. How many homes have Cat 5 wiring to every location you'd want to set up an Internet camera? (Reminder, this isn't a webcam.) While the 900W may be used in Ethernet mode, its real value is its wireless capability.

I do have Cat 5 wiring in my home -- but not where I wanted my cameras. And I needed to keep an eye on my back yard while at work during pool construction. The sunroom was the most logical place to place the cameras. But my sunroom isn't wired. So I needed a wireless surveillance camera that streams video, but the cost is prohibitive. I researched and found the DCS-900W, cheap enough to buy two to give a try, and even if unsatisfactory, I wouldn't be out that much.

So far so good -- the pool was finished long ago, but I still use the cameras to check in on my dog while at work, and they're still going strong. I've also used to stream video of a cooking demonstration.

Setup and configuration requires a broadband connection and some basic knowledge of port forwarding and local area networking. If you get the 900W, you'll also need a home wireless router and familiarity with wireless networking. Even with this familiarity, you may run into problems, as I did, but the solutions may be found on the Net from other users or from D-Link (they were very helpful with me). Take lots of notes and keep a notebook binder of everything you do. The documentation is pretty good, and with luck, that's all you'll need. But if not, don't give up. I got mine working after lots of inquiries and now have no problems. But the setup details are far beyond the scope of this review, and besides, the manual can be downloded from the D-Link website.

The supplied software (IPView Lite) and camera web server interface leave much to be desired, and the camera would receive a much higher rating from me with only some minor improvements in each. Hardware is important, but software is key. Does it seem these guys don't talk to each other? Whether using the web or IPView Lite to change camera settings, the response is extremely slow.

To view streaming video, your browser will need either Java or ActiveX installed. Also, the camera server not only requires the standard HTTP port 80, but an image transfer port (such as 8080). Many corporate firewalls block image transfer ports, so unless you can get your IT department to open them, you won't be able to monitor your camera from your office.

Image quality is fair, best in medium-light (outdoor) conditions, worst in low-light conditions. Susceptible to glare, so placement is important. You might be able to view one of my cameras at http://rickcooks.com/viewcam/