Advice needed - IP Cameras

[Boothy]

Evening folks.

I'm expecting my first child in May and have been looking into the world of baby monitors, specifically the use of IP cameras for doing this. Having looked into this it doesn't seem quite as straight forward as I first though and was hoping that somebody on here might have experience with doing the same thing?

What I want to know really is the following:

- will any IP camera be suitable for the job?
- how secure are they, do i need a password protected camera etc? I don't want some degenerate eyeballing my child.
- how easy are they to set up and what are the potential issues?
- recommended software for viewing on PC and Andriod smart phone?

All help greatly appreciated.

Boothy 

[andrewparker]

Why do you want an IP camera? Won't a normal baby monitor suffice?

FWIW We have this one - http://www.monitormybaby.co.uk/products/BT-Baby-Monitor-and-Pacifier.html?gclid=CMz_iomlorQCFXHLtAodJjAAwg

[Boothy]

Yeah a normal monitor will do the job but I can get an IP camera for £30 with nigh vision and fancied the next level of monitoring. Its also handy for perving on the babysitter!

[zerolag]

I've been looking at IP cameras too, but like you have found it a bit of a mine field.

I think the quality of pic will come down to the quality and size of the sensor.

The security will be sorted by WPA2, so no doubt safe enough.

I don't really want to spend a lot on this, but fear that without some cash thrown at it, your going to get cr@p pic quality.

Not sure what these are like:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wireless-camera-Pan-Tilt-2-ways/dp/B00432J56G/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

[zerolag]

Or the nightview one: http://www.amazon.co.uk/webcam-Internet-infrated-Nightview-Wireless/dp/B003VUY5PW/ref=pd_sim_ce_4

[andrewparker]

The most important thing with a baby monitor is that it measures room temperature. I wouldn't buy one that doesn't.

If you're really bothered about an IP camera I'd only buy one to supplement a proper baby monitor, most certainly not instead of it. But to be honest I think the novelty would be short lived.

[scopes]

Yeah a normal monitor will do the job but I can get an IP camera for £30 with nigh vision and fancied the next level of monitoring. Its also handy for perving on the babysitter!

 

                                                                

[zerolag]

Quite like this one too; seems to work well on iPad, has nightvision and pan and tilt: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Foscam-FI8918W-Wireless-Camera-Viewing/dp/B0046710G6/ref=cm_cmu_pg__header

What are you shooting for?

[Boothy]

Been looking at the ones on Amazon too. Reviews seem to be petty good.

The most important thing with a baby monitor is that it measures room temperature. I wouldn't buy one that doesn't.

If you're really bothered about an IP camera I'd only buy one to supplement a proper baby monitor, most certainly not instead of it. But to be honest I think the novelty would be short lived.

This was going to be the case anyway mate but thanks for the heads up  

[zerolag]

Foscam FI8910W seems to do everything I want it to... a bit more than I wanted to spend but reviews seem good.  Does anyone really know about this stuff?

[neg]

We've had the BT 150 (older unit) for both our kids, works well and picks up everything you need to hear.  I thought about a camera but never got round to it - if your going to do it, do it before they arrive!

[rich83]

Yeah a normal monitor will do the job but I can get an IP camera for £30 with nigh vision and fancied the next level of monitoring. Its also handy for perving on the babysitter!

I wouldnt want some degenerate eyeballing my daughter whilst she is babysitting.....   

[Lone_Par]

Agree with Andrew, a simple monitor with temp sensor is all that's required. Appreciate your desire for that extra level of reassurance but I think all these cameras are overkill IMHO.

[GTImike]

We've got a set of these which are quite handy

http://www.babymonitorsdirect.co.uk/products/380/Motorola-MBP28-Digital-Baby-Monitor-with-2-Cameras-.html

Had a BT 150 with our daughter when she was a baby three years ago and it was fine when working but it packed up after 12 months. This Motorola one has two colour/night vision camera's, a colour base unit with decent range/battery, temperature read out, intercom, lullabies etc all for £75.00.

It does give peace of mind now that we've had our little boy six months ago as he has a tendency to pull blankets into his mouth so we can keep an eye on that without having to venture across the creaky landing waking them up, plus the second camera is good to give our little girl (3 and half) a gentle roasting if she is playing in her bedroom rather than going to sleep.   

I was a bit sceptical about the need for one before we had our boy but a total convert now, handy till they are about 18 months old IMO

[andrewparker]

It does give peace of mind now that we've had our little boy six months ago as he has a tendency to pull blankets into his mouth so we can keep an eye on that without having to venture across the creaky landing waking them up, plus the second camera is good to give our little girl (3 and half) a gentle roasting if she is playing in her bedroom rather than going to sleep.   

That's where sleeping bags are useful. Do you take the blanket off him when you go to sleep?