The price is 50-75% less than Drop Cam, but how inferior is the quality?
1341714
It's really not a matter of Foscam being inferior to Dropcam. They have different attributes to do different things. Here's a brief comparative list: 1) Both have WiFi that supports the latest encryption. 2) Both can be accessed and controlled remotely by smartphone. 3) Both have night vision. 4) Both have 2-way audio. The speaker on the Foscam is a little weak. I can't speak to the quality of the Dropcam speaker. 5) Both are decent color cameras. 6) The Foscam is a standard definition MJPEG camera. With MJPEG, there is no compression. The Dropcam has two HD models with H.264 compression. 7) With the MJPEG Foscam, all frames are the same size. With the H.264 Dropcam, the compression can cause a variance in frame size with a possible loss of detail. 8) The Foscam will push up to 15 frames per second. The Dropcam will push up to 30 frames per second. 9) The Foscam will use less bandwidth due to the lower resolution and frame rate. The Dropcam can use up to .5 Mbps per camera. This can be significant with several cameras. 10) The Foscam is a pan and tilt camera with no zoom. However, the lens is interchangeable. The Dropcam has a digital zoom with no pan or tilt. 11) Both can detect motion and sound. The Foscam's algorithm is rather rudimentary. I can't speak for the Dropcam. 12) Both can send email alerts. 13) The Foscam can record video to wherever you wish. The Dropcam requires a subscription to their cloud service. This can get expensive. 14) Both are considered to be indoor cameras. However, I've had three Foscams mounted outside for three years. I can't speak for the Dropcam. 15) The Foscam is recognized by third party security programs such as Blue Iris and Evocam. The Dropcam is not. 16) The Foscam will be more difficult for the technically challenged to set up. The Dropcam is easy. 17) Overall, the Foscam is probably the more versatile of the two. The Dropcam takes a more canned approach in what it does. So, both are decent cameras with their pros and cons. It really boils down to what you want to do.
1286209
Like ejeff said, terribly polished product (cheap for a reason). You'd be better off saving a lot of money for a better quality camera.
1944483
The camera is OK, but I have definitely seen better. Keep in mind that technology has come a lot further, so it is in comparison.
1394398
the F90 is just more recent, but it seems like it has the same quality as the one I reviewed. I wouldn't recommend the Samsung camcorders right now.
1215331
I did not notice much degradation of the video. However, I have 600tvl cameras so they aren't great to begin with. Also, if you are not running it along a way, make sure you support the cable, mine sagged and finally snapped under the weight of it spanning a 75ft gap from my house to our chicken coop.
1981741
How much is the housing? If that camera is pretty decent and the housing costs equal or less than this camera, I would say go for the housing.
767134
Picture quality is all you would want from a product of this price. We have a system with four cameras so the system shows all four on the screen so the quality is reduced but hopefully the camaras themselves are a deterent and the quality is still good enough to identify who is in the shot. I am moving and leaving our system at our old house but will be purchasing the same system at our new place.
1584109
Pzo420 camera from security cam 2000. 12 volt and making a simple jumper cable with a servo connector (also available on securitycam2000's site) just select us warehouse then fpv area. Fast shipping and reliable product. As far as display it doesn't get cheaper than the quanum goggles from hobby king. In my opinion they are garbage but people use them. But I think your putting the cart in front of the horse. I'd ask what you really want to do. Full fpv? Proximity? Aerial photography? All of these things will change the interface you'll use. Different lenses for example. An osd if you plan on getting real time flight data. Decide these things. Make a purchase plan/ budget and go. And don't skimp on things . would it be wise to total a 800$ quad because you skimped and bought an unreliable display? Hit fpvlab or fpvhub. I think you'll end up just throwing money at the problem otherwise. Good luck. And just an FYI I'd recommended a tougher and cheaper to repair airframe if you are just learning fpv.
846653
If you go to cnet, they have a more detailed comparison between the two. I'll try a link here...http://www.cnet.com.au/camcorders/0,239035877,339272971,00.htm
1803157
Yes. However the quality will be "1990s" camcorder level. Or lower. It's not HD and is pretty low. But yes, you could make a very small one.
1706988
I would say, look at images of both cameras, if the controls are in the same places on both, go for it, if not, there is a 30 day return policy!
1946838
The Z100 creates decent looking 3D video, easily and at a very low cost. I wouldn't expect Avatar, but for $150, I think you know that. The Stereoscopic effect is strongest between 3 and 10 feet from the camera, but at longer distances you will see the 3D effect weaken. Beyond about 50 feet, everything just about flattens out. Also, the camera records split screen Left / Right eye by compressing both into half of the HD width, so you lose some resolution. That said...I love my Z100. It's a great entry point into 3D video, but don't expect Hollywood quality video. Search Youtube and you'll find examples of 3D footage shot with this cam. Judge for yourself.
300988
I wont call the video quality great, but it is decent. The sole purpose I bought the camera was for pictures and videos from a rugged, affordable camera. So far it has held it's end of the bargain
1253106
I've seen it for as cheap as $194 new. I don't care about the cost of the camera when it fries. I care about losing four out of fives days of photos of wilderness kayaking/snorkeling.
463517
this camera is not actually 700tvl quality is half that what they claim-so should the price. Any vid camera should work with that system if it you are sure the cameras went bad and not the system.
1614950
I don't know what you mean by a drop camera, but it should work in most installations.
1970716
Great Audio, Video if you know how to setup but it is very easy. I have tried Brickcom & other expensive cameras this is good quality at reat price. Spent days trying to get my brickcom work but returned as the tech support was not able to fix it in all versions of the web browser. Foscam is low grade and cheapest. Please stay away.