Author Topic: Which Web Cam is the best to buy. Pan, Tint, Zoom (Read 17824 times)

ronnygriffith · « **on:** July 09, 2007, 07:17:21 PM »

I would like to add a web cam to my weather page. I'm using the Davis VP wireless station and Weather Display software to upload to my site. I would like an inexpensive, not cheap, cam that will Pan, Tint, Zoom and have a good quality picture. Is there a site that reviews these?

Thanks

Ron

ncpilot · « **Reply #1 on:** July 09, 2007, 07:37:11 PM »

What's "inexpensive"?

I don't think you can get into a "webcam" with optical zoom for less than about $500, give or take. The reason I say "webcam" is that most likely you'll only find a network cam with an optical zoom... at least I've never seen a true USB webcam with optical zoom...

Don't have the model numbers handy, but Toshiba, Panasonic, Axis, Hawking, etc... all make optical zoom cameras. Easiest just to Google something, or look on Amazon, at least for pricing...

We have several members with zoom cams, hopefully they'll chime in soon...

Dragonfly · « **Reply #2 on:** July 09, 2007, 08:01:15 PM »

I have also been looking and found these two. For some reason I am leaning more towards the Linksys. Check out the video review half way down the page for the WVC200.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1956234&CatId=1925

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2074982&Sku=L48-2476&SRCCODE=PRICEGRABBER&CMP=OTC-PRICEGRABBER

SLOweather · « **Reply #3 on:** July 09, 2007, 09:49:12 PM »

Quote from: "ronnygriffith"

I would like an inexpensive, not cheap, cam that will Pan, Tint, Zoom and have a good quality picture. Is there a site that reviews these?

Thanks

Ron

Heh, this reminds me of the sign in the printing shop, "Our work is Good, Cheap, Fast. Pick any two."

Inexpensive, PTZ, Good Image, pick any two...

I like the Panasonic KX-HCM280A .

• 21x optical zoom
• CCD image sensor
• Analog video output
• 0.09 lux night view mode
• Up to 30 frames per second
• External I/O

But spendy... $749.00

NoQuitters · « **Reply #4 on:** July 09, 2007, 11:12:21 PM »

I've got a Toshiba IK-WB15A which is a PTZ network cam. Works great, never had any issues at all. I have been thinking about upgrading and would be willing to make someone a good deal on the Toshiba if they were interested. Less than a year old, still have the box and all paperwork. Here's a link to the info page: http://www.toshibasecurity.com/products/prod_camera_detail_ikwb15a.jsp and here's the link to the camera: http://64.136.200.208:8383/user/cgi-bin/view_S_u.thtml

But as was already stated, what do you consider inexpensive and I have never seen anything but a network cam that was PTZ.

ncpilot · « **Reply #5 on:** July 10, 2007, 09:59:02 AM »

Digital zoom is about as useful as tits on a borehog.....

The Linksys has digital zoom, hence the low price.

I am personally against any camera that can only be viewed remotely via IE and ActiveX, just too limiting in my opinion... so read the specs closely for viewing requirements.

Also, while more limiting, a wired camera will just about guarantee better framerates, versus a wireless... depends on what you want/need...

I can't recall reading anything bad about the Panasonic or Toshiba mentioned...

I've looked for a long time, and have yet come to a decision about how I'd like to provide images (when I ever finally redesign my weather page away from the standard WeatherLink template...).

In the end, cost is going to be similar for either:

1) Using analog wired cameras (like bullet cams, etc...) running into a video capture card in the computer

2) Network cam (still most likely wired for maximum frame rates)

Not even talking about PTZ yet, although available in either configuration.

What's nice about network cams is that they are standalone, usually easily accessible externally (outside your LAN), and easy to set up and configure.

Option 1 would involve not only the hardware, but software for monitoring. I've been considering a combination of using this option for home security monitoring, in addition to having one or two cams for weather pictures. Seems the big players are Geovision and VideoInsight for card/software. Using the software probably isn't as difficult as WeatherDisplay

, but probably not as simple as using a network cam.

Also, for stability, it's recommended that a dedicated computer be used for video monitoring for stability--starting to get into overkill if you just want a single cam for weather pictures... But just think, once you get a video card, adding a basic bullet cam would cost maybe around $100, you could start adding cams facing all the ordinal compass points...

I'll help you spend your money...

capeweather · « **Reply #6 on:** July 11, 2007, 12:04:42 PM »

You could always go the cheap route and buy a Logitech for under 100 bucks. I've been really satisfied with the image quality on all my cams even though they are not PTZ. The only reason I did not want to buy a PTZ was because that's just another thing that could break. A lot of guys on the forum run Logitech so you may want to take a look around to see if the image quality is good enough for you.

WeatherHost · « **Reply #7 on:** July 12, 2007, 03:47:42 AM »

I'm looking too, but towards a higher end unit. My needs:

Most of what I have found has been in excess of $2,500, but I have found a few in the $1,500 to $2,000 range.

I have one such camera in place now, but it is wired RS-485, will not elevate above about 80Deg, and is only about 100' from the control point. Good for watching traffic and roads, but not for weather since you can't elevate it up towards the sky.

anchorageweather · « **Reply #8 on:** July 12, 2007, 09:20:48 AM »

Quote from: "ncpilot"

What's "inexpensive"?

"55 bucks":

Click thumb for Full Size

No tilt, zoom, etc - heck it won't even stream

But the pictures pretty good

Quote from: "SLOweather"

Heh, this reminds me of the sign in the printing shop, "Our work is Good, Cheap, Fast. Pick any two."

Thats great!

ncpilot · « **Reply #9 on:** July 12, 2007, 09:26:13 AM »

That's quite a list of specs...

People in this forum: http://www.cctvforum.com/ would be happy to suggest some solutions, since you understand that those specs will require some serious $$...

You might also want to consider getting away from the 802.11 protocol and going to a dedicated transmission system available on a variety of frequency bands, where you can have more power, and more easily cover the distance desired. You can still have PTZ control...

Do the solutions you found use an integrated PT mechanism? The other consideration is a separate PT unit, to which you attach a zoom camera, might give you more elevation range...

Check out: http://tobaccovilleweather.com/about.htm , one of our forum members... he has quite a camera setup...

Check out this site: http://www.scdlink.com , they've got some cool stuff... easier to find in the catalog, but they have many transceiver solutions for long range needs...

anchorageweather · « **Reply #10 on:** July 12, 2007, 09:46:47 AM »

Quote from: "ncpilot"

Check out: http://tobaccovilleweather.com/about.htm , one of our forum members... he has quite a camera setup...

I gotta say, I have always thought that tobaccovilleweather.com's skycam video is the coolest "time lapse" weather video I've seen.

talbert1952 · « **Reply #11 on:** July 12, 2007, 07:44:41 PM »

Quote from: "anchorageweather"

I gotta say, I have always thought that tobaccovilleweather.com's skycam video is the coolest "time lapse" weather video I've seen.

Thanks for the complement.

WeatherHost · « **Reply #12 on:** July 13, 2007, 05:39:30 AM »

The Axis 211 with that mount won't for me since I need it mounted remotely with wireless PTZ control.

I had a few bookmarked but they must be on the other PC.

talbert1952 · « **Reply #13 on:** July 13, 2007, 11:22:31 AM »

Quote from: "WeatherHost"

The Axis 211 with that mount won't for me since I need it mounted remotely with wireless PTZ control.

I had a few bookmarked but they must be on the other PC.

Look at the Toshiba IK-WB21A. It is a very nice PTZ network camera with a 22x optical zoom lens. The IK-WB21A produces much better images than the Axis 211. Unfortunately the Toshiba outdoor enclosure is designed for pole mounting looking down and isn't suitable for a sky cam. I am still investigating a solution.

There is a live Toshiba IK-WB21A demo here. http://www.camerawebpage.com/ Viewing the demo requires IE and installation of an ActiveX control.

SLOweather · « **Reply #14 on:** July 13, 2007, 01:25:43 PM »

Quote from: "talbert1952"

I am still investigating a solution.

I mounted my first PT network cam in a yard light globe. It was wireless via a Linksys access point in client mode. I'm considering remounting my Panasonic PTZ upright in a smaller globe to get above-horizontal ability. That camera certainly doesn't need the 14" globe that this Axis 2100 on a Surveyor Transit mount did.

racenet · « **Reply #15 on:** July 13, 2007, 02:18:10 PM »

Quote from: "talbert1952"

Look at the Toshiba IK-WB21A. It is a very nice PTZ network camera with a 22x optical zoom lens. The IK-WB21A produces much better images than the Axis 211. Unfortunately the Toshiba outdoor enclosure is designed for pole mounting looking down and isn't suitable for a sky cam. I am still investigating a solution.

I have been looking at PTZ cams for several months now and the IK-WB21A is the one I finally chose. Believe me, there are so many to choose from, which makes it very hard to decide. The 21A seemed to offer more bang for the buck though. Hope to have it in before cold weather hits. Wanted to have something in this Spring, but that didn't happen. All in good time.....

Bob

WeatherHost · « **Reply #16 on:** July 13, 2007, 08:41:05 PM »

Quote

I mounted my first PT network cam in a yard light globe.

Don't you have a problem with heat buildup in there?

This is what I'd LIKE to do, or something similar, but these are above $3,000

http://www.webcamstore.com/professional/product.php?systemid=115

SLOweather · « **Reply #17 on:** July 13, 2007, 10:51:43 PM »

Quote from: "WeatherHost"

Don't you have a problem with heat buildup in there?

I guess not. That was my original Axis 2100 and it spent at least 3 Central California years in that bubble to no apparent ill affects. It's still running in a different enclosure. I think heat buildup might be overrated.

It wouldn't be hard to add a DC fan to ventilate to the plastic globe though, or a vent on top. Over the years I've been told all sorts of horror stories about running CCD cams outdoors, even by mfr reps (overheating, ruining the CCD, etc). Short of aiming the camera at the sun, I haven't wrecked a camera yet. In total, including all of my cameras, I probably have close to 20 camera-years of experience.

YMMV.

racenet · « **Reply #18 on:** July 13, 2007, 10:58:09 PM »

My problem wouldn't be heat. It would be extreme cold and snow. A bubble like that would give a fantastic view, no doubt, but would be frozen solid and covered in snow for quite awhile. I wonder what the operation hour failure rate is on normal heated enclosures. It would still be heating at night up here in July.

Bob

talbert1952 · « **Reply #19 on:** July 14, 2007, 01:31:55 PM »

Quote from: "SLOweather"

I mounted my first PT network cam in a yard light globe. It was wireless via a Linksys access point in client mode. I'm considering remounting my Panasonic PTZ upright in a smaller globe to get above-horizontal ability. That camera certainly doesn't need the 14" globe that this Axis 2100 on a Surveyor Transit mount did.

That looks like a solution. Who manufactures the pole lamp? How good are the optical characteristics of the globe?

Anole · « **Reply #20 on:** October 29, 2007, 08:32:40 PM »

Far too late to help the original poster, but I have to say I'm very pleased with the Toshiba IK-WB15A. PoE was one of my requirements for a web cam given where I wanted to put it.

The only real complaint I have is the IE centric nature of it's web interface.

WeatherHost · « **Reply #21 on:** October 31, 2007, 08:36:16 AM »

My biggest issue with any of these posted so far like the Toshiba is the Tilt elevation is limited to 90degress or lower. I really need one to go at leat 10degrees above that to be able to look at the sky above the horizon due to distant trees and other terrain issues.

That and the wireless distance issue mentioned before; has to be at least 2,000 feet reliably which will probably require a high gain panel/directional antenna.

talbert1952 · « **Reply #22 on:** October 31, 2007, 09:24:55 AM »

Quote from: WeatherHost on October 31, 2007, 08:36:16 AM

My biggest issue with any of these posted so far like the Toshiba is the Tilt elevation is limited to 90degress or lower. I really need one to go at leat 10degrees above that to be able to look at the sky above the horizon due to distant trees and other terrain issues.

The Toshiba IK-WB21A tilts from +30° to -90° in ceiling mount mode and from -30° to +90° in desktop mode.

News:

Author Topic: Which Web Cam is the best to buy. Pan, Tint, Zoom (Read 17824 times)