Cheap Wall/Ceiling Mount IP Cams

cparker · Post by **cparker** » Wed Oct 11, 2006 10:12 pm

I've recently entered the market for multiple (up to 10) wall/ceiling mount IP cameras. Someone recommended I try out ZoneMinder for a software solution, and after review, I'm pretty sure this is the route I'm going to go down.

The cheapest IP camera I've found is D-Link's DCS-900, however it doesn't seem as though it could be mounted on a wall or on the ceiling. This is a requirement for the cameras I need. I've considered USB cameras, but the rooms I need monitored are pretty far apart; farther than the maximum allowable length for a USB cable. So, I'm stuck with purchasing more expensive IP cameras.

I'm prepared to run Cat-5/6 cabling to the rooms, so wired cameras are fine (actually, wired is preferred over wireless). I'd really like to go as cheap as possible. I have about a $1,000 spending limit.

All that said, can anyone recommend a camera or two to me for consideration?

Thanks.

jameswilson · Post by **jameswilson** » Wed Oct 11, 2006 10:14 pm

im sure you will have read it but my recomendation is axis as they just work, yeah there a bit more money but worth it long term. Gadspot seem to be ok from info on here. And stay away fvrom the dlink, i see so many posts of issues with these cams im suprised you have settled on it

Flash_ · Post by **Flash_** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 6:24 am

D-Link = Bad.

I seem to recall they won't work with Zoneminder (or any mjpeg-based software), but as a general policy I've found it's far less frustrating to simply not buy dlink or linksys for anything.

Budget route - check out Gadspot.

Best route - still Axis, as James says.

Ceiling mounting - many cameras will rotate the image before it's sent, either 90 or 180 degrees, which allows you to mount upside down etc. They should all have bases that can be screwed down and some degree of fixable angle. The only real issue is the cosmetic one, and if that's a biggie then buy some empty domes to hide it.

cparker · Post by **cparker** » Thu Oct 12, 2006 1:44 pm

I've checked out the GadSpot Web site, and it seems like the GS9684 is going to be the camera I'm going with. The Axis Web site doesn't list prices, so that's pretty useless to me.

One concern I have, though, is that all of the GadSpot cameras I've looked at seem to require Windows/IE. Is this true, or do they just say that because Windows/IE is guaranteed?

Flash_ · Post by **Flash_** » Fri Oct 13, 2006 6:04 am

Axis don't supply direct - google for a supplier in America (I only use UK ones).

Gadspots supply a standard jpeg and mjpeg feeds - which is what ZM and I imagine most similar tools need.

On mine (Pan/tilt 1600) ActiveX /is/ required for operating the pan and tilt via webbrowser, although it may be possible via other commands. Also the IP-setting software used for initial config is windows only, but you can bypass that too.

If you've questions about a specific camera, try their support email. At least in the UK it was answered promptly and accurately.

cparker · Post by **cparker** » Tue Oct 17, 2006 8:45 pm

I contacted a local Axis dealer, and when I told them my requirements, they laughed at me and hung up. So much for customer service!!!!

So, GadSpot it is... I'm considering their four current IP camera offerings <$100:

GS800: http://www.gadspot.com/product_info.php?products_id=29
GS1000: http://www.gadspot.com/product_info.php?products_id=30
GS1200: http://www.gadspot.com/product_info.php?products_id=56
GS9684: http://www.gadspot.com/product_info.php?products_id=72

Out of these four, would anyone recommend one over the others?

cparker · Post by **cparker** » Wed Nov 01, 2006 3:07 pm

I called GadSpot Sales and inquired about their cameras that would work with ZoneMinder on "Linux", and I think I stumped the salesperson. They'd never heard of ZoneMinder. Well, they have now!!!

The salesperson said that all of their IP cameras supply at least an M-JPEG feed which can be accessed directly. I didn't know what "3G Video" was regarding the GS9684, so I asked. The salesperson told me that the "3G" stands for "third-generation" and it refers to the new-fangled cell phones from companies like Helio (Ha! I said it! The Helio is a cell phone!!!) or Amp'd, and that 3G phones are more popular in Europe and Asia. So, I ruled out the GS9684...

With the remaining three cameras, it seemed like the major differences were in price, so I just went with the least expensive. I purchased a GS800 and it is supposed to arrive today in 5 hours. If I can get ZoneMinder working either on my Debian box or my Ubuntu laptop (we have a dog-and-pony in 7 hours), I'll let everyone know how it goes! Worst-case-scenario, I just embed the video feed from the GS800 directly in a Web site, as it seems like the clients really just want to see flashy and not so much functional right now.