Foscam F19821W V2 Review – Is It A Good Buy?

This is Foscam’s upgrade to the FI8910W. The Foscam FI9821W V2 (black) camera now features HD recording (1280 x 720p). It also features a built in DVR courtesy of a 32GB SD card (not supplied). It has the same functions as it’s predecessor;

FI9821W V2 Specs & Features

• Supports all standard Internet browsers (for live streaming of video footage)
• Uses H.264 Compression for high quality low disk usage files
• Can be used with mobile surveillance app TinyCam monitor & Live Cams Pro or view on On Safari, Chrome & Firefox
• Weighs a spritely 1.5 pounds
• The dimensions of the FI9821W are 21.1 x 18 x 13.5 cm (8 x 6.5 x 5 inches)
• LED & Night time footage viewable at 8 meters away
• No monthly monitoring contracts needed as records straight to SD + streams live
• Warning alerts sent if camera detects motion
• Features IR-Cut filter which captures true life like color video tones
• Wi-Fi standards IEEE 802.11b/g/n networks with WPA2 Encryption Security
• Built in audio jack input for attaching external microphone
• 2-way audio system for communicating with loved ones or personnel near the camera
• Great email and free after sales phone support (can even remotely set up your camera) + step by step video tutorials
• Smartphone/Tablet Compatible
• Comes with – network cable, wi-fi antennae,mounting bracket, power supply, user manual and installation CD.
• 2.8 mm wide angle lens with 70° viewing angle
• Stream Audio & Video Across Your Wi-fi network, view on On Chrome, Firefox, and Safari
  

Meet The Foscam FI9821W Network Camera

A very cheap camera (usually sub $85) that is aimed at the home/small business market. It primarily targets the home environment and Foscam market it as a device for keeping an eye on your home or as a baby monitor. It records 2 way audio so if you want to monitor elderly parents for example you can talk directly into the system. Remind them first or you just might freak them out.

The advantages of an IP network camera is that you can stream the footage live over the internet and log into each separate camera if you use a multi cam set up.

App Support

Access your footage without logging into a computer with Live Cams Pro for iPhone  and TinyCam Monitor for Android devices. Software like Blue Iris and VLC player can be used to watch your footage on PC’s.

Is The Foscam Fi9821w A Bandwidth Hog?

Thanks to H2.64 compression which is a professional video industry standard even used by high end video production companies and online services, working along with a decreased bandwidth streaming system, the Foscam FI9821W V2 can easily stream footage across your wi-fi system without a tremendous time lag, and without eating up all your bandwidth.

This is ideal, if you get a warning email or text sent to you, the ability of seeing images almost in real time is what you want to have. As it records in HD you will be able to view your images with more detail and clarity, the advantages are welcomed if you are viewing on a larger screen. The chipset is faster in this camera than the SD version to cope with the demands of HD recording.

Does The Foscam Fi9821w V2 Have Motion Detection Technology?

The Foscam fi9821w version 2 is also equipped with motion detection recording which will not also save recording space on your hard drive, but it will also alert you by email if it suspects a breach of security.

Foscam FI9821w Quick Installation Wireless Setup Guide

The FI9821w is simple to get up and running. Like all the best modern wireless devices coming out over the last 12 months you can connect the camera to your wireless network by pressing the WPS (wi-fi protected set up) button at the back of the camera. You need a WPS compatible router for the one-button network link up. Next you configure the set up port-forwarding options and your camera is ready.

If you are unsure about port forwarding all the info is available on Foscam’s official site plus all the latest firmware updates for your camera.

Foscam FI9821w Demo Tutorial

Here’s some more info on how to set up any Foscam IP camera to watch outside your home on Android devices or iPhone or on a computer.

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Foscam FI9821W V2 Review Summary

A good improvement over the exceptional FI8910W and not a massive increase in the price. Foscam know they are on to a good thing here so no need to upset loyal customers with a huge price spike due to the HD upgrade.

Yes the processor speed and the SD card additions in the Foscam FI9821W V2 were inevitable but welcomed improvements.

If you would prefer higher-res images (who doesn’t and the picture quality of the fi9821w is worth the upgrade ) this is a good upgrade or a good first time buy if you need a cheap security camera.

Very easy to view footage and audio over any net browser. The FI9821W V2 can also be mounted outdoors and for some tips as to secure and protect your camera (s) see here.

Foscam FI9828W Wireless Outdoor Camera

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Foscam FI8910W – Is it Any Good?

The FOSCAM FI8910W Wireless IP Video camera is a very popular Pan & Tilt camera. It is extremely versatile and as it is wireless you can stream footage directly to your PC or smartphone. This unit sells in bucket loads and it is extremely reliable. It captures high quality video clips and very good audio recordings, plus you can record night time video thanks to 11 on-board infrared LEDs.

The FI8910W video camera improves the success of its predecessor the Foscam FI8918W, {FOSCAM have released the FI9821W V2 which is a newer version of this camera that records in HD. You can see our FI9821W V2 review here}, identifying itself with an embedded IR-Cut filter which produces enhanced image & color tones. It immediately responds to ambient lighting conditions and readjusts it’s aperture or lets the LEDs kick in. At night it can record up to 26 feet away. It records at a resolution of 640 x 480 (300 000) pixels.

Features

• Built in Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n)  – Wired connection also included
• 0.3 MP Image Sensor
• R cut-off filter for delivering real, exact shades that are not washed out
• 2 Way Audio Monitoring System + input jack for external microphone
• 300° Pan and 120° Tilt Function
• 3.6 mm Wide Angle Lens
• Aperture opens to f2.4
• WEP, WPA, WPA2 Wireless Encryption
• Infrared Activity Detection- system contacts you with e-mail warning notice and footage uploaded through FTP.
• Easy to set-up with a straightforward visual user interface.
• Up To 9 Cameras Can Be Simultaneously Controlled Via Multi-user interface..
• WEP, WPA/ WPA2 Security assisted.
• Dynamic IP+ DYNDNS.org Support.
• Password Protected Multiple User Log-ins.

The black FOSCAM FI8910W Wireless IP Video camera records high quality video clips with the added bonuses of making  a good job of recording audio with the in built microphone. Its wireless connectivity and simple connection to your wi-fi system, means you’ll be streaming pictures over the internet in no time. Runs off Windows 2000 onwards and OSX. Supports Android, iPhones, Blackberry’s and all usual devices.

Comes with a 2 year replacement parts and labor warranty. Free firmware updates to counteract software security threats are provided on a regular basis. (Read up on CCTV hacker threats here). There is step by step video tutorials and an internet forum to help you with set up and remote monitoring. There is also good telephone and email support. If you get into diffs the support staff can can gain access to your camera and control it over the net and configure it correctly for you.The best thing about the customer support is that it is free for the lifetime of your product, and that includes telephone support.

Preparing Your FI8910W For Outdoor Use

Will the FI8910W work as an outdoor surveillance camera? Many people mount the camera outdoors WITHOUT a protective weather housing and seem to get on just fine. Try that in Minnesota though and I’m not so sure. If you don’t want to buy a weather proof housing try this to protect your security camera.

Mount it upside down with a 6″ diameter piece of rubber sheeting (search plumbing section in Home Depot). Sandwich this between the bottom of the camera and the mount. The rubber will protect the camera from water and frost and act as a drip shield.

For added shelter mount it under your porch or a protected eave to check out who’s calling or snooping around your house. The best thing is, if you are away at work the system will email you if it detects motion. That way you can have a quick scan at your smartphone to see if everything’s ok.

Foscam FI8910W Review Summary

A very handy portable IP camera for keeping an eye on your home whilst your are at the office or away for the night. Easy set up and live streaming over the internet, pan & tilt functions & night vision recording are big advantages for buying such a cheap camera. These elements are usually found in much more expensive systems. Granted it will not produce as crisp outdoor images at night as commercial grade systems, but this camera is not designed specifically for outdoor use.

You won’t be able to see a great distance, but 8 meters is enough to cover most residential properties at night. As there is a newer HD version of this camera the price of the Foscam FI8910W has dropped like a stone. The picture quality in this is still pretty good so if you want a bargain now’s the time to buy.