The instructions for setting up the camera weren't the clearest. But once when I got the camera up and running 100% it is AMAZING, especially how it can email pics after the camera senses motion.
1. I would recommend using the install instructions from FOSCAM.. found here: It just seems to be more clear.
2. Set your bookmarks (favorites) on your browser to the external ip after setting up port forwarding and figuring your non-local IP address (not the one that starts with 192..). Thus you can use your laptop/tablet/phone to access the cam outside of your local network.I bought two of these cameras to monitor my isolated rural home and immediate area. first of all, I've been installing CCTV cameras and security systems for 30 years, I'm a retired Army colonel. Yes, the instructions were skimpy, but real men don't need no steenkin' directions! I had both cameras setup and viewable from anywhere in the world--in just 12 minutes! Total cost for both cameras was just under $100! I hardwired them both into my ethernet network, set them for fixed IP address assignments. I then set the router to port forward their addresses, and presto! Instant password protected viewing from my smart phone or any web browser anywhere in the world. Night time IR viewing is terrific out to about 30 feet, B&W in IR mode of course, excellent color in daylight.
Plus, its motion detection automatically sends about five photos, upon the setable alarm, to my gmail account! Should someone break into my home and steal my computers, the photos of the idiots are safe up on my gmail email account! I do have one local PC set to accept and store alarm videos (10 second clips in AVI format with sound!).
Yes, I have already recommended these cameras to my friends and business associates--and they've bought a half dozen so far!I had been searching for a long time for better options to put in my baby's room to use as a baby monitor besides the audio only gadgets and the highly expensive video monitors which break down after only a few months use. I could've done what my ex SIL did by spending a fortune to have a security system installed in their home with a camera in the baby's room. But who wants to spent that kind of money?
I came across the idea of using an IP camera specifically for this purpose. After looking to see what was cheap and available, I settled on the EasyN brand of cameras. I am not a computer novice by any means but neither am I a networking guru. I bought this brand because it was inexpensive, there was a ton of support available on their website and, if I failed at networking the camera myself, I had the option of paying an extra $29.00 for a networking pro to help me.
I got the package, opened the box, started hooking up cable and gritted my teeth for what I thought was going to be at least a half day struggle because of all the reviews I had read about this camera. I was very pleasantly surprised. I had it done within the hour. And the only reason it took so long was because I read through all the tutorials on the EasyN website just to make sure I was getting it right the first time.
The camera works perfectly! It pans and tilts and there is audio. But what's not so great is the interference on the audio from my wireless network. I read that can be fixed by using a wired connection. But that wasn't an option for me as my baby's room is way down the hall from mine. The reason I gave it 4 stars and not 5 is because of the GUI. My opinion is it's just ok. I've had it for a few weeks and still have not been able to figure out what some of the controls do nor is there documentation anywhere with instructions in english. Because of that I only use it for administrative purposes now. Instead, I use the camera wih Baby Monitor Foscam on all my I-devices.
I am able to see my baby now from anywhere in the world that has an Internet connection. Not that I would ever use it in Timbuktu, but it's nice to be able to have that option. I am happy, my family is happy, and I even managed to impress the ex in-laws because now they can also see their grandchild from cross country anytime they want to.What the other reviewer missed in his review is that the camera has never been on your network and it needs to be to talk on it. Since you setup the camera through the network it has to have a mechanism to attach. That mechanism is dhcp and a hardwire connection. Once its setup for wifi and knows about your network and any passphrase or key it no longer needs the hardwire. These are easy to setup. Once setup the alarm features can notify you immediately of issues. Mine takes about 60 to 90 secs to email photos to my phone. Very cool. The software is a less than stellar but it works well. I'll take function over beauty on these cameras any day. Bottom line these are inexpensive for what you get and if you take the time they work effectively. Easy n has apps available on the web and they supply a disk.The directions were in Chinese or Japanese and the website addresses and phone numbers for support were not available, non existant. I tried to install as instructed but the software disc was sent to me BLANK and the website to enable camera did not even exist. Dont buy this from this seller.
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