Foscam vs Dropcam - Comparing 720P HD IP Cameras

Both the Foscam FI9821W and Dropcam HD are 720P HD cameras. I made a video comparing the two.
Each camera has their own pros and cons.
Some of the topics I touched upon are image quality, audio quality, viewing angel, night vision, pan tilt, DVR, supported applications, ease of setup, and price.
Droplink HD Product Link: amzn.to/14N3kyV
Foscam FI9821W V2 Link: amzn.to/1bjC6Td
Feel free to share you thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
/ awkwardhamster
/ awkwardhamster
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[@ocdogguy]

Fantastic video. I have been researching web cams for about a month and this is exactly what I was looking for. Clear, succinct, and informative. Props to you, my diaper changing friend.

[@AwkwardHamster]

ocdogguy thank you

[@cjaysmithYT]

Dude, I can't watch the entire vid at this time but you in your kids pen is cracking me up. I am about to buy the foscam FI9821W V2 as I have three older gens and need to now keep an eye on two 3 yr olds and a 5 yr old in our basement and I'm going again with Foscam and just wanted a little comfort in the fact that it will not be a bad investment :-) thanks for the chuckle and I'll watch the full video later. We too had a security center for our twins!

[@AwkwardHamster]

CJ Smith I like Foscam but it does take more effort to get it just the way you like it. Dropcam Pro doesn't have pan/tilt functionality but is very easy to set up and their DVR feature is by far ahead of the curve. If you don't care about recording, then I would recommend the Foscam FI9831W. amzn.to/1ekAGIt I say this model instead of FI9821W because I like using a 960p resolution when watching a room where my child's at. This way, I can see children who's closer to the ground and adults standing up.

[@StellarSwarmMusic]

One MINOR nitpick that someone else may have brought up way back in the comments somewhere. When you are comparing the night vision, you're comparing the cameras performance individually, but with their COMBINED IR lighting. To me the Dropcam lighting looked significantly dimmer than the Foscam, which makes me wonder if the Dropcam's performance wasn't benefitting from Foscam's lights. From a scientific standpoint, it would yield a more accurate result if they were tested individually. Other than that, this is a fantastic review! Looks like I'm sold on a couple of the FI9821W's.

[@RobertLoPinto]

My thoughts exactly.

[@billyrowe0064]

Ohhh, you're recording the on-screen video at the same time. I thought you recorded the playpen video, and were narrating it.

[@holajavi]

Thanks for taking the time to do this review. Very good!

[@DavidLiford]

Excellent review! Very clear on the differences of the two cams.

[@AwkwardHamster]

David Liford Thanks.

[@AwkwardHamster]

Yes, you can set it up to text your phone. Ever cell phone number = email. You just need to find your carrier's address. I'll have to make a video of it one day. I didn't see this alert feature, at least the setup part, in Livecamspro. You can view your cameras when you are not home. That was the scenario I set up for this video. I made a separate video about port forwarding. You can find it in my Foscam video playlist.

[@AwkwardHamster]

It is not that cut and dry. That's why I listed the pros and cons. If you make a list of what's most important to you and compare it with what I compared, that should give tell you which camera suits your needs.

[@dbguru500]

Thanks AH. Just got the 19821w v2 from amazon.149.00. Will let you know how the set up goes!

[@starkid20]

fantastic review. as a fellow "newbie" dad, i can't thank you enough for this review. you're awesome sir

[@AwkwardHamster]

starkid20 thank you

[@lloydgray547]

Great review! I considered Foscam for over a year but was intimidated by how difficult it is to set up. So I eventually decided to just go ahead and get the DropCam Pro (just yesterday). You are right...it is super easy to set up...took me like 5 minutes. It appears to me that Google (which owns NEST...which owns DropCam) is positioning itself to make a play in the Home Automation space, and so my hope is that at some point soon they integrate my NEST thermostats and Carbon monoxide detector with my DropCam camera..and somewhere down the road with my SimpliSafe alarm system. Not as crazy as it sound when you look how Google is buying up components and companies in that space (Home Automation ). Thxs again for the great review!

[@AwkwardHamster]

Lloyd Gray thank you

[@dabeanman808]

Thank you for your video!! Really helped me look into these two brands in-depth!

[@AwkwardHamster]

Chad Bean thanks for watching

[@AwkwardHamster]

Both Foscam and Synology NAS connects to and communicates through my router. The Foscam does not plug into the Synology. I'll make a video demonstrating this one day. Not anytime soon, but one day.

[@richsr1]

Great comparison video, you mention that you record to your symbology nas drive, is this plugged directly into the Ethernet port on the foscam unit ?

[@bblauter]

For FOSCAM I couldn't find their newsletter, but did see that on their FB page they had a promo-code

[@aphelilar]

Great review, thank you! What company do you use for outside DVR service? I don't want my images just stored on the SD card. Thank you!

[@AwkwardHamster]

I think Dropcam could benefit, significantly, with an increased viewing angel. Night vision LED lights was roughly the same for both units.

[@barrylilore7179]

Hi Sjrick, I had the same problem. I contacted Dropcam, they sent me a new camera and now the camera has been working for months without a problem. Also,I run the camera at standard definition.

[@AwkwardHamster]

If I was traveling, I would get a travel router to use with the dropcam. Something like the Kingston Digital MobileLite or HooToo TripMate. It's because you'll need to set up the wireless connection at ever location. Having a travel router would make things easier.

[@stanleychang8058]

I'd just like to note that feedback is not an issue with the Foscam. Feedback is actually a signal loop between the microphone and the speaker. The audio is infinitely looped from the speaker to the microphone, over and over. This only happens when the speaker and the microphone are within close proximity. This will almost never happen in a real working environment as there is no reason to enable the audio when the viewer is in the same room as the Foscam. There is no simple way to overcome this. In fact, the existence of the feedback and echo from your video only proves how loud the Foscam speakers can get. That hum you hear might be from the feedback loop as well or a ground loop hum.

[@johns3491]

Great review! Question: Have you looked at hooking up a Foscam to a Raspberry Pi controller to further customize motion sensitivity, email notifications, and even tell it to save video/images to an offsite location of your choosing like Dropbox? I'm guessing Dropcam wouldn't be as cooperative due to the encryption you mentioned.....

[@AwkwardHamster]

i have not dabbled with raspberry pi. Dropcam uses proprietary software so I haven't been able to manage it with non-Dropcam software.

[@AwkwardHamster]

I haven't tried ispyconnect. I'll see if Dropcam can give me a review unit when I next see them. With Dropcam, only the DVR part is a pay service.

[@ckizer]

Fantastic review. You answered all the nitpick details I wanted to know about. I'm curious though, do either of them have "hacks" available to allow me to tap into the video streams? I'd like to run the video through my own software with something like the drop cam…

[@AwkwardHamster]

I am not aware of a way to view the dropcam without using proprietary software. I haven't looked into it either. With Foscam, I think it's possible. It comes down to what your software can currently do.

[@ckizer]

Are they MPEG4 or h.264 protocol? I noticed the Dropcam seemed to have better compression but slower framerate. It makes me think dropcam uses a more modern codec, but has written poorer drivers.

[@AwkwardHamster]

I don't know what Dropcam uses since their item is self contained. What I like about the dropcam is that it will automatically adjust the stream to match my internet bandwidth.

[@AwkwardHamster]

good point

[@Vanessarbp]

Now THIS is how u make a review! More tests with different ip cameras products PLZZ =) Great job!

[@TheOyhero]

Great video, keep up the good work!

[@robinho851]

Hi there, thanks for the awesome review! Quick question, how did you get the plugin to work in your browser on your Mac?

[@AwkwardHamster]

When you open the camera's login webpage, it'll detect if a plug in was installed. If not, you'll see a link above the login window asking you to download and install the plugin.

[@melisadavis9533]

Thankyou, great review. Very helpful.

[@AwkwardHamster]

thanks

[@nshah1440]

Is the Foscam Plug and Play model really that easy to install? My biggest issue is trying to get this to work on my phone (outside of my home network - I guess this is referred to as the "port forwarding" feature?) I have the "regular" Foscam and keep having to re-set the settings every few months. It is a really big challenge. If the Foscam Plug and Play is still challenging, Ill go for a dropcam. Update: I bought the new foscam from Foscam. They said they will remote into my PC and set up the port forwarding. Hope it works! Thank you.

[@greenecountydrum]

Outstanding review!!!

[@AwkwardHamster]

Thanks

[@YuanweiLao]

Thanks a lot for the nice review. I will go with a Foscam v2.

[@michellenava342]

Thank you so much! Well done review.

[@AwkwardHamster]

Michelle Nava thanks

[@WindshieldFitters]

Good Video! Can you set up the Foscam to text your iPhone when it detects motion? does live cams pro app have this feature? I know you can do this over email with Foscam but is not an instant email alert. I'm soon moving into an apartment and would like to use it as a security camera in case of a break in. Can I view live video on my iPhone while I'm away from home? Do you have diy video on how you can set this up?

[@markph0204]

Nice review - returning Dropcam, was seeking out other options - Foscam same day delivery Amazon. Not content paying yet another company for online storage. Besides - it is accessible for devs. Already found some interesting examples and docs!

[@AwkwardHamster]

Mark Hurley thanks for sharing

[@dinuguan510]

Foscam doesn't allow remote admin of stored video on the SD card. You want those videos, go climb up to your camera and pull out the card. That's your only option. Kind of an important omission.

[@griffmustard]

I have the Dropcam Pro coming in the mail. It is more expensive and supposed to be better than the Dropcam HD. This is after I tried using the Zmodo camera system with DVR. I gave up with that system because I could not get the remote viewing feature to work. You have to configure your router with IP address, subnet mask, gateway, etc... My system kept telling me that my ports were closed and to contact my ISP Provider. I did but they were no help, so I gave up.

[@AwkwardHamster]

Hopefully, Dropcam improved the viewing angle significantly.

[@Sean9186]

Excellent review thank you.

[@AwkwardHamster]

thank you

[@mattyo71]

Great video! Question for you. I'm using the foscam on a Mac as well, and my interface looks completely different. How does one get the view you are seeing?

[@AwkwardHamster]

Hi. I think it depends on what version of the WebUI firmware you are using. The interface may be slightly different but I think the functionality remain the same.

[@MHix63]

I'm watching the review, thanks for making this. Question: can you link more than 1 camera? I'd like to set up a couple around my home, instead of moving a single camera. Can this be done? Thanks!

[@AwkwardHamster]

Matt Hix Yes you can have more then 1 camera. They operate independently.

[@jkerker1]

Great analysis, very informative. For baby monitoring, which Foscam would you suggest? FI9821W, FI9826W or FI9831W? Room to be monitored is about 12'x30' living room.

[@AwkwardHamster]

Hi. For monitoring a baby in the crip, I would recommend the FI8910W or even the Fi8918W. If you're monitoring a baby's room, then I would recommend the FI9831W. The FI9826W would work but I think it's overkill.

[@handplaner3]

Thanks A.H. - just what I wanted to know!

[@AwkwardHamster]

cool

[@olgram4624]

Thanks for this video, really helps. Question not related to this but were did you get the kids play gate?

[@AwkwardHamster]

+Olg Ram We got them from Amazon. Metal Gate: amzn.to/Nn3mUk Plastic Gate: amzn.to/1psnbl8 We still use the Metal gate today.

[@AwkwardHamster]

+djspeed78 It's not easy to put the metal in the mouth because it's metal bar and the corners are plastic. In hindsight, I should have gotten all metal because they are harder to tip over when placed in an octagon shape and heavy enough that the child won't try to live it up.

[@50705co]

Dropcam is advertised with a field of view of 107 degrees, while the foscam is only 70 degrees. Your review seems to suggest the opposite is true?

[@AwkwardHamster]

Foscam has the wider field of view. I brought this up with Foscam earlier this year. Hopefully they will correct it.

[@supersport2778]

How many foscam cameras can you view at once? One at a time or multiple ones at one time? Thank you! Also, do they have a outdoor dome cam u would recommend also? Thanks!...Great Video. Recommend a good android app to view the Foscam?

[@AwkwardHamster]

You can view up to 9 at once using Foscam's Web interface. I haven't looked into outdoor domes. On my android, I use the Foscam app to view.

[@Sobersage]

You can focus the camera manually with the lens dial on the camera. It is kind of hard to do being the plastic shell gives while you are trying to turn the focus lens.?

[@AwkwardHamster]

+Sobersage Not sure why the plastic shell will give because that sounds more like a build quality issue or the focal knob is too loose.

[@mehulparekh1122]

Thank you very much for your extensive review. This really helped me decide where to spend my money for a camera.

[@AwkwardHamster]

Cool. Glad it helped.

[@Mohanned306]

hello .. i want to ask you about dropcam pro do i need a computer to install it ? because i want to use it for my baby in hotel room , and i don't carry my computer when i am traveling , i have only my mobile, i'm always traveling with my wife and my baby for work . Thank you ..

[@RETUSAF1995]

I have had a cam for about a year. I could never get the cam to go online.Drop cam looks so easy to setup and get online. I like the fact that recordings are off site. If someone steals your camera you still have a recording. If you have a SD card it won't matter because it will be gone, along with your computer. Getting a cam to setup was a real headache. I do have it wireless but i can't see anything outside the home. Boy have i tried. This Black Friday i found a site that's selling them for about a third. Having online and see outside the home seals it for me. I like the cam i have i just wish they made it easier to plug and play.

[@AwkwardHamster]

RETUSAF1995 Hi. Since making this video Dropcam released Dropcam Pro for wider angle of view. Foscam now has plug and play and cloud recording. Dropcam and Foscam sent me units for review. After I publish my Dropcam Pro review, I'll work on another comparison video.

[@RETUSAF1995]

AwkwardHamster Had my Dropcam Pro 11 days now and boy is it easy. I was online in less than 2 minutes. I plan to buy 2 more, one for a baby cam for my son's baby.

[@RETUSAF1995]

RETUSAF1995 I have my livingroom, dinning area and front door covered with one cam. Recording costs $10.00 a month for 7 days at a time, that 7 days and then recording starts over. I check my cam everyday so 7 days is good. If i have a break in and cam gets stolen i will still have video i can watch. I'am still playing around with the motion/audio sensors. I have sensors/alarms on all doors/windows that should trigger the DC and alert me, but i'll find out.

[@AwkwardHamster]

Cool. Glad to hear Dropcam's working out for you.

[@AwkwardHamster]

thank you

[@ylookhere]

DUDE, JUST TELL ME WHICH ONE IS BETTTER!! Thanks for the post. Your kid is super cool.

[@bobb5198]

With Foscam(s) and a Synology NAS connected through your router do you still need a PC running the IE browser for Foscams to record and email pictures to work? How is the FI9821W SD Card used?

[@AwkwardHamster]

If you use the Synology, you do not need to keep a PC running. The recording is managed by the Synology. If I want to use the SD Card, I just set the recording to write to SD Card. It only reads up to 32GB SD cards.

[@cgoody29212]

Great Review....Thanks

[@AwkwardHamster]

Carlos Goodwin thanks for watching

[@bobb5198]

AwkwardHamster, thank you. Can only a Synology be used to replace running PC? Or can any NAS running for example FreeNAS replace the running PC? With the Synology is the motion detection and then emailing function run on the NAS or the IPCam? I assume for recording to SD Card motion detection has to be on IP Cam. I have a Foscam with SD Card and another without; planning to get a NAS (Synology or FreeNAS) how would recommend I set them up? Appreciate your help.

[@AwkwardHamster]

Hi. You can use any NAS that supports the Foscam. If you have a Synology, you do not need to leave the PC running. I haven't tried recording with the Synology yet. I'll make a video of it when I find the time.

[@AwkwardHamster]

thanks

[@ashleycallin7372]

Hello, I know that I want to get a foscam camera (Unless you feel another is better) to monitor my dogs seizures. She's 3 lbs and very low to the ground, i want the camera that is going to show me the greatest detail,with the least lag.Cost isn't a factor.I do however need to be able to record her activity because i won't be able to watch the entire time i'm at work... which one do you recommend?

[@AwkwardHamster]

Ashley Callin The best all in one solution for recording is Dropcam Pro. amzn.to/HC6Cj5 It doesn't have pan tilt though. I think they offer the cleanest user interface for recording. Bother Dopcam and Foscam use 1 or 1.3 MP camera so the quality difference is slight. Being that I don't know what a dog having a seizure may look like, I don't know if you can tell a dog is having a seizure from 7 feet or 10 feet away on a 720p video recorded with an under 2MP image sensor.

[@AwkwardHamster]

I haven't tested those models.

[@lindysmith1930]

Thx... Really like you videos.

[@AwkwardHamster]

thanks

[@SidewaysInTraffic]

Thank you for the great review. Setup difficulty isn't my main concern. I'm going through an eviction with a roommate from hell, so the recording is my buying point over real time monitoring. No charge for recording and the quality is great even with typical body movements. Foscam it is.

[@AwkwardHamster]

+SidewaysInTraffic It work out for you?

[@islanderz1267]

perfect clear speech review !! i wanted to know if you can do a review an compare the Wireless Network Drop Cam Security Camera D-Link DCS-5010L - VS - Dropcam PRO HD Wi-Fi Video Monitoring Camera if so when will it be ready for viewing

[@AwkwardHamster]

islanderz1 Hi. Most of the items I unboxed and reviewed were purchased by me. I would like to make more comparison videos but I don't have a need to buy those units at this time. It gets costly. Sorry.

[@means83]

Your video's have been very helpful and has made my decision a lot easier. Foscam it is, thank you!

[@AwkwardHamster]

you're very welcome

[@AChav92]

With the Foscam, if I loose internet connection or the power goes out. Do I have to reconfigure the foscam? How about with the Dropcam?

[@AwkwardHamster]

Hi. You do not need to reconfigure either device after a power outage. The settings are saved on the device. Hope that helps.

[@iHeartDom]

Pretty good however there was only feedback because your microphone was so close to the speaker which played the output of the mic. Thus giving you feedback. This likely wont happen when you aren't recording your own voice in the same room like you had done.

[@filipexavier3102]

great review! It helps me a lot!

[@AwkwardHamster]

you're very welcome

[@RobertLoPinto]

Great review, but you left off one major difference. The Foscam is mounted on a motor so you can make it tilt up and down or pan left and right remotely. I have not seen any Dropcams with that capability.

[@AwkwardHamster]

Hi Robert. I tried focused on things they both have in common.

[@RobertLoPinto]

You focused on the minor differences in common features but not the major differences in the features themselves? Seems a bit strange of an approach for a review. Still a great review though. For me the Pan and Tilt is a deal-breaker. I own a Foscam and was looking to see if a Dropcam would be a good 2nd camera. One very useful piece of information you provided was that the Dropcam's API was proprietary. I would have been really upset to find out it didn't work with my iCamPro app on Android. Much thanks for that.

[@khanos73]

Hi, can you please help to setup email address for alarm/motion detection . smtp setup . i am using hotmail but i really don;t know how to do this . thanks

[@AwkwardHamster]

Hi. For Dropcam or Foscam? I haven't used Hotmail in a while.

[@akavlie]

Are you sure you didn't have the Dropcam zoomed in or something? The Foscam has a viewing angle of 70º, while the Dropcam has a viewing angle of 107º. So based on the specs, the Dropcam should actually have a significantly wider viewing angle. (this is the Dropcam HD, now simply called the "Dropcam". Dropcam Pro is even wider at 130º.)

[@AwkwardHamster]

Aaron Kavlie When you zoom in Dropcam, the screen displays how much you have zoomed. I mentioned the misprint to Foscam. Not sure if Foscam will do anything about it.

[@akavlie]

AwkwardHamster misprint? Are you saying you think the stated viewing angle is mistaken? All of their cameras I have seen have viewing angles of 60º or 70º; it would be quite a huge error (on their part or Dropcam's) for the Foscam to be wider angle than the 107º of the Dropcam. They're not even close. Yours is the only review I've seen to compare the two side by side; The Wirecutter compares viewing angles of the two Dropcams, but doesn't show how the Foscams compare.

[@AwkwardHamster]

Aaron Kavlie Yes, I believe it's a misprint. When I met Foscam at an exposition, they thought their print was correct. Foscam happened to have a Dropcam on the table and I pointed to the description on the box and asked how can their number be lower then Dropcam. This isn't their first misprint though. Every now and then I find misprints or inconsistencies on their website or Amazon description. On a side not, I have not met with manufacturing company, ShenZen Foscam Intelligent Technology. I've only met with their U.S.A. distributor, Foscam Digital Technologies.Now that Nest gave me a Dropcam Pro to review, I plan to make another Foscam Dropcam comparison video. I'll demonstrate the zoom for both units. For Dropcam, the screen would literally display how much I've zoomed in if I were to pinch/zoom. e.g. 2.0x, 2.5X, and so on. Haven't decided which Foscam to compare Dropcam Pro with.

[@relicright]

Can you use up to 8 cameras with the FOSCAM? I need a wireless solution that involves 6-8 cameras with the ability to record and stream. Thanks for the video.

[@AwkwardHamster]

relicright The Foscam units are standalone units and you can get something like Synology or QNAP to administer dozens at a time. The Surveillance Station can stream, record, alert, etc.

[@RhettWright]

You're a big baby! :P Nice work.

[@AwkwardHamster]

thank you

[@geebztv]

Great review and details for the simple minded people like me! Q: Does the fostex allow video embedding? I want to buy their waterproof outdoor cam so that I can live stream a golf course tee box for people that visit our site.

[@AwkwardHamster]

GeebzTV You can do it. I wouldn't describe it as them supporting it but it's not difficult to figure out.

[@geebztv]

AwkwardHamster Thank you - knowing that DropCam has a "public" option and it gives an embed code, hoping that the Fostex offers the same - guess I'll figure it out. Thanks again for your response.

[@AwkwardHamster]

Hi. If you examine the Foscam webpage, you can find the live feed address. I think one my subscribers, I think it was T.A.R.D.I.S_wolf, demonstrated it before but I don't remember his web address. It'll be something like this. CAMERA IP:CAMERA PORT/videostream.cgi?user=YOUR USERNAME&pwd=YOUR PASSWORD

[@asalmira]

I enjoy watching this video.

[@AwkwardHamster]

Thank you!

[@olliesanders]

Awesome video, thank you. I now know that I'm going Foscam for my baby monitor :)

[@AwkwardHamster]

You're very welcome.

[@Pabula]

Hi, just subscribed to your channel, loved the detailed reviewed of both cameras, specially since im considering both for 6 camera setup. Maybe you can help with some decisions, My plan is running directly from a Synology, i only want to record on it, and to have control into motion detection, etc, i want the synology to email me not the dropcam app. I was set on the DropCam Pro, similar to what you reviewed, but really wondering about your comments about support. I see synology website that does support it, but im not sure about your comments in terms if ill be able to set 6 Dropcam Pros on the Synology, personally i dont care much about the dropcam monthly fee, as im planning to record on the synology, but agian not sure if ill be able t set it up, since you already own a synology maybe you can let me know if it will run fine? I really would like more the Dropcam Pro, out of widder lens and image quality imo the new one is better. But ill go on Foscam if you tell me i wont be able to set them up on the synology. And the second question, im also interested on running all of them wired, i have POE switch that im going to run cables to all cameras, would love if it would use the wired networks instead of the wifi, but idk if the dropcam or foscam can do it or they just run wirelessly? Thanks again for the great review, hopping to see,

[@AwkwardHamster]

Hi. It's the Foscam that can work with the Synology. I said Dropcam uses their proprietary software to administer everything. The Foscam can run wired or wireless. The Dropcam is only wireless. Choosing between Foscam and Dropcam really depends on what you want to use it for and your internet bandwidth. If you like pan tilt and want to use 3rd party applications to administer the camera, Foscam is the logical choice. If you have a fluctuating bandwidth or just low internet speeds and don't care about pan tilt, Dropcam cam is the only choice. I like them both a lot. That's why when I made this video, I listed the pros and cons to each functionality. I suggest you write down the features you want and order them by priority. Which ever camera covers your top priority would be the logical choice.

[@larryfuhrmann6661]

Remember...a person can take your Foscam and then you have no evidence..(all info is stored on the Foscam)..with the Dropcam even if they take the cam... it's all stored on the servers...where you can see who took it and press charges...or get a arrest....alot of people seem to forget about this BIG difference...Nice reveiw tho...Thanks

[@AwkwardHamster]

Larry Fuhrmann Recently, Foscam started offering a cloud storage service for video and images.

[@TheOGRobertCarrasco]

I use my Foscam with my Synology Surveillance Station, all recording is backed up to a raid setup, and those recordings are backed up to Crashplan. The crashplan subscription is half the cost of a Dropcam subscription and the Cameras are 1/3 the price of the Dropcam. They also can patrol, have excellent night vision, and can be mounted almost anywhere. Since they don't depend on the network bandwidth to my ISP, I don't worry about anyone cutting my cable. If that happens, I have other problems anyway as it wasn't an inexperienced thief.

[@AwkwardHamster]

Thanks for the info. I'll be meeting with Synology this week at CES and will see ask what's new for this year.

[@Lizzyxmj]

Great. How about Dropcam Pro?

[@AwkwardHamster]

i'll see if Dropcam will be willing to send me a Dropcam Pro for review.

[@Daniel_Scott89]

wait...if someone cuts your power, the foscam wouldnt work either because it wouldnt have power. What if someone steals your foscam?? Then they have you SD card and you wont be able to look back at it, on dropcam the video isnt stored on location so the intruder cannot steal the footage, right?? I think i like the dropcam more, im willing to pay extra for the DVR dropcam services.

[@AwkwardHamster]

You can save Foscam footage on a server or computer. You can save the Foscam footage to the SD card but you don't have to.

[@chrluc]

Can you run multiple Foscams?

[@AwkwardHamster]

Yes, with Foscam's viewing interface, you can view up to 9 at once. With 3rd party interface, you can view a lot.

[@sheeplvl1]

You really need to emphasize the ease of use difference, otherwise people can just assume that if they watches your video then they should go for FOSCAM. I'm not saying you are biased towards Foscam. I'm just pointing out the whole idea of Dropcam is ease of use like an iphone/point and shoot camera whereass Foscam is more like android/DSLR. I know you have mentioned it took very little time to set up Dropcam but up to 3 hours for Foscam, however that's not the only ease of use difference. Dropcam's motion detection UI set up provides more informatino in less time than Foscam just by watching ur video by attaching all the motion events on a timeline. If there's an app/website that allows Foscam to do that then it's a dealbreaker for me to go with Foscam even though it takes longer time to set up. Otherwise, I feel like I am settling with Foscam b/c it's a cheaper option overtime. So I guess if you can do an update video on the app and services avaliable for Foscam and Dropcam then it would be a great and complete review!

[@sheeplvl1]

itunes.apple.com/us/app/dropcam/id351175162?mt=8 Also dropcam's marketing almost always suggest they use very smart artificial inteligience. I remember the box mentioned a user can choose to ignore regular events(eg.someone leaving the home). The third photo in the appstore suggests it can detect activity type(kids playing on couch was identified)? I know that's prlly a new feature, but this issue really needs to be addressed! Can foscam do that? If not, can someone, for exmaple, fix that by starting a kickstarting campaign?

[@AwkwardHamster]

When I made this video, I thought I sounded like I'm leaning towards Dropcam since I described how the video quality was better, dynamic resolution, and simple setup.

[@edud6384]

Thanks... You made my decision easier.

[@AwkwardHamster]

E Dud you're welcome

[@norrieshow1733]

Foscam prices have dropped 59.99 {dropcam still 159.99 plus}

[@AwkwardHamster]

Norrie Show very true. I plan to mention this in my next comparison video.

[@TheBabooch]

How about using it as a baby monitor on top of the crib?

[@AwkwardHamster]

TheBabooch When my children were under 6 months of age, I used it with a Gorillapod and mounted it at the corner of the crib. It worked great until my child can crawl. With the Dropcam, I had to mount it on the wall so that it can cover the whole crib or else I could only see one portion. Dropcam doesn't have pan/tilt.

[@TheBabooch]

AwkwardHamster Hey, thanks for the quick response. What will you recommend the most as a baby monitor then?

[@AwkwardHamster]

TheBabooch They both still make good baby video monitors but I just have to take positioning into consideration. Personally, I do not like to use HD units to monitor a crib. I use the HD units for a wider play area. For the crib, I still use MPEG model. Costs significantly less, more stable, and loads quicker. I give friends the FI8910W for as a baby shower gift. When a friend wanted a camera to keep an eye on his boat, I got him the Dropcam for their recording solution.

[@TheBabooch]

AwkwardHamster will it be good enough to cover a whole nursery?

[@AwkwardHamster]

TheBabooch I don't know the size of the nursery but I would recommend either Foscam FI9831P or Dropcam Pro for monitoring a room.

[@idlewild]

Axis?

[@AwkwardHamster]

For FI9821W, it's 300 degree pan, 120 degree tilt.

[@idlewild]

AwkwardHamster Sorry, I meant what about the Axis *brand* cameras? Granted, they're much more expensive...Also, Dropcam Pro? Regardless, excellent review!

[@AwkwardHamster]

I haven't tried Axis. Waiting to see if Dropcam will send me the Dropcam Pro for review.

[@FloridaRaider]

thank you

[@AwkwardHamster]

you're welcome