Web / Spy Cams?
 

I'm looking for some small spy cams to install in my apartment. Will be having a new nanny / maid in the apartment so wanted to make sure she treats the dog and possible future baby carefully.

Any recommendations? Easy to hide, install & maintain. Thinking about connecting via home network.

Check your local yellow pages and find a spy shop, they usually have nice small cameras for sale. You could also get a networked camera (Toshiba and D-link come to mind) and hook them up through WiFi or wired ethernet. BUT; be sure you know the legal aspects of these things, not everything in your own home may be ok to do when it involves others.

Our local electronics superstore sells a 4 pack of tiny (2cm*2cm) cameras with transmitters for only $200, i'm sure you could find something like that on Ebay...

I don't have any idea about the legality, but I think it's definitely unethical to record someone without their consent. I would tell the person the cameras exist and are recording at all times.

I'm currently out in Asia and don't have a handy spy shop nearby. I'm most probably going to locate it in the baby room to ensure no mistreatment while we are away from home. Also allows me to see how our baby is doing while I'm at work.

Do you know what power these cameras run off?

Apparently your dog can't take of itself??!?

Going to www.ebay.com and typing "webcam" brings up about 4000 listings. You can get educated there too. I have friends who installed one in their babys room. It is hidden inside a stuffed animal. It is connected to their computer via a USB connection which powers it I believe.

MisterNice

I don't understand the purpose of hidden cameras in a baby's room. If it's hidden there's no preventive value at all. Why wouldn't you tell the person there's cameras all over the house? That at least might have a deterrent effect. Do you want to protect your child, or have proof AFTER something's happened?

The only reason to have hidden cameras is to spy on someone. That's pretty underhanded, and not particularly helpful to your child.

okay... I really don't want to justify myself to anyone here on whether it is appropriate to use a cam in my apartment. i'll say this. you don't live in Asia and no have idea of what domestic helpers sometimes do to babies and pets. let me give you an idea... it includes kicking, punching and physical abuse (please tell me how a dog can tell me what happened to him/her? and yes, the dog can take care of itself but not against abuse). i'm sure i'm not the only one concerned about what the domestic helper does when we are away from home.

back to the original topic...

i've done some research on the web but there are sooo many different types of cams out there and with a wide range of prices. so i'm just looking for feedback on experience with these types of gadgets. i'm looking for wireless and small. if only there was a forum like FT for these type of gadgets! :D

Makes perfect sense to me.

And yes, there are boards out there for these gadgets.

thanks! any recommendation on boards for these gadgets?

If you are so concerned why are you that far away from the baby? Take him or her with you. No major judgement just a question/suggestion.

Here is my setup:

1. Windows Media Encoder running:

128kbps (320x240) with no sound

Port 8080 (most corporate firewalls allow
8080 inbound).

Pull from encoder (the connection is initiated by
the server or players).

2. Logitech QuickCam Zoom $50.00

http://shopping.yahoo.com/p:Logitech...Cam:1990975673

3. Change my firewall to permit connections traffic outbound on port 8080.

4. Create webcam.asx file:

<ASX version="3.">
<entry>
<REF HREF="http://xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx:8080"/>
</entry>
</asx>

That's it!

I run it during the day when I'm not home - at night the nightvision is lousy but oh well.

bagold: Email me and I'll send you the link so you can check out the quality of the webcam.

There are IR webcams for darkened room use.

MisterNice

Google is your friend:

http://www.google.com/search?sourcei...camera%20forum

3rd link from the top.

Taking your baby to work? HUH? I'm not sure that is much of a practical solution...