Full FeedGadgetell Review: Swann Max IP Network Cam
In the world we live in security is important. We lock our houses, cars, and double check our pockets for personal belongings. But what about those times when you can’t be home with your family or when your away and your out of the office? If you work from home or have a small business maybe a security network system is too expensive. The idea of wiring your house with fiber-optics or creating a whole secret security system in your closet might scare you away from the whole idea.
Swann, housed out of Australia, has created a line of cameras catered to securing your home, office, or other places of business. Setup was as easy as 1,2…I ran into a problem, but nothing that couldn’t be fixed. Swann’s helpful customer service had me saying 1,2…3 before I knew it. A simple connection from the camera to your router or modem few configurations and you’re good to go.
The camera comes with it’s own SD slot so you can store loads of information everyday, as well as room on the company’s website allows you to automatically store information. My favorite function was the motion sensor and their strong night vision. Even in a pitch black room the camera was able to pick up any movement. The 640x488 pixels made for a clear picture and the 160x120, 320x240 made for a clear video. The built in microphone was extremely sensitive, picking up every sound which was a good thing however often times the sensitivity of it muffled some sounds.
One of the most important functions of a security camera or any security working in your favor is the ability to constantly check up on what is being guarded. With Swann’s Max-IP cam you can log in and check out in real time whatever is being watched. A TV-out jack allows you to complete your security system by giving you the option to plug your camera into any television.
With so many functions and features this camera is a great alternative to ultra expensive security systems.
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Camera hangs for no reasons and loose control.
on November 17, 2006 at 06:55 AM - LINKPicture quality is quite poor, especially the captured images. Tends to hang IE a lot although keeps functioning. A power cut looks like it will knock out the motion detection settings.
on January 5, 2007 at 10:18 PM - LINKCorrection to above: power outage doesn’t effect the MD settings which is good.
on January 6, 2007 at 12:43 AM - LINKI’m on the 2nd week of trying to have a reliable setup. The instructions are poor and written by a non-Englosh speaker. It is only possible to use Microsoft’s Internet Explorer Browser and with its latest ActiveX tricks.
on April 17, 2007 at 05:32 AM - LINKThis is the worst product I have ever bought. 3 weeks after purchase I still do not have it running.
on April 30, 2007 at 04:06 PM - LINKAs per last two comments, this is is a nightmare to setup. I have already spent way too much time trying to get it up and running. Avoid.
on May 18, 2007 at 12:37 AM - LINKBeing forced to use IE is a major problem. I’d like to use camera with Zone Minder (http://www.zoneminder.org) but can’t due to IE thing. When I hacked the API and reproduce from Java camera instabilities still make it unusable.
I would NOT recommend this product
on May 31, 2007 at 09:55 AM - LINKThe instructions are terrible and I can not get this thing to hook up to IE Explorer. I’m connecting it directly to my computer with the crossover cable, and using the instructions the software comes with as to how to set up the camera. The software finds the camera, and gives it an IP address. Then you double click on the camera that is found in the software, and supposedly another window will show up in IE Explorer. It doesn’t. Nothing happens.
I suppose I will have to e-mail the manufacturer for guidance. What a waste, don’t buy it. Sadly I bought it at a Wolf Camera going out of business sale, and there are no returns. I’m out $100, which hurts.
on May 9, 2009 at 01:32 AM - LINK