PluffMud

I noticed the visible 'resetting' artifact in the video and was wondering about that...I just assumed that was due to the H.264 encoding b/c MJPEG doesn't act the same way. Is H.264 not supposed to look like that? I have the E31 set to 1/30 as the slowest shutter speed per the recommendations of others. I don't think shutter speed can be set in the Foscam. Here's the settings for the E31: * Resolution: 1280x720 * Frame rate: 30 * Encoder Type: H.264 * Video Bit Rate Mode: Variable Bit Rate (I've changed to Constant Bit Rate since then) * Quality: High * GOP 1 I-frame: 2 seconds * Brightness: 50 * Contrast: Lowest * Slowest Auto Shutter Speed: 1/30. * WDR set to 'High' * Noise Reduction: ON * Exposure Mode: Auto * White Balance: Auto * AE Reference Target: 128

WDR is ON, Shutter setting is 1/30, Auto Exposure set to the default 128. Turning WDR off is a little less grainy but it's not very noticeable. Should I change the Auto Exposure settings? What settings are you using?

Updated original post with new comparison video...this time with the IR LEDs enabled on the ACTi E31

Doh! Thanks Agent! The IR was set to 'Disabled'. I've changed the settings back-and-forth so many times to get the best image and I forgot to turn it back on. The IR from the Foscam provided some light but not the same as the ACTi LED's. I turned the IR on and it looks better...I'll post an updated video within a couple hours and make a note in my original post. I also have day snapshots comparing the Foscam to the ACTi.

I have a mix of ACTi, Axis, and of course Foscam IP cameras. Will most NVR's work or should I be looking for a particular specification supported by the NVR to indicate it will work with these cameras? I know this is a very general question but I need to start somewhere Is there an NVR that you would recommend for this mixed setup? I have BlueIris running on my computer but would like to move to a dedicated NVR. I'm going to start standardizing on one brand of cameras (currently trying to decide between ACTi and Axis) but would still like to have the option to record my other cameras if I want.

Does anyone know what the sensor sizes are for these cameras? It appears to be missing from the data sheets but I could have just overlooked it.

Yes I upgraded to the latest version dated January 16. I actually tried to use the same settings you used in your E32 review with the noise reduction and WDR settings. I'll try to post video tonight but it looks nothing like the E32 you reviewed! To the OP: I think the E and D series ACTi are worth looking into but will easily be double the Foscam prices. I just wanted to point out that the Foscams provide a lot for what you pay.

I'm looking into getting the ACTi NVR model ENR-1100 and noticed that it has 2 LAN ports: one dedicated to the IP cameras (LAN1) and one to connect the NVR to the network (LAN2). Can I still view my IP cameras individually (using one of the populare Android viewers) or will it only be possible to use the NVR web stream to view them? I want to have the NVR but still be able to view the cameras without the NVR...I'm sure it's possible but I don't want to find out after I buy the ENR-1100!

Based on my experience with the older non-HD version of the FI9821W, I don't think you're going to find anything that comes close to it for the price. If it were me I would buy it and if it's not acceptable only then would I consider paying more for a 'better' camera.

IMO Foscam's do a LOT for the price. When I got started I bought 5 Foscams to use as a way to figure out the best camera placement and field of views and they are mostly still in use. I've been very happy with them for general purpose use of seeing if there's any activity outside. That's really all you're going to get with the cheaper cameras anyway. I haven't had a single one go bad and 2 of them are the PTZ indoor versions mounted under the eve of a roof outdoors (for over a year now). If it breaks I can easily buy another one. My outdoor-rated bullet Foscams have been performing flawlessly for over 2 years now. The crazy thing is I just bought an ACTi e31 (1 Megapixel outdoor rated) and my outdoor-rated Foscam bullet looks BETTER! During the day the image is a tie I guess (with the ACTi being widescreen vs. standard 4:3 from the Foscam) but at night the Foscam is way better. The night image is a LOT smoother than the ACTi e31. The e31 night image is barely usable...I know it's not a strong night camera but compared to the Foscam I was at least hoping for it to be the same quality. With that said I'm looking at upgrading my cameras to 3MP or higher ACTi cameras...my experience with the e31 hasn't stopped me from considering ACTi but I do want to get to the bottom of it before I purchase more ACTi cameras. My plan is to post comparison videos to get input/help on configuring the e31 for a better image to make sure I'm giving it a fair shot.

Is it generally thought to be OK to install indoor rated cameras in outdoor locations that are completely protected from rain/snow? The brands I'm considering are Axis and ACTi in case that matters. I'm currently using some indoor-rated Foscams and the cheaper Axis cams (M1011, M1014) in covered outdoor locations and have had no issues in over a year. Heck one of my PTZ Foscams is mounted under an eve that can sometimes get wet and I haven't had any issues! Those cameras are easy to replace but now that I'm looking to get serious with higher quality Axis or ACTi cameras I thought I would ask I'm mainly looking at using a couple indoor-rated ACTi or Axis domes but didn't know if the high humidity we have down in SC would cause problems. It only gets below freezing a couple times a year. Don't know if the answer changes for indoor-rated domes vs. box vs. cube cameras so any insight would be helpful!

Thanks for the responses! With everyone advising against it I will completely rule out using anything indoor-rated for any type of outdoor location. The 'SC' does mean South Carolina (the Charleston area) so we do get very humid conditions that are not good to exposed electronics. As several pointed out, the prices of the ACTi outdoor cameras are so good not to even risk using indoor cameras. I guess I was mainly asking for the Axis cameras but the relatively small increase in price for the outdoor versions are well worth the peace of mind. I'm still pricing out and trying to decide between an ACTi vs. an Axis camera setup (5 cameras total with future expansion). While I like the price and specs of the ACTi cameras the main draw for me going with Axis is the Edge Recording feature. Although there are certainly trade-offs, I REALLY like the idea of not having an NVR while still having the flexibility of adding one in the future if I decide I want one.

Ok very good to know thank you! Related to buellwinkle's post, how do I watch the video from the SD card? Assuming the web interface does not provide a way is there a separate app that allows me to browse the recordings? I am definitely interested to know if something like this is already available or if it will be available in the future. Btw...buellwinkle your site is EXCELLENT and has been a HUGE help!!! It's actually what got me really interested in the KCM-5611 (and ACTi in general)! I'm about to make the leap and start upgrading my cheapie IP cameras (Foscam and the like) so I've been on your site a good bit recently. To me the edge storage feature is very important but of course the cost is the tradeoff. I'm hoping ACTi has something in the works for the near future!