Brickcom WOB-130Np Review

[buellwinkle 0]

I added a new review to my blog, this time a newcomer to the U.S., Brickcom. They have a pretty large assortment of cameras with 1,3 and 5 megapixels. The most unique thing they bring to the table is wireless for a quality camera. You can still use it as a regular PoE camera, but the wireless models give you amazing WiFi connectivity like no other camera I've ever used and also 3G/4G connectivity for remote locations like vacation cabins, construction sites. But even if you do not need wireless, this is still an awesome camera.

 

http://ipcamnetwork.wordpress.com/2012/04/12/brickcom-wob-130np-review/#more-438

 

So why review 1.3MP when they have 3MP cameras? Because they were not ready to ship at the time I started the review. Will try and get the 3MP version for review if there's any interest. Again, 3MP wirelessly is very unique.

[tomcctv 190]

Hi. the Brickcom WOB-130Np has been sold in the uk for a while. for what you would think is a good price. mmmmmmmmm until you order one .... they dont tell you IT DOES NOT come with the bracket. which you have to buy and you even need the fixing kit to fix to the bracket now it is not a good price at all

 

why split up the costs = paying alot for a 1.3mp over $1000 and then $170 for the bracket

 

 

and ip67 rated ......... with vent holes ????

[buellwinkle 0]

That is a lot for a bracket. Actually it's a standard tripod mount used by any CCTV camera. I put it up using my ACTi mount, costs $16 but you can find nice mounts on ebay for half that.

 

As for price, I've seen it for low $800 USD and if you forgo the 3G/4G and WiFi, maybe $100 less. That puts it at about $150 more than a similar ACTi TCM-1231 but it's a better camera and more functionality. On the otherhand, if you need WiFi, not too many choices for a decent camera.

[jhonovich 0]

You are now being sponsored by distributors of the products you are reviewing?

 

At the very bottom of a glowing post: "This review is sponsored by Ray Cortes of Global Surveillance Systems." - a Brickcom distributor

[tomcctv 190]

As for price, I've seen it for low $800 USD

 

for the 1mp yes it is.

 

ACTi mount, costs $16

 

yes you could but then yet another cost the data cable is too short so you have to buy the extention as the rj is no longer waterproof plus cable is no longer protected.

 

and like any other warranty ..... not covered if not mounted with there bracket or fixing kit.

 

over a $1000 is getting close to a avigilon 3mp with there software.

 

 

you are right images and software is good. my problem is $1000 i want cable management and i also want it to be IP67 which it is not. the vent holes bothered me to the point it went back into the box. take a look at yours. would you use it were it can get wet ...... the sunsheld does not even protect the vents from rain

 

 

 

No cable managment

 

 

 

 

cable management

 

 

[buellwinkle 0]

The sponsor facilitates getting the cameras so I can review them. They are not tied to one brand and my review in unbiased as I do not get paid by anyone and the advertising on the site is random and put there by wordpress, not me. The camera is returned after the review. I reached out to them, not the otherway around.

 

With that said, I'm always looking for cameras to review. If anyone wants to sponsor a review by sending me a camera, let me know. I have a backlog of cameras to test. Next two that I already have are an Axis Q6035-E, provided by Axis and a ACTI TCM-7811 provided by ACTi. Some vendors want me to go through the channel, that's why I need the support of distributors like Ray at GSS.

 

Speaking in generalities, I agree the price is high for a 1.3MP bullet, but appropriate based on the features and that depends if you need the features of this camera. They make bullets with less features for less money too, the Brickcom OB-100AE is $416 at surveillent.net, 1MP, varifocal lens, outdoor, heater, PoE, 2 way audio. With the bracket as a kit it's about $50 more, I know, not cheap, but that's up to you if you can use a cheaper bracket that doesn't compromise it's weather rating. BTW, ACTi makes a bracket with cable management, use one on an ACM-1231 and that can be used instead. Can you find a less expensive 1MP bullet camera, sure, the ACTi TCM-1111 is less expensive but it doesn't have a varifocal lens, just depends if that feature means anything to you and are you willing to pay for it.

 

As for finding a 3MP camera for the same price, sure but it's like buying a loaded Toyota Corolla or a stripped Camry. Bigger is not always better if it doesn't have the features you need.

 

The reason I reviewed one of their top bullet cameras is because it had a unique set of features that ACTi, Geovision, Messoa, Vivotek, Axis, Mobotix, Panasonic don't have and that's megapixel wireless (WiFi and 4G) and real wireless, not a radio that works 50'. I would imagine the camera quality would be the same with the lower end bullets, just less features and if I was buying one for my home, I would not get the WOB-130Np, I don't need those extra features, but I liked the camera enough to say I would personally buy their lower end models.

[jharrell 0]

The only other bullet I have seen with Wifi is the Y-Cam bullet: http://www.y-cam.com/y-cam-bullet-hd/. Nobody mentions Y-cam much on here, I have a few of their indoor cameras and they are great, and one of the few where audio works on iPhones, they all have built in mics too, which might not be good for outside surveillance because of the wiretap laws.

 

Big downside with Y-cams is they are fixed focal length, but their picture is pretty decent.

 

BTW anxiously awaiting that Acti TCM-7811 review, I think that might be the one for outdoor surveillance at my home.

[buellwinkle 0]

I'm familiar with Y-Cam, but didn't run into them at ISC West. I thought they mainly targetted the UK market, not so much in the US. I remember not that long ago when they only made one camera, a cube camera, then a year or so later, a cube camera with day/night capability with illuminators, now a dome and bullet. Seems like they have expanded their line.

 

I'm thinking the TCM-7811 may be right for me too. I really wanted to put it outside today but it's pouring rain. Indoors it is awesome. I have the ACM-3511 which is their indoor 1.3MP dome with illuminators and it pales in comparison. The TCM-7811 just has that nice b&w contrast at night, crisp, very low noise like Mobotix dedicated b&w sensor but better because it's day/night and has illuminators good for 40m. Can't wait to see it outdoors. It took me 2 months to get this demo camera, that's how backordered they were on it.