Cisco-Linksys WVC54GC Wireless-G Internet Video Camera

Let me begin by offering my overall experience with this camera. I had no difficulty at all setting it up for either wired or wireless operation. The included software worked flawlessly allowing me to record sessions.For my purposes, my intention was to supplement a surveillance system I currently have in operation using two high resolution Toshiba network cameras. I was hoping to be able to get half-decent quality from a camera costing 1/3 of the cost of the Toshibas. Unfortunately, you get what you pay for.In general 640x480 does not provide sufficient resolution for surveillance as you cannot make out features in any detail. For example, you may be able to see someone entering your home, but you'll never be able to identify that person, especially with this Linksys. Overall clarity was so poor that I still can't really determine whether or not this is a color camera (and if it's B&W, I guess that's why). Also, this camera is fairly useless in low light situations. For example, if you had only a single 40W lamp on in a room, this camera displays mostly noise (white static).Finally, this camera is not supported by the surveillance software that I use. The camera does ship with software, however, for surveillance use I need the software to not simply fill up the harddrive, but to make room by deleting old files and continuing to record. The included software does not include any such functionality.All in all, for the price, it does what it advertises. However, I've found no camera in this price range to be able to work as a true surveillance camera.

Update: 28 March 2005: Comparing two web cameras. I originally bought the Linksys WVC54G and now have the Hawkings NC320W. Both are very good for senior monitoring purposes. I now prefer web cameras which use Java applets (NC320W) instead of ActiveX (WVC54G). There are situations and browsers that simply can't use ActiveX and thus can't display images. The quality of both web cams is suitable for senior monitoring. Expect image quality to fall off in low light. The WVC54G has a wider field of view. This can be important in situations where you'll have to buy two NC320W to see everything whereas only one WVC54G is needed. I am now using three NC320W and viewing using Firefox browser. Warning: setting up a router to handle multiple web cameras needs a near router expert. The NC320W may soon become obsoleted by the newer and cheaper HNC230G (not released as of this date). I recommend setting up the cameras using static IP addresses so power outages won't cause new addresses to be reassigned.True Story. Everyday I check on mom to make sure she's ok. While on vacation in Australia, I tuned in at the very moment she fell off the couch in Chicago. Using Skype, I called the senior home to have someone help her get up. Although she could have slid over to the phone and called for assistance, the important thing is that I learned she falls and can't get up by herself, and she hasn't been telling us. The WVC54G works well for this application. I can even see which DVD she's watching. I had to open port 1024 to get it working so it's not plug and play. Once running, it has never gone down, very important. My only complaint is that the auto white balance isn't true. Colors and lighting are somewhat off.

I spent hours trying configuring unit by myself then I gave in and called the company's tech. There was nothing that made sense. I purchased 2 of these cameras thinking that I could work through whatever installation issues.It could be it's just the particular cameras/software that are faulty. I am asking for a refund and will go with another brand wireless internet camera. However, because they are real cameras that don't work they could be used for decoys if nothing else.BAD:1. This model Linksys camera is from the 2005-2007 production period.2. It is out of warranty so you have to buy technical assistance if you need it which most likely you will.3. The technical service costs an additional $29 for a 2 weeks of phone tech service or $39 for 6 months of phone tech service. This additional tech service is non-refundable regardless of what is wrong with the camera or software. I can only guess the only reason the service is non-refundable is because Linksys knows there are problems with this model.4. It was unable to email images caught from the "motion detection" to my email.GOOD:1. Linksys techs were very helpful and pleasant.2. We were able to get the camera running and the quality of the picture was ok and the sound was bareable which would have been fine for my purposes. However they could not work wirelessly.3. They can be used as "authentic looking" or decoy "security cameras" because they do look good.Overall, my recommendation is to NOT BUY this camera.

Ok, I am not an expert on Webcams and neither are most of the folks buying these devices. Therefore, here is my two penny's worth and I do hope that it helps a few make the right decision.Focus: This is manual. Hence, you have to fiddle with the lense all the time to get your subjects in focus. And since, it is wireless, I am forced to carry a laptop or something around to do that.Internet Explorer: Only works on Microsoft's Internet Explorer. Since, I use Firefox for most of my work, I am forced to switch to Explorer. Not good.Messenger Integration: It does not support any messengers. So in essence not good if you are planning to use it with MSN, Yahoo or AOL. Forget it.Quality: It needs good light to produce good pictures.Sound: This is actually quite good and it picks up minor sounds from the room as well.....Configuration: It was a bit of a pain if you follow the proper procedure. I just threw that out and followed my instincts... and it worked..... Primarily, the web interface is much better in configuring it then its automatic wizard. Try that.Linux Support: Since it requires Internet Explorer, it wont support linux platform. So be careful .....