Dropcam HD

Dropcam HD is a Wi-Fi video monitoring camera that you can easily set up yourself, move about, remotely turn on and off, and, if you pay a yearly fee, record video sequences. I bought Dropcam HD to use at my door. When I'm working in my upstairs office I can't hear the doorbell very well and with this device I can see who is at the door at any time. The device is a dream to set up. The box contains the camera, camera stand, a usb cable, a power plug, and a small pack of screws. Your only shipped directions tell you to plug the camera into your computer via the usb cable and wait for the icon. When the icon appears click on it and further instructions appear. You first set up an account with Dropcam: username, password, email. Then you connect to your wireless 2.4 ghz network. According to their website the Dropcam HD won't work on 5 ghz networks. My wireless hookup was without problems. It does require a reliable, strong wi-fi signal. Next you are instructed to disconnect the Dropcam HD from your computer and move it to a site you would like to watch. Move your camera, plug the usb cable into the power plug and bingo you have a picture on your computer's monitor. The silver dollar size camera itself can be used alone or placed in a holder. Using the sturdy, weighted holder you can stand the camera upright or hang it on a knob plus the usb cable is pretty long which is a great help. The camera has a small light which displays when it is on although you can turn that off and the camera still records. You can easily control the camera by an iPhone or Android app. Night vision is another really nice feature and, when using the camera this way, a circular ring of red lights displays; these can't be turned off. The Dropcam HD also has 2 way sound: you can listen and you can speak. That's pretty neat. The camera does become pretty warm while in use but the Dropcam HD knowledge base says the back of the camera is a heat sink to protect the actual camera. This device is pretty impressive.