I want to buy a web cam but know nothing about them. Is there a good one that works fine with WD (no issues)? Do I need any other software to go with the web cam or is it simply plug it in, load the drivers and WD will do the rest? As it will be outside on my TV antenna do I also need a special weather proof housing or can you get weather proof cameras?
Last question - I’m in Sydney and would like to go out and buy it tomorrow (day off work) - any ideas where I can get what you are suggesting?
This ones been asked a few times before, so do a search on the forum and see what you come up with. I think the summary of it all is though if you go for something like a Logitech QuickCam Pro, or one of the new Microsoft ones (min native resolution 1.3Mp (ie not software interpolated up to 1.3Mp)) you should be okay. I have a QuickCam pro 4000, which are no longer available new - but you might want to look on Ebay, and see if you can pick one up.
There are some very ingenious ideas on how to house them - again, try a search. I’ve even seen someone buy a large waterproof torch, take the insides out, and then mount the Webcam inside it!
Where possible you should try and mount it out of direct sunlight (ie pointing directly at the sun), but some people have done this, and seem to get away with it.
Any electronics store like Dick Smith should be able to sort you out, but if you have time, it may pay to do a bit of hunting around, as if they may not be the cheapest. Also try computer stores.
WD has lots of options for integrating the webcam.
Hi,
The problem (?) with webcams now is that the vast majority appear to be going over to cmos sensors for cheapness etc… Whereas, the older older versions were using the more expensive (to produce) CCD sensor of varying image size. The Logitech Quickcam Pro 4000 seems to be the webcam of choice and I recently sent off for a second one to Canada and got it 5 days later in the UK. See: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/New-Logitech-QuickCam-Pro-4000-CCD-w-Mic-Zoom-PC-Mac-NR_W0QQitemZ220093191254QQcategoryZ4616QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem ,where they still apear to be in stock. This particular webcam does have it’s own software install, but whereas I’ve had problems with other cheaper webcams this one works straight away with WD no problems. The image quality is very good too although unfortunately mine looks out through 200 year old window glass which gives some small distortions to an otherwise excellent quality image.
The logitech operates in reasonably low light too, but is obviously not as good as the specialised new type security cameras with special low-light CCD sensors.
An alternative to a webcam is to use an old digital camera with good quality lense etc. and this has been discussed at length on the forum too, although not all makes work and you do need additional software.
Here’s the thread http://discourse.weather-watch.com/p/159683 where Darrell got us going on using digital cameras. There’s free software mentioned there called VM95 that manages the camera. Very high quality and not much money for a used Olympus. I use WD and others us ImageSalsa to process the photos once taken.
Thanks for the info.
I spoke to a friend in the security industry and he has put me onto a technician who can get me a IP camera, housing etc.
I’ll make sure the resolution is as you commented.
You may want to check out www.bluecherry.net. Yes, it’s my son, but for years he’s been giving a 10% discount for people installing weather cams. He’s a direct importer so you are eliminating many layers of middleman markups.
And no this is not a paid advertisment, both of us are weather nuts, and he enjoys supporting the weather community the best he can.
Ok I got the first Lifecam and turned it into a Front Yard Cam, then I went ahead and got a second and it just replaced my Logitech as the Weather Web Cam.
The colors are more vivid then the Logitech however remember the Logitech has been operating for over 2 years which could have an effect :dontknow:
Now to see how it deals with darkness and if OK (or at least as well as the Logitech) it will remain as the weather web cam and the Logitech will become a backyard cam (need to get some more repeater cables for that)
Well while the nighttime images from the Logitech were not stellar you could make out the shape of the flag, house and trees however the Lifecam is totally black…
Looks like I will be going back to the Logitech to a weather cam Hmmm wonder if I can talk the “Boss” into that Pro 5000 now LOL
Lots of webcams compared in a semi scientific but entertaining way, without a manufacturers bias
Big ups to Cowboy Frank, I reckon! :thumbup: - and yes he too suggests that the Lifecam is not as good in low light, so it’s good to have it independently verified!
I wonder what sort of sensor the 5000 has. They (Logitech)were always proud with the 4000 that it was a CCD, but now they have gone strangely silent in the adverts/blurb on what the 5000 has…perhaps it is a CMOS (advanced?) type…mmmm
Hmmm wonder if I can talk the “Boss” into that Pro 5000 now LOL