Remote viewing solution
- — 17 May, 2004 08:42
The Axis 205 is a palm-sized network camera which contains its own tiny Linux-powered Web server, and lets up to 20 users monitor live images over a local Ethernet or the Internet. It comes with a sturdy plastic stand and mounting screws, but you’ll have to supply your own network cable.
The Axis 205 lives up to its claim as far as image quality goes, delivering crisp images at up to 640x480 resolution and 30fps — though the frame rate is reduced at low light levels.
The setup menu requires a password, which is unfortunately not provided in the documentation supplied with the camera. Searching the FAQ on the company’s Web site soon provided this, but its omission from the manual is inconvenient and may prove a barrier to beginners.
A webcam with similar image quality costs around $160, but would need a computer running continuously to provide the same remote viewing capability, and the Axis 205’s Ethernet connection allows it to be sited much farther from a computer than a standard USB cable. The Axis 205 is not suitable for outside use, and will be damaged by exposure to bright sunlight, but it’s a good solution for indoor monitoring and surveillance.
Axis 205 Network Camera
Price: $399
Vendor: Axis Communications
Phone: (03) 9225 5244
URL: www.axis.com/205
