Foscam FI8910W White 2-Pack Pan & Tilt Wireless IP Camera with 9dbi Antennas

Summary: I have bought three Foscam FI8910W cameras, one last Fall (3 stars) and two more this Spring (5 stars.) I would have liked to have bought newer models but didn't due to others' poor reviews. I was happy with the first camera: decent picture, relatively easy to set up on my wireless network, pretty good frames/sec, etc. (although the instructions could use a better English speaker.) However, I would give this camera only 3 stars because after the camera is left on for about 30 minutes or so, I get a performance warning from my anti-virus software saying a program is using 99% of one of my cpu's. The program turned out to be audiodg.exe if I recall. I never receive the warning if the camera is not on or if it was on for only a short time. I emailed Foscam to see if they had a fix for the problem but they didn't seem to know about the problem so I received no assistance. I just had to remember that this camera's software chewed up cpu. Even so, this Spring I decided to purchase 2 more cameras, same model. However, I don't get the same audiodg.exe problem for some reason which is GREAT. The software changed somehow; even the login screen is different on the new cameras. Since I can "associate" the old camera with the new ones, I can now open the program for one of the new cameras and simply click a button to see all three cameras' views *without* audiodg issues. BTW, I don't use the audio function on any of the cameras. Update 5/26/2014: At first I had no problems with cameras "resetting" but after several months, it started happening just like on my old FI8910W. Over time, it became more and more frequent with one camera, to the point that it was totally useless. It would not respond to any commands (pan/tilt, brightness, etc.), the window would go black, and the camera would reset and end up staring at the ceiling. I discovered that if I reduced the contrast from level 5 to level 3, the problem went away but the picture now is not very clear, but at least it works consistently.

I was a little hesitant at first to purchase "budget" wireless IP cameras, as I've heard/read many horror stories, and noticed there are some people on Amazon remarking that many of the positive Foscam reviews are bogus. But I decided to take a chance on these, after reading a favorable tech review. So far, I've found that the cameras are easy to setup, and work pretty much as advertised. My home network setup consists of a DSL gateway modem, a Linksys main router, and 2 Linksys bridge-repeaters (created from older wireless routers), all flashed with DD-WRT. There is a small trick or two that you need to keep in mind during setup, and knowing this can make the process much less frustrating. Here are some tips, less all the excruciating detail, which you might find useful: 1. Plug the camera into your ROUTER using an ethernet patch cable - do NOT plug it into your desktop or laptop computer. 2. Install the IP Camera tool from the included disk or download it from the Foscam site ([...]) FIRST! There are versions for Windows and Mac. 3. Start the IP Camera tool, give it a few moments, and it should find the camera. Click the link in the popup window, and your admin screen to the camera interface should load in a browser. 4. From here you can setup the features of your camera. I found that one easy way is to use the UPnP (universal plug and play). This worked very well for me. Using UPnP, should aid in identifying your camera to your router. 5. I don't see any reason why you should NOT set a static *internal* IP address, and I think the DHCP option is kind of ridiculous. Having a static internal IP will allow you to ALWAYS find your Foscams when connected to your home network - make a bookmark. With DHCP, these internal IP numbers can change. 6. If you are installing the two camera (or more) set, decide on unique PORT NUMBERS for each camera. You will be connecting remotely to your home network through a single IP address (a public, external one), so having a port number for each will make it easier to connect to the right camera and for forwarding. 7. Port forwarding - I think a lot of people get confused on this step, but it is essential if you want to operate and view the cameras from outside your home or business. On my setup, I did forwarding for the relevant camera ports I selected on my DSL gateway, and main router. Doing the same on repeaters will probably be a good idea as well, if you have them. 8. Once you *think* you have the ports forwarded correctly, use an online tool like "canyouseeme" ([...]) to verify. Basically, navigate to the site with your web browser while on your home or business network, and it will pre-populate the IP address field of your home network (the external public one) in the correct field. Enter each port number and hit the test button. This will tell you if the port is truly open. 9. When you test your camera for internal network viewing (using the internal IP address you setup in the beginning), remember to concatenate the port numbers for each camera. So if your camera's internal IPs are something like 192.168.0.2 and 192.168.0.3, with port numbers of 8090 and 8091 respectively, you would enter: 192.168.0.2:8090 and 192.168.0.3:8091 in your browser URL bar. 10. For testing REMOTE camera operation, don't try to do it inside your home network, as it will probably hang on you, since you are coming FROM the same IP address your are trying to connect TO. Use a connection outside your home using the external IP address (determined from canyouseeme or other), with the port numbers concatenated onto the end for each respective camera. OR, if you have something like a VPN, connect to that, so the address you are coming FROM is different than your actual home IP address. PROS: Good picture, reliable panning motion, decent reception and range, IR for night vision, presets (excellent), included mounting arm/bracket, and price. CONS: No zoom or built in record functionality in the included software. Overall, I think this is a really nice setup for the price, and should tick the boxes for the average person. No zoom Update #1: I've been using two of these for about 3 months now, and they still haven't disappointed me. I purchased the Blue Iris software package from Foscam LCC here on Amazon, and that is by far the best solution for multi-camera real-time monitoring, as well as recording. Mine are setup to record short clips based on motion, and they have been working pretty much flawlessly. We decided to expand our security and I was happy enough to order a second set of two. Update #2: Bought and installed 2 more of these and they are still all working great. Foscam has released firmware and web GUI updates for this model, and I DEFINITELY recommend you download and install them. It improves the functioning of the camera, and provides better security and interaction for the browser interface (the login screen comes up now before the camera information is displayed as with the previous version). I now have 4 of these, and one outdoor Foscam IP camera. Overall I have been very pleased.

The worst experience money can buy. I now understand the low price on this so called camera. The vendors sell this to the consumer, the consumer finds out that it does not work and finally gives up and sends it back to the vendor where they now are stuck with a useless product that technically is used, then they have to lower the price just to get another consumer to take a shot at this purchase. This is not the vendors fault, as they are offering a product in good faith, but one that does NOT perform as advertised. I purchased this set of cameras about a week ago, and the vendor delivered on time and it came undamaged. As I unboxed the cameras, I was eager to set them up and add this to check in on the pets, or if there were a false alarm from the security system. Day 1 Unpacked cameras and read booklet that came with the product, they suggested installing the software first so I loaded the disk that came in the box. As luck would have it, as the driver and software went to install, the installation was blocked due to an un-published digital signature on the installation. I now have to figure out how to circumvent this. After a two hour ordeal I was able to convince Windows that it was safe and to allow the software install. After the software install took place I followed booklets guidance to start the set up process. I was able to get as far as setting up the wireless portion, but no image could be seen. Day 2 I decided to pick up where I left off and kept trying different configurations and settings with no results. After a while I noticed a setting for WPS (wireless protected setting) so I used that and after the install I was able to view the cameras on my desktop. Day 3 I now have to work on the remote access portion of the install, and here is where the nightmare begins! The booklet suggests to go to a DNS hosting site and register for a free DDNS address, so that you can access the cameras remotely or something of that nature. Utterly confused by this step I proceed to look at forums, or any information I could gather on this subject. After that I went on to watch countless YOU TUBE videos on how to install this thing. The problem was that the video used older software and it did not align well with the software I had. Day 4 I decide to attempt to do the DDNS and port forwarding (another foreign concept to me) and follow one of the videos on YOU TUBE. I came close but no success, still getting network errors and no luck with remote viewing. After a few hours I call it a night. Day 5 Frustrated and soured on this product I give in and call the 800 number expecting someone to answer in a reasonable amount of time, NOT!! The recording tells you where you are in the call cue, but lies about the expected wait time, so their 10 minute wait was really 30 (Yes, I timed it!) After someone came on and I was finally able to understand them, they asked for permission to log in to my PC remotely to set this up, I agreed since I figured he would have the same luck as me. after a brief 10 minutes he got the port forwarding thing set right, and he claims he could see me remotely. I asked him to help me set up the Android app on my phone and after a few minutes I could see the cameras on the phone. Day 6 I decided to take the app for a test drive, it worked great within my own network, but what about remotely, after all the experts did set this up for me and claim it was working. I go down to the local Starbucks for coffee and to use the Wi-Fi with the app. I should have known there would be a problem. I decided to try using 4G data, but it could not communicate or log in to the cameras, 3G was a total waste of time, so I went to another hot spot to test this with the same results. I tried this connection at work and the same thing, when I returned home the cameras were able to be accessed and viewed on the home network. This defeats the whole purpose of having this setup. After 6 days of frustrating events, one long wait on tech support, countless YOU TUBE videos, and online forums I finally had a big smile return to my face as I watched the UPS guy carry the box with the items to be returned. Lesson to be learned, you get what you pay for, but if you choose to try this product thinking you might have better luck with it, let me same you a few days of frustration by suggesting that you unbox the item, plug it in and call the 800 tech support. At least you will be 4 days ahead in the deal.

Amazon delivered in no time as usual - you go Amazon! Got a very good deal on a pair of these with upgraded antennas. Loving it. Set-up was not too bad since i have already setup other IP cameras before; did have to use the software to locate the camera but after that i just used IE to get into the configuration - oh, BTW, you will have to install an .ocx in IE to get the live view of the camera but this .ocx gave me a fit when it wouldn't install. The solution is (off all thing) set your computer date back to 1 Mar 2012 and it will install. Then set the computer back to the correct date. The picture quality it superb, colors are true and sharp. You can also see everything in pitch dark. It is loaded with features but the one i like the most is the presets; you can make it move to a preset position just by hitting one button. Just remember to enable the feature by "UNCHECKING" it in the settings (comes disabled by default). Pretty much every thing else is covered in the other reviews so nothing more to add. All in all very satisfied and the price was just icing on the cake. Highly recommended.

The quality of the video from the camera is below what I had seen on You-Tube, but it is acceptable. I bought the camera on the recommendation of a friend who had purchased and installed these cameras. He also recommended that I purchase Blue Iris software to manage the cameras after they were installed. I followed his recommendation and was thankful I did, because the user interface for the Foscams is not good. What I like most about the camera is the function the camera has to send alerts to my cell phone or email mailbox. What I liked least is the foscam user interface and instruction manual. The user manual that comes with the camera is a joke, so I downloaded one from Foscam. That one is not well written and certainly not written for the average user. I was able to get the cameras installed and accessible through my computer within a couple of hours, then I set about to try and get them accessible via the internet and cell phone. Based on the reviews I read prior to buying the cameras I knew this part of the installation was not going to be a breeze, but I was not prepared for the difficulty of the installation. I consider myself an above average computer user and I have experience with a lot of software installations, but I learned that my skills were far short for this part of the installation. I struggled with it for several days, before I called my internet support line for help. They were surprised that a non professional was trying to do this type of setup. I was told that they usually work with professional security installers to get a security system online. I finally decided to get a tech guy to come to my house to set up this part of the installation. He was only there for a short period of time and it cost me $50 bucks, but it was well worth it. Bottom Line: After going through the pain of the installation and setup I am very happy with the level of security I get from the cameras. When I am away from home I really like taking out my smart phone and going to my home through Blue Iris to take a look at what is going on in my home. Will I recommend the Foscams to a friend, I have on several occasions, but with the warning that I hope they have a computer tech friend.

This cam works very well BUT, it is very hard to set up. It took me hours and hours to get it setup and working with help from a friend that had gone through the same thing recently. Without her help I would have returned the unit. You better know a lot about computers.

I initially had trouble correctly setting up the cameras. I was able to get video on my wifi, but couldn't get a reliable connection accessing video via the external IP address. After countless reduplication of port forwarding, dynamic DNS configurations from multiple providers, etc, I decided to call Foscam. They answered after only a few rings and I was quickly talking with Calvin Harris from tech support. He had me install TeamViewr QS so he could remote control my Mac to find the problem. He changed port numbers and did several other tasks I had already done multiple times. It still wouldn't connect from my house via my external IP address. At this point he informed me that this is a common issue. He assured me it would work once I was outside of my own WiFi. I confirmed by accessing both cameras on my iPhone's 3g (using the great Foscam Surveillance Pro app). In the end he didn't do anything to fix the problem, since I didn't really have a problem. Other than testing the camera you would never access it from inside your house using your internet ip address. We could have saved about 25 minutes of trouble if we covered that in the beginning. In his defense, most setup problems are probably due to port forwarding problems. I'm a former Microsoft engineer and not knowing that he probably wasn't expecting that I had configured everything correctly. Speaking of configuration, be sure to go to no-ip.com to get a free static DNS if you your IP address is not static. My IP changes all the time here in China. That's a major hassle if you don't use no-ip (or a similar service). The Foscam has support for no-ip built into the device as long as you have the most recent firmware. The free DNS service recommended in their manual is no longer free. As for the cameras, they work very well. They have a good picture even in low light situations. I love being able to control them from my iPhone. We plan to use them as baby monitors. One final note. After the support session, tech support will guide you to this page to write a review and stay on the line while you do it. It was awkward, but honestly it is really tough to find good customer service like Foscam has so I didn't mind. He didn't coach the content at all other than remind me to mention him personally. So, thanks again Calvin Harris.

Quick Summary: * Excellent night vision mode. Superior to most baby monitors and many security monitors on the market * Full pan/tilt/zoom! * Viewable in the home (via wired/wireless network) OR outside the home (via Internet/smartphone apps) * Many compatible smartphone apps available (netcamviewer free on iPhone) * Basic in home setup is simple, but outside viewing more complex. But resources/instructions available * Tech support via email or phone. Email is more effective Detailed Review: Like many, I researched many models before deciding that the Foscam was right for me. While the setup is slightly more complex than some solutions out there, you are more than paid back with a network camera that has clearly superior night vision and daytime picture. You also have full pan/tilt ability and the option to set this up wirelessly or wired. There are very few network cameras that offer these features and, in this price category, probably none. Since I've shared my experiences, friends have bought this camera and used it effectively for baby camera, pet cameras, and home security. Customer service is solid and when one camera stopped working, it was immediately replaced with an RMA unit since I was in the 2 year warranty. There are also great instructions on how to set this up so you can view it from your smartphone and outside your home network. The customer support is also more than happy to give you tips via email. I consider myself fairly computer savvy and was able to set the first one up after about 1 hour. I've since bought two more. Note: Certain packages contain a super long antenna for increased signal that is included free. While I was able to get a solid signal with the shorter, standard antenna, I did get noticeably quicker image and smoother video with the Foscam Wireless Range 9dbi Antenna Expander for Foscam IP Camera . It's a great add-on if you can find the right package. There are also bundle packs with more than one camera if you know you want to buy bulk. Price is about the same or slightly cheaper. Eg: 2 PACK Foscam FI8910W Wireless/Wired Pan & Tilt IP/Network Camera with IR-Cut Filter for True Color Images - 8 Meter Night Vision and 3.6mm Lens (67° Viewing Angle) - Black NEWEST MODEL Update: The camera does make a clicking noise as it switches from daytime to nighttime mode. Occasionally, if the lighting is just right and between twilight and dusk, it can get momentarily stuck and click multiple times as it decides which mode is best to use. Brightening or dimming the lights stops this is issue but it can be annoying if you want absolute silence.