The Panasonic BL-C210 offers a range of support and options that will help solve the needs for home and small-business security. You’ll be able to install this IP camera to monitor a small business after hours, or to keep an eye on valuables inside your house. The IP camera connects directly to your network, and you can access the feed from any computer with internet access or even from a smartphone. The secure video is transmitted directly to you, wherever you are located. The diverse and safe features make the Panasonic IP camera the TopTenREVIEWS Bronze Award winner. However, it does not have the option to transfer the video to a secure FTP. You have to store the video recordings on a local computer.
The video resolution for this IP camera is in line with the industry standard of 640 x 480 pixels. And the field of view is adequate at 58 degrees, but some others have a higher degree. The field of view is the area where you’ll have an effective line of sight. The smaller the number, the less area you can see and the more blind spots you’ll have. The resolution of the camera, while standard is still low, especially considering the high definition television we’re all used to seeing. However, considering the price for the camera, it is still quite impressive. Images and content will still be visible and even faces can usually be recognized.
The video management capabilities for this IP camera are strong, and you can log into the controls from anywhere with an internet connection. You can view the feed and control the camera from an internet browser or a smartphone. However, the smartphone video feed is grainy and small. You can connect multiple cameras to the same feed and view each one individually. Simply log into the camera with the user identification code you're given with the purchase of the camera.
The recording feed options offered by the Panasonic IP camera suit all different needs. Remote monitoring is perhaps one of the most useful features. You can view live video surveillance with this camera from anywhere with internet access. The video surveillance camera supports the use of a dynamic IP address via DNS. All you’ll need to access your security camera is to input the DNS hostname, which is given with the purchase of the camera. This is a terrific and affordable way to increase the security of your home or business.
It’s very unlikely that you’ll be glued to the monitor watching the security feed at all times. This is why you’ll be able to configure the camera to alert you when there is movement. You can set the camera to turn on only after hours and when movement is detected. When the camera starts recording, you’ll get an email alert with an image of what was being filmed when the camera was alerted. This will let you know if you need to take action or not.
Video recordings with this IP camera are stored on a local computer hard drive. It does not give you the option to upload content to a website for storage via an FTP, like some other spy cameras offer. This is something you should consider before purchasing this camera. However, the video can be deleted periodically, so it won’t take up too much storage space.
For the best video and viewing quality, we recommend that you have either a fast internet connection on a computer or a smartphone with at least a 3G connection. Otherwise, you’ll have a very poor image quality that is grainy and difficult to see.
Business and home security cameras are simple to use, and many of simply require you to plug the camera in to your network router. These plug-and-play IP cameras are popular, and this Panasonic IP camera is no different, making it easy to maximize your security. However, unlike some other IP cameras, you’ll need to store the footage on a local computer or hard drive.
One of the biggest issues with wired surveillance cameras is the need to run physical wires behind a wall. If your building is already finished, you may have to hire a professional to run the wires. This may bring some extra cost, but it is worth having a correctly wired security camera.
Panasonic offers all the basic customer service support options you’ll need for your network camera. Telephone and email support can connect you directly to knowledgeable and friendly customer service representatives. The unit is also covered by a simple, one-year warranty, which is the industry standard.
The Panasonic BL-C210 IP camera is a solid and reliable unit. The camera connects directly to your network and you will be able to access it from anywhere with an internet connection. However, you’ll have to store all the video feeds on a local computer as there are no FTP options offered.
