Foscam FI8910W – Is it Any Good?

The FOSCAM FI8910W Wireless IP Video camera is a very popular Pan & Tilt camera. It is extremely versatile and as it is wireless you can stream footage directly to your PC or smartphone. This unit sells in bucket loads and it is extremely reliable. It captures high quality video clips and very good audio recordings, plus you can record night time video thanks to 11 on-board infrared LEDs.

The FI8910W video camera improves the success of its predecessor the Foscam FI8918W, {FOSCAM have released the FI9821W V2 which is a newer version of this camera that records in HD. You can see our FI9821W V2 review here}, identifying itself with an embedded IR-Cut filter which produces enhanced image & color tones. It immediately responds to ambient lighting conditions and readjusts it’s aperture or lets the LEDs kick in. At night it can record up to 26 feet away. It records at a resolution of 640 x 480 (300 000) pixels.

Features

Built in Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n) – Wired connection also included

0.3 MP Image Sensor

R cut-off filter for delivering real, exact shades that are not washed out

2 Way Audio Monitoring System + input jack for external microphone

300° Pan and 120° Tilt Function

3.6 mm Wide Angle Lens

Aperture opens to f2.4

WEP, WPA, WPA2 Wireless Encryption

Infrared Activity Detection- system contacts you with e-mail warning notice and footage uploaded through FTP.

Easy to set-up with a straightforward visual user interface.

Up To 9 Cameras Can Be Simultaneously Controlled Via Multi-user interface..

WEP, WPA/ WPA2 Security assisted.

Dynamic IP+ DYNDNS.org Support.

Password Protected Multiple User Log-ins.

The black FOSCAM FI8910W Wireless IP Video camera records high quality video clips with the added bonuses of making a good job of recording audio with the in built microphone. Its wireless connectivity and simple connection to your wi-fi system, means you’ll be streaming pictures over the internet in no time. Runs off Windows 2000 onwards and OSX. Supports Android, iPhones, Blackberry’s and all usual devices.

Comes with a 2 year replacement parts and labor warranty. Free firmware updates to counteract software security threats are provided on a regular basis. (Read up on CCTV hacker threats here). There is step by step video tutorials and an internet forum to help you with set up and remote monitoring. There is also good telephone and email support. If you get into diffs the support staff can can gain access to your camera and control it over the net and configure it correctly for you.The best thing about the customer support is that it is free for the lifetime of your product, and that includes telephone support.

Preparing Your FI8910W For Outdoor Use

Will the FI8910W work as an outdoor surveillance camera? Many people mount the camera outdoors WITHOUT a protective weather housing and seem to get on just fine. Try that in Minnesota though and I’m not so sure. If you don’t want to buy a weather proof housing try this to protect your security camera.

Mount it upside down with a 6″ diameter piece of rubber sheeting (search plumbing section in Home Depot). Sandwich this between the bottom of the camera and the mount. The rubber will protect the camera from water and frost and act as a drip shield.

For added shelter mount it under your porch or a protected eave to check out who’s calling or snooping around your house. The best thing is, if you are away at work the system will email you if it detects motion. That way you can have a quick scan at your smartphone to see if everything’s ok.

Foscam FI8910W Review Summary

A very handy portable IP camera for keeping an eye on your home whilst your are at the office or away for the night. Easy set up and live streaming over the internet, pan & tilt functions & night vision recording are big advantages for buying such a cheap camera. These elements are usually found in much more expensive systems. Granted it will not produce as crisp outdoor images at night as commercial grade systems, but this camera is not designed specifically for outdoor use.

You won’t be able to see a great distance, but 8 meters is enough to cover most residential properties at night. As there is a newer HD version of this camera the price of the Foscam FI8910W has dropped like a stone. The picture quality in this is still pretty good so if you want a bargain now’s the time to buy.