I must start by saying that I have Kam of Pnansonic, Edimax and Instar in use and can compare.
The Kam has 1.3MP. Yes .... But the image also has 1.3 Mpixel? But probably only if the appearance of the Kam sharply defined on the 1.3 Mpixel sensor. Returns the optics only a blurred image, then the best sensor can turn it into not sharp. And here lies the problem. The Kam has a fixed focus lens, ie you can not set a "distance", the distance for a sharp image is fixed, and if you something regarded with Kam, what exactly is distant, then the picture is really good. If not, then it is out of focus. The falls at a VGA webcam, which anyway has only 640x480 pixels, not so fast on. 1.3 MPixeln but already. And the fixed focus can not be adjusted to a different distance. Result: In most cases it does not have the 1.3 Mpixel.
There is another way: The Instar 6012HD has only 1 MPixes, the lens can be but as with an old photo camera by turning to the right distance focusing. As a result, the Instar therefore with me provides a better picture. Incidentally, the Instar is better even with the night vision by far. Because more pixels also means smaller pixels, which are for reasons of physics then less sensitive to light.
The next shortcoming of Foscam is: She has no WDR (Wide Dynamic Range =, large differences in brightness) sensor. Aimed to her outside, then the picture is just white. You can then switch on the GUI in outdoor mode, then everything is OK. But one turns the Kemera then into the interior, then the almost black. So: Outdoor mode off again. That does not automatically the Kam. Take Up The Kam so by a space which has a large window, and outside the sun is shining, then the image on the one way or another is useless and nothing to recognize.
Optical zoom. Sounds great, of which I had really hoped for something. Here comes the disenchantment.
There are two schools of thought when push.
Number 1: I see something small lying on a table, I want to see it larger. So I zoom zoom, the "distance", so the focus remains the same.
Number 2: I see something small in the landscape, I want to see it larger. It is small, because it is farther away. So I zoom zoom. Here is expediently focused on Opjektiv to another, more distance.
Both approaches have their place in the situation, but with a fixed focus lens can just be one justice. And unfortunately Foscam has opted for the second.
During a zoom operation changes automatically - and in no way influenced by the user - the distance at which the image was sharp. For the situation in approach 1 which is devastating: The subject is on the table although larger, while also blurred. Both evens out in about, so I can see the object was large at the end, but it just so indistinct look like at the beginning, so it will be no further Detaails despite Zoom visible.
Next weakness: Audio. The Kam has a built-in microphone. But that is very insensitive when you hear anything at all, then with a strong, noise, hissing, buzzing or humming. When moving the Kam to deactivate the microphone, it is otherwise except very loud noises of the motors in the Kam absolutely nothing more to hear. Back and forth continuously as pivoting Überwachungscam When operating the sound is so useless, splintering windows, toppling furniture etc. to be heard.
The Kam also has a built-in speaker. But unfortunately, as the microphone, no control for the volume. It works, but is always very loud and therefore totally distorted. Nevertheless, one can still understand the speaker when it speaks softly and slowly.
One could get the idea to make a call via the webcam, microphone and speakers are indeed available. Not a chance, not merely. The pennies for electronic decoupling of speakers and micro one has in fact saved. It comes immediately to Rückkopplunf with the usual whistle.
The one star I give for after all acceptable price / performance ratio, because in many situations where it does not depend so closely on the 1,3MPixel and best image quality, it is useful. The power is low, but the price also not very high. Still, I would rather spend 10 euro more for the instar, although unfortunately no zoom has.
