Choosing Cameras
Choosing Cameras and Microphones
We use and recommend Foscam web cameras for small business and home users.
These cameras are relatively cheap (under $100 each). They support both wired
and wireless networks and they have PTZ controls that iSpy can access out of the
box. These cameras also have built-in microphones that iSpy can access via the
VLC plugin. Axis also make very good cameras although they do cost a lot more.
Note that there are a lot of clones of Foscam cameras out there that will turn
into door stops if you try to update their firmware - don't buy a foscam clone!
Buy Foscam Cameras from Amazon
Buy Axis Cameras from Amazon
You probably have some old USB webcams lying around or even pre-installed into
laptops. iSpy can make good use of these existing cameras saving you some outlay
on new hardware. Bear in mind though that due to driver limitations it is
usually impossible to use multiple USB cameras from the same manufacturer on one
PC. If you want to access multiple USB cameras on one computer make sure that
they're all built by different companies. This is not an iSpy
limitation - this applies to any software that accesses USB cameras. A
workaround is to install your duplicate USB cameras on different computers
around your home/ office and broadcast them to iSpy using iSpyServer (more on
that later!).