D-Link SecuriCam 10X Optical Zoom Camera DCS-6620G

SETUP Of all the network cameras we tested, the D-Link DCS-6620G installed the fastest and with the least effort. Mostly, this was due to an intuitive and well-designed install program that helped us locate the Ethernet-attached camera, type in the wireless network name, and then get the camera up and running remotely without any trouble.

FEATURES The most impressive feature on the DCS-6620G is the 10X optical zoom. Most network cameras use a digital zoom, which uses software to enlarge the captured image. Motion JPEG support allows you to view a video stream easily and capture a series of digital images at various intervals during the day automatically. The D-Link software suite displays video from up to 16 cameras through one interface. Two-way audio means that you can monitor audio from the camera and send audio from your PC for two-way conversations. An IP Surveillance program that configures the camera for viewing over the Internet was easy to set up, but not quite as simple as Hosted Video (www.hostedvideo.com).

AUDIO/VIDEO QUALITY This camera uses a 0.5 Lux low-light rating for better night-time monitoring, and the high-end CCD was visually superior to every other camera we tested. On a bright sunny day, we could easily make out a distant road sign, which was not possible with the other network cameras. The audio quality was good even over the 802.11g network we used for many other purposes during the day.

VERDICT It's the most expensive option, but the D-Link DCS-6620G has the best features, 16-camera monitoring software, and the clearest image by far. For the basic purpose of single-camera home monitoring, the DCS-6620G is easily the best of the bunch.
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