Hidden Wi-Fi Eye
Photograph: Marc SimonWi-Fi has enabled a mushrooming contingent of Webcams serving as nannycams, security cameras, and even chroniclers of growing plants. You can tuck a Wi-Fi Webcam into any nook in the house (or even outside) and watch the video feed over the Internet. Prices range from about $130 to $1000 and up.
We tested Webcams from D-Link, Linksys, and Panasonic. All are 802.11g models with motion detectors that can trigger video recording and/or e-mail alerts; all can record snapshots and video on a live or scheduled basis, too. Though these units transmit video wirelessly, they aren't yet completely cordless: None of them run off batteries, so they still have power cords.
All three support dynamic DNS--Internet address translation--to let you access the firmware and video over the Web to keep tabs on the office equipment room, say, or the babysitter. But taking advantage of this feature requires some additional network setup. Also, be sure to restrict access with a strong password.
Linksys WVC54GC
The palm-size $125 Linksys WVC54GC Compact Wireless-G Internet Video Camera captures basic 320-by-240-pixel video with no audio. It comes with well-designed software that supports multiple cameras in one window, and has WPA support. You perform the straightforward camera setup via a Web interface similar to that used with routers.
D-Link DCS-6620G
By contrast, D-Link's camera is the Cadillac of consumer Webcams. It lists for a hefty $1000 but is widely available for about $825. It offers two-way audio, an impressive 10X optical zoom, and support for remote-control panning and tilting. Its video quality was by far the best of the three cameras we tried, and the unit supports WPA. The feature-filled software has multicamera support, but it is nowhere near as user-friendly as Linksys's. Still, technically inclined users should be happy with this model.
Panasonic BB-HCM371A
For $775 street, the Panasonic's two-way audio, outdoor mounting, and remote pan/tilt controls make it useful for front-door monitoring, though it lacks optical zoom and WPA support. Its sophisticated software seems intended for security professionals.
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