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06-30-08
Duration of ownership:
Strengths: Privacy button. Affordable.
Weaknesses:The color of privacy button (yes, not much of a weakness)
Overall Evaluation: I bought this camera together with its sister model BL-C111A. The biggest difference between the two is that this model has WiFi connectivity. The wired camera is near my room where Ethernet wiring is available, and this wireless model is near the front entrance which is 100ft away across several rooms and unrealistic to extend my wiring. It works quite well with wireless connection. It has WEP so the video is not broadcast naked, but I would like to see WPA encryption available. There is a Privacy button in front of the camera which you can press to disable the camera. I welcome this feature, but it would have been better if the button was a physical blindfold over the lens. I sometimes forget to release the privacy mode, so it would be nice to be able to limit time in privacy mode. Meanwhile, I find it counterintuitive that the camera shows a green light when the camera is being accessed. The light should be red or amber, as green should make you feel safe and relaxed.
06-11-08
Duration of ownership:
Strengths: Great features, exceptional technical support.
Weaknesses:Set up, lack of night vision, one-way sound.
Overall Evaluation: I bought a Panasonic network camera before but due to its weak encryption (WEP only) I had to return it. I missed that camera ... until now. Panasonic obviously listens to its customers, the latest model BL-C131A now features stronger encryption. It is no longer necessary to lower your network security to accomodate the network camera.Setup could be complicated, especially for the technically challenged and those with finicky network equipments. However, Panasonic's technical support staff are knowledgeable and actually extremely helpful unlike all my other customer service call experiences. They practically hold my hands through the whole process.Once it is set up, it is rock solid. No dropping in network connection. No need to reset. Motion sensor and internal mic are sensitive. Picture quality is very decent. Some people complained about low light situation. However, I understand without adequate lighting, there isn't much the camera can do. Perhaps Panasonic should equip the next version with infrared.Another wish I have for the Panasonic BL-C131A network camera is two way audio. Right now the built in mic allows me to hear the sound at the remote location, but I have no way to transmit audio to there without adding another accessory. I wish that capacity is built into the camera.So far, I have only used it indoor which is what this camera is rated for. However, some said they had success putting it in an enclosure and use it as an outdoor monitoring device. I am sure it will be fine in the summer but I am not sure about winter. In a few months, when the wind howls and the snow blows sideway, I will give this a test.In conclusion, I love this camera. It has practically all the features that I wanted. The price tag seems a little high but given the quality, the service and the lifetime site hosting Panasonic provides, it is really a bargain.
05-07-08
Duration of ownership: 2 Weeks
Strengths: Good picture quality, online access, account setups, wireless, good range of motion.
Weaknesses:Somewhat difficult setup, no optical zoom.
Overall Evaluation: I used linksys and creative webcams before, but they can't touch Panasonic web cams. I was hesitant on getting a wireless webcam because of the need to have good wireless reception throughout the house (ours is 2 stories). I'm happy to say that the webcam has worked everywhere I have moved it. Even if the wireless didn't work, you still have an ethernet port to get a sure connection.Setup took some time, but once I set up my wireless router correctly, everything went fine. I didn't even need to call support, but I do caution that you need to know what you're doing.Finally, the best part, the online access! I have already set up 5 accounts for friends and family and they love it. We even have teleconferences (me on my cell while in front of the cam) which is a blast. They are interested in getting this camera now. Definitely a great buy!
04-30-08
Duration of ownership: 22 Days
Strengths: Sound, installation, wireless.
Weaknesses:Not the brightest bulb for night viewing.
Overall Evaluation: The BL-C131A is a very cool little wireless camera that you can easily install and then see from anywhere that has internet access. The documentation is fairly straight forward and the email notification is really nice, when something moves in an area when it's not expected. You'd better have some sort of illumination, if you want to use the camera's night vision. I've tried a bunch of web based camera systems, throughout the years, and really believe that Panasonic is the only company that has thought it all out completely.
01-19-08
Duration of ownership:
Strengths: Quality photo. Great tech support that walks through complicated setup. Don't try it and waste time. Just call them...
Weaknesses:Price
Overall Evaluation: My brother is in the hospital and I thought this would be a great product for him to see his dog.I bought it after researching and love the fact that he can control the lense from anywhere.AAAAAAAAAAAAA+++
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