MICROSOFT Lifecam Studio (Any Good)

[SJG1976]

I'd like to add a WebCam to my Website

http://www.cm2weather.co.uk

Is the MICROSOFT Lifecam Studio any good.

And what is it like in Low Light conditions? Are there any other recommendations for a WebCam about the same sort of price.
I did think about going for an IP Camera, but these all seem out of my budget.

An IP Camera for me would be more flexible, as I could then make up my own leads, but the USB Camera all seem cheaper.

Any feedback about my website, or recommendations for the WebCam is more than welcome.

[PaulMy]

Hi SJG1976,
I use the Logitech Webcam Pro 9000 which seems to be in the same price range. I don't have any light in front at night so not good for that but otherwise very satisfied.

and your webpage looks very good and neat
Paul

[SJG1976]

Well I couln't wait.....

The shop I went into didn't have any of the Logitec one's so I went for the Microsoft Camera.
(Can be see now I hope)

http://www.cm2weather.co.uk/test.htm

Below as well should also be a Time Lapse (taken from an EyeToy Camera I had hooked up last night)

[PaulMy]

You got that done pretty quick, looks good. Enjoy,

Paul

[PaulMy]

Now had a chance to see it in daylight, and very good images both close up and further back. One thing that caught my eye was that there are still TV aerials on roofs

Well done,
Paul

[SJG1976]

Yes lots and lots of aerials on the roof.

And Sat Dishes on the sides of the houses as well.

I'm thinking of moving the Camera to somewhere else, but not sure where to position it at the moment not that much intresting to see really.

I may end up pointing at the Weatherstation in the Garden, and having a view of the Skyline as well, just need to work out my cabling now.

Wish I had snow like you have!

[PaulMy]

Don't wish too hard, because it may require shovelling... but it is pretty on days like now when the sun comes out as well. Our son's in-laws are arriving from Australia tomorrow to visit them/us and this will be their first experience in a Canadian winter , likely any serious winter (son/wife are expecting twins any time and it will be her parent's first grandchildren )

I'd like to relocate mine to the west side of the house but that would need about 30 feet of cable and don't think that will work.

I'll watch for the relocate

Paul

[robynfali]

Just a quick piece of advice for you, your neighbours, make sure they know the camera is showing their houses. Some may love the idea for security, some may hate it, where i used to live, I had a security camera up pointing toward the car (not a nice neighbourhood), and one of my neighbours got the cops in. I was told as long as it does not show neighbouring properties there is no problem.

All that aside, brilliant quality. I do wish there were more streetlights where i live

[SJG1976]

Thanks for the replies.

That's another reason for relocating the camera, will try and get that done tomorrow, or just adjust the angle for the time being.

Have been toying with the idea of active USB extends, but will requires lots of cable.

So back to the drawing board at the moment.


Hope all goes well with the expectant parents!!

An as for the street lights, I sometimes wish e had less, especially when it goes wrong and has a stobe effect all through the night! Very annoying.

[SJG1976]

WebCam now Position in another Temporary Location.

It's now showing the rear Garden, if you look closesly you should be able to see the anemometer.

It's not going to be any good at night now though I don't think.
Still need to make a housing for the camera and a proper mount, as it's not very stable where it is, and is going to have lots of reflections come night time.

The Previous screen doesn't seem to work here.

http://www.cm2weather.co.uk/test.htm

So is it any better at the rear or better at the front?

Comments welcome.

[RayProudfoot]

WebCam now Position in another Temporary Location.
It's now showing the rear Garden, if you look closesly you should be able to see the anemometer. So is it any better at the rear or better at the front?

Better and you have eliminated the possibility of neighbours complaining about being snooped on. Is the camera located inside or out?

I'd love one but if outside the cabling (signal and power) and protection against the elements become a problem. I don't need (or want) super high resolution. Just sufficient to show daytime sky detail. Low maintenance is also essential. Climbing a ladder to keep things clean is not something I relish!

[RayProudfoot]

Although too late for the OP I found this excellent guide to choosing a webcam specifically for weather websites.

http://meteo.milliflora.com/MET_Page_Welcome.aspx

My pocket say's a USB webcam but my head say's an IP one.

[SJG1976]

At the moment it's just resting inside on a windowsill.

Have just gone and bought another bit of stuff, a 4 Port USB Gigabit USB Network Server.
Not sure if it will work, but sounds promising.

Just installing the drivers now.

And it requires a reboot..

Will attach a PIC of where the Camera is site in a moment,.

[SJG1976]

Here is the Picture of the Camera in it's location....

[RayProudfoot]

Simple setup, thanks. I've been considering one for ages but having nil DIY skills has prevented me from doing anything. Also, I can't decide between inside and outside. Inside is easy but raindrops on the window will ruin images. Outside eliminates that but then you get access problems if it's mounted high up. I've more or less decided the advantages of an IP camera outweigh the higher price.

IP cameras are very appealing and the Y-Cam range appear well made, get good reviews and aren't too expensive. This model can store images on an integrated SD card and can also be mounted outside with an optional housing. With a F2 lens it's also pretty sensitive.
http://shop.y-cam.com/products/Y-cam-White-SD.html