It has been a while since we covered anything from the virtual shelves at Geeks.com, but we will fix that in this review of one of the many surveillance cameras that they have to offer. I have placed a few Foscam and Panasonic brand cameras around my property for security purposes, and in this review we will see if a lower priced, generic device can provide the same experience.



The promotional image above shows the APM-J011-WS wireless/wired night vision IP camera provided for this review. Those familiar with Foscam brand cameras may recognize the physical appearance, and as we go through this review you should notice other similarities, too. Before taking a look at the unit on hand, let's take a look at some of the published data on this camera, as taken from the product page on the Geeks.com website...

General Features:

» Color: Black
» Powerful, high-speed video protocol processor
» Picture total: 300K pixels
» Ten (10) IR LEDs
» MJPEG video compression
» Supports wireless network 802.11b/g
» High sensitivity 1.4" color CMOS sensor
» Resolution: 640 x 480 (VGA), 320 x 240 (QVGA)
» Video Frame Rate: 30 fps (QVGA), 15 fps (VGA)
» Minimum Illumination: 0.5 Lux @ F2.0
» Remote Pan/Tilt rotate
» Supports control P/T through IP network
» Supports up to 9 users online simultaneously
» Supports Image Snapshot
» Built-in 10/100 Mbps auto MDI/MDIX Ethernet interface
» Flip mirror images: vertical/horizontal
» Light frequency: 50 Hz, 60 Hz or outdoor
» Multi-level users management and passwords definition
» Built-in Web server, supports remotely viewing and/or management of the camera from a standard Web browser on any computer, anywhere and at anytime
» Supports Dynamic IP (DDNS) and UPnP LAN and Internet (ADSL, Cable Modem)
» Motion detection alarm
» Supports multiple network protocols: HTTP/TCP/IP/UDP/STMP/DDNS/SNTP/DHCP/FTP
» Built-in microphone
» Lead-free RoHS compliance

Specifications:

» Video Compression: MJPEG video compression
» Video Resolution Adjustment: 640 x 480 (VGA), 320 x 240 (QVGA)
» Video Parameters: Brightness, contrast
» Video Frame: 30 fps (QVGA), 15 fps (VGA)
» Communication Interface: 10/100 RJ-45 port
» Front View:
   » Ten (10) Infrared Red LEDs
   » 1.4" CMOS sensor with fixed focus lens
   » Network indicator LED
   » Built-in microphone
Rear View:
   » One (1) RJ-45 Ethernet port
   » I/O Alarm
   » Antenna connector
   » DC 5V input
Unit Dimensions:
   » 4.5 x 3.8 x 4.25-inches (H x W x D, approximate)