SpotCam is a capable Wi-Fi camera for your home

SpotCam is a new entrant in the cloud-based home webcam parade. The U.S. $149.99camera has easy setup and features like sound monitoring, plus the ability to speak to thecamera remotely and have the camera speaker play it.

Specifications

Dimensions:Body 4.8cm(1.89") × 14.8cm(5.83")Weight: 198g(6.37oz)Power Input: 12V1AVideo: Up to 720P HD(1280x720) at 30 frame/secStreaming: H.264 encodingField of View: 110 degrees (diagonal)Audio: Speaker and microphoneNight Vision: 12 High-power IR LEDs

DesignThe SpotCam is a whiteupright cylindrical camerawith a swivel base. Whenyou get the camera youcan download thecompanion free iOS app, oryou can view the camerafrom any web browserafter setting up a freeaccount.

Functionality

Installation was easy. The camera plugs into a power source and using the iOS appyou link it to your home Wi-Fi network. Enter your account credentials and you areready to go. Video is good quality, but the wide-field of the camera will slightly warpthe edges of the frame. I could hear audio using the app, but it had a bit of static.Likewise, when talking from the app to the camera the audio wasn't of the bestquality as the camera has a pretty small speaker.

The camera is free to use with no other charges. You can view the camera in realtime or get motion or audio detection notifications through email or the iOS app.The app lets you store 1 day of video at no charge. An additional paid serviceprovides different levels of video storage if you want to save video from any eventthe camera picks up and go back in time to view it. Those packages start at $3.99and top out at $19.99 a month.

Recording PlansWhile you won't need a recording plan to use your SpotCam, there are various tiers of cloudstorage available should you want to store video for longer periods. With the free plan, you'll beable to view your video, get 24-hours of cloud recording, see motion and event detection, sharevideo, and receive alerts. You won't however be able to view any video older than 24 hours.

Using a storage plan (NVR as SpotCam calls it) you'll be able to have 3, 7, or 30-day recordingssaved in the cloud. The 3-day plan runs $3.95/month, 7-day for $5.95/month, and 30-day for$19.95/month. One of these options will be best for those looking to use SpotCam for securityreasons, rather than just checking in on the pets or kids. You'll need a plan for each camera, butyou do save 50% off each additional one.

ConclusionSpotCam is a competent performer at a price similar to otherhardware/software packages on offer. People thinking of home monitoringsystems can also consider something like iCam, which is an inexpensive iOSapp that let's you choose the webcam you want to use. It supports multiplecameras and notifications on motion or audio. Dropcam is another option,although it is pricier for monthly storage of video.

SpotCam was easy to set up and easy to use. It's worth considering if youare looking to set up a webcam in your home.