D-Link ships new IP Web cams for budget users

D-Link is shipping two new IP cams that enable you to monitor your home or small business from any Web-connected browser. The two cams are priced right at $99.99 for the DCS-910 wired version and. $119.99 for the Wi-Fi-enabled DCS-920. I’ve set up this type of inexpensive IP cam to watch my while I’m away, and they’re fun to play with, although installation can be a bit tricky.

These remote cameras are for indoor use--they’re not weatherproof. The Wi-Fi DCS-920 enables you to place the cam anywhere within solid range of your Wi-Fi network, but you’ll still need an AC plug nearby. The wired-only DCS-910 requires an Ethernet connection, as well.

Both cams are capable of recording at up to 30 frames per second (fps) at a resolution of 320x240. They employ Motion JPEG compression for video and JPEG for still shots. D-Link says it uses a 1.0 lux sensor that enables it to better capture video in low light.

The cams can be accessed and controlled using any Java-enabled browser. And they can be configured to detect motion, send e-mail alerts when motion is triggered and record to a computer on the home network or attached storage devices for video monitoring and playback.