CCTV camera

[barontan2418]

Can anyone recommend a cctv set-up (not to expensive - £100 ish) which would allow me to watch for any wildlife in my garden. I'm looking for a kit which would also include an IR capability and allow me to connect to my laptop rather than a TV. Hope someone out there can help.

[Mono]

Most of the home wildlife cameras are direct video output for pluging into a TV. Some, but not most, computers have a video in but otherwise you will have to buy an adapter.

If the distance is not too far (<5m) and you are looking out a window you could just use a standard webcam and a usb extension lead. Most webcams are IR sensitive, you can check with a TV remote, but you would need to buy a seperate IR light.

If distance is too far there are plenty of network webcams, many of which have IR lighting built in. They are mainly aimed at the security market but would work for wildlife. You need to have a wireless (or wired) network, but then most broadband setups are wireless nowadays.

Have a look here (http://www.networkwebcams.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=618)for one and this site sells lots more. You may be pushed with a £100 budget especially for an outside one.

[barontan2418]

Most of the home wildlife cameras are direct video output for pluging into a TV. Some, but not most, computers have a video in but otherwise you will have to buy an adapter.

If the distance is not too far (<5m) and you are looking out a window you could just use a standard webcam and a usb extension lead. Most webcams are IR sensitive, you can check with a TV remote, but you would need to buy a seperate IR light.

If distance is too far there are plenty of network webcams, many of which have IR lighting built in. They are mainly aimed at the security market but would work for wildlife. You need to have a wireless (or wired) network, but then most broadband setups are wireless nowadays.

Have a look here (http://www.networkwebcams.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=618)for one and this site sells lots more. You may be pushed with a £100 budget especially for an outside one.

Many thanks for the link, the y-cam outdoor version looks to be just what I'm looking for, if slightly over buget.

Mick.

[amelia1730]

Hi Mick

Did you find what you were looking for? I am after something similar and wonder how you have got on.

I have found this http://www.ultrasecuredirect.com/acatalog/Portable_Outdoor_Recording_Camera_I40.html
which I know is more than you wanted to pay but this is what I am considering.

[barontan2418]

Hi Mick

Did you find what you were looking for? I am after something similar and wonder how you have got on.

I have found this http://www.ultrasecuredirect.com/acatalog/Portable_Outdoor_Recording_Camera_I40.html
which I know is more than you wanted to pay but this is what I am considering.

Looks good, I'd settled on the Y-cam Black which is about £ 175 but I've decided to wait a wee while. I work for the Halifax so I’m saving my pennies in case the worst happens, touch wood it won’t. Thanks for your suggestion anyway.