Eyespy UCam247i review

There are three streams, one of which is optimised for mobile access and fixed to a resolution of 176×144. The other two streams can each operate at a maximum resolution of 640×480 and 30fps. The camera simultaneously outputs MJPEG, MPEG4 and H.264 streams, but the one you see depends on the capabilities of your browser and which plug-ins you have installed, so you’ll need to have the QuickTime plug-in in order to view MPEG4 video rather than the more widely supported MJPEG.

The Network options let you test, configure and enable the camera’s Wi-Fi, and include the usual options for setting a fixed IP address if you need one. There’s also support for Dynamic DNS, which is still essential if you want to access the camera’s web-based stream and interface remotely.

Storage settings let you save content to either a NAS device on your network or a MicroSD card plugged into the port on its side. The Task settings configure how and when files are saved by setting up the sensitivity of motion detection within selected areas of the camera’s field of vision and setting up the times when motion detection will run. You can also configure behaviours such as sending email snapshots when motion detection is triggered, or saving video and stills to an FTP server. The latter is handy if you want to keep vital evidence safely stored off-site.

Picture quality is excellent in both stills and video. We could easily pick out facial features from some distance away and colour was remarkably natural and accurate. The infrared mode does its job well, clearly illuminating fine details in dark places.

There’s no pan or tilt, but the UCam has a flexible stand

Unlike some other IP Cameras, the UCam247 doesn’t pan or tilt automatically, but it comes with a mount that you can attach to the wall or ceiling, or use as a desk stand, making it easy to position the camera exactly where you want it.

The UCam247 is easy to use as far as IP cameras go, thanks to a clearly designed interface, but if you want to do more than check your camera using a tablet or smartphone, you’ll still need to spend a bit of time setting it up. At £130 inc VAT, it costs £40 more than the similarly specified Compro IP70, which also has excellent image quality and supports P2P connections via a tablet or smartphone. If you’re in the market for this type of IP camera, go for the Compro IP70.