Foscam FI8904W

This is a basic IP camera, with passable daytime video quality and IR night capability available cheaply for only £65 from Amazon.co.uk in the UK in December 2011. BenF

I wouldn't expose it directly to the elements without some shelter. Note also the plugs/sockets from the box are captive and have only a ~1m lead so you'll need something like an external junction box to terminate them.

The camera I have arrived with

Software

Firmware Version 11.25.2.38

Embeded Web UI Version 2.4.9.15

Note that a request for updated firmware from Foscam support offered me a much older firmware.

The details on the Foscam page were a very useful in getting this setup, especially in passing your username and password.

The below assumes you have got the camera setup and connected to your network, and use a static IP address. You will have also setup a new user on the camera and are using that account to retrieve the snapshots or video.

== Using the FI8904W with Zoneminder You can either use the snapshot stream, or video stream.

If the IP Address of the camera is 192.168.1.100 then the monitor settings for each are:

Snapshots :

For a 640 x 480, ~ 5-7 frames a second stream :

Protocol : HTTP

Method : Simple

Remote Hostname : <your camera's static IP address>, eg 192.168.1.100

Port : 80

Path : /snapshot.cgi?user=<username>&pwd=<password>&resolution=32&rate=6

Colours : 24 bit

Width : 640

Height : 480

I found the camera could supply a maximum of 9-10fps.

The only other issue is your box running Zoneminder box will be quite busy decoding jpgs - the libjpeg-turbo MMX libraries do help here if you have a modern CPU. Alternatively, switch to the videostreaming method below,.

Video Streaming :

Config as above, but the path changes to

Path : /videostream.cgi?user=<username>&pwd=<password>

To get a stream running about 10-12fps. I found that the stream wasn't entirely smooth, with a small pause every 2 seconds. Forcing a frame rate just slower than this does help give you a smoother stream, and so better playback:

Path : /videostream.cgi?user=<username>&pwd=<password>&rate=6

Gives for me a framerate for me of 7.5fps, and rate=3 gives 10fps.

Changing the Lens :

It appears different sensors may have been used with different lens fittings depending on the age of your unit.

Possibly pre- Jun 2011 cameras appear to take 'CS' lenses, which can be swapped if you don't mind some disassembly of the unit - there are a few videos on YouTube showing people doing this. These are readily available available from eBay as CCTV Lenses, for £5 GBP.

The camera I have arrived appears to be a revision made in June 2011 according to the PCB silkscreen next to the sensor. The sensor also appears to have changed to be a smaller unit with the lens being a 'M12' fine thread type lenses often found with Bulletcams. These lenses are also known a 'board' lenses, and suppliers include T&S imports

I have successfully swapped a 8mm and 12 mm lens - but note these lenses have a much more defined focal point and for shorter distances ( under 3-4m ) need a little care adjusting the focus to suit your needs.