Can you please recommend a surveillance camera?

[edong]

I really do not know what to google for this, sorry.

I want to install a surveillance camera inside the living room of my brother's condo. The planned location will be like the place where they normally put the motion detector for the security alarm. I want wireless and can be monitored by my brother with a smart phone or PC when he is away from home. If there is a feature that can tell if it's been turned off, that would be great. He only needs this in operation for about 3 hours each workday. I believe his price range will be $200 or less. Is there a product like this? Thanks.

[TreeTops]

I think yawcam software does it for free. And your brother can use his laptop camera to do it. If no laptop then any ip camera can do it. Just google IP camera.

[Nelson37]

Most cameras will connect to a DVR, or to a computer. This second device is what you access over the internet.

There are cameras disguised as speakers or various objects if you need stealth. In fact, some look like motion detectors for a security alarm. You are going to need a power cable anyway, wireless and video can be problematic.

If you already have a security system, check with that company and see what you have available.

[redwudz]

You could use a DVR (Digital Video Recorder) with network access or a IP camera with direct network access. The DVR option is a bit more versatile as you can record everything and they may have options such as motion detection and automatic email or phone messaging. And you have more camera options for a 'stealth' type of camera. But those type of cameras are typically wired.

An IP camera may be a bit easier and you might be able to use a PC at the home to also do recording. But IP cameras typically look like a video camera. I would avoid really cheap cameras or DVRs as you may not be happy with the result. With cameras, look at the resolution and ease of setup and features. A DVR may be more useful if you plan to add more cameras in the future or integrate it with a existing security system.

One surveillance site I have used for IP cameras is: http://www.supercircuits.com/security-cameras/network-ip-security-cameras
And a few DVRs: http://www.supercircuits.com/digital-video-recorders

[edong]

Thanks, guys. I will look at these and see what would work for my brother's peace of mind while at work.

[edong]

I found this. Might work for my brother.

http://foscam.us/foscam-fi8918w-wireless-ip-camera-11.html

[redwudz]

Seems OK for the price. About all you have to go on for quality are the reviews. If you need higher quality and a bit more dependability, you will have to pay quite a bit more.