are there any IP still cameras?

[NSA]

Hi. I am looking for a camera to take high quality (probably at least 10mp+) still images that I can connect to with an
iphone or android phone. I will want the camera to be mounted to one spot, and on demand from the iphone or android
phone, take a picture and view it on the phone.
Since I do not need video capability, it would seem to me that a normal still picture camera would be best if one exists
that can be remotely connected to and controlled. But all I can seem to find while searching the internet is video
cameras.
Would anyone have any suggestions on what I might consider besides going with one of the expensive 10mp+ video cameras?
Thanks
Casey

 

[bp2008]

Hmm. I've always thought IP cameras should use high resolution sensors (like 16-20+ megapixels) and take still images to complement lower resolution video... but I have never found a product that can do this. IP cameras are all about video capture, not still image capture.

Here are a few options.

1. Stardot has for a number of years had a 10 megapixel IP camera. Expensive, though, and I have never seen its output so I don't know how good it is.
2. ACTi has some 10 megapixel cameras which I highly recommend you avoid as the pictures look terrible at native resolution. (tested personally with the E77). I mention these only so that you know to avoid them.
3. Dahua has a couple of options that are fairly new and promising.
12MP Box camera (requires enclosure for outdoor use): http://www.dahuasecurity.com/products_category/4k-ultra-hd-445.html
8MP bullet and dome cameras: http://www.dahuasecurity.com/products_category/4k-ultra-hd-485.html

Any of the Dahua options can be obtained from sellers on aliexpress. You can see sample frames and video from the cheaper 8MP version, here: http://www.ipcamtalk.com/showthread.php/2331-Dahua-4K-outside-image

4. Android phones with the app "IP Webcam" can be converted into IP cameras, sort of, but with the right phone this will get you higher resolution and possibly better pictures than any of the IP camera options above. The issue of course is the form factor, WiFi-only, and tendency for the phone to require user input for all sorts of things. This isn't really a permanent option.

 

[NSA]

Thanks BP2008. The Dahua options are definitely more attractive then the $1500 cameras I have found. I have never ordered off aliexpress and I am wondering what kind of experiences other people have had ordering off of there.

 

[fenderman]

@vector18 had one for sale here, not sure if it is still available...
http://www.ipcamtalk.com/showthread.php/2221-Dahua-4K-small-bullet-with-IR-yes-4K!

 

[bp2008]

Aliexpress sellers go either way, much like ebay sales. It all depends on which specific seller you use, and how careful you are with the purchase protection features (e.g. don't mark the order as accepted until you have tested the product). There are only a handful of sellers with the 4k dahua cameras, and most of them have good ratings (lots of ratings, high positive percentage) which suggests they are legitimate. Of course you never know if a seller will try to rip you off until they do...

 

[alastairstevenson]

Some of the popular standard-brand point-and-shoot cameras have WiFi capability and the ability to be remote controlled by a smartphone app - is that what you are looking for?
Example: http://www.samsung.com/us/photography/point-and-shoot
Sony as well: https://www.playmemoriescameraapps.com/portal/manual/IS9104-NPIA09014_00-F00002/en/index.html

Our SMART cameras let you send quality photos to social networks like Facebook or email—directly from the camera via Wi-Fi. You can even operate your camera directly from your smartphone or access your camera photos on your phone or tablet.

 

[NSA]

Yes, both of those look like they should work great! Thank you so much!

 

[bp2008]

Sure, if you don't mind having to physically turn on the camera all the time. Good luck getting those to stay on and connected and controllable for an extended period of time. Oh and you can probably forget about using it when you aren't on the same LAN as the camera (maybe with a vpn it would work though).