Livelook.tv Blog

Ever thought of setting up a webcam but been put off by the high cost of megapixel IP cams from Stardot, Axis or Mobotix?  All of these manufacturers make high quality products with megapixel images, motion detection, stand alone units and much more.  They’re great options for outdoor applications or other spots where you need a self contained secure unit.   But if you have a view where a PC or laptop could be safely left running you might consider a lower cost digital camera webcam.

Low cost digital cameras have terrific image quality compared to the very small CCTV lenses on the standard IP network cams.  A used Olympus digital camera can be found on eBay for under $50.   Combined with a low end used PC and some webcam software the Canon or Olympus digital cameras can produce outstanding webcam images.

Some examples of excellent quality digital camera webcams:

Teton Cam -  Driggs, Idaho

Kat Cam – Vancouver, British Columbia

Take a Break – New Zealand

What you need:

1. Olympus or Canon digital camera.  See the list of supported cameras first.

2. Webcam Software for a Windows PC.  Cam2Com and a newer company called SebecTec both offer software to control a standard digital camera.

3. Misc. – USB cable to connect the camera to a computer, power supply for the digital cam, a small memory card for the camera, maybe a small tripod or waterproof case for the camera, a PC and most important – a good view.

Both software companies offer good instructions about how to set up the webcam.  In my next webcam hardware post I’ll go into the details of how I set up an Olympus camera and the total cost of the project.

The Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort has been an all time favorite webcam.  The view over the lagoon is tremendous.  The resort would be a great place for a romantic honeymoon.  Who wouldn’t like to stay in an overwater hideaway thousands of miles from anywhere.   Their webcam is a little window to the south Pacific.   Thanks to the Pearl Resorts in Tahiti for providing great webcams at all their properties.   It sure makes me want to take a vacation!

On a side note here’s a cool view of Bora Bora from Satellite Imaging Corporation.