The Wirecutter is out with a new piece on The Best Wireless IP Camera, having anointed the $200 Dropcam Pro as their top pick amongst the three cameras they put thru the paces. However, in this category, one size doesn’t fit all and the situation remains unsatisfying. We should start by saying that I’ve been fascinated with network video both as a tool and an entertainment medium since the days of the 3Com JenniCam… and I currently possess a number of devices, some photographed above (plus a dashcam), in addition to providing a variety of blog coverage (Logitech, VueZone, Archerfish). What you ultimately buy really depends on your objectives and selection is probably best determined via some sort of flow chart.
For those primarily interested in full-on security, a surveillance kit from Costco or a partially monitored service like ADT is probably the type of solution you’d want to research. For the general populace, with more casual or personal camera needs, I mostly agree with The Wirecutter. Those who require archiving and are OK with Dropcam’s cloud recording service fees ($99-299/yr) and immense bandwidth requirements, they provide the simplest and most effective solution. But, for me personally, as someone technical and who does not require archiving, I’d rather have two cameras with email image alert capabilities and live monitoring (Foscam, D-link) for the price of a single Dropcam. Not to mention, while my Foscams are big and ugly, I do find utility in the ability to remotely pan and tilt them – a feature Dropcam doesn’t provide.