Product Description

Panasonic Outdoor MPEG-4 Network Camera

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2910 in Consumer Electronics
• Color: Silver
• Brand: Panasonic
• Model: BL-C140A
• Dimensions: 4.20" h x 10.40" w x 8.60" l, 2.70 pounds

Features

• Outdoor (IPX4 splash proof, low temperature)
• Simultaneous MPEG-4 and JPEG
• 3 Lux Color Night View Mode
• Built in Web Server/IP Address (IPv4/v6)
• One-wire installation

Manufacturer Description
See there when you can't be there. Monitor your home or office, live, in color, from a web browser or compatible cell phone with the Panasonic BL-C140A outdoor network camera. The splash-resistant body expands the scope of applications by letting you install the camera outside, like on house or store eaves. The included Power Transfer Unit supplies the camera the power through the LAN cable. It allows you to install the camera anywhere, like on the ceiling where no power outlet is. Cameras simultaneously send MPEG-4 images in three resolutions (VGA, QVGA, and SCIF), and JPEG images in the same three resolutions in favor motion, standard, and favor clarity image-quality types. MPEG-4 is recommended for viewing smooth motion images, and JPEG is recommended for recording higher quality images. With the Motion Detection Function, the camera captures an image only when motion is detected based on the preset threshold or sensitivity of the camera. The image can be stored temporarily in the camera, or sent to you by e-mail or FTP data transfer.

Image Transfer Function
In accordance with preset settings, the camera will automatically transfer images and a data log by e-mail, FTP, or HTTP. This lets you check images only when needed, and helps prevent you from forgetting to check them.

10x Digital Zoom Function
It's so reassuring to see your pet's happy face while you are out. A simple mouse operation is all you need to enlarge the image, using the 10x digital zoom, so you get a clear view of your pet's expression.

Multi-camera Capability
You can register other Panasonic Network Cameras to this camera and use the multi camera page to view images from multiple cameras. After you have registered the other cameras to this camera (up to 16 cameras can be registered), follow the procedure below to view camera images.

Color Night View Mode (3.00 lux)
When the subject darkens, the camera automatically adjusts the brightness to show you the image. You see clear, easy-to-view images even in the dark.

Cell Phone Monitoring
Still images from the camera can be checked on any cell phone that is capable of Internet access.

IPv4/IPv6 Dual Stack
These are the world's first network cameras with standard IPv6 support. Thanks to the dual-stack IPv4/IPv6 structure, they can be installed both on an IPv4 network today, and on an IPv6 network in the future. By passing the stringent requirements for Phase 2 certification, these cameras have also become even more reliable and interoperable.

HTTPS support
This system supports HTTPS data encrypted communications. By encrypting the network camera's image and other data for network transmission, it prevents electronic eavesdropping for greatly improved security.

Recording Program (Included)
You can record the moving images captured by the camera on your PC. This lets you enjoy natural motion that isn't possible with still pictures.

Customer Reviews

From a great product line, some better options exist
This review is going to be somewhat technical and I'll mention some other choices. I've installed more than 10 Panasonic network cameras across the product line; so how does this one compare? The whole series is rock solid reliable. As far as the practical use as an outdoor cam, the BL-C140A is a middle of the road compromise. As other reviewers have discovered, the night time image quality is not very good. The BL-C140A has a 1/4" CMOS sensor which produces a little bit better daytime image than the 1/6" CMOS on the popular BL-C111A and BL-C131A models. If you're looking for a cam to mount in an outdoor location that is protected from direct moisture (like hanging under a sheltered roof eave) then I'd recommend the Panasonic BB-HCM511A instead. The BB-HCM511A uses a CCD sensor (vs. CMOS) that produces a richer dynamic range of colors during the day, and has much better low light sensitivity. It can still show the scene under moonlight, whereas the BL-C140A would show a pitch black view. If you truly need an "outdoor" camera because it's going to be exposed to the rain, then the BB-HCM531A is an excellent outdoor model. The only difference between the BB-HCM511A and BB-HCM531A is that the BB-HCM531A comes with an extra plastic cover for the connectors in the back. Panasonic charges more than $200 for this piece of plastic, so it you're crafty you can make your own weatherproof cover for the BB-HCM511A cable connectors and save some money (hint: silicone sealant works). Note that if you don't already have a POE enabled switch, the BB-HCM series doesn't come with a POE injector so you need to order that separately. Coming back to this BL-C140A model, the other thing I didn't like is that the POE (Power Over Ethernet) is proprietary instead of using the industry 802.3af standard. So if you have a POE switch then it won't be able to use all the neat power management features. The BB-HCM series however does support the 802.3af POE standard. If your budget is just enough for this cam, the BL-C140A still a wonderful unit. If you can afford to pay just a little bit more then check out the other models I mentioned and you'll get a superior night time view. Here's another tip, if you want to have the camera view on your desktop all the time in Vista or Windows 7, go to the Microsoft Windows Live Gallery and search for Panasonic to download the CoconutView Sidebar Gadget. Then you won't even need to open the browser windows to get a peek at what the camera is seeing.

Excellent for the price, but noisy image at night
This is by far the cheapest outdoor IP camera out there that does power-over-ethernet (POE). As a plus, it include its own POE injector, saving an additional fifty dollars on buying one separately. So far it works well, except the image gets very noisy in the dark. However, I'm very satisfied with this camera for the price.

The next cheapest outdoor one with POE is the Toshiba IK-WB15A IP Security Pan/Tilt/Zoom Camera, which I also own and costs over twice as much, but is superior in nighttime image quality, and include pan/zoom features. However, the Toshiba camera is also much bulkier and obvious when mounted on the outside of the house than this Panasonic camera is.

Great surveillance camera -- for daylight
This was my first network camera to set up surveillance at my home/shop area. DUring the day time the picture is great. At night, I had to help it a little by installing a dual flood quartz security light system about 3 feet from it. This combination works pretty well. The security light is motion activated and brightly lights up the area where the camera is focused.

The PTZ features aren't something I feel I need, so the price is right on this camera. The power injector is included which is a nice touch, and it was easy to install. Very nice, neat mounting stand. Well designed, and just a great overall camera. I recommend it highly.