Main Features
Zoom features
The camera features an optical zoom that allows you to magnify images by up to 21× (10 levels of zoom) and a digital zoom that allows you to further magnify images by up to 2× (2 levels of zoom), for a total zoom range of 42×.
Automatic and manual focus feature
Focusing can be adjusted manually or automatically, allowing you to control the camera’s focus to suit your needs.
On-site and remote camera monitoring
Camera images can be monitored from a PC, both on-site and over the Internet. You can even use your mobile phone to view still images when you’re out of the house.
MPEG-4 and Motion JPEG (MJPEG) support
Live camera images can be viewed and buffered (i.e., stored in memory) in both MPEG-4 and JPEG (MJPEG) formats, allowing you to select the video format that best suits your needs.
Audio features (BB-HCM581 only)
By connecting a microphone to your PC and an external speaker to the camera, you can talk to someone while seeing their image on your PC screen. If you have speakers or headphones connected to your PC, the person on the camera side can talk to you using a microphone connected to the camera.
Motion detection feature
The camera’s motion detection feature allows you to buffer or transfer camera images when the camera detects motion in the camera image.
Camera image buffering and playback
Camera images can be automatically buffered at specific times, when the camera’s external sensors (customer-provided) are triggered, or when the camera detects motion. You can program the camera to buffer these camera images, and then you can play back these images later while accessing the camera or save them to your PC. You can also program the camera to transfer images by E-mail or upload them to an FTP or HTTP server as they are being buffered.
PoE (Power over Ethernet) ready (BB-HCM581 only)
The camera is compliant with PoE (IEEE 802.3af) standards, and contains a power receiving device that enables it to receive power from the same Ethernet cable used for network connection. This allows you to mount the camera in locations where there is no power outlet nearby, saving you the cost of installing a new power outlet. In addition, power can be supplied to the camera using an Ethernet cable of up to 100 m long, allowing you more freedom to install the camera wherever you want. PoE connection requires a PoE compliant hub or similar device. An optional AC adaptor can be used instead of a PoE connection if you want to connect the camera to a standard AC outlet.
SD/SDHC memory card support
Camera images can be recorded to an optional SD/SDHC memory card in addition to the camera’s internal memory. The camera supports Panasonic SD memory cards from 64 MB to 2 GB in capacity, as well as Panasonic SDHC memory cards. Additionally, the Stand-alone SD Memory Card Recording feature allows you to configure the camera to record images without using a PC.
UPnP™ support
When connecting the camera to a UPnP™ compatible router, the camera’s network settings can be automatically configured, making setup quick and easy. For more information, see 4.1 Configuring Port Forwarding.
Viewnetcam.com support
After registering your camera with the Viewnetcam.com service, you can access the camera while away from home using an easy to remember Internet address of your choosing, such as ***.viewnetcam.com. For more information, see 4.2.1 Configuring the Camera to Use Viewnetcam.com.
Multi-language support
All camera pages can be displayed in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Simplified Chinese, and Japanese. The most commonly used camera pages can be displayed in Korean.