My eldest son will soon turn eight years old. To me it seems like only yesterday he was a baby. I remember dutifully selecting all those products that I felt would serve my husband and I wisely in our new parenting experience. Those items now seem archaic. In eight short years technology has advanced in ways I certainly never would have guessed. Back in 2004 there was no iPad, no iPhone, instead only painful-to-operate digital video cameras and simple monitoring systems. Life without an app was a sad world indeed:)
I’m sure in another ten years what I think is amazing now, will be old technology. It’s just the nature of the beast. But our new HD Wi-Fi video monitoring system is amazing. Its the extra set of eyes a mother needs. I can only be so many places at once and can only do so many things. For instance, my boys play area is downstairs, but the kitchen is upstairs. And their bedrooms are upstairs, but my bedroom is downstairs. You get the idea. To only truly understand what is happening on those particular levels I always had to actually be there.
If you are worried that all this new exciting technology is difficult, I can assure you it isn’t. I had the camera working and was able to view the live feed from my computer and iPad in a few minutes.
Plus its small!
This little tech tool is capable of-
- capturing images in the dark using night vision
- creating push notifications and emails based on noise and movement within the viewable area of the camera
- two way communication
- recording and saving video
So what about the image? Obviously the images are much clearer with proper light. Using the night vision in a dark room creates images that are not clear, but still apparent. I monitored my five year old son in bed and I was able to see him asleep even in his dark room.
I also used the cam on my youngest in the picture above. As you can easily see he is still in a crib, when I took the picture he was awake. He called for me, and I talked to him through the cam letting him know I would be there in a minute to get him. I could tell he was trying to figure out where my voice was coming from. It was pretty funny!
If there is a sudden noise or movement, the system will notify you via email and/or a push notification. I unplugged the camera and about a half an hour afterwards I received a notification via my email and iPad that it was unplugged. If you want to use this system to alert you to your child’s needs at night you will have to have your email and/or push notifications set up to be loud enough to alert you. You won’t actually hear your child until you go into the app or online program. Therefore the volume of the notification is pertinent.
Keep in mind there is about a three second delay. This doesn’t seem unreasonable to me. Since everything is being transmitted via Wi-Fi its only natural there will be a slight delay. Obviously if you have a poor Wi-Fi signal, this delay could be more. I read a review online by a person who was quite “put out” by this few second delay. All I could think was “Really? Three seconds is too long for you?” I know we live in a fast paced world, but waiting all of three seconds for a response isn’t bad to me.
Obviously with the live video feed there is also audio. But what is also great is that I can merely click or tap the “talk” button and talk through the camera. Yep, when the boys are downstairs playing and I’m upstairs preparing supper, I can keep an “eye” on them and also let them know when they need to tone down the antics. I can officially be two places at once!
Obviously there are a plethora of possibilities with the Dropcam. Everybody has their own unique situations and use for a live video camera.
Here are some ideas-
- keep track of your pets
- view your house when you are away for security measures
- keep a camera outside your front door so you can see who is there before you open the door
- keep track of your older (teenage) children when you can’t be at home with them
I also used the camera just today when my youngest son took a nap. He doesn’t normally take a nap, but today was my lucky day:) I wanted to workout while he slept, but normally I wouldn’t have been able to as he naps all the way upstairs and I am in the basement working out. Sure I have an audio monitor, but I prefer to workout listening to my iPod. Therefore I can’t hear him when I’m running. But this time I was able to put my iPad on the treadmill and watch him the entire time I was working out. It was so awesome! Let’s just say I think I will be encouraging him to take more naps now:)
For a limited time (2 weeks) the live feed can be recorded and saved for future viewing. However after the two week trial this function does require either a monthly or yearly fee. I can’t imagine I will need the recording option, but it is an option for those that find it necessary.
So you’re probably wondering what is the price tag on this little piece of advanced technology? The price is currently $150. Not exactly inexpensive, but considering what it is capable of I would say the price is fair. Inexpensive video cameras cost around $100 and this video camera has many more possibilities. Perhaps its even a good deal, I’ll let you be the judge.
Check out the full details regarding the Dropcam and connect via Facebook and Twitter for additional information.
One lucky Mama Report reader will win a Dropcam HD of their own! Woo hoo!
Please use the Rafflecopter entry method provided.
U.S. only. Winner will be verified.
I received the above mentioned product for review purposes, all opinions are my own.
I’d use it to keep an eye on our 3 little boys
i would love to win this to keep an eye on my pup during the day while we are at work as he has severe separation anxiety.
thanks for the chance to win!
i would keep an eye for my 3 little girls…
I would use it to keep an eye on babysitter.
The advances made in technology over the past decade are amazing. It has moved so fast and everything is digital and tied to the Internet. This is a great little device and I would use it to keep an eye on my kids and grandkids when I have a full house to watch.
I would love to use this in my son’s bedroom, so that I don’t wake him up at night when I go to check on him.
would love this to keep an eye on my kids while they’re playing!!
I’d use it for my son
I would love to be able to keep an eye on our little Roxie 🙂
I would love to use it to keep an eye on my little girl at night. She gets worried sometimes in the night and wakes herself but doesn’t always need us to come in.
I would use the Dropcam HD to monitor my daughter when she is downstairs in the playroom.
I would use it as a security camera.
Would love to use it for my infant son!
I would use it for my son.
On my front door, who I can know ahead who is knocking.
At the front door–to screen visitors!
I would use this to keep an eye on my son!
i’d use it for security purposes.
At night for my daughter!
I sure could use this for my son (even who he is 12) who is having very bad sleep problems with night tremors. If I saw one ahead of time I can run up and help ease him out of it before it because what it is. Then I will need it soon for my daughter 🙂
I’m going to be moving into my own apartment very soon and I would love to use this for security purposes.
I would use it in the kids playroom.
One of our pets keeps tearing up stuff and we’re not sure which one. Really want to know who is responsible
I’d like to place it at my front door. It would definitely help me feel more secure. Thanks for the chance.
I would like to place it at the front door
Kims2312@verizon.net
I would use it for security and for keeping an eye on grandkids.
I’d use it for watching my grandson while he is playing in his room.
Supervising my teens at home alone when I am gone and when on vacation
not sure, but maybe to supervise my disabled son
To monitor the baby (+kids)
to monitor the kids when they have a babysitter
I would use the camera to keep an eye on the kids
I would use it to watch my kids with the babysitter!
freebiegoddess03@aol.com
To watch the kids
I would use it to monitor my son while he’s napping upstairs and I’m outside in the garden.
I would use it in my daughter’s room. I’m always curious to know what she does when she wakes up.
I’d watch our Pup Piper while we’re out!
I have a new puppy who I have to leave in a play pen while I’m at work part of the day. Would love to use this to see how she entertains herself when I’m not home!
this would be great to monitor the new baby expected in October
I’d use it to watch my son and his friends.
To watch out to see who is messing with our flowers and whom pets are pooping on our lawn – – Paul T/Pauline T aka Paul Tran….. emscout9 at Hotmail dot com
Keeping an eye on my little ones
I would use it for a security camera.
I would use it to check on the kids & make sure they get home from school ok 🙂
for when there are babysitters in the house
I will use it as a security camera.
I will use it as a security camera ty
As a security camera for the front door
To watch out for our puupy whenwe are awy from home.
I’d use it to monitor the house while we are away!
I would use it to watch baby sitters and as a security camera.
i would use it to keep an eye on Grandma. She is 99.
I also would use it as a security camera because my husband travels a lot for work.
figure out what my dogs do all day
My daughters room above her crib. Thanks!
alholm.co at gmail dot com
I would use it to keep an eye on my dogs when I was upstairs and they were downstairs. They like to get into trouble.
We have a new addition, Alessa, This would be fantastic to keep a eye on her. Plus Grandma needs a eye kept on her at night so we just might need to get another! Lol Thank you
oh yes, keep an eye on my baby boy
I would probably use this for security while I’m out.
Front door for sure!
Keep an eye on the siblings
I would use it to keep an eye on my cat while I was outside
I”d use it to see who was at the door.
I would use it for my boys’ room
thanks
To keep an eye on my son
For security
i would love to use this when my daughter is sleeping! or for when we are on vacation to keep an eye on our home
I would use this to keep my eye on our dog! We have just started letting him roam the house while we are gone, and I’d love to know what he’s getting into.
Id use it for security on the driveway!
Thanks for the chance.
mogrill12@gmail.com
I may try and modify it to use it for hiking on trails 😀 or maybe just take the easy route and use it for security 🙂
i’d watch the nanny
Monitor who is at the front door
to watch our dogs and puppies
I would use this to monitor the front of my house.
baby monitor
I would use it to keep an eye on our wild kitten, she is sooo busy!
Ny Jesse, he is always up to something –busy little guy
Front door monitor
I would use it to watch my toddler who will be transitioning to a toddler bed soon. That way I can make sure she is not roaming her room at night and is safe.
I would use it in the play room
I’d use it to watch my siblings because i used to sleepwalk .
use it to watch babysitters
to find out who’s been messing with our car at night.
I would use it to see what my cat doeswhen we’re not home. I would also use it when I am expecting a package because someone keeps taking things out of packages left at my door
This would be awesome with the addition of baby #2!! 🙂 awesome!
of course
I would use it to watch activities in the backyard.
Keep an eye on our house when we go on vacation
keeping tabs on our baby while he is sleeping..thanks, simmsmba@gmail.com
Would love to spy on my napping kiddos
I would totally spy on my kids during nap time!
I would use it to keep an eye on my daughter.
We would use it in the boys room across the house.
I’d keep an eye on the kids.
I would use it on the front porch to see who is coming in or lurking about.
Would use this for my front door, I get so many different sales people. I would be able to ignore the door with this.
at the front door, to protect my family, and see who is knocking on our door, and if visitors enter or leave our house.
I live alone in the country & this would be wonderful on my front porch, for peace of mind.
I would use it to make sure my daughter arrived home from school safe and on time.
I would use it to monitor the backyard entry
security measures !:)
i would use it on my front door
madamerkf at aol dot com
We would use this as a security camera
id give this to a friend for her babys room
I would do something fancy to make it part of a security system.
In our home, our girls’ bedroom is one the other end of our home & unfortunately their window looks out onto a dark empty lot (we live in the desert) & our trailer is parked on that side of the house, so if anyone were to be messing with their window – they would have all the time in the world (which drives me INSANE!)
We have an alarm system etc. but I still feel queasy some nights & check on them CONSTANTLY!
THIS would be FABULOUS! I could open the ipad & not even have to get out of bed!! What a LIFESAVER!!!
to spy on the kids.
I would use it to keep an eye on our home when we are away for long periods of time.
I’d use it to check in on my dogs aka kids 😉
I would use it for security purposes such as seeing whos at my door & etc.
One of these cams caught the thief that stole my brothers lawn company trailer
& equipment off his carport!
I would use it to watch the kids when I go to take a shower
use it to keep eye on my son when hes sleeping
Watch the house when I am away…….
I would use it to watch my dog when I wasnt home.
I would use this to keep an eye on my kids when I can’t be right there next to them.
This would be perfect for a baby’s room! http://www.hannamarielei.com/
using it for our house to keep an eye on it
I would use it to keep an eye on my little girl!
I would use this to keep an eye on 3 children, especially my adventurous 2 year old who constantly put our window guards and door locks to test. We are also in the process of becoming foster parents so these would help us make sure these babes are safe also.
I would use it to keep an eye on my grandson.
I would set it up in the window to watch my cars in the driveway
I would use it for the playroom.
I would use it to keep an eye on our produce stand
I would use it outside the front door
To find out who is at the front door before I open it.
I think we’d use it in the back of our home. My husband has had tools stolen before and this would be nice to have.
use it when i travel to keep an eye out
I’d use it to track the backyard we get people thru there all the time
I would give this to my daughter. She has two small children and a baby and this would help her keep an eye on the baby when he is napping.
I would use it to watch over my pets when I’m away
i would use it to see if my landlord comes by without telling me
I would use this for security and to keep an eye on my girls while they play!
eye on pets
i would use the dropcam for home security type issues.
I would us it to keep keep on eye on my doggy when no one is home.
This would be great to help keep an eye on my three girls!!!
I would use it for security and to monitor my pup’s behavior:).
I’d use it by my front door. It will let me know who is out there!
sellcrystal2[at]gmail[dot]com
To keep tabs on the pups!
I’d use it for a security camera!
I would use it to keep an eye on the kids when I am not in the home.
Neat! This looks awesome, would totally love to have this.
For my son who will be born next month! 🙂
-Ashley Marie Morrissey
ashummz05@yahoo.com
I would monitor our pets.
I would use it as a security camera.
This sure would come in handy, with five children ranging in age from 18 yrs. to 7 months old
I would use the dropcam to monitor the weather outside my window.
In our nursery, for sure! This is a terrific product!
I’d use it to keep an eye on my house, kids and pets while I’m gone
I would use this product to monitor my front door.
I would use it to see in the front of the house where there are no windows
rsgrandinetti@yahoo(DOT)com
I would use it to keep an eye on my toddler while I’m cooking.
We would use it for my son’s room since his current video monitor is not working so well.
Entry above forgot to enter twitter info so here it is: https://twitter.com/bamwjj/status/236538924539973632
I would use it to keep an eye on my TEENS!!
I’d use it as a security cam for my room
I would use it to keep an on my toddler
I love the idea of using it as a baby monitor!
I would use it to keep on eye on my little one… and probably my two dogs when I was gone
I’d use it for keeping an eye on our dogs 🙂 *Thanks* for the giveaway!
In the living room. thankyou, Pam
I would monitor our basement bedroom area where my older children sleep.
reejen at comcast dot net
I would use to monitor my granddaughters while they sleep
to catch my cats stealing food and escaping
I would give it to my sister and brother in law to keep eye on my two nephews!
It would be great for keeping an eye on kids in the house while working outside – or keeping an eye on kids playing outside while I’m indoors.
I would use it to monitor an entryway and look into an additional unit for other door areas.
chrisdeglen(at)gmail(dot)com
I would keep on eye on Alessa, she is the new addition to our family. Thank You!
I’d use it to see which of my pets is being naughty.
My kids room.
I would use it to monitor my children who are 2 and 5 weeks
To see who’s stealing the cookies in the middle of the night!
I would use it to keep an eye on babysitter
I would use it to keep an eye on the nanny
to see the back door for deliveries
vmkids3 at msn dot com
My 3 granddaughters.
I would use it as a monitor for my babies room!
Watching my 3 month old baby girl.
I would use the dropcam to monitor my cats. There are upstairs during the day.
I would use this for keeping track of my pets
and to view my house when I’m away
champ_ion76(at)yahoo(dot)com
I would use this for keeping track of my pets
and to view my house when I’m away
champ_ion76(at)yahoo(dot)com
I would use it to keep an eye on my home and my pets while I’m gone
champ_ion76(at)yahoo(dot)com
I’d use it to watch our dog while we are away!
I would use it to watch the dog when we are gone.
WATCH MY ELDERLY MOM
I will keep an eye on my dogs while I’m at work
For watching our little girl.
I would use it as a security camera
I would use it in kids playroom
I want it for security reasons to see if anyone is taking my mail or packages and to be alerted of any intruders.
Keeping an eye on the kids.
watching the front area for security
I’d give this to my mother who is a birdwatcher. She has feeders outside her window and would be thrilled to have such clear footage of her critters especially the hummingbirds who are hard to spot.
I would use this to watch over my kids, make sure they are safe and not doing anything that can hurt them.
My dog…i know that sounds silly but he is a troublemaker when were gone, and also for intruders into my home.
to find out what the cats really do when i am not in the room
in the kids room or in the hallway its the first time they have been out in thier own room and i cant sleep most nights@
I would love to have the Dropcam! Endless possibilities!
What would you use the Dropcam HD for in your home?
be on the car..thats for sure..i mean shot through a window at the car…
to keep watch on an invalid person
I would use it in my daughters room to make sure she was safe
cweller75@gmail.com
I would put it in the garage
To watch the front yard. Thanks!
I’d put it my living room to watch my pets while I am gone.
baby monitoring (night, naps, babysitters!)
This would be for the garden!
I’d use it in the playroom to watch my kiddies
To keep an eye on my grandson while he is sleeping.
i would use it to monitor the children’s rooms!
I would use it in my living room to keep an eye on my pets
to keep a eye on the kids and our dog
tanyajoshanti81 at gmail dot com
Watch my cat while I’m away.
i would love to win please!!!
I’d keep an eye on the animals
I would use it in the nursery
I would use it to help keep an eye on my kids and my day care kids. An extra set of eyes is always nice.
I would use it to keep an eye on my 5 month old
To keep an eye on my home.
I would use it to spy on my two little girls…. make sure they are playing nicely. 🙂
keep tabs on the little one
brich22 at earthlink.net
i’d keep it on to watch the kids in the playroom while i do other stuff
I would use this as a security camera
schueler.jessica@yahoo.com
I would use it in my sons room
mightynaynay(at)cs.com
I would love to keep use this on my kids and if we have a baby sitter over.
to keep an eye on my dog during the day when I am gone
My daughter would probably be using this in her babies’ room to keep an eye on the babies while they’re napping
I would use this in the nursery!
jessicaahays at hotmail dot com
In my daughter’s nursery
Thanks for the giveaway… monitor a detached garage.
To keep an eye on my pets
At the door.