The Foscam FI8910W Indoor Pan/Tilt Wi-Fi Camera was introduced several years ago and is still useful today. This is one of those home security cameras that require some IT knowledge to setup. Not for the technically challenged. Somewhat similar to the Amcrest ProHD Home Security Camera which we recently reviewed, the software interface provides a wide variety of customization options which, in my opinion, aren’t presented in the most user friendly way.
However, once I got past the user interface challenges, I found the Foscam camera to be a quality piece of hardware with a lot of usability.
Let’s get to the overview of the camera.
Software
The Foscam FI8910W Indoor Pan/Tilt Wi-Fi Camera isn’t the easiest camera to setup and customize. If you aren’t into a software challenge, this camera might not be the best choice. Consider a Nest Cam or Canary All-in-One Home Security System.
The Foscam FI8910 Indoor Pan/Tilt Wi-Fi Camera has smartphone and web apps. All setup is done through a desktop application though.
Setting up this camera requires network knowledge. It’s all done through the desktop app which logs into the Foscam FI8910W Indoor Pan/Tilt Wi-Fi Camera. This app allows customization of the network settings and setup for your home wireless network. This is an older camera, introduced approximately 2012, before smartphone setup became an industry standard for everything from setup to daily use. You’re going to need to use an Ethernet cable to set this up. I couldn’t do it over wireless.
The Foscam FI8910W is actually pretty helpful . Here’s the Foscam FI8910W Manual download link. Download it and print it. You’re going to need it.
Within the app are options to toggle motion and recording schedule options. Like many home security cameras, you can alter the motion sensitivity as needed. You can also establish schedules on when to monitor motion. So fo example,you might not want to send alerts for motion after 5PM and on the weekends.
Email of alerts is available but only to gmail accounts. For me that wasn’t a problem but I can see it being an issue for those that don’t want to use gmail.
There is no cloud service. However, there are alternative services that can be setup to record video.
There are a multitude of customization options that are quite detailed in the manual. As already stated, print the manual out. You’re going to need it.
Connectivity
The Foscam FI8910W Indoor Pan/Tilt Wi-Fi Camera connects to your wireless router at 2.4GHz using 802.11 b/g/n.
Hardware
As already stated, the Foscam FI8910W is a solid piece of hardware that once setup, you can do a lot of different things with.
This is an old type eyeball camera. You can manipulate the physical positioning of the camera lens be swiping the display left or right, up or down. It covers an extremely wide range using the pan and tilt features. We’re talking about 300 degrees side to side. That’s enough to get the entire room and even somewhat behind the camera.
A photo of the Foscam FI8910W Pan and Tilt Camera accompanies this article. It is one of the larger cameras that I own especially with the antenna added in. It comes in black and white.
The video is delivered at 640 x 480p. Not great, but it’s an older technology camera.
The camera eyeball spans 300 degrees side to side and then 120 degrees from top to bottom. You can also swivel the camera somewhat behind the placement which is pretty cool. This is all done through the app.
The color CMOS sensor provides a fish eye view as images around the edges are somewhat distorted.
Night vision was surprisingly decent. The IR night vision is good for around 25 feet.
There’s an integrated microphone and speaker for two-way communications. The quality of the speaker was not as good as most other home security cameras. The back of the camera has input/output audio jacks for external speakers or a microphone. Perhaps that would improve the overall quality of voice but I didn’t try it.
The Foscam FI8910W Pan and Tilt Camera has no on-board storage nor any cloud service.
Mounts
This is a larger camera that typically is used on a flat surface like a desk or shelf. However, Foscam does provide a bracket for attachment to a wall. You can also mount it to a ceiling and flip the video within the application.
Fun and Different
The bottom of the Foscam FI8910 Indoor Pan/Tilt Wi-Fi Camera has a standard 1/4″ – 20 threaded screw hole, this fits a standard tripod. That means a wide variety of mounts and tripods will fit this camera.
Summary
The Foscam FI8910W Indoor Pan/Tilt Wi-Fi Camera is older technology but available for a much lower price than other mainstream more current models. If you have some IT background and don’t mind modifying networking settings, this might be a good camera. As already mentioned, for those looking for an intuitive app that isn’t complicated, check the Nest Cam or Canary.
| Video Quality | Field of View | Cloud Support | SD Support | Night Vision | Mobile/Web App | Alerts | Outdoor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 640 x 480 | 300 Degrees (Pan and Tilt) | No | No | Yes | Yes/Yes | Yes | No |
Manufacturer Link: Foscam