My 1 year old and 3 year old daughters recently started sharing a bedroom. When they started waking up at 6:30 am we wondered who was waking the other. Of course they blamed each other so we couldn’t get the answer from them. Then we got a Dropcam and the culprit was revealed.Dropcam is a simple Wi-Fi video monitoring system can be set up in less than a minute and you’ll have instant access to live, secure streaming video via an app on your Smartphone, your computer or iPad. The camera comes with night vision, two-way audio, digital pan and zoom and features 720p HD video. Watch live (included) or choose offsite DVR recording available at a monthly rate from Dropcam.com. Both can be viewed from anywhere on any device. All you need is a Wi-Fi network at the location the camera will be used and a free a Dropcam App. Perfect for monitoring your children or pets, Dropcam’s two-way audio allows you to hear and respond to events, essentially doubling as an intercom or two-way radio. Now at nap time when the youngest is emptying her dresser drawers I can use the app on my phone to say “put your clothes away and get back in bed!” She always replies “Oh kaaaaaay!” It’s really quite handy. I like being about to see and hear what they are up to!
I couldn’t believe how easy it was to get started with Dropcam. All I had to do was plug it into my computer and click a few buttons. Then unplug it and plug it into a wall outlet anywhere I want to use it. I love that I can easily move it anywhere I want it. If I want to monitor the playroom I can just plug it into an outlet in there instead. You can also use additional Dropcams to monitor different areas simultaneously. It’s funny how quickly the kids caught on to it. They’ll look right at the camera and talk to us.
Dropcam came with a free trial of the DVR service which was pretty neat. Every time there was activity Dropcam would record a clip. From the app I could select “show events” and find out what time my girls woke up in the morning then view the clip to see which one woke up the other. The DVR service is at an additional charge either monthly or for a discounted annual fee.
The night vision really works. Though not as clear as when it’s light, you can see everything that is going on even with the lights out. We didn’t use the zoom option much because you have to go into settings to zoom in on a particular area. It works well but isn’t very convenient having to leave the viewing screen to do it.
You can set up push notifications and email so that you’ll be alerted when an event takes place. Right after we set up the Dropcam my husband was out and got an alert. He watched me put the girls to bed. Funny how we like being able to monitor the kids but I really didn’t like being monitored myself especially since his friends could have seen me in my pajamas and heard my horrible bedtime songs. Still, a great feature in the right circumstances!
Overall I was really impressed with Dropcam, especially for the price which is around $150. You can find out more about Dropcam at www.dropcam.com.
Feeling lucky? Enter to win a Dropcam by filling out the form below. Also, be sure to check out all of our other giveaways. NOTE: if you are having trouble with the mandatory entry on the form below, click “I did this” first. Then the form will pop up to enter your info. If you don’t leave your address, I won’t have a way to get your prize to you. If you need more guidance, you can watch this video on how to enter Rafflecopter giveaways.
This giveaway is open until September 6, 2012 at 12:01 am EST to U.S residents.
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A complimentary product/service was provided for this review, however, all opinions expressed are my own. I was not compensated in any other way. See Mommies With Cents disclosure policy for more details.
Awesome piece of tech equipment, Thanks for the giveaway!
Wow I have never heard of this! We are about to move the little one into the bigger ones bedroom in the next few weeks, and this sounds like a great way to keep an eye on them. Just the other day Hubby was saying that he wishes he could see them on our ipods as we are always carrying them in our pockets in case they do something cute and we need to take a pic!
Hugs,
Erin
Trying to enter the giveaway drawing for dropcam.