Pros:
- Reasonably easy setup, took me less than one hour to have camera up and running on network
- Best value when compared to competition
- Camera resolution, even in low light is great
Cons:
- User guide mildly confusing (some broken english)
Overall - I was looking for an inexpensive camera to 'get my feet wet' in the IP Camera world. Reading reviews of the more popular brands (Cisco, Foscam and others) just led to more confusion. So in the end, since I was really just a price shopper I decided on the previously unreviewed KARE N5402JV. So far I am not disappointed... at all! Setup was reasonably easy (IF you consider yourself on the technical side and are familiar with IP architecture, configuring a router and generally configuring an IP based device). Although setup seemed fairly intuitive to me, I realize I have a great leg up on the average user.
Things could be a lot easier if KARE would have someone rewrite their installation manual, one with an understanding of how to guide the non-technical user through an install (I'd volunteer). Without it they *may* be limiting their sales of an otherwise fine product. After installing my first I ordered 2 more.
If I get a chance I'll add a more extensive review after I've used the camera a bit more and under varying circumstances.
June 7, 2011 - Just an additional comment for now. I've had my first camera up and running for 2 weeks now and still very happy. I set up the motion-sensed, picture taking, send me an email function and it hasn't skipped a beat. I opted for wireless rather that run a cable to the camera and have no problems with a good connection (router is on 2nd floor, camera on first). I get a couple of shots a day of my dog and cat when they decide to stir. The camera is hooked up to an X-10 Appliance module and that too is on a timer. That makes it easy to shut it off when needed (using a Palm Pad remote). So to avoid getting unnecessary self portraits I turn it off when in the room. If I forget to turn it back on, it's on an X-10 schedule to turn on every day, a couple of times to ensure it's up and running if I'm not there.
As I mentioned previously, I purchased 2 more cameras and will install soon. At that time I'll be taking notes on the rough spots in the manual. Will post again when I have finally installed the additional cams.