Customer Reviews

Panasonic BB-HCM515A Network Camera w/ 2-Way Audio

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I needed better image quality than is provided by the Panasonic network cameras with 640x480 resolution. This camera does provide that. Unfortunately, excessive jpeg compression appears to keep the camera from reaching its full potential. Even when set to the "favor clarity" mode that reduces the degree of jpeg compression, the compression artifacts are very noticeable. The bottom line: better image than 640x480 cameras deliver, but not what you would expect from its 1.3 megapixel imager. No doubt the high compression favors motion video, but I didn't need motion video for my application. I needed to periodically update a website with a still image, which I wanted to be of high quality.

Aside from that, it is a pretty standard Panasonic network camera. I had set up another Panasonic network camera (one of the 640x480 models), so this one was easy enough. I struggled a bit with the first one (see other reviews of Panasonic network cameras for the kinds of problems you may encounter) but the problems were relatively easily overcome.

Be aware that no power supply is included with the camera. It can be powered either with an AC adapter, or through the ethernet cable (POE). Either the AC adapter or ethernet power injector is a separate purchase. The POE option is almost certainly the one you want. I'm not sure why the AC adapter option would ever be preferred: it requires running two cables (ethernet and power) instead of one (ethernet only). But if you like running cables, you have the option.