Swann DIY Security Camera (Color)

by Swann

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0002E46PO
• Item model number: SW-P-DSC
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 7, 2004

Product Description

Color Video Camera With Audio; Lens: 6.0Mm; All Purpose Security Camera For Home Or Business; High-Quality Color Images: 1.5 Lux Illumination; Built-In Microphone; Up To 380 Tv Lines Resolution; Bracket For Wall/Ceiling Mounting; Includes 15-Ft A/V Cable & Bnc Cable

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Small but mighty, February 7, 2005

By 

F. A. Parks (Portland, OR United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Swann DIY Security Camera (Color) (Electronics)

This was shockingly tiny coming out of the box...but that's good. It mounts easily just about anywhere and is very inconspicuous with it's flat black finish. Outdoor locations should be at least semi-sheltered from weather, such as under a roof overhang.
A single cable coming out of it splits off into separate power and video/audio cables. The included wall-plug cube supplies power, so an outdoor outlet will make installation more convenient. Readily available RCA type extension cables routed inside to your TV complete the set-up. You can just use a single cable if all you want is video, or use a second cable to make use of the built-in microphone. A single button punch on my TV remote switches from TV to camera input. If desired it can be run through a VCR to get the action on tape. (You could even make home movies).
All of this would be pointless if the video wasn't good, but in fact the color image of my front porch and driveway is better than I expected -- not hi-def but very acceptable. The viewing angle is wide enough to see everything I need to see. Understand that this isn't a night vision device, so combine it with a motion sensing security light for darkness hours, and you've got your eye on the world outside your door. I would have given it a full 5 star rating if it had extreme low-light capability.
I've only had this for a few weeks so I can't attest to it's durability. With the mail-in rebate the price will be cut in half, so I won't have much invested. The price is much less than many other security cameras on the market that do basically the same function. I'll update this review if it craps out any time soon.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Caught the intruder--but it was a dog!, December 19, 2008

By 

Ruth B. Kaplan "sewfits" (Austin Texas USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Swann DIY Security Camera (Color) (Electronics)

I had a neighbor that I thought was vandalizing my yard, so I installed these in the front windows, using inexpensive TV/VCRs from the pawn shop for recording. Just taped the cameras to the glass and turned on the recorder when I was leaving the house.

I caught my intruder--but it turned out to be another neighbor's dog, who was getting out and having a romp in my yard. I also got to see birds, squirrels, and cats wandering across the field of view.

The main drawback of this camera is that it has a narrow field of view. Even the wide angle model (a little more expensive) won't possibly cover an entire front yard. I had to install two, and even then, there was an enormous "dead zone" where someone could sneak past the cameras.

The price is excellent, and the longer cord helps run it from the window to where your recorder is sitting.

Not a bad product and did the job I needed.

5.0 out of 5 stars friggin' greatatudes!, November 3, 2011

By 

smiles7 - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Swann DIY Security Camera (Color) (Electronics)

i set this up to watch my parking lot and this is a constant show of the neighbors fighting and jamming plus my car is safe thanks to the notice with the product. Like a tv show, better than any, cause these neighbors, move over, brando in streetcar, and quit yellin' her name! Great product!