Vivotek IP7138 POE MegaPixel IP Network Camera

by Vivotek

Product Details

• Item Weight: 9.8 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 5 pounds
• ASIN: B000VEEQ8M
• Item model number: 21.19.1003
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #187,972 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: August 24, 2007

Product Description

The VIVOTEK IP7138 is a professional network camera with mega-pixel resolution for indoor surveillance applications and detail remote monitoring. Equipped with a 1.3 Mega-pixel (1280x1024) CMOS sensor delivering superior image details, it could be the best choice for monitoring extensive areas such as airports, factories, retail stores, schools, offices or banks. Embedded with VIVOTEK VVTK-1000 SoC, it enables to deliver dual streams with different resolutions and video quality upon different devices simultaneously such as PC (MPEG-4 or MJPEG), or 3G cell phone (MPEG-4 only). In addition, the VIVOTEK IP7138 builds in a compact flash card slot for local storage in case of connection failure. It also supports 3GPP mobile surveillance, which enables users to monitor via 3G cell phones or any RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol) compatible multimedia device on the go. More features are enhanced in the VIVOTEK IP7138 to meet specific applications such as two-way audio, digital I/O interface, built-in 802.3af compliant PoE, and appropriate lens selection with CS mount. With its versatile functions, the VIVOTEK IP7138 provides a total solution for customers' diverse needs.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Probably one of the cheapest megapixel IP camera's available, October 1, 2008

By 

L. Walace - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Vivotek IP7138 POE MegaPixel IP Network Camera (Personal Computers)

First off, the item pictured is the IP7139 (has the antenna). The model I bought and the one listed which is not wireless, is the IP7138.

Yes this camera supports MJPEG resolutions up to 1280x1024, and is 802.3AF compliant. And according to the manufacturer it is sensitive down to 1.5 lux.

This is not the camera to buy for monitoring things after dark. If the area is not well lit, then forget it. You need something 0.5 lux sensitive or less. However, in comparison to the Logitech WiLife, which advertises the same light sensitivity, the IP7138 produces more useful pictures in the dark... but not by much.

This camera does come with its own software for monitoring and recording. But after spending one frustrating hour with the software, I determined it was junk. The software runs slow, and looks like it was designed in the 90's. Furthermore, the software seems to use the camera's on board motion sensing algorithm, which is either completely oblivious to all movement or activates after observing a dust particle moving. Just use BlueIris for your motion sensing and recording needs.

The web server on the camera is fine. You can view the MJPEG or the MPEG stream, although the MJPEG stream appears to crash firefox after running for an extended period of time. The web server appears to be better geared for IE, since several more options will appear, and things seem to run better in general.

Picture quality wise, it is quite acceptable especially when you consider the price. Changing out the lens for something better may even improve the picture. To get a better idea of the picture quality, just type "IP7138 live demo", into google and you should be able to find actual images live from the camera.

One thing that might surprise you about this camera is the size. It is almost 4x6", and maybe 3/4 of an inch thick. There is also a long thin LED that runs across the top of the unit. It blinks green during normal operation, and red if there is a problem. However, you can turn this off. Also there is a built in CF card slot. It appears you can set the camera to record to a CF card if network connectivity is lost. Never used this feature, but if this recording depends on the on board motion sensing, well then, good luck.

If you are monitoring in a well lit indoor area, this camera should serve you well. As far as I know it is the cheapest megapixel camera out there.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Pictured item is a IP7139 'NOT' IP7138, December 13, 2008

By 

K9kuvasz - See all my reviews

This review is from: Vivotek IP7138 POE MegaPixel IP Network Camera (Personal Computers)

Careful -- Amazon's Pictured item is a IP7139 'NOT' IP7138. Hopefully, Amazon will correct this issue soon as they are selling a IP7138.

*IP7138 is wired, I.E., "NO' antenna.

*IP7139 is wireless but can be wired via Cat5/ethernet cable.

*Questions -- please visit Vivotek.com's site for more info.

*Note (1) I just acquired a IP7132(wireless)via Amazon.com and will provide a proper review for my IP7132 in the IP7132 area.

*Note (2) The IP7139 should work equally as well as the IP7132 if not better as the 7139s specs are better.

*Final: I hope to acquire a IP7139 next week, I'm very pleased with my IP7132.

*FYI -- if you wish to test drive several Vivoteks, go to ApexCCTV.com. Find 'live demos' under 'help & info' -- left middle of page. (And now for the disclaminer -- I am NOT part of ApexCCTV etc etc etc, just a potential/future ApexCCTV customer.

*Do your homework and Good Luck....