Until now, many IP cameras required a separate computer to be left running in order to store recorded video, including D-Link's older DCS-932L IP camera. A better approach is to have a small single device dedicated to the task. So D-Link has added a MicroSD card slot in the D-Link DCS-942L Wireless N Day/Night IP Camera. It comes bundled with a 16GB card, enough for recording up to seven days worth of video (at low video quality settings).
The camera can now record video at up to 640x480 resolution at 30FPS, rather than 20FPS in the DCS-932L. Infrared recording at night works better too, since the illuminating LEDs that previously drew attention to the camera are now more subtle.
However, even with a larger capacity MicroSD card, the camera still requires regular maintenance to continue recording for weeks and months. This is especially a chore if you use multiple cameras. What's needed is a large-capacity storage device built for the sole purpose of recording video from an array of IP cameras such as the D-Link DNR 322L Network Video Recorder.
After running through the software wizard for the D-Link DCS-942L Wireless N Day/Night IP Camera it worked fine. We were able to view a video feed, set the camera to record to the SD card, and change the recording time. This took less than five minutes. Saved videos can be browsed by the hour, downloaded from the camera and then played back.
At the end of the setup wizard, you're invited to create an account with D-Link's video monitoring portal, and register your device with it, a requirement for using the Android and iOS monitoring apps.
However, things didn't go quite as well when we tried pairing it with the DNR-322L NVR. The wizard completed successfully, formatting and creating a volume on the hard disk. Once complete, we chose to log in to the camera's web interface remotely to check the video feed, and here we ran into problems.
The NVR's on-board software picked up the camera on the network, we entered our login details for it under the Camera Setup heading, and it connected successfully. But when we tried to view a video feed from the camera, it fell over.
The D-Link DCS-942L Wireless N Day/Night IP Camera is compatible with Macs.
The D-Link DCS-942L Wireless N Day/Night IP Camera can be set up to use motion detection, and there's a microphone to capture audio too.
Despite the relative ease in setting up D-Link DCS-942L Wireless N Day/Night IP Camera, we think they have plenty of room for improvement, especially with the software. While it works, it could do with a makeover. We're none too keen on the ugly orange and brown look of D-Link's standard web interface, used on all its products, including the D-Link DCS-942L Wireless N Day/Night IP Camera, as it now looks dated compared with the efforts of other networking companies.
Comments
Esor1 said: The D link 942-L doesnt work with PCs either I set up the live feed but it wouldnt record to an SD card Then I tried to email clips to myself after reading several problem sites where others couldnt figure it out I felt pretty good when I finally sent an email Then when I tried to view the video it wouldnt come up on Windows Media or Quick time bc missing a codec which I couldnt find anywhere If I cant record video cant email it and cant see it when emailed this product is worthless
Bettybop said: The 942-L is NOT compatible with MACS for recording You can watch live but not record as it states on the box and in this article They say its a glitch they may or may not work out So far i am unable to get a refund from Dlink or staples
Lorigary said: doesnt work with Mac the dlink utility isnt working believe me ive tried two different cameras and been on the phone with dlink and they dont know what theyre doing