Recently I decided to place a web cam in my window in order to monitor what's happening when I am not looking out.
Fortunately I live in a beautiful spot with views of the intercoastal, boats, birds, sunrises, clouds, and occasional dolphins swimming by and wanted to have the ability to record video and take photos of the wonderful aspects of nature.
The most convienent and least expensive solution to my project was to use a webcam combined with recording and picture taking software.
After researching webcams, I ended up purchasing a Logitech HD Pro C920 for about $50 on Amazon. The C920 is an indoor camera reasonably priced and offers good quality but is limited to short range with long range output being blurry. I also bought a medium tripod and a lens which I read improves long distance imaging.
Logitech has a wide variety of webcams available at a large range in prices. https://www.logitech.com/en-us/video/webcams A step up would be a wireless waterproof outdoor camera with better range like the Circle 2. https://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/circle-2-home-security-camera
After downloading the software from the Logitech website, I stuck the camera in my window, plugged it into an unused UBS port and and was up and running in minutes.
Next, I researched software that would record the webcam take snapshots of events as they occured. The Logitech software is good but is missing some features I wanted.
OBS is an open source free software that allows video recording and live streaming to YouTube and Facebook. Excellent software. https://obsproject.com OBS allows you to project the webcam to any monitor or your TV. Bring outdoors indoors.
Further research into webcam software led me to Yawcam. Yawcam, best for timelapse and Contracam great for motion detection also free, both proved to be excellent. They offer motion detection and timelapse functions which enables the webcam to take snapshots when motion is detected and the ability to take snapshots at various time periods as well as many other capabilities.
The added functions allow time elapse shots of sunrises or sunsets and capturing pictures boats or even birds as they pass by.
YouTube has added the capability to live stream directly from your camera. Of course, there are a many uses of webcams including home security, monitoring children, pets, watching your bird feeder, animals, or just viewing your home while you are away. Amazon offers indoor surveillance cameras that swivel and pan to watch what is going on indoors.
Here is site that shows live webcams from Florida and around the world: EarthCam
Here is a YouTube playlist of various live webcams on YouTube including the Space Station and locations all over the world.
Anyway, this proved to be a fun project and is visually stimulating. I hope this little blog inspires others.
