SpotCam is a $149 cloud-based home webcam that allows for 720p video streaming, two-way audio, and motion detection notifications. Setup is easy using the iOS app which links the camera to your home Wi-Fi network. Video quality is good but the wide field of view can warp edges. Audio quality for two-way communication is only fair due to the small speaker. Storage plans starting at $3.99/month allow saving video beyond the free 24-hour period. SpotCam is a competent home monitoring option at a reasonable price.

4. SpotCam is a new entrant in the cloud-based home webcam parade. The U.S. $149.99
camera has easy setup and features like sound monitoring, plus the ability to speak to the
camera remotely and have the camera speaker play it.
Specifications
Dimensions:
Body 4.8cm(1.89") × 14.8cm(5.83")
Weight: 198g(6.37oz)
Power Input: 12V1A
Video: Up to 720P HD(1280x720) at 30
frame/sec
Streaming: H.264 encoding
Field of View: 110 degrees (diagonal)
Audio: Speaker and microphone
Night Vision: 12 High-power IR LEDs

6. Design
The SpotCam is a white
upright cylindrical camera
with a swivel base. When
you get the camera you
can download the
companion free iOS app, or
you can view the camera
from any web browser
after setting up a free
account.

9. Functionality
Installation was easy. The camera plugs into a power source and using the iOS app
you link it to your home Wi-Fi network. Enter your account credentials and you are
ready to go. Video is good quality, but the wide-field of the camera will slightly warp
the edges of the frame. I could hear audio using the app, but it had a bit of static.
Likewise, when talking from the app to the camera the audio wasn't of the best
quality as the camera has a pretty small speaker.
The camera is free to use with no other charges. You can view the camera in real
time or get motion or audio detection notifications through email or the iOS app.
The app lets you store 1 day of video at no charge. An additional paid service
provides different levels of video storage if you want to save video from any event
the camera picks up and go back in time to view it. Those packages start at $3.99
and top out at $19.99 a month.

11. Recording Plans
While you won't need a recording plan to use your SpotCam, there are various tiers of cloud
storage available should you want to store video for longer periods. With the free plan, you'll be
able to view your video, get 24-hours of cloud recording, see motion and event detection, share
video, and receive alerts. You won't however be able to view any video older than 24 hours.
Using a storage plan (NVR as SpotCam calls it) you'll be able to have 3, 7, or 30-day recordings
saved in the cloud. The 3-day plan runs $3.95/month, 7-day for $5.95/month, and 30-day for
$19.95/month. One of these options will be best for those looking to use SpotCam for security
reasons, rather than just checking in on the pets or kids. You'll need a plan for each camera, but
you do save 50% off each additional one.

13. Conclusion
SpotCam is a competent performer at a price similar to other
hardware/software packages on offer. People thinking of home monitoring
systems can also consider something like iCam, which is an inexpensive iOS
app that let's you choose the webcam you want to use. It supports multiple
cameras and notifications on motion or audio. Dropcam is another option,
although it is pricier for monthly storage of video.
SpotCam was easy to set up and easy to use. It's worth considering if you
are looking to set up a webcam in your home.