Ahhh this is one of those little secrets that almost NO ONE is taking advantage of right now.  So let’s say you’ve got your computer set up with a USB webcam attached to it.  But you’d really like to take cam pics in the bath on occasion, or set up an additional 24/7 cam without worrying about having another computer. 

Here’s the secret:  you can get another camera and computer all in one for under $100.

This wonderful device is called a network (or IP) camera, referring to the fact that it’s connected to your internet connection (through a router) rather than a computer.  It has its own little computer inside that does things like adjust image quality, restrict access, send files to a remote location, detect motion, etc. 

These cameras come in a lot of flavours and offer some interesting features, such as wireless connectivity and pan/tilt/zoom.  But you can get a basic, non-wireless network camera for less than a hundred bucks. 

Network cameras aren’t quite as ubiquitous as webcams, meaning you’ll probably have to order one online.  Stores like Best Buy and Radio Shack are starting to carry them, usually intended for security systems or things like “nanny cams”.  I have three network cameras, one from Panasonic, D-Link, and TrendNet.  Again, I’ll save the specifics for the review section. 

If you already have a wireless router, you’re a quick step away from being able to put a camera anywhere you have a wireless signal and a power outlet.  I’m using one of these wireless cams for my bath/shower cam.  Having an entire computer set up in the bathroom wasn’t exactly appealing.

These cams are particularly good for 24/7 cams, or anything that updates on a regular basis, but aren’t what I’d recommend for shows or taking videos.  For most network cameras, if you want to use them as a webcam and put a caption or overlay on the image, you'll still need to use third-party software running on a PC, such as webcamXP. 

You can also use interchangeable lenses on most network cameras, from wide angle to extreme zoom.  This can be very handy for getting a full shot in a small room, such as this shot with a wide angle lens where the camera is mounted over the doorway very close to the desk, but still manages to capture most of the room.

2.8mm lens, giving an 85 degree viewing angle compared to 60-76 degrees on a webcam

You can also get weatherproof network cameras (Poolside Cam anyone?), infrared network cameras (for that Paris Hilton-esque bedroom camera), and my favourite – pan/tilt/zoom.  I’ll deal with PTZ cameras in a separate article, but they are a neat way to capture a larger area, or allow your viewers to control the camera!