jmann

**Update** For Christmas, I asked for and received a new camera:
Microsoft LifeCam Studio Q2F-00013 B&H Photo Video

Which is much better for this purpose all around. At night, I can actually see stuff instead of just blackness:



In the daytime, the bright light doesn't wash out the image. I haven't had it on in a non-cloudy situation, but the picture is so much better I am very pleased.



Car has been stored in the garage during the snow/ice. The EX35 is AWD so that one gets to stay outside until the snow melts. Also, I was wrong before about the software only supporting low resolution video. The old camera only supported 640x480. This one is HD, and the video files contacam captures are HD. The software detected the new camera right away and works brilliantly with it.

dholmblad

iTrader: (1)

But what about the driver side???

jmann

I don't really have a good angle to see that side of the car from inside the house. From the window it is mounted in, I'll be able to see anyone who comes up my street, which is a dead end just to the left of what is visible. This also means I'll be able to see anyone who approaches the house unless they know that camera is there and are intentionally avoiding it. It's not perfect but it beats nothing at all.

Rikter

iTrader: (7)

I would try to find a better mounting spot to get both sides of the vehicle. If I were a car thief and didn't know about your camera I would be able to avoid your camera by going where I normally go to a car...the driver's side. I would imagine any car thief looking to steal your car is going to get in on the driver's side instead of passenger/crawl over console. A quick alternative to relocating the camera is to back into your parking spot.

dholmblad

iTrader: (1)

What's the end goal. Are you trying to protect yourself against theft? Or just the novelty of starring at your car all day?

jmann

well, take this video from this morning for instance... The rear wheels stayed locked while my EX slid backwards about a couple of feet.
http://s52.beta.photobucket.com/user...debf1.mp4.html

The front wheels rolled backwards because they left tracks in the snow and ripped the cover that was clipped onto the valve stems.

Basically it's home security mainly with the added bonus of having my G in the picture.

ko3r

ahah nice video..but it has to be connected to the computer at all time correct?

jmann

Yes, my laptop that I keep running in the living room, which I can remotely access from any computer on the web or my phone.

BlackedOutNJ

iTrader: (1)

Great idea, thanks for sharing!