Top 5 Home Security IP Cameras for Mac Users
As any Mac user will tell you they generally get stuffed when it comes to software availability and support for their machines. Sadly when it comes to IP cameras it’s no different.
As IP video specialists it probably won’t come as any surprise that we’ve seen a one or two IP cameras in our time but luckily we also have someone who owns a Mac (yes just the one!). So here is our top 5 list of cameras which we think make ideal home security cameras for Mac users.
1. Axis 207W
Fully-featured wireless camera with the best image quality in its class, the Axis 207W features simultaneous MJPEG and MPEG-4 video modes making it compatible with multiple platforms, including the Mac. With a mature feature-set the Axis 207W offers a wide range of configuration options and alarm management setup options.
This camera also comes as a non-wireless model (Axis 207) and a 1.3 megapixel wireless model (Axis 207MW).
Mac limitations
The Axis 207W is very well supported when using a Mac. The technology it uses is dependent on browser type and you will get live images using either Safari (2.x or later) or Firefox (2.0 or later). Using Quicktime or Java you will also get smooth MPEG-4 video with sound (Different technologies can be specified in the camera). Axis do not recommend the use of Internet Explorer on a Mac as the image may start blinking and will not display correctly.
- If you use Quicktime to view the camera the output will be subject to 3 second latency.
- Joystick control of PTZ cameras will not be supported.
- The software which comes with the camera to help with the initial setup supports Windows-based PCs only. However the camera can still be set up using a Mac. See our guide here for help: HOWTO: Set up an Axis IP camera using a Mac
More info
2. Panasonic BL-C131
A cost-effective IP camera, ideal for home security and offers remote pan-tilt control over the network and even across the Internet. Has all the features you would expect from an IP camera such as image transfer by email/FTP and has a low-light mode. With both motion detection and thermal (heat) detection the camera is very suited to home security. The Panasonic BL-C131 is generally favoured by our customers over the Axis 207W because of its pan and tilt controls but its come in at number two in our list here because it isn’t as well supported on a Mac.
This camera also comes in a non-wireless model, the Panasonic BL-C111.
Mac limitations
The Panasonic BL-C131 (and typically any camera in their BL or BB ranges) will display live images using a Mac but unfortunately to get the most out of the camera requires the use of the ActiveX control which is only available in Internet Explorer.
Using Safari or Firefox you will be limited by the following:
Your potential frame-rate will be reduced from 30fps to 15fps. This is due to the MPEG-4 mode only being available using the ActiveX control.
- You will not receive audio from the camera as this is again controlled by ActiveX.
- The camera’s advertised ‘full-screen mode’ will only display the image at the same size as the live view (max. 640×480)
- It should be noted that although the camera works on a Mac it is not officially supported to work on a Mac by Panasonic.
- The camera still proves to give excellent features at a reasonable cost and is extremely popular and ideal for home security.
- Also the software which helps the camera’s initial setup supports Windows machines only. The camera can be set up using a Mac, see our guide for more info: HOWTO: Set Up a Panasonic IP Camera Using a Mac
More info
Panasonic BL-C131 Wireless IP camera with pan-tilt-zoom operation
3. Panasonic BB-HCM531
This camera can be mounted outdoors without the need for additional protection from overly large camera housings you would normally associate with CCTV camera equipment. This makes it very appealing to people who are looking for a camera to look over the entrance of their house or driveway as the camera can be installed discreetly in any outdoor location. Another useful tool is the on-camera SD recording feature which allows you to capture images directly to a memory card stored in the camera with no PC required. You can then remove the card and view the images back at a later date.
Support for IEEE802.3af Power over Ethernet (PoE) allows the camera to be powered using the same cable as the data. This simplifies installation meaning virtually anyone could install this camera outdoors. It makes the number 3 spot because it provides an unobtrusive solution to outdoor surveillance around the home and perfectly compliments any cameras you may have indoors.
Mac limitations
Same limitations as the Panasonic BL-C131. See above.
More info
Panasonic BB-HCM531 Outdoor Pan-tilt camera
4. Y-cam Black
This is a controversial option as this camera is not widely available yet but we’re making the Y-cam Black the number 4 spot in our list because of its unique night vision mode which is made for home security. Utilizing 30 built-in infrared LEDs the Y-cam Black can produce images in complete darkness up to a range of 12 meters. The camera will automatically switch from day to night modes based on light levels in the room.
Because it’s an IP camera it also offers the same features and alarm management tools you would expect from a network camera and can be accessed from the Internet too.
We think the camera offers unique functionality when used as home security camera. We also think it has great potential for other areas such as door entry systems or baby monitoring.
Mac limitations
The people at Y-cam have recently upgraded the Y-cam Black and unfortunately the original model does not support the Mac in any way.
- The next generation model has limited support for Macs but will display a live image using Safari or Firefox. It has even been tested to work using Safari in an iPhone or iPod Touch giving more flexible viewing options.
- You will not be able to receive audio on a Mac and the built-in video recording function and camera snapshot is only available for PC users.
- Y-cam say there are working on offering full Mac support in the future but give no dates.
More info
Y-cam Black Wireless IP camera with night vision
5. Panasonic BB-HCM581
If you are looking for something a little extra but still at a good price then consider the Panasonic BB-HCM581. It has all the features you would expect from a Panasonic IP camera with a user-friendly interface and includes all the alarm management tools you need to protect your home with on-camera SD memory card recording. However this camera is a fully controllable pan-tilt-zoom camera with a 350 degree pan, 90 degree tilt and a large 21x optical zoom. This allows you to cover a much larger area with a single camera.
This camera is complete with Power over Ethernet support and 2-way audio but it also comes in a version without these features, the BB-HCM580, which is a little cheaper.
The camera by itself is for indoor use but you can mount outdoors if required (with an additional protective housing).
Mac limitations
Same limitations as the BL-C131. See above.
More info
Panasonic BB-HCM581 pan-tilt-zoom
Can somebody just tell me why you can’t get full functionality for a Mac? Is it just a marketing decision or laziness or do they lack the technical ability? I don’t understand? I can get the cameras to show the video using firefox and safari but why not the zoom and audio? I have yet to see an article telling why? What is it the camera needs for firefox and safari to have these features?
Can you comment on whether the Mobotix Q24 can be used with a Mac? I use SecuritySpy software and SS claims that the Mobotix cameras are compatible. I also wondered whether you have tried the Mac version of the MxEasy software from Mobotix – does it allow a Mac user to utilize the features of the Q24 and other cameras from Mobotix?
Thanks – John
@Rick:
To be honest it’s because most camera manufacturers develop using ActiveX plug-ins which are a Microsoft/Internet Explorer proprietary format.
Why? Because the majority of users are on a Windows-based PC system.
We are seeing some changes in the industry though. Pelco and Y-cam now offer installation software for the Mac which is great but yes, we would also like to see a lot more support for Mac users.
@John:
The Q24 will be viewable on a Mac using MJPEG video but you won’t be able to use the MxPEG codec as I believe that is ActiveX only.
It is also supported in SecuritySpy for JPEG video with PTZ control under the Mobotix template.
Just an update to this article, Y-cam Solutions Ltd have just released an updated firmware for its latest Y-cam SD range of wireless IP cameras making them fully Mac compatible.
Our cameras are no longer reliant on ActiveX controls for motion detection setup and modification, our new software can now use Flash to change these settings.
Live view with Audio is also now possible as our stream is Quicktime compatible, and using Quicktime Pro you can even take snapshots or record the live feed locally.
For full news story and more info : http://j.mp/4Gr6SYc
Just to add to Y-cam’s post, there is also a setup utility available which is fully compatible with the Mac too.
This makes the initial installation process a lot easier for Mac users.
Hi all,
I found a solution that gives me more flexibility with respect to available camera models and their limitations on the Mac. I wanted alarming capabilities (i.e. motion alarm, automatic email notifications etc.), but my Panasonic BL-C131 does only provide me with a video stream within my web browser. BUT: there is a software for Mac available called Evocam (free 15 day trial, afterwards about 30 USD). This provides all those alarm features and is camera-independent. You can simply type in the IP address of your web cam, and then Evocam allows you to analyze this video stream as you like. I am sure there are other vendors with similar solutions, but Evocam together with my Panasonic solved my problem.
@Eddie:
We really like SecuritySpy for Mac users.
@Greg:
thank you for the recommendation. I tried it, you’re right, SecuritySpy has nice features. However, I am still not sure which one to use: a) EvoCam, b) SecuritySpy, or c) the built-in notification features of my Panasonic Web Cams. None of them really do what I want them to…. Looks like a lot of software bugs in there… Some other Mac users could probably have similar problems.
Since you already have such a huge amount of very helpful information on your web site, may I suggest a new link/sub area which deals with third party products like EvoCam and/or SecuritySpy? I would like to contribute, in case of a comparison sheet or something like that. Thanks again for this great help forum.
I have two Panasonic BB-HCM311A webcams. I have no problem setting them up with either of my Macs (Snow Leopard). But until recently, audio was not available because of the Active-x requirement. Very recently, however, I began to get a Java login pop-up request. By putting in the webcam’s id/pw, I started getting audio! Has anyone else experienced this? I did not do anything different…assume there was a Java update that gave the added functionality.
Hi Larry,
Strange but true the HCM311A didn’t need ActiveX for audio, this was made a requirement moving forward on the HCM511A and now HCM715A series. These newer models which supercede the HCM311A do require ActiveX.
Step forward?
I note there is nothing here about the Panasonic BL-C230A which is wireless. I’ve heard good things about it re the mac for install and operation. Is the lack of mention due to the Mac section of the site being out of date or is there some other reason.
I would like to get info about this IP Cam and how it relates to Mac operation.
The Axis 207W, the no. 1 IP Cam for the Mac according to this site, has been discontinued on the Axis site. Maybe that reflects this site not being kept up to date. Or not?
Any ideas?
@robinfairchild Looks to me that this blog article was written way back in 2008 so you can’t expect it to be relevant for now. I hope these guys put together a new top 5 for the Mac.
It also looks to me like this site is kept up to date. You just need to look at the latest posts to see that.
Thanks for the comments guys. Yes we try to keep this site as up to date as possible. The above post was written a few years ago and those were the top 5 cameras for Macs at the time.
Things have definitely moved on since then so it is probably a good idea to re-visit this and do an update.
[...] few years back we published our Top 5 IP cameras when using a Mac resource centre article. Since then the market has moved on and most of the cameras mentioned in [...]