Foscam FI8906W - Low Framerate

[MatteoHF]

I had camera warning for low fps icon and I've checked that Foscam 8906 can provide only 3/4 FPS at VGA resolution (exported video to Quicktime). You can also see low FPS in web browser (Safari or Chrome) but on Explorer the cam seems to work great (15fps in VGA and 25fps with lower resolution).

I've checked online for a workaround and seems that Foscam's camera have some trouble with "third party software". Can you help me in find a solution or do you think I have to change all my cameras (7 cam) ?

Thank you

[ryan]

Hi Matteo,

Can you try changing your configuration settings in Sighthound Video from the 8906 to the 8904? This will attempt to connect over a different URL which may behave a bit better. Please ensure that your cameras have the latest firmware installed as well.

[MatteoHF]

Hi Ryan

thank you for your quick answer. I've updated all the camera firmware and switched between Fi8906W to fi8904w and I can confirm to you that the fps was increased from 3/4 fps to 7/8 fps, enough not to display camera warning for low fps anymore.

We are half of the 15fps that you can reach browsing trough IE with active X but enough to let the rule works better.

In the net few weeks I need to expand my system up to 16 cameras, do you think I need to choose other cameras to avoid this problem or you think that a future update can fix this issue ?

Thank you again for your support.

Matteo

[ryan]

Hi Matteo,

Glad that helped a little. Is your computer running at 100% CPU? If it is and the system is dropping frames because it can't keep up there may be some settings to change to help lower the usage, or a bigger computer is simply needed. If that isn't the case, however, I'm afraid it is a problem on the camera side and there isn't anything we can do.

If this camera isn't meeting your needs at the moment, I wouldn't suggest purchasing more. In general I never suggest buying hardware or software based on future promises - those have a habit of being delayed or never arriving at all.

Not sure if it is helpful or not, but below is a response I gave to another user who asked for camera recommendations:

I'm afraid I spend my days mostly in software and am unable to keep up with all the cameras on the market. When I do get to spend time with cameras it is typically just to test that it works, rather than being able to live with it long enough to be able to sufficiently review. I can say that I've never heard anyone complain or have issues with Axis cameras, so while pricier, are a quality choice.

General IP camera (or electronics as a whole) recommendations -

1) There is truth to "you get what you pay for". That isn't to say that cheaper cameras might not be perfectly suitable for some users and situations, but as price goes down often too does quality, reliability, and ease of use.

2) Read reviews from people who own the camera, whether on amazon or another site. They've lived with it, if they love it or hate it they'll let you know. Be wary of bad reviews coming from user error or something tangential, but if there are a lot of negative reviews it is a bad sign.

3) Check out the manufacturer's website. If they don't have one, or it has no real content, avoid. They should have easy access to firmware updates, manuals, and tech support. If they don't, or if there tech support forum is filled with issue after issue, avoid. Axis for example makes it very easy to obtain information and support.

[MatteoHF]

Hi Ryan

CPU load is under 30% (iMac27" late 2011) so I'm agree with you that from a cheap camera you can't expect great performance.

I'll look at other cameras.

Thank you again
Matteo