I have a wee bit of nerd in me and I love to check out new electronics and software products. People come up with some great ideas! I was excited to check out and review this mobile, easy to use video camera that is going to delight the inner nerd in you and yet also provide a cool tool your family can use every day.

The Dropcam is a video monitoring camera that is going to be something you definitely want to check out. Everyone has something important at home that they’d like to keep an eye on. Whether it is the kids or pets or simply another room in the house, Dropcam is the super simple way to check in on your home from anywhere.

Dropcam offers a Wi-Fi video monitoring camera and it takes only minutes to set up. It provides crisp HD video you can access securely on your smartphone, tablet or computer. In addition, Dropcam offers intelligent motion and sound alerts, two-way talk, night vision and optional Cloud Recording to review up to a month’s worth of footage.

I was able to set it up rather quickly. For me creating an account at dropcam was first and then plugging in the unit to your laptop or computer will prompt you through the rest of the set up. The unit must be plugged into a wall socket and then connected to your wi-fi, then the video is activated and the system will walk you through how to use the camera and the resulting video on the website. It is rather simple. Here are a few pics of the walk though on the computer and site.

Some of these features that make this a great unit to try is the settings and zoom functions. While you are monitoring your video, you can zoom in on a specific area, like a door or the kids bed, for a closer look. You can even set up specific zones that will alert you via email should an activity occur. I like the 2 way talk function so if you have to camera set up in a bedroom for a child or an ill person, you can communicate by pushing a button. That is cool.

Here are some other features I like:

* Sign up for the cloud service for long term monitoring
* When a motion or sound is recorded it adds a marker to that time frame on your recording
* You can view in 5 minute, 1 hour or 24 hour increments
* Grid screen is available for multiple cameras
* Set up motion and sound detection alerts
* Schedule certain times the camera is on and recording
* Invite others to view your recording, like another parent or grandparents
* Free App that allows you to view and run everything from your phone or tablet easily.
* On/Off switch on the site and app so you can monitor at any time.

The app is the best part about this camera, I think. You can be at work and keep eye on the babysitter or even an empty house by logging on. If your wi-fi is strong, it could work outside and monitor a front door or back door. Great for small businesses! I also think that unit would be awesome for dorm rooms so you can monitor who is in and out of your room when you are not there. There are so many uses for the Dropcam and with the video monitoring via the cloud, you can access it anywhere.

With the holidays just a few months away, this might be the perfect gift for someone special. For the Mom who has everything, the kid who’s off to college, or Dad who wants to keep watch on eye on his home while he’s away, Dropcam will make for the perfect gift. Check it out today.

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Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free product to try out so she could evaluate and use it for her review. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.