Private Eyes: Best Security Camera Apps For iPad

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The iPad 2 has some interesting capabilities especially since it has incorporated the dual camera everyone had been clamoring for, most notably FaceTime video chatting.

However, a series of snooping applications designed for suspicious bosses is now available for both iPad versions that link in to security cameras should you feel the need to see what’s happening around you ─ or even if your ex is messing with your car in the parking lot.

While these apps are somewhat pricey – we didn't even bother recommending the huge $349.99 app out there –if you’ve got a need for higher security and want to monitor things without continuously looking at a static computer screens, these app recommendations are just what you need.

D-Link Cams (EyeSpyFX, $4.99)

The D-Link Cams application works primarily with D-Link Network camera, including most DCS models (except for the 950, 950G and 1110). You’ll be able to utilize pan, tilt and zoom control, particularly with PTZ models, once you connect with them, which only takes moments for set-up. You can also utilize a Snapshot feature, allowing you to save camera images to your device for later viewing, should you need proof in pointing out an employee’s actions or a possible culprit in action. You can add up to 11 D-Link Cams through the application, and view them through MJPEG streams with above average video quality. Not too shabby, EyeSpyFX.

ICRSS (ICRealtime LLC, $29.99)

ICRSS is a more costly application than what you might be used to, but it’s one of the more top-of-the-line offerings. It’s compatible with both iPad and iPhone 4, should you feel the need to keep an eye on things when you’re away from your desk. It supports PTZ cameras with full control, and offers live streamed video directly to your devices, so you can see what’s happening in real time. You can view cameras in both landscape and portrait mode, and take snapshots of anything happening, storing them for later. We also like the fact that you can change IP information to connect to any device in a matter of moments, should you feel a security threat taking effect.

IP Camera Viewer (NibblesNBits, $2.99)

One of the cheaper camera apps available, IP Camera Viewer supports a number of models, including Panasonic, Hikvision, BluePix and more (a full list is available on the official iTunes link). You can connect to any of these camera models with ease, and then use on-screen controls to modify your view. You can pinch the screen to zoom in, ideal if you need to see little details on your camera. You can also pan, tilt and zoom with ease, and preset a camera to your liking. You can also share cameras and email attachments to your security team, in case they need any notification of an unwanted guest. (“Get off my lawn!”) It may not have the greatest video quality, but IP Camera Viewer is ideal for business folks on a budget.

Linksys Cams (EyeSpyFX, $4.99)

If you use Linksys cameras at your work, for security purposes or otherwise, then this app is an absolute must-have.  Linksys Cams enables you to control your Network Cameras remotely through your iPad device, as well as iPhone and iPod Touch. Granted, there are some models it doesn’t work with, specifically the WVC11B and the WVC54GC, but other than that, it connects to your device within a matter of seconds and gives you full access. You can move the camera at any time with a quick swipe on the screen, while also taking advantage of the usual pan and tilt options, particularly with the WVC200 and WVC210 models. Up to 100 Linksys cameras are supported at once through the app, and you can also save snapshots for later viewing. If you’ve got a Dynamic DNS service set up through your office network, Linksys Cams works wonderfully with it. Hook up with Linksys and you won’t go wrong.

Panasonic Cams (EyeSpyFX, $4.99)

Let’s say you prefer the Panasonic brand of cameras. Nothing wrong with that, as the company makes some really good web cams. Leave it to Panasonic Cams to serve all your monitoring needs for an affordable fiver. A number of Panasonic cameras are supported by the app, including several that take full advantage of the tilt and pan options. You can also get a good look at the program’s Demo Cams, which start up upon initialization to help you along. (Options can be changed at any time, though.) Snapshot feature is included here, like in previous EyeSpyFX programs, and you can also check out preview streams at any time before focusing on a particular camera. It’s fully supported with Internet Dynamic DNS services as well.

ProCamPlus (Precision Systems, $4.99)

Last but definitely not least, we have Precision Systems’ highly recommended app, which lets you keep an eye on your personal effects all in one shot.  ProCamPlus is an iPad exclusive program that is an industrial strength live video streaming app, hooking up to multiple cameras at once to give you peace of mind. USB webcams are supported through a number of services, including Wi-Fi, LAN, CDMA and 3G, and the number of cameras you can add are unlimited, so you can expand your network when the need calls for it. Pictures from live and pre-recorded video can be stored to your iPad’s gallery at any time, so you can upload or email them as needed. It also records audio, a huge plus if you want to keep an eye on employees or take a listen for any strange stuff happening near your personal effects. You will need to upload the proper Mac-supported software to get this application working properly up to speed, but it’s a painless process that only takes a minute or two to set up. And there’s no additional fee for it either.