D-Link has begun shipping four new models in its line of Linux powered surveillance-oriented “Cloud Cameras,” and has updated its web-based “Mydlink” software with new remote monitoring and video management features. The new cameras boast improved sound/motion detection, 802.11n WiFi extender capabilities, enhanced night vision, and weatherproof casing.

The new cloud cameras, which include the Cloud Camera 1050 and 1150, the Pan & Tilt Day/Night Network Camera, and the Outdoor HD Wireless Day/Night Network Camera boost D-Link’s embedded Linux-based Cloud Camera line from 10 to 14 models. All the devices connect via WiFi to the company’s cloud-based Mydlink monitoring and control platform.

The Mydlink software, which interacts with all the devices’ built-in web servers via the cloud, has also been enhanced. New features include pinch-to-zoom viewing, drag-and-drop reordering of devices, improved video playback functions, and on those models that support it, remote pan and tilt. Users can also configure recording schedules and override options.

Advanced “D-ViewCam” software for motion detection scheduling and viewing feeds from up to 32 cameras on one screen appears to be available only on Windows PCs. Most features, however, including streaming video, are available via an app running on Android or iOS devices.

All four new camera models run a customized embedded Linux software stack on an unnamed 1.3GHz processor with 128MB of RAM. They all offer an enhanced version of H.264 video compression for recording video stored on the cameras’ built-in microSD slots. D-Link claims its H.264 algorithm can store up to five times more footage on an SD card compared to the also available MJPEG.

The cameras can record video at up to 30fps at resolutions as high as 640 x 480 and as low as 160 x 120 pixels, while the Outdoor HD model goes to 720p recording. All the cameras offer 4x digital zoom, as well as a 10/100 Ethernet port.

Here’s a closer look at the individual models:

• Cloud Camera 1050 and 1150 — Designed for indoor use, these low-end models offer all the features mentioned above. They both supply built-in microphones, as well as VGA 1/5-inch CMOS sensors with a 3.15mm focal length and 1 Lux at F2.8 minimum illumination. The Cloud Camera 1150 adds expanded night vision functionality to view images at up to 16 feet in pitch black darkness. Both feature motion and audio alert notifications via email. 
  
   
  Cloud Camera 1050 and 1150
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• Pan & Tilt Day/Night Network Camera — For $20 more than the 1150 model, the Pan & Tilt model is equipped with “ultra-smooth” pan, as well as tilt functionality, and a wider 66° horizontal field of view. Integrated motion-sensing and night-vision technology can detect images up to 26 feet away in the pitch dark, says D-Link.
  
   
  Pan & Tilt Day/Night Network Camera
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• Outdoor HD Wireless Day/Night Network Camera — This top-of-the- line model appears to offer everything the Pan & Tilt model has, except for the panning and the tilting. Housed in an IP-65 certified weatherproof casing, the Outdoor HD model supports temperature ranges of -13 to +113° F. The camera features 720p video recording and a 5-meter passive infrared (PIR) sensor for enhanced motion detection. Additional features include 10x digital zoom, 1/4-inch megapixel progressive CMOS sensor, and 3.45mm focal length. There’s also a speaker, in addition to the mic, and the addition of Mac OS X support.
  
   
  Outdoor HD Wireless Day/Night Network Camera
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Availability

D-Link’s new cloud cameras are available now for the following prices, with product pages and purchasing info available via the links:

• Cloud Camera 1050 (DCS-931L) — $70
• Cloud Camera 1150 (DCS-933L) — $100
• Pan & Tilt Day/Night Network Camera (DCS-5020L) — $120
• Outdoor HD Day/Night Network Camera (DCS-2332L) — $270