Pros:

1) It does work outside and is possible to keep out there without getting wet. I mounted mine underneath the patio roof so that it is sheltered.

2) The night vision does work well. It views everything in a black and white picture, but does still have a picture whereas most cameras would just show black.

3) The camera can and will record if and only if you hook it up to a VCR, DVD recorder, or some other recording device that works with AV cables. I keep mine hooked up to my DVD recorder so that I can hit record as soon as it starts to get dark out.

4) In regards to the power cable, there is a rechargeable battery available for those who would prefer to not have the cable to contend with. I am currently using the cable (painted to match the siding for disguise) until I can purchase the battery. So far the only place I have found that sells them is the GE website for $19.99. Since they are currently out of stock until 9/28/09, I am in the process of seeking out another source.

5) Since it does have a speaker system, it can alert you to noise in the area which I absolutely love. You can set the sensitivity settings to your preference. I have it turned all the way up which means that if a plane flies over or the AC that is about 10′ away kicks on, the alarm goes off. However, giving my reasoning for having it, I would rather be safe than sorry. Plus you can set it so that the LCD screen is always on with this alert or put it in standby mode which means the screen only turns on if it detects a noise in the area.

6) The camera angle can be adjusted to help get you the perfect view.

7)The picture is decent quality if you set it up right. Even the manual will tell you that if the picture is not coming up clearly just adjust the cables and the monitor position so that it can get a clearer signal. I have also noticed that when I have the video stream running on my 20″ TV it can be a lot easier to view some of the smaller shapes. The picture will not be like the great digital picture you get watching TV, but it still serves its purpose.

You can by a second camera and connect it to this same system. The LCD even has an option to scroll back and forth between the two.

Cons:

1) To record you do need to hook it up to a recording device. Sadly it does not record on its own which does limit it’s helpfulness a bit.

2) Sometimes when viewed on a larger TV, the screen can be a bit snowy. However it has never gotten nearly bad enough for me that I couldn’t see what was going on outside.

3)The camera does need to be sheltered when used outside. It is like most electronics you by and does not take well to water.

4) Unless you by the optional battery pack, you do need to use the power cable which can be a great inconvenience. It means that you have to set up the camera within reach of an outlet. However, as mentioned before, you can go to the GE website and purchase one for $19.99. So far this is the only place I have found where the battery can be purchased though.

Overall I am very happy I bought it. Even its mere presence seems to have scared my peeper away (given I also did a few other things like hang curtains in all my windows etc. to help). It may not be perfect but it does a good job for the price.
Rating: 4 / 5