The Camera

The SparkLAN CAS-673 that we tested was the wireless version (CAS-673W), but it still follows the same basic design and layout of the wired version.

Overall the CAS-673 is a nice looking camera. It is about the same size as all of the other Pan and Tilt cameras on the market and follows the same lines. It seems that companies making these are either having a hard time breaking the design traditions, or there are design constraints due to available technology (gears and motors). Whatever the case, it has made pretty much all IP cameras look almost identical with only a few differences in appearance.

The CAS-673, as mentioned is a Pan and Tilt camera; as such it can be rotated through 340 degrees horizontally (170 Degrees in each direction) and 135 Degrees vertically (45 down and 90 up).

The front has a panel that can show power status, if it is connected to a (W)LAN and it is recording. You can turn these off inside the software to fool someone into thinking it is not on and also to prevent these lights from alerting someone to its presence.

The back is where all of the business is done. Here we find ports for Ethernet, Power, Audio (external speakers), WPS (wireless protected setup), a reset button and a slot for a micro SD card.

The micro SD card allows for recording locally without the need to connect to a wireless or wired network.

One missing item is the lack of any infrared lights allowing for low-light viewing/recording. This is unfortunate as this capability is, in our opinion, a must for any good home security camera.

Features and Specifications of the CAS-673W are shown below.