The placement of a doorbell usually doesn’t matter when it’s a regular doorbell. But when you replace the old model with a video doorbell, the placement determines when and how well you can see people approaching your door. Using the Homono Adjustable Angle Mount with the Ring video doorbell, you’ll be able to fine-tune the orientation of the doorbell to see people as they approach and as they stand at the door.
I just got a Ring 2 doorbell, and I ordered the Homono mount with it. My doorway is at the end of a long, straight hallway, so I’d see – and probably be alerted to – everyone who gets on or off the elevator on my floor. And because my doorbell is placed far to the side of my door, I wouldn’t be able to see the face of my visitor unless he moved to stand in front of the doorbell itself. With the Homono mount, I should be able to angle the Ring so it doesn’t see the elevator doors and has a better view of someone standing at my door.
Homono makes mounts in black or white and sized to fit the original Ring, Ring 2, and the Ring Pro doorbells. The Homono Adjustable Angle Mount for Ring doorbells start at $16.00 at Amazon.
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Would you believe me if I told you that you can have a home security camera that is priced at only $19.99 per camera AND there are no monthly subscription or cloud storage fees required? Yes, I’m serious. Let’s check out WyzeCam.
What is it?
WyzeCam is a small 1080p home security camera that’s crazy inexpensive but still has all the features of the big guys like Nest and even some features they don’t have, all for only $20 per camera.
What’s in the box?
WyzeCam
Steel disk w/3M adhesive
USB cable (5.5-foot in length)
AC adapter
Hardware specs
2.8mm focal length
110 degrees wide angle lens
1920 x 1080 resolution
8x digital zoom
10fps recording
Night vision
2-way audio
Design and features
The WyzeCam is a small 2-inch white plastic cube with a grey base and a camera lens and IR sensor on the front.
On the back of the camera is a speaker, a Type A USB connector, and a micro USB connector.
In a standard setup, you would connect the included micro USB cable into the micro USB port on the camera and then connect the other end into the included AC adapter. The Type A USB connector allows you to daisy chain the cameras so that they can share one power connection. To do this, you would connect one WyzeCam the standard way and then connect the included USB cable with a 2nd WyzeCam into the back of the first WyzeCam.
The base of the WyzeCam has a QR code that is used during setup.
The base unfolds so that you can customize the viewing angle of the camera.
The base of the WyzeCam is magnetic, so you can attach the camera to any steel surface or you can use the included disk to mount the WyzeCam on a wall.
When you unfold the base, it also reveals the micro SD card slot that you’ll use if you want the camera to capture video 24/7. Note that you have to supply your own micro SD card. There’s also a button on the bottom of the camera that is used during the setup procedure.
Setup
The Wyze camera is one of the easiest security cameras that I’ve ever installed. All you do is install the mobile app, add a camera, power up the camera, and follow the screen and voice prompts. I had the first camera up and running within 2 minutes which I think is a record. Adding additional cameras is just as easy.
The WyzeCam app is similar to most other security camera apps. It gives you the ability to see a live view of the camera and customize settings.
The WyzeCam can notify you via your phone when it detects motion, sound, and even a smoke or carbon monoxide alarm in your home.
This camera can also record motion detection clips locally on a micro SD card (not included), or you can set it to continuously record to the card.
When motion is detected, the camera will save a short clip to the cloud which you can view through the app from anywhere in the world. These clips are saved for 14 days on the WzyCam servers and you’re not charged anything for that service.
The camera’s image quality is very good, as is the viewing angle.
You can record action manually or snap an image by clicking the onscreen buttons in the live view window. You can also listen in on what is happening and have a two-way conversation using the built-in microphone and speaker.
However, night vision is a little fuzzy compared to other security cameras that I’ve tested. but it’s not bad enough to be a deal breaker.
In addition to watching a live stream from the cameras from a remote location, you can also watch past events if you insert a micro SD card into the camera. The WyzeCam even has a time-lapse feature that you can use to condense an entire day down to a few minutes. This is a feature that you have to schedule and you can only view the time lapse when you’re on the same network as the camera.
Time-lapse video example
What I like
There’s not much that I don’t like about this camera. It’s small, the price is affordable for anyone, it has good image quality, alerts you when it detects motion, sound, smoke alarms, CO alarms, provides two-way conversation feature, and is simple to set up.
What needs improvement
There are only two main things that stand out for me that Wyze needs to improve. One is that the application is a little flakey. When I launch the app, 7 times out of 10, it will freeze or not connect to the camera until I kill the app and restart it.
The other improvement that I’d like to see is with motion detection. Sensitivity even when set to the lowest setting is pretty high resulting in motion alerts for things like tree limbs moving or shadows from the sun. I would also like to see a motion trigger zone feature.
And one more that really isn’t an improvement as much as it’s a wish… It would be great if they come out with a water and weather-resistant camera for outdoor use.
Final thoughts
WyzeCam security cameras are an inexpensive way to outfit your home with live streaming cameras that will alert you to motion, sound, smoke, and CO alarms. For only $20 a camera, it’s an obvious choice to go with WyzeCam over other security camera brands that cost 10x as much and lock you into a monthly fee to use their cloud services.
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Wyze. Please visit their site for more info. Amazon also sells them, but for some reason, they are more expensive than buying them right through Wyze.
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There are several considerations to keep in mind when shopping for a home security camera. Do you want a cloud-based camera or a camera that saves footage locally? Do you want to be able to live stream via a mobile device? Do you need an expandable system? Do you need a camera that can pan and tilt? Is pricing a major factor in your choice? These are all factors that I keep in mind when shopping and reviewing security cameras like the latest camera that I’ve been testing – the Samsung Wisenet SmartCam A1.
What is it?
The Wisenet SmartCam A1 from Samsung is a low to mid-range priced home security camera that has basic and advanced features.
What’s in the box?
Station Hub
SmartCam A1 camera
Power adapter
Ethernet cable
Quick start guide
Design and features
The SmartCam A1 has a unique design that includes the Station Hub unit with a removable 350° panning wireless camera that contains its own rechargeable battery.
A set of spring loaded pins on the top of the hub provide power and connectivity to the camera when it is docked on top of the hub.
On the back of the Station Hub, you’ll find a microSD card slot which is used to save continuous camera footage. Below the card slot is a WiFi direct button, a pairing button, an Ethernet port and a power port.
The camera is shaped like a hockey puck. It has a 130° Ultra-Wide Angle lens with a status LED and microphone on the right side and a motion sensor on the left side.
On the bottom of the camera is a pairing button, on / off switch, a set of electrical contacts for the Station Hub, and a threaded tripod socket.
The bottom front edge of the Station Hub has two status LEDs. The LED on the left provides booting status and the LED on the right provides WiFi connectivity status.
The camera attaches to the top of the Station Hub with magnets but can be removed and placed anywhere inside your home for up to 3 hours of wireless surveillance.
The top of the hub can rotate which gives the SmartCam A1 the ability to pan 350 degrees. You can do this manually, or the app can automatically track subjects when it detects motion.
Setup
Setting up and configuring the SmartCam A1 using the iOS and Android SmartCam app is an easy step-by-step process.
After installing the app and creating an account, you have to power on the Station Hub and the connected camera by making sure the power switch on the bottom of the camera is in the on position. You can then connect the Station Hub to your wireless router using the included Ethernet cable, or you can finish the setup using WiFi.
After the camera is working, you can customise the settings for motion, audio detection, and auto tracking. You can create a schedule for the times and days when you want the camera to automatically monitor for motion.
You can also set specific trigger areas to monitor for motion only in those areas. For example, in the image above, you can see that I have set trigger zones for the doorway and the chair.
Buttons in the app will allow you to arm and disarm all or individual cameras.
Other features include two-way audio and playing alarm sounds through the camera. You can also use the app to view past events and any past point in time that has been recorded on a microSD card (not included).
The picture quality of this home security camera is clear and sharp, but there is some fisheye warp on the edges as you can see from the image above.
The SmartCam A1 also has decent night vision.
When the SmartCam A1 detects motion or audio, it will send a notification to your mobile device or an email if you have configured that option. Be aware that the SmartCam A1 is almost too sensitive when it comes to detecting motion. Even when set to the lowest sensitivity setting, it will detect the smallest movement which caused my phone to constantly ping with a new notification. It got so annoying that I disarmed the camera.
As mentioned above, the SmartCam A1 records continuous video footage to a microSD card. You can view that footage through the SmartCam app or you can remove the microSD card and view the footage on your Mac or PC.
I did run into a problem trying to view the footage on my MacBook. The video files are saved as .AVI files on the microSD card. These files should be viewable using QuickTime, but I received an error each time I tried to view them so I tried VLC media player. The videos play using that app, but they have informational text that is overlayed over the video for the entire clip. Note that you don’t see this textual overlay when you view the same footage through the SmartCam mobile app.
I think the best feature of the SmartCam is the auto tracking feature which will follow the subject in the viewable area when motion is detected. See an example below.
It is a little creepy when you notice that the camera is following you around the room, but it’s a pretty handy feature.
Final thoughts
I’ve been using the Samsung Wisenet SmartCam A1 Home Security camera system for several weeks. I really like the auto tracking feature and the ability to pan the camera manually. I also like that there are no cloud storage fees involved because the footage is stored locally. If (hopefully when) Samsung can fix the motion detection sensitivity issue, the SmartCam A1 security camera system could easily become my new favorite.
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Samsung. Please visit their site for more info and Amazon to order.
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Choosing from the vast selection of WiFi security cameras that are on the market can be daunting. We’re here to make your job harder by telling you about a brand that you may not be familiar with. The EZVIZ Mini Trooper is an affordable camera system that includes a completely wire-free camera. Let’s take a look.
What is it?
The EZVIZ Mini Trooper is a WiFi security camera that runs on batteries so it can be placed anywhere in or outside your home and does not need to be tethered to a power cable and does not require a cloud-based subscription service.
What’s in the box?
Mini Trooper Base Station
Mini Trooper Wire-Free indoor / outdoor camera
Magnetic base
Hardware
Ethernet cable
4 CR123A Batteries
Quick start guide
Design and features
Mini Trooper camera
The EZVIZ Mini Trooper setup requires both a camera and the base station. Let’s check out the camera first.
The 720P camera reminds me of an egg in both shape and color. This camera can be used indoors or outdoors as it has an IP65 rating and can stand temps from as low as 14° F to as high as 131° F.
The front of the camera has the lens, a microphone, a photoresistor, LED indicator, and a PIR sensor which measures infrared light radiating from objects.
The bottom of the camera has a threaded socket in the battery cover which can be used to connect it to a tripod.
The cover opens to reveal the battery compartment which can hold 4 CR123A batteries. Interestingly enough, the camera can be used with just 2 batteries like you see above. Using all 4 batteries will result in the longest runtime of up to 9 months.
The Mini Trooper camera can sit on a flat surface or you can attach the included magnetic plate to mount it on a wall.
The Base Station
The Base Station is a hub that provides a dedicated connection for up to 6 EZVIZ cameras.
If the EZVIZ Mini Trooper camera looks like an egg, I think the Mini Trooper Base Station looks like a bug.
The Base Station has built-in prongs so it can be plugged directly into an outlet. It also has an Ethernet port at the bottom and a reset switch on the side.
On the opposite side of the base station is a micro SD card slot which can be used to store video clips.
The Base Station’s “wings” are antennas that unfold to enhance the wireless signal between the cameras and the base station.
Setup
Setting up the EZVIZ system is pretty easy if you opt to plug the Base Station into your existing network router using the included Ethernet cable. You can also set up the system wirelessly, but it requires a little extra effort isn’t as straightforward.
All you really need to do is install the EZVIZ app on your iOS or Android device and follow the prompts that will tell you to plug the Base Station into the wall, load at least 2 batteries into the Mini Trooper camera, and place the camera within 300ft of the Base Station.
EZVIZ application
The EZVIZ application has a simple user interface that shows a live view of the camera with a battery indicator at the top and a timeline of detected activity at the bottom.
A messages screen shows thumbnails of events that were captured by the PIR sensor. Clicking a thumbnail will show the motion detection video if a micro SD card has been inserted into the slot in the Base Station.
Picture and video quality are decent given that the camera has 720P resolution with a 116 ° wide-angle lens and up to 25’ of night vision.
The EZVIZ Mini Trooper security camera system is really easy to use because it has a basic set of features. And that’s the problem with this system, it’s a bit too basic. It is missing some key features like the ability to manually turn off night vision, two-way audio communication, and the ability to set motion trigger areas.
At first, I noticed that the motion detection feature was very hit and miss. I could walk right past the camera waving my arms and it would not notify me of detecting motion. I finally realized it was because I was pointing the camera through a window and the camera’s PIR sensor will not work through glass. Placing the camera outside fixed that issue.
Final thoughts
There are quite a few things to like about the EZVIZ Mini Trooper security camera system:
Wireless camera that can be used indoors OR outdoors
Does not require a cloud storage subscription
Relatively easy to setup
But then there are things missing or lacking like:
Motion trigger areas
24/7 recording to microSD card
Night vision toggle
Night vision is pretty weak
Can’t detect motion through glass
If you’ve already used other security camera systems that have some of the features missing from the Mini Trooper, this system will leave you wanting more. However, the EZVIZ Mini Trooper security camera system does make a decent first-time security camera system because it’s relatively inexpensive, doesn’t require monthly payments, and is pretty easy to set up.
Source: The sample for this review was provided by EZVIZ. Please visit their site for more info and Amazon to order.
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In all of my reviews, I try to be as fair as I can. Every product has its good and bad points and I try to point them out. No product—no matter how good it is—is perfect. At first glance, my review of the iseeBell Video Doorbell Security Cam may not seem fair—and maybe it isn’t. But that doesn’t mean I don’t like it. Let me explain.
My intended use for the iseeBell video doorbell was just that—a video doorbell. The setup is advertised as super easy: You remove your original doorbell and then use its existing wiring to connect. All you need are some minor drilling and mounting skills (iseeBell even supplies the proper tools and instructions). But I had forgotten one (not so) minor detail: About 6 years ago, we switched to a wireless battery doorbell. After removing the previous (wired) doorbell, I shoved all the wiring inside the wall and then stuccoed over the hole. It seemed like a smart idea at the time! As a result, I could not use and review the iseeBell as it was intended. However …
Even though I no longer could give the iseeBell a fair review as a video doorbell, they also advertise it as an indoor/outdoor security camera. After considering this, I realized that I still had a great use for it as a security camera. That’s fair, right?
I live on 2 acres in Florida and my large backyard has a separate studio building where I do freelance graphic design and also write about and photograph the products I review. Needless to say, I have some expensive stuff in the studio. Up until now, the studio has never had any security monitoring. We have large and very protective dogs in our house, but I worried about the studio because it’s 100 feet away and out of reach of the dogs. With the iseeBell, I now have a chance to monitor the building 24/7. So how does it work? Let’s see.
When you open the box of the iseeBell, you are presented with a lot of stuff which can seem overwhelming. However, you generally won’t need all of it. iseeBell has done a good job of accounting for different installation setups you may have. The setup & installation guide is straightforward and easy to follow with clear directions and illustrations. Granted, if you have no experience with home repair tools, you may be better off asking for help. The Guide lists everything included in the box and what kind of wifi you need. A 2.4Ghz network is required, but since I have an Apple dual-band router, I was good to go. One caveat is that your wifi router must either be strong enough or physically close enough to the iseeBell to work properly.
As I said earlier, the iseeBell will run on existing doorbell wires (if you have them). The guide uses step-by-step instructions. Yeah, I know, I didn’t actually install it as a doorbell—and that’s the unfair part of this review. But trust me, I’ve installed enough stuff to know that these are easy instructions to follow.
Also included in the box is a separate indoor wireless door chime (must be plugged in), which I haven’t decided if I’m going to use or not. Why? Because the iseeBell comes with a downloadable app (iOS and Android) that works just as well for my use.
The iseeBell unit itself has a 720p HD camera that works well in low light, although the video loses some detail and becomes monochromatic. The camera is wide-angle which captures a great peripheral view. It does distort in a fish-eye effect around the edges, though. Using the app, you can you see what the iseeBell sees. It also records and stores photos and video on your phone and/or in iseeBell’s cloud. This cloud service is an extra cost option—$2/month or $20/year. While that’s not expensive, it’s worth noting. You get a free month trial with purchase. iseeBell claims your photos and videos are protected by bank-grade security. Strangely, you can only purchase the cloud service through the iseeBell app. There is no mention of it on their web site.
The iseeBell easily connects to a home’s existing wifi via the app. There’s also a motion detector that works a little too well. More on that later. The unit is weatherproof, so rain shouldn’t be a concern.
For my use, I mounted the iseeBell just inside the door of my studio a little above eye level. I used some of the supplied screws but did not need the included masonry drill bit as this was an indoor installation. All I had to do was decide where I wanted the camera placed and drill the screws into the wall. iseeBell offers an optional adjustable wall mount that allows the camera to be swiveled at various angles for a better view. I highly recommend this option—it acts as a mounting base and allows you to point the camera practically in any direction.
I ran into two issues with the wiring on the iseeBell. Since I’m using it indoors and not as a doorbell, it needs to be plugged into an outlet for power. I wanted to mount the camera up at ceiling height, but the cord was a few inches too short to do this, so it had to be lower than I preferred.
The white cord was a bit too thick to fit into the slot at the rear of the camera, so I had to strip some of the wiring to expose more of the black and red wiring from inside the cord. It was not easy, but I’ve stripped wiring before, so I knew what I was doing. However, I could picture some people pulling their hair out if they ran into a similar problem as I did. Note that doorbell users won’t have this issue since the iseeBell won’t need the power cord.
Once I got the wiring taken care of, all went well. I opened the iOS app, set up my account and linked the app to the camera via my wifi network. With that done, I could see a live image of myself in the apps video frame. There’s a bit of a lag, but not enough to matter. As I said earlier, The image is wide angle, and since the camera is above eye level, there is little opportunity for a close-up of a face. But the image can easily be zoomed in even while live.
Audio quality was so-so. it was somewhat distorted and difficult to understand when watching the video. There’s also a built-in speaker allowing you to talk to the person/intruder if necessary. The speaker volume was a bit weak and should have been louder.
After setting up the motion detector in the app, I noticed that it works really well … as in really well. Whenever I stretch or get up from my chair I get an audible beep and a motion warning shows up on my iPhone. It’s becoming a bit comical, but at least it works! And since I’m only concerned when there should be no one in the studio, I appreciate its sensitivity. Incidentally, the warnings can be controlled through the iPhone’s Notifications or Android’s Sound and Notification settings.
All in all, I like the iseeBell Video Doorbell Security Cam, even though I’m not using it as it was intended. It does what it’s advertised to do and does it well. I now have added peace-of-mind if anyone should enter my studio (invited or not) and I will instantly know about it.
I’m now wondering if it’s time to get my doorbell rewired?
The iseeBell Video Doorbell Security Cam sells for $149.95 US.
Source: The sample for this review was provided by iseeBell. Please visit www.iseebell.com for more information and Amazon to order.
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