Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsAmazing purchase for the Value
Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2024
To preface this review, I'd like to emphasize that my assessment is based on my specific requirements and the setup of my smart home.
Pros:
1. The camera's sound quality is truly remarkable. Even when positioned at approximately 22 feet (although I do not recommend such elevation), the audio remains clear.
2. The setup process is refreshingly straightforward. However, it's essential to highlight that you should not mount the cameras until you have carefully reviewed the instructions. Syncing with the Base Station is a prerequisite before mounting them.
3. The array of configuration options is impressively extensive, offering significant customization of settings.
4. Local recording is available at no additional cost, and there are no hidden features that require extra purchases.
5. The ability to manage local storage and automatically replace older recordings with new ones is a practical feature.
6. Integration with Alexa announcements functions seamlessly.
7. The solar charging capability is quite impressive. Despite initial skepticism, after a month of use, I have observed my cameras reaching only about 88% charge, quickly returning to 100% before nightfall. This is particularly noteworthy for those on the East Coast with shorter daylight hours during winter.
8. The camera's extensive view, as advertised, with its 135-degree field of vision, eliminates the need for pan and tilt features when multiple cameras are in use. Three of these cameras can cover the same range, if not more.
9. It boasts a built-in floodlight that is notably bright and can be triggered by motion.
Cons:
1. Facial recognition functions most effectively when the camera is positioned approximately 10 feet above the ground. However, this height may expose the camera to potential tampering, making it more accessible.
2. Unfortunately, the camera cannot be viewed within the Amazon Alexa App, which may inconvenience users who rely on the app for centralized control.
3. Regrettably, there is no integration with Smartthings, limiting its compatibility within broader smart home ecosystems.
4. The Base Station's functionality and options for storage and recorded content are notably limited. There's room for improvement in providing users with more comprehensive video editing and archival solutions. Presently, everything is controlled through the camera, rendering recorded content inaccessible during camera downtime, which may leave users feeling somewhat restricted.
5. The rear mount can be inconvenient, limiting camera placement. It would be beneficial if they offered an elbow extension to facilitate positioning.
FYI:
1. It's worth mentioning that, since this is a locally recorded system, the camera's performance heavily relies on the Base Station being positioned approximately 50 feet away. If the Base Station is located in a basement, it may lead to intermittent connection drops between the camera and Base Station, resulting in choppy performance. While not necessarily a con, it's an inherent limitation. The documentation suggests using extenders to address this issue, although I haven't personally tested this solution yet.
2. As previously noted, my initial camera placement at over 20 feet had to be adjusted. I eventually settled for a height of approximately 12 to 15 feet. This change compromised facial recognition capabilities but highlighted the camera's impressive image quality.
3. The extensive 135-degree field of vision, while a pro, has its con: focusing can be challenging. For instance, if the camera is turned to a 90-degree angle with a wall nearby, the floodlight may illuminate the wall and cause the camera to focus on it, rather than on objects on the other side. This specificity in configuring the field of vision can detract from its overall appeal.