It’s no secret that the IP camera war today is rather intense. As a result, lots of manufacturers are looking for ways to make their products stand out and offer the best option available. They’re aiming to create the ultimate product that is very easy to use and has everything a property owner needs.

A glimpse at the Reolink Argus 2 will tell you that such was the goal in its creation. With its long list of functionalities and offerings, it has been a great contender for the ultimate outdoor security camera. But is it any good?

With a solid set of features that include a solar power option, PIR motion sensors, and Starlight night vision among many others, combined with easy installation and a very affordable price tag, it can certainly appeal to a wide chunk of the market. If you want to know more about it, our review can be of great help to you.

Product Review: A Closer Look at the Reolink Argus 2

Design and Features

Clean and simple would be the best two words to describe the design of the Reolink Argus 2. Its pod shape makes it somewhat similar to lots of other IP cameras in the market today, so it looks like a regular, modern camera in that sense. It has a clean white body color and a black faceplate that covers its entire front side that reminds us of an astronaut’s helmet. It’s also relatively small in size.

With these, it can easily blend into most homes’ contemporary architecture. If it doesn’t look as inconspicuous as you want it to be, you can always get silicone skins for it.

This camera comes with 2 mounting bases. One is a low-profile variety with a magnetic half ball and the other has a screw-set ball joint. Both offer free movement for the camera, allowing you to position it in exactly the way you need to.

At the back of the unit is its power port. You can use it to plug it into a power outlet or to connect it to a solar panel. On the side is its microSD slot which makes access to its local storage very straightforward.

Setup and Usage

Like other DIY cameras, the Argus 2 is also very easy to set up. Getting it running doesn’t require a lot of effort as the app will effectively prompt you of what you need to do to install your camera. It can certainly simplify home security for many homes and make it possible to DIY.

Mounting the base might be a bit trickier, actually, especially if you’re not very handy. And if you’re going to use the one with the magnetic base, you might also want to place it high up and out of reach as its design isn’t tamper-proof.

Video Quality

1080p video resolution is already a standard among home security cameras nowadays so you can expect to get that from the Argus 2 as well. Its pictures are clear and crisp, especially in the daylight. However, it can get a bit pixelated upon waking up as it seems like its lens needs to get used to the lighting conditions it comes to. It’s sharper indoors but the video quality is still precise and great overall.

For its night vision mode, you can choose between two types. The regular one uses 6 infrared LEDs and is clear enough to provide discernable facial features even in pitch black conditions indoors. Outdoors, however, the images can get a bit overexposed.

The second mode is the ‘Skylight’ which offers a more vivid color video with better exposure than the regular mode. However, it needs some ambient light to perform at its best, like some moonlight or light from streetlamps.

With a 130° wide field of view, you’ll also be able to cover a lot of ground with this device.

Audio Quality

Again, like other home security cameras today, this product also comes with audio recording and a 2-way talk. The audio quality in recordings is great but the 2-way talk isn’t as good. The volume tends to drop both ways which can make its use a bit of a hassle.

However, a fun extra audio feature is its voice recording feature. Instead of using the siren, you can just record a voice message and set the device to play that when you want it to.

Motion Detection

What sets this device apart from its competitors, however, is its PIR motion sensor. As PIR sensors are known for their accuracy, it promises to reduce the false alerts due to the way it detects movements. While it does deliver its promises, it has users divided as some don’t find it as sensitive as they want it to be. The sensitivity can be adjusted but the way the sensors are designed is just really different from other motion sensors. So look into this first before you decide.

Upon getting its sensor tripped, this device will send you a notification and will record for 6 seconds after. If movement isn’t detected after that, it will stop recording. You can wake it up manually, however, by logging into the live feed. Recording duration is not adjustable, however, so you can’t set it to record longer than 6-second clips automatically.

Storage Options

Upon its release, users of the Argus 2 had to only work with the local storage as the cloud service was only rolled out recently. Not everyone liked that fact so the update is a welcome one.

Now, you can get up to 10GB of data for 15 days and it’s offered for free, so that should make amends for the initial disappointment in some users. Reolink says that upgrades will be available soon.

Then again, it’s not a bad thing for this item to have local storage. If you’re the type who isn’t a fan of storing your data on the cloud or you just don’t want to pony up for extra service, this is always a practical alternative.

Smart Home Compatibility

If you want to integrate the Argus 2 into a smart home environment, you can do so with Google Assistant and Alexa.

Mobile Apps and Web Portals

Another strength this camera has is its mobile app which is very easy to use. Unlike other devices, it doesn’t limit the users of the app as multiple devices access the feed at any given time. Only one can be in mainstream mode with the clearest resolution and the others can only in substream mode.

If you want to view the live feed of your Argus 2 on your PC, you can’t do it through a web portal. However, Reolink has a web client that can accommodate up to 8 cameras so you can use that instead.

You can get the app here:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mcu.reolink&hl=en
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/reolink/id995927563

FAQs

What is the difference between Reolink Argus Pro and Argus 2?

Since the Argus 2 and Argus Pro are identical offerings by Reolink, it can be a bit confusing which one to go for. Luckily, the main differences between the two are pretty simple. The Argus Pro is a step behind in design and hardware as it only has the regular 1080p sensor and can only work with the outdoor security mount.

How long does the Reolink Argus 2 battery last?

A single full charge of the Argus 2’s battery will already last up to 6 months with regular use. However, if you connect it with the solar panel, it can be continuously charged as long as the solar panel gets a good amount of sunshine. As the camera also has a low battery notification, you’ll also know when you should plug the device in.

Does Reolink Argus 2 work with Alexa?

Initially, the Reolink Argus 2 doesn’t have compatibility with smart home environments but Reolink just recently announced that this is about to change. This device will soon be compatible with Alexa and Google Home but is now compatible with Google Assistant.

Does this camera record continuously?

No, it only starts recording once its motion sensor is tripped, once you log into its live stream, or when it’s scheduled to start recording. It doesn’t offer 24/7 nonstop streaming and recording.

Conclusion

While the Reolink Argus 2 may not be the most stellar DIY outdoor security cam out there but we are convinced that it can still be a great pick for a lot of households. Its set of features is hard to beat, especially in its price point. So if you’re after a powerful device that can do a lot without breaking the bank, this is a great choice.

Multi functional devices are always welcome as they make people feel like they’re getting a two for one deal. Unfortunately, they can hit or miss, depending on their execution. This is why, when we first saw the Netatmo Outdoor Security Camera, we were sort of on the fence about it.

As a floodlight and outdoor security camera in one, it makes sense. Floodlights with motion sensors are often installed as security measures by lots of homeowners as they can be effective deterrents for all sorts of intruders. Coupling it with a security camera makes monitoring and driving unwanted presence away simpler.

But is the Netatmo Smart Outdoor Security Camera worth its relatively hefty price tag? Or are you better off buying a floodlight and security cam separately? We’ll help you find out in our review.

Netatmo Presence Outdoor Security Camera Review

Design and Features

Maybe because it is also a floodlight, the Netatmo Outdoor Security Camera’s looks aren’t subtle at all, unlike the other popular outdoor cameras today. It has a more industrial look to it with its black metal body and rectangular shape. It looks modern but also harsh that you can easily tell that it’s sturdy and tough.

It looks more like a vertical light fixture since the LED lamp takes more space in this device than its camera. The lens sits at the bottom of the main body, right next to the swiveling base. Its bottom grill is removable and there you’ll find the SD card slot and microphone.

With its minimalist design, however, it won’t necessarily look out of place in a contemporary home. It’s just that not everyone is a fan of its cold design.

Setup and Usage

There’s no need to worry about the installation and setup of the Netatmo Smart Outdoor Security Camera. As the manufacturer puts it, mounting this device is as easy as affixing an outdoor light in your property. The bracket can be a bit difficult to work with but with some patience, it shouldn’t be too much of an issue as its installation comes with a very clear set of instructions.

While you will need to do some electrical work, it shouldn’t be that difficult to do if you’re experienced in that area. If you’re not, you can always call a professional to do the job for you.

Setting up the camera is also pretty easy. You will need to first pair the camera with your smartphone using Bluetooth connection before you can add it to your wi-fi network. Afterward, you’re good to go.

Using this device is also very easy as you’re meant to control everything through the app. As the application is well-designed and simple to navigate, you can be guaranteed that you’ll be able to work with this device without a hitch.

Video Quality

1080p is already the norm when it comes to DIY home security cameras today, so this device meets that basic requirement. Its picture is clear and crisp in the daytime and its night vision is quite good, too. However, most people set this device to turn its floodlight on once its motion sensor is tripped so its night vision isn’t always maximized. It’s still nice to know that you can still make out what’s on the night vision image, however, even without the floodlights on.

Track and Zoom

Sadly, the Netatmo Smart Outdoor Security Camera doesn’t come with a tracking functionality. You can zoom in on the footage on the app, however, so you can have a better look at what your camera caught.

Audio Quality

Unlike other top outdoor security cameras, this device doesn’t have a 2-way talk. Its built-in microphone is of good quality, however, so it gets to effectively record the sounds in its surroundings as it records your video.

LED Light

You can also expect a lot of great things from this item’s floodlight. Featuring a 12W LED bulb, it provides a bright light that won’t eat up too much energy. You can also count on it to last a while as LED lights are known to be durable.

Unlike other floodlights, this one is very flexible. You can actually configure its brightness level and determine the factors that should trigger it to turn on. You can always turn it on through the app but you can also set it to automatically light up when the motion sensor gets tripped or when it detects low light.

Motion Detection

Since the key features of this item rely on motion detection, it’s a great thing that its sensor is superb. You can count on it to catch movements effectively and intelligently which gives it an edge in the competition.

For starters, it’s the main trigger used to start the camera’s recording and to turn on the floodlight. Once the sensor is tripped, both functionalities will kick in then send you an alert through the app. As it has a 50ft range, it can help you monitor a large area.

Its sensor is also very smart, thanks to its learning algorithm. It can differentiate people from cars and animals so you’re promised less false alerts. This makes this camera more reliable and less annoying in our humble opinion.

However, you can’t really change the sensitivity level of the sensor but with how smart it is, you don’t necessarily have to. It can still fail from time to time as most techs do but it’s still reliable enough to keep lots of homeowners happy.

You can, however, set activity zones to further limit the alerts you’ll get. You can access this feature through the app or web portal.

Cloud Storage Costs

What really gives this product a leg up in the competition is the fact that it doesn’t require you to pay for a cloud service in order for the device to work. It has several storage options that you can all use one at a time or in one go, depending on how you want things to work.

What are these storage options? First off, the device has a microSD card slot, so it has local storage available. Then, instead of a paid cloud service, Netatmo uses Dropbox for this product’s cloud storage. The basic plan of this service is free so that’s a great thing. You might just need to open it from time to time to clear out some space for new recordings manually. If you don’t have time for manual storage clearing, you can also set up an FTP server.

Smart Home Compatibility

When this item first rolled out in the market, it wasn’t fully ready for smart home integration. It was only initially compatible with IFTTT environments. However, it has since been updated and made compatible with Apple Homekit and Google Assistant.

Mobile Apps and Web Portals

The appearance of the app may not exactly match the modern look of the actual device but its functionality can’t be faulted. It’s easy to navigate and use, so you won’t get frustrated in operating the camera and floodlight with its help.

You can also use the Netatmo web portal if you feel like tweaking your camera’s settings using your computer. When streaming the live feed, however, you won’t be able to zoom in on the video when using the website.

FAQs

Is the Netatmo Presence compatible with Alexa?

Yes, the Netatmo Presence has recently been made compatible with Alexa.

Can you hang this product upside down?

Yes, you can install it on an eave or ceiling and it will still work. You just need to rotate the orientation of the footage using the app.

Can I have the video footage stream to a computer without having to access my Dropbox?

Yes, you can stream your camera’s live feed using the Netatmo web portal. You can also view the recordings on your computer by accessing your Dropbox, FTP, or the SD card, depending on where you stored the clips.

Does this camera record clips or streams non-stop?

No, this device only starts recording when its motion sensor is tripped. Even as a plug-in camera, it’s not capable of continuous streaming or recording.

Conclusion

In terms of functionality, the Netatmo Outdoor Security Camera can be quite hard to beat. Its combination of features is pretty rare to find in one package so it can certainly appeal to certain households. So if you’re looking into getting a smart floodlight and outdoor camera, we recommend that you give this a shot. If you have the budget anyway, this might just be a solid pick.

Camera-based surveillance is one of the cornerstones of home security. They work both as a  deterrent and as well as a reliable tool for prosecution and defense. We will be looking at this camera from different perspectives to create a full accounting of its capabilities and effectiveness for the average consumer.

Other than that, in our detailed review below we look at more technical details regarding this camera, including ease of installation, feature set, and, because no product is perfect when it comes to home security, any potential issues that the end-user will face when using this product.

Swann Bullet Camera Detailed Review

Design and Features

The Swann Bullet Camera visual design and features can be called a modernized classic. When you look at the unit on the shelves, or after it is installed, it looks like a standard security camera that came from the set of a modern science fiction movie. The design is a contemporary take on the security camera which works both on the aesthetic as well as security fronts. An obvious security camera often deters would-be thieves from attempting to enter and area.

A quick look at its face also reveals that this security product from Swann can do a lot more than your regular old security camera. The front of the camera shows its wide-angle lens and the highly capable sensor array that contains its PIR motion sensor.

The black and white color scheme is a great match for almost any type of wall or ceiling application. The circular base is also great for matching the design concept of the wall no matter what angle you want to aim the camera at.

Setup and Usage

This camera is easy to install and setup, especially as part of a broader Swann security system installation. It can easily mount to a variety of surfaces using the included mounting screws and plugs. Everything that is required to install the camera is included in the package. The cables, screws, plugs, power adapter, and even stickers that come with the camera are designed to match and complement the camera.

The position of the base itself makes it easy to access during installation and can be conveniently done DIY.  Cross compatibility with a variety of Swann DVRs makes it an easy addition to existing systems, as well as a good option for expanding the packages that are already available.  Set up is quick if you are already familiar with the Swanns’ DVR system.

Video Quality

When you playback the video taken by this Swann bullet camera, you will be able to see what is happening with quite a lot of detail and accuracy. This is helped by the high-resolution 1080p video with a functional resolution of 1920 by 1080 pixels. If you have heard of this before, this is because a lot of modern content, including movies, are displayed in this format!

Another great but under-appreciated feature of this camera is the 90-degree viewing angle. Many other cameras on the market have wider viewing angles than this camera from Swann. However, most consumers do not know that larger fields of view can cause warping of the image in some areas of the video. As a result, details are lost or stretched to the point of being useless. The 90-degree angle is a perfect balance between seeing enough of an area with the quality of the video image produced.

Finally, videos taken in darkness during the evenings are very high quality. With this, you are allowed to see details of objects and persons with ease. The viewing distance of the camera, 30 meters / 100 feet, makes it ideal for covering large areas during the evening. With effective triggering from the PIR, this makes it quite effective at producing useful images during the nighttime.

Motion Detection

Another plus about this item is the fact that Swann is known for their highly competent movement detection technology. The way the apply PIR technology helps detect the movement of warm objects and including people and cars. The applications that use the camera can send notifications to the end-user to alert them of detected movement so they can react appropriately. We found that the system was effective in detecting people and vehicles crossing the camera’s viewing angle, and that the false detections were not a problem.

The effectiveness of the motion detection capability of this camera lies upon clever use of the PIR or passive infrared sensor on the front of the camera. If you look at the camera’s face, you will see this sensor under the camera lens. The PIR is both a thermal and a motion sensor with an outstanding range of about 10m, much more than sensors on other cameras.

Storage Costs

Unlike solutions that require complicated data plans and storage schemes, Swann’s bullet camera can be paired with the efficient storage options included with their own DVR lines. Cross compatibility with many DVR models means that the user can select the storage option that would be more economical or appropriate to their needs. It can also offer peace of mind to those who don’t want to put their sensitive data on the web. Swann DVR devices are known for their reliability and cost-effectiveness and they work well with this bullet camera.

You can also make use of the mobile app for accessing additional options for storage and online backup capability. The app can be connected to other online storage devices, or even to store the videos captured by the camera on the device itself. Playing back from the local storage on the DVR is also possible, which makes it a great option for those who do not wish to store their security videos in the cloud.

Smart Home Compatibility

Although the device itself is not directly controlled by Smart home devices, use of a Swann DVR or security system that is compatible with Smart Home Technology will allow you to use the camera with smart home applications. The full capabilities accessible via these applications will vary according to the DVR you connect the camera to.

Mobile Apps

You can monitor your security system remotely by using Swann’s HomeSafe View app. You can add the DVR via the AR code on it or its unique device id. This way, your security system is as secure as your home’s physical access. With the app, you can select which camera you wish to use and you can remotely view the live situation covered by the camera or playback videos recorded by that camera. This app also controls the notifications generated by the True Detect detection technology on the camera.

You can get the apps here:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/homesafe-view/id1155986321
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.homesafeview&hl=en

FAQs

Can you use this camera with any DVR?

The Swann Bullet Camera is only compatible with specific models in Swann’s DVR product line. To make sure that your DVR will work with the camera, it is best to check with the device compatibility list on Swanns’ website, as well as on the camera’s documentation.

Can you access the camera remotely?

With the appropriate and compatible DVR, you may use the HomeSafe View app to access the camera as well as the recorded videos. Live video quality will however be affected by the speed of internet access of your mobile device, as well as the internet speed you have at home. Low internet speeds might prevent you from getting the full quality of the images from the device.

Can you install this camera yourself?

The camera comes with all the accessories you will need to install and add it to an existing and compatible DVR system. Basic tools and a working platform, like a ladder, is all you will need to install this camera.

Conclusion

The Swann bullet camera is a great option for those who are already using a compatible DVR. It is an inexpensive unit that extends the capability of your security system and provides additional coverage while being easy to install. However, to fully be able to take advantage of this camera, you need to use it with a good DVR, as a low-end unit will not be adequate enough for the more advanced and effective capabilities of the camera.

Powering an outdoor surveillance camera can be a hassle for many. The ones that need to be plugged in require some electrical wiring while battery-powered ones are either too expensive or will require regular re-charging. If you live somewhere sunny, however, a solar-powered option like the Lynx Solar Outdoor Camera might be a better pick for you.

Offered by one of the most innovative camera manufacturers in the market today, the Lynx Solar will help solve the power concerns for your outdoor security camera. You just need to connect it to the solar panels that come with the camera’s purchase and you’re good to go.

Aside from its alternative power source, the Lynx Solar also comes with lots of other exciting and useful features. Its impressive list of features includes night vision, waterproof construction, facial recognition, and a wide field of view. So if you want to get a security camera that can do a lot, this is worth looking into.

A Detailed Review of the Lynx Solar Outdoor Camera

Design and Features

As expected from a wireless camera, the Lynx Solar Outdoor Camera has a clean and modern appearance to it. It has a cylindrical shape that resembles a tiny speaker. Its body is white in color with black details on its faceplate and a mounting kit in the same color. As such, it has a very clean and minimal look.

Its solar panels, on the other hand, also has a similar white body. It’s made of 2 panels on a single white base. It comes with a long cable that is meant to be attached to the camera unit.

With an IP65-rated body, the Lynx Solar camera is meant to withstand severe weather. It’s tested to work in up to -4°F to 113°F (-20°C to 45°C) temperature and up to 20-80% humidity.

Setup and Usage

One of the main charms of the Lynx Solar is its simple installation. It might seem daunting since you’ll need to connect the camera to a solar panel but don’t let that faze you.

Getting the camera ready to record ins quick and painless. Like with other IP cameras, you just need to download the camera’s app then add the device to your wireless network and that’s pretty much it.

What might take longer are the wiring and mounting processes, however. You will need to connect the camera physically to the solar panel for it to charge using sunlight. This is rather easy, however, as the cables required for the job are included in the package and they’re 25’ long.

If you want to make sure that you have an alternative power source for the camera, you can also install its power cord. It comes with an AC adapter that is 10’ long, so you don’t have to settle for a spot that’s near a power outlet. Some folks opt out of this, however, as the solar panel provides an ample amount of power and can run your camera for 7 days even when disconnected to the solar panel.

Using the actual camera is also a breeze as it’s designed in a straightforward manner. Once it’s set up, you don’t really have to fuss with it a lot as most of its functionalities are accessible through the app. You might need to change its angle from time to time but unless you installed it very high up, doing so shouldn’t be too bothersome. The only thing that might cause a fuss is when you need to reset the camera as it can’t be done through the app.

Video Quality

The video quality of this item is fairly standard at 1080p and it delivers crisp and clean images. Its night vision is also good and reliable, allowing you to see what is happening in the area that the camera is pointed to.

With a 105° field of view, you’re also guaranteed to get good coverage. You can pan and tilt the camera on its base so adjusting its angle is very easy. You just need the right spot to mount the camera in and you can already get a good view of your property.

Aside from these run-of-the-mill IP camera features, the Lynx Solar also comes with a facial recognition feature. It does a good job of recognizing the registered people in its database but as the technology in itself is still being perfected, there are a few shortcomings in its execution in this camera. It’s also not available in all states.

Audio Quality

With a built-in mic and speaker, the Lynx Solar is also capable of recording and transmitting sounds. All video recordings will have audio but you can opt to switch the mic off when watching the live stream. It’s also useful when you use the camera’s 2-way talk feature as it delivers clear and audible sounds. The same goes for the speaker, giving this device more functionality.

Motion and Sound Detection

While it doesn’t have sound detection, the motion sensor of the Lynx Solar is very responsive. This guarantees that you’ll be able to capture movements in the area that you’re monitoring without a hitch. Combined with the facial recognition feature, it provides a more precise recording system, lessening false alerts that can be quite bothersome.

You’ll receive a notification through the smartphone app every time the motion sensor is tripped. However, since you can adjust the sensitivity of the motion sensors, you can minimize the frequency of these notifications and further eliminate false alerts. By turning it low, it will be less sensitive to movements while turning it high will alert you of all sorts of movements within your camera’s field of view.

This camera won’t let you assign motion zones and let you do some masking, however, so it’s best to tweak the sensitivity settings at its optimal level to get the best results instead.

Cloud Storage Costs

Next to being solar-powered, the free cloud storage is another strong suit of the Lynx Solar. You are not required to pay the manufacturer a monthly fee just to have your clips saved on the cloud. Opting out of the paid subscription also won’t lock you out of the most advanced features of this camera so you can really be sure that you’ll get everything out of this item.

As this item is also designed to keep working during power and connection outages, it also has built-in storage that can keep up to 3 days of clips so it can continue recording when the device gets disconnected to the cloud or your wi-fi network. The data will then be automatically uploaded to the cloud once the unit reconnects to the wireless network or the cloud.

Smart Home Compatibility

Unfortunately, the Lynx Solar Outdoor Camera has limited smart home compatibility. It works with Amazon Alexa but it’s not capable of interacting with other smart home enabled devices just yet.

Mobile Apps and Web Portals

Access to this camera is limited through the Lynx app as it has no web portal. The app is easy to use and navigate, however, so you can be sure that you’ll be able to use the camera with ease.

You can find the apps here:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/tendsecure/id1196189005
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tendinsights.tendsecure&hl=en

FAQs

Do you need to plug this camera in at night?

No. When fully charged using the solar panels, its power can already last for seven days until it needs charging again.

How do you reset the Lynx Solar camera?

There’s a dedicated button on the side of the camera that is for resetting the unit. You just need to press that and the unit will be automatically reset.

Can you use this camera for continuous recording?

No, it doesn’t offer continuous uploading of its feed. This camera, like other IP cameras, will only start recording when its motion sensor is tripped.

Do you need a cloud subscription to use this camera?

No, the camera comes with free cloud storage but subscribing to Tend Insight’s cloud service is not required to access the features and functions of the camera. You can upgrade your cloud storage, however, by paying for a monthly subscription plan.

Can you only buy the camera and not the solar panels?

No. The camera and solar panels come as a set and are not sold separately.

Conclusion

There are lots of things to like about the Lynx Solar Outdoor Camera. Its great features come with a friendly price tag, so what’s not to love? As its performance also doesn’t disappoint, it can certainly be a solid contender for those who want to install a security camera in a spot that is quite far from a power outlet.

As the saying goes, ‘don’t judge the book by its cover’. This rings true for the Lorex Security Camera LNB8921BW as this product may look old school but its features are great. Its traditional bullet style might not exactly spell out how modern its technology is but since it’s the inside that counts, it can change your mind once you get to know it better.

It might not look like it at first glance but this device is actually a 4k resolution camera. So if you’re trying to stay away from anything that provides grainy footage, this item would be a solid choice for you.

Interested in what this product can offer? Check out our review for it below.

Lorex 4K IP Bullet Security Camera (LNB8921BW) Detailed Review

Design and Features

One look at the Lorex LNB8921BW and you’ll automatically know that it’s a surveillance camera. It sports the classic bullet-style design, complete with an adjustable sun visor, letting everyone know what it is exactly. Colored black, it has a utilitarian appeal to it which also further emphasizes what kind of gadget it is.

Made for the outdoors, this device has its lens sealed inside an aerospace-grade aluminum housing. It can withstand temperatures from -22°F to 140°F. As it also has an IP67 water rating, you don’t have to worry about leaving this item outside all year long.

Like other bullet cameras, this item is meant to be mounted on a wall or the ceiling. Because of this, it’s designed with a custom video orientation feature so you don’t have to worry about installing it right side up. There’s no such thing which is why it’s simpler to install.

Setup and Usage

While the Lorex LNB8921BW is an IP camera, it’s also a PoE device so its set up is a bit different from other wireless IP cameras in the market today. It’s not harder to install since you’ll only need to work with just one cable to power and transmit its recordings but it will require some tech-savvy to get this device running. Once you get the hang of working with an NVR, however, you’ll find it to be an inconsequential addition to your set up. It can even be advantageous if you’re planning on adding more cameras to your security system.

In the simplest of terms, you first need to attach this camera to a compatible NVR unit to power it up and get the installation process started. Once the NVR is connected to your router, you will then need to download the app, then, add the device to your app by scanning its QR code. Once the NVR is on your app, you’re pretty much ready to go. Just tweak the settings of the camera on the app and you can soon start recording surveillance clips. You can also connect your NVR to a computer and access the camera straight from the computer.

Video Quality

The video quality of this Lorex nocturnal camera is its key feature that draws most people in. Why not when it offers 4k resolution? That’s 4 times better than the 1080p most IP cameras in this price point offers. So if you want to get footage in the highest resolution, this can be a good pick for you.

What gives this product such a high-quality definition is its use of amazing components. Equipped with an 8.51 MP Sony Exmor R™ CMOS sensor, 30FPS recording rate, mechanical lens filter, as well as 3D-DNR, eShutter™, enhanced HDR, and back-illuminated pixel technologies among many others, it’s certainly designed to capture the highest quality images.

With the camera’s capacity, you can also count on its night vision mode to give you good results. Its enhanced DNR makes it work perfectly in low-light situations so combined with its actual IR night vision, you can expect better results. In fact, it can provide you colored night time footage and see up to 250 ft, allowing you to have a better view even in the dark.

If you’re worried about the sizes of the files of your recordings, you don’t really have to. The Lorex LNB8921BW comes with the H.265 compression HEVC (high-efficiency video codec) so it effectively compresses its clips up to 40% more than previous compression technologies offer without losing quality. So even at smaller file sizes, you can still enjoy high-resolution clips with this camera. This will then make backing up and storing footage faster and more economical.

Track and Zoom

While it doesn’t have a tracking feature, this item comes with a whopping 10x digital zoom. Combined with its very high video resolution, you can be guaranteed that you’ll be able to zoom in without losing picture quality.

Motion and Sound Detection

Like other IP cameras, this Lorex Security Camera is also equipped with motion sensors that are added to trigger the recording process of the camera and send the homeowner an alert that the sensor has been tripped. The one in this Lorex product is quite responsive, so it will automatically react when it gets tripped.

To minimize false alerts, however, you can tweak its sensitivity and Motion Zones through the NVR. You can set how much movement is required and where the movement should be before the camera starts recording or sends you a notification.

Cloud Storage Costs

Before the recent changes in the cloud network of Lorex, there are several subscription plans that you can choose from in order to use the cloud service of the said brand. As they regroup, they are currently offering free cloud services to all of their clients.

Smart Home Compatibility

The smart home compatibility of Lorex cameras depends more on the particular NVR model you choose to use with your system. Some are compatible with Alexa while others can work with Google Assistant. So if you want to add this camera to your smart home environment, make sure to get the right NVR model.

Mobile Apps and Web Portals

As mentioned before, there are actually 3 Lorex apps that you can use with your Lorex products. This can be a bit confusing at first but fret not. You don’t necessarily need to install all of them because your NVR will dictate which one you’re supposed to get. In most cases, you’ll likely end up using the Lorex Home or the Lorex Cloud app. The Lorex Home app offers more functionality and control over devices, however.

FAQs

Does this product support audio?

No, the Lorex nocturnal camera doesn’t support audio.

Can you access this camera on a mobile app?

Yes. Lorex actually has 3 apps that you can use to access cameras from the said brand. They’re also very easy to set up so you can access your camera anywhere you are.

How can I connect my Lorex Security Camera system to the mobile app?

Connecting your camera to the app is very simple. You just need to download the application on your phone then scan the QR code on the NVR and your camera will already show up in the app, allowing you to access its feed instantly.

Do I need to subscribe to a cloud service to use this device?

You will need to subscribe to the cloud service if you want to access your live feed and clips. The subscription is currently free, as the old program has been discontinued. With the new cloud, you just need to register your device and you can already access your recordings with great ease.

Conclusion

With how the Lorex Security Camera LNB8921BW is designed, it can feel a bit daunting to get. However, once you put things into perspective, it’s actually just the same as other IP cameras that require a base hub. It can even be a better option since it has a very high video resolution.