Wyze Cam V3 Review: A Benchmark for Inexpensive Cameras
Wyze Cam v3 review: A new benchmark for inexpensive cameras
"It's almost unbelievable that Wyze has packed so much into something so cheap."
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It costs $ 20
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Works both indoors and outdoors
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More details with colored night vision
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Tons of security checks
The attack continues! Wyze has been on the move in the last few months, announcing a number of new smart home devices that seem to have diversified its portfolio overnight. However, the latest announcement is a continuation of one of the most popular devices. Going back to its roots, the Wyze Cam v3 aims to seduce consumers not only because it works both indoors and outdoors, but also because it is feature rich and costs less than $ 20.
Iconic design for outdoors
The iconic design of the original remains a staple with the Wyze Cam v3 as well. The cube-shaped design is made entirely of plastic. For a surveillance camera, it is undoubtedly compact enough to be discreet wherever it is placed. The camera itself can be rotated around its base and tilted to almost any angle for the best viewing angle. In contrast to its predecessors, it is now equipped with an IP65 construction to cope with nature – and therefore more versatile than before.
John Velasco / Digital Trends
However, if there's one aspect of the design that I'm not keen on, it has to be the dangling power cord. There is a short 8-inch cable that ends with a micro-USB socket which then plugs into a standard micro-USB cable. Since this short 8-inch cable is permanently attached to the camera and the camera is accidentally damaged or damaged on its own, the entire device requires maintenance instead of just replacing a micro-USB cable like other cameras.
There is definitely cause for concern, but I also understand that it is likely a necessary change to make it weather resistant. Even so, the design is an upgrade as it can be used either indoors or outdoors for more versatility than before.
Ambient lighting helps with colored night vision
Security cameras provide a lot of information with their recordings. The Wyze Cam v3 has an improved camera with a wider 130-degree field view, 20 FPS recording, a Starlight CMOS sensor and an aperture of 1: 1.6. While like the v2 it still has 1080p resolution, every other aspect of the camera is vastly improved.
For starters, the wider field of view captures more of the scene, which is useful if you place it in a corner for the greatest possible coverage. The Starlight CMOS sensor is probably the figurehead here, as it enables the v3 to see much better in the dark and to draw details – and at the same time provide the conversation with colored night vision.
The 1080p video it produces is adequate in detail and quality, although its dynamic range can be challenging in contrasting lighting conditions, generally overexposing the highlights. Still, I can see other small details from the footage and it proves its worth when the sun goes down with its colored night vision.
Colored night vision without question coughs up details that you cannot find.
While standard night vision in black and white makes it easier to see in almost pitch black conditions, the additional advantage of color vision offers more details – for example the ability to distinguish the color of a person's shirt. This is invaluable information in emergency situations. So it's fantastic that night vision colors are offered. If you compare the footage side by side, colored night vision undoubtedly highlights details that you cannot find with standard night vision. However, there still needs to be some level of ambient lighting in the scene for it to work effectively. If there aren't, colors are hard to tell.
Two-way conversation is also enjoyable: it produces clear voices through the app and a decent volume through the speaker.
Broader security features
As a rule, cheap cameras are rather elementary. With the Wyze Cam v3, this is far from the truth. This proves to me that my home is safe when I'm not around. First of all, Wyze has the controls necessary to address my needs. From being able to record based on motion or sound detection, setting detection zones to minimize false positives, to adding custom schedules and automated operations, there are a number of options to choose from. There's even a chance to detect smoke and carbon monoxide sirens which will then send a notification.
John Velasco / Digital Trends
All of this shows that the brand has a better understanding of users' security and privacy needs. Although there is 14 days of cloud storage that saves 12 second clips, I appreciate that there is the option for local storage via the microSD card slot. I would recommend using the microSD card as, just like the Wyze Outdoor Cam, it can record time-lapse recordings of almost any length.
It's there to protect my home when I'm not around.
The offer is rounded off by two-factor authentication, an integrated siren that can be activated via the app (rather weak), and an option to switch off the camera electronically via the Wyze app.
Our opinion
The Wyze Cam v3, at a ridiculously low cost of $ 20, sets the standard for what it means to be an entry-level surveillance camera these days. You will not find anything nearby that offers the same safety features, versatility indoors and outdoors, and colored night vision that offers more detail than normal night vision.
How long it will take?
Aside from the concern I mentioned about the proprietary dangling cable, it's solidly constructed. Since it is made of a sturdy plastic housing, its light weight helps prevent damage from falls. A 1 year limited warranty applies in the event something goes wrong internally due to a defect.
Is there a better alternative?
If you're ready to get a little more out of it, cameras like the Ring Indoor Cam and Eufy Indoor Cam 2K Pan And Tilt are top contenders as they aren't overly expensive. The former benefits from leveraging Ring's diverse ecosystem, while the latter has useful 360-degree pan and tilt functionality. There is even the Wyze Cam Outdoor to consider, as it is very similar, but has an internal battery with which it can be operated offline without being connected to a power source.
Should you buy it?
You shouldn't just buy it, you should probably buy a few and build a decent security camera system in your home for a fraction of the price you would pay for other complete systems.
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