28 Apr
Blog

Reolink Argus 3 Pro Review: Flexible Indoor and Outdoor Use

Reolink Argus 3 Pro on the table

"Ultrasharp 2K footage ensures that you know exactly what you are watching."

  • Crisp looking 2K video footage

  • Excellent night vision performance

  • Solar panel add-on doesn't cost much

  • Can easily be converted into an indoor camera

  • Weak dynamic range

  • Antiquated looking app

Reolink has been in the surveillance camera business for a long time, back in 2009 when it launched its first camera. Since then, countless indoor and outdoor cameras have been manufactured serving a wide range of people. Despite its commitment to offering a wide range of equipment, none of Reolink's products has gained the recognition that some of its competitors' offerings have.

If you've seen great outdoor surveillance cameras like the Arlo Pro 4, the Reolink Argus 3 Pro is sure to make the decision a little more difficult. It's packed with 2K video footage, color night vision, local storage, and even power from a solar panel. It's full of goodies that can tempt you with their cost under $ 150.

Razor-sharp 2K video recording

If you're used to getting 1080p footage from security cameras, switching to something with higher resolution is quite a shock. That's exactly how I looked at the 2K video material of the Reolink Argus 3 Pro, which delivers razor-sharp results with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels that exceeded my expectations. I'm seldom moved by the specs of the security cameras, especially when it comes to resolution, but upon checking out the footage, the difference was immediately apparent.

Fine details are well represented throughout the scene and still retain good clarity when you use a digital zoom to get a closer look. I was genuinely surprised at how good the footage looks even with a digital zoom. The only complaint is that the colors are rather muted and the highlights seem a bit blown out. Otherwise, the quality is really good despite the slower frame rate of 15 frames per second (fps) – but this doesn't affect video performance when the lighting conditions are ideal.

Reolink Argus 3 Pro on the wallJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

The night vision performance of the 4 megapixel 1/3 inch CMOS sensor is just as outstanding. The black and white footage is extremely detailed and illuminates well over 25 feet from where it is. There is an option for color night vision, which highlights colors for even better clarity. However, ambient light is required to work. There's a bright spotlight in the Argus 3 Pro that can be activated when motion is detected, but I honestly don't mind the black and white footage because it's so sharp. The only complaint I have is that it has a tighter 122 degree field of view, which is less than some of its competitors.

Antiquated app interface

Launching the Reolink app for Android is a step back in time as it looks so old-fashioned, from the design of the user interface to the general-looking screen icons. At the very least, when you access the live stream, you get a good overview of what the camera is seeing – with the appropriate buttons for manually taking a photo or video. Most of the camera's settings can be accessed by tapping the settings icon in the top right corner of the app.

In the playback section of the user interface, the camera organizes all of the footage that was recorded due to the motion detection. It's organized in a timeline view so you can see all of the clips for a given day. However, it takes a long time to load many thumbnails in this timeline view. Therefore, it will take some time before they are filled out. Fortunately, you can filter the clips based on the items detected to include people, vehicles, and a general "Others" category.

While the UI is functional, I would like a cleaner, more modern application. This is just too big a retro return to the style of 1990s Windows PCs.

Flexibility indoors and outdoors

Although positioned as an outdoor camera, I really like how the Reolink Argus 3 Pro can be instantly converted to an indoor camera – an important point I want to highlight as other outdoor cameras don't offer this flexibility. This is because it comes with a stand mount that supports it on a shelf, table, or other flat surface for indoor use.

I was genuinely surprised at how good the footage looks even with a digital zoom.

At first glance it looks like an Arlo camera, but the Argus Pro 3 is a bit shorter. The IP65 weatherproof construction can withstand whatever the items have in store, while a hidden microSD slot on the bottom gives users the beauty of local storage. I'm really happy that footage is stored locally, but just know that there is a basic free plan you can subscribe to that covers seven days of cloud video history for one camera – with a cap of 1GB of cloud storage. For even more storage, upgrade to the standard $ 3.49 plan, which includes 30 days of video history and support for up to five cameras.

Reolink Argus 3 Pro on the tableJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

The last thing to mention is the battery life. After a full day, the battery level was 85%, which means it would be completely depleted before the seventh day. (In my experience, it was almost empty by the fifth day.) You can purchase the solar panel as an add-on for $ 25, which will extend the battery life for a longer period of time.

Our opinion

The Reolink Argus Pro 3, while not perfect in every way, offers a tempting package that rivals top-notch cameras like the one Arlo Pro 4. It offers excellent clarity and detail while delivering the convenience of any modern camera in a package that doesn't exceed $ 150. For that amount, it is very difficult to find a camera with 2K video resolution, color night vision and a solar panel that will make you charge less often.

How long it will take?

As I mentioned earlier, its IP65 rating makes it perfect for outdoor weather. Unlike its competitors, Reolink offers a generous two-year limited warranty that covers it against defects.

Is there a better alternative?

For the cost, it is difficult to find an outdoor camera with these specifications and the flexibility to be used both inside and outside the home. Despite the higher cost, the Arlo Pro 4 still has an advantage due to its superior dynamic range. It is better suited for high contrast scenes that are problematic with the Reolink camera.

Should you buy it?

You should definitely buy it as it will give you great video quality and save you money in the process.

Editor's recommendations




17 Apr
Blog

Arlo Essential Indoor Camera Review: Privacy Is a Priority

Arlo Essential Indoor Security Camera on the table

Arlo Essential indoor surveillance camera

"Thanks to the Arlo Essential Indoor Security Camera’s helpful privacy lock, you never have to wonder if Big Brother is watching."

  • Privacy shutter offers security

  • Clear and clear night vision

  • Smart discovery with Arlo Smart

  • Video quality artifact elements

Arlo has long distinguished itself as a high-end surveillance camera manufacturer and has expanded its growth in this segment thanks to the introduction of its Essential line of surveillance cameras. With a balance between price and performance, the Essential line extends the company's reach. However, a certain type of camera was missing – a real type of indoor camera.

With the Arlo Essential Indoor Security Camera, all of that changes. On paper, it won't amaze anyone with its specs, but what is really amazing here is the focus on privacy. Equipped with a visual shutter that opens and closes, it is one of the few cameras that addresses the ongoing privacy concerns at home.

A barrier that protects your privacy

It is difficult for security camera companies to have a privacy lock, but Arlo, like some other companies, shows us that it is possible. The Arlo Essential indoor security camera has a simple privacy screen that covers the camera's lens when you don't want it to be recorded – like when you are at home. Unlike other implementations that require users to flip a switch, it is mechanically operated across the entire Arlo app. This is great because you can be away and still control the privacy lock.

Arlo Essential Indoor Security Camera privacy screenJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

It blocks the camera's view, protecting your privacy at home. This is important because you know with greater peace of mind that someone is not watching you. When someone actually accesses the camera, the action of the data protection lock is accompanied by an audible sound – so you know that it is being accessed. This is useful because it is so distinctive that you know it is being operated without actually seeing it.

I'm a proponent of mechanically operated privacy shutters like this one, so bravo to Arlo for designing the camera with that in mind.

All the intelligence, mediocre quality

The design of the Arlo Essential Indoor Security Camera allows it to stand freely on shelves and desks and to be mounted on the wall using the brackets provided. In terms of design, the all-plastic construction feels a bit hollow and looks pretty generic, but the articulated base allows for quick and easy adjustment for the ideal view with the camera.

It is safer to know that someone is not watching you

For an indoor camera, the 130-degree field of view is sufficient – I've seen other models with larger views – but strategic placement in corners gives the best coverage. It records at 1080p resolution and offers night vision and two-way audio – all the standard features you would expect from a modern security camera.

However, many of the advanced features are hidden behind the Arlo Smart subscription. By default, the Arlo Essential Indoor Security Camera sends notifications when motion is detected. However, you won't get item detection, package delivery detection, or activity zones without subscribing to Arlo Smart, which starts at $ 3 a month for a single camera. Fortunately, there is a three month trial that is included with the purchase.

As for the performance of the camera, it's nice that Arlo Smart can distinguish motion from pets or people, so you can filter what you want to get through the app rather than get bombarded by false positives. The quality of the video is average at best. It suffers from artifacts early on, but that seems to go away after a while. There is enough detail to see most of the things in the scene while colors have a slightly unsaturated hue. I have no complaints about night vision performance. It's crisp and clear and illuminates the area up to 20 feet.

One thing that could make it perfect

While I applaud Arlo for its mechanical privacy screen, there is only one thing missing from the Essential Indoor Security Camera that makes it perfect – a geofence feature that can automatically arm the camera when I'm not home.

Arlo Essential Indoor Security Camera on the tableJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

Currently, activating the camera is a manual process performed through the app. Sometimes I'm just in a hurry and don't have time to activate the camera. A feature that she can automatically activate based on my phone's location would sweeten the package.

Our opinion

If privacy is a primary concern for you, this is Arlo Essential indoor surveillance camera ensures that you don't have to worry thanks to the data protection lock. The $ 100 cost is worth it just because it's a camera you can trust.

How long it will take?

Although the all-plastic construction feels a bit flimsy, it comes with a one-year limited warranty that covers the camera for defects. Given that it is supposed to be stationary in one place, it should last a long time.

Is there a better alternative?

The SimpliSafe SimpliCam is worth considering just because, like this one, it has a mechanically operated privacy screen that you can see and hear. The main benefit is that it works with SimpliSafe's home surveillance system, so not only is it activated and deactivated every time the system is activated, but in an emergency, emergency responders can even access the camera's feed to assess the event.

The Eufy Indoor Cam 2K Pan & Tilt is worth considering for its lower cost and ability to articulate almost 360 degrees. It can even stow its camera when not in use. This is a slightly different way of protecting home privacy.

Should you buy it?

Yes. It's one of the few models that respects your home privacy and ensures you are informed when the camera is being accessed.

Editor's recommendations




27 Sep
Blog

Blink Indoor Review: Can’t Handle the Great Indoors

Flashing indoor on the table

"Despite its name, the Blink Indoor just doesn't cut it to handle the interior of the home."

  • Battery life of up to two years

  • Live playback limited to 30 seconds

  • A wired power source is optional

  • Very simple motion detection trigger

At the beginning of this year, the surveillance camera manufacturer Blink released the Blink Mini to expand its portfolio. This is certainly a step in a new direction as it was the company's first indoor camera following the success of its Blink XT outdoor cameras.

Now we're getting another indoor camera with the aptly named Blink Indoor, which looks very similar to its sibling – the Blink Outdoor. Compared to the Mini, the Blink Indoor is priced higher at $ 80 and is billed as a wireless solution. When the Blink Mini sells for $ 35, are you ready to pay the premium?

Lots of similarities

Place the Blink Indoor and Blink Outdoor cameras side by side and it will be difficult to tell them apart. From their square plastic design to being powered by two AA lithium batteries, they have a lot in common. The only difference, however, is that the back cover on the Blink Indoor does not have the same weatherproof cover. And, oh yes, the indoor is available in white while the outdoor is available in black. You can also use the Blink outdoor camera indoors if you want. However, you cannot use the indoor camera outdoors as it is not weatherproof.

Flashing indoor on the counterJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

On the technical side, it's exactly like the Blink Outdoor, which in itself is similar to the previous Blink XT2 camera. It offers 1080p video recording, up to 30 frames per second, infrared night vision, and the same 110 degree field of view. The narrow field of view is still limited compared to the 140 degree range of the Ring Indoor Cam. However, if you want to monitor the entrances in the house, it is enough if you collect important information.

Since the Blink Outdoor has the same specs, its performance is no different. The 1080p video it produces is passable and clear enough to see scenes, but fine details are difficult to see. It suffers from its dynamic range and often blows out the highlights. Night vision holds up with its range of around 25 feet, but it's rather soft.

Limitations with live view

Due to its battery life, the Blink Indoor has a relatively brief live view when accessing the camera directly through the app – and that's a problem. If you access the live view, you will receive a smidgen over 30 seconds before the disconnection. I thought there was an option to customize, but there isn't. Once that 30 second mark is reached, a button will appear on the screen asking if you want to continue. Of course, you can press it after every 30 second mark, but that's a pain.

Interestingly, you can actually firmly connect the Blink Indoor to a power source because there is an exposed micro-USB port on the back. However, even with constant power supply, the live view is still limited to around 30 seconds. There are also controls for the sensitivity of the motion detection as well as the ability to set up motion zones to reduce false alarms. Speaking of which, it lacks advanced peer detection like person or pet detection, which will help reduce false positives.

Less of an indoor camera

As mentioned earlier, the Blink Mini was released as the company's first indoor camera solution earlier this year. However, the Blink Indoor Camera behaves more like an outdoor camera than an indoor camera, especially when it includes the same wall bracket as the Blink Outdoor. Because of this, when you put it on a table or countertop, you cannot articulate it for different angles.

Flash inside the cameraJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

Let's talk about the battery life. It's neat that the battery can last up to two years, but the app does a terrible job of showing you the remaining battery life. Instead of a percentage or a bar, the app only shows a vague "OK" after almost a week. Of course, battery life mainly depends on how often it is triggered. There is the option of plugging it into a power source, but making it more difficult that no cable is offered in the box.

Our opinion

There is only a $ 20 difference between Blink Outdoor and Indoor, with the main difference being the weatherproof construction of the former. At $ 80, the Blink Indoor is a tough sell as it has limited real-time streaming of video and lacks the advanced features of its contemporaries.

How long it will take?

The all-plastic construction makes it light, but still feels solid to withstand small drops. If it is defective, it is backed by a 1 year limited warranty.

Is there a better alternative?

While video quality is no different, given its $ 35 cost, the cheaper Blink Mini is a better buy. You're sure to save money and don't have to worry about live streaming restrictions.

Alternatively, the Eufy Indoor Cam 2K Pan and Tilt is an excellent offer. With tons of features, including 360-degree coverage. The Ring Indoor Cam is also a good choice at $ 60. It offers person recognition to reduce false alarms and integration into the ring ecosystem.

Should you buy it?

No. It lacks the need to turn it into a functional indoor camera and it is more expensive than much more powerful counterparts.

Editor's recommendations




11 Jul
Blog

Eufy Security Indoor Cam 2K Review: Covering The Basics

Eufy Security Indoor Cam 2K on the table

Eufy Security Indoor Cam 2K

"Eufy's Indoor Cam 2K delivers impressively sharp video quality."

  • Excellent 2K video footage

  • Inexpensive

  • Local storage option

  • Easy setup

  • Boring design

  • Weak internal speaker

Inexpensive cameras usually have a less than excellent reputation. But now and then someone comes and surprises us. One example is the Wyze Cam V2, which offers exceptional functions at a very low price.

We recently put Eufy's latest offering, the Indoor Cam 2K Pan and Tilt, through its paces and were amazed at what a $ 50 surveillance camera could offer. Now it's time for another affordable camera – the Eufy Security Indoor Cam 2K. It has all the functions of its sibling, minus the pan and tilt function. And it's only $ 40.

2K material that won't disappoint you

By far the best thing about the Eufy Security Indoor Cam 2K is the razor-sharp 2K video material that has a resolution of 2304 x 1296 pixels. The quality looks the same as in the pan-and-tilt version. This is not a big surprise as the same 1 / 2.7-inch sensor with a 125-degree field of view is used.

Eufy Security Indoor Cam 2K camera close-upJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

Details are plentiful, while colors tend to get a little saturated. Overall, the footage is impressive, but the dynamic range could be better as the highlights tend to be overblown compared to the scene's neutral exposure. Impressively, there is no major deterioration even with night vision material. It's good to keep details, even in almost pitch-black conditions.

Not much to see

Eufy didn't think much about its design. The Security Indoor Cam 2K is made entirely of plastic and is lightweight and is supplied with power via a micro USB connection. The camera's square box is located on the top of the base so that it can be adjusted for the ideal view. It does the job, but there's nothing noticeable about the design.

It's good to keep details, even in almost pitch-black conditions.

Since it is a static camera, you have to be strategic when placing it, as the field of view is 125 degrees narrower than most other cameras. Corners are ideal and offer the best vantage point to cover rooms. It comes with a mounting plate with which it can be attached to a wall. However, you should still be careful (or bring an extension cable), as the power cord is only about 3 m long.

A basic surveillance camera

As is to be expected in view of the price, it is a basic surveillance camera. It marks all the markings in what you want to include so that a simple setup is done in no time and nothing more.

Once you've downloaded the Eufy Security app, you'll find controls for motion zones, notifications, and motion detection. It does a great job of detecting people and pets that appear as a notification with a small screenshot. You can set the sensitivity so that you are not bombarded every time something is discovered.

The choice is always a good thing, which is why I appreciate that the Eufy Security Indoor Cam offers 2K cloud and local storage options. If you choose the former, you get a free 30-day trial of Eufy's cloud storage, saving you up to 14 days of recordings. You will then see $ 2.99 per month for a single camera or $ 29.99 for an annual subscription.

Eufy Security Indoor Cam 2k Rating 7 out of 8

Eufy Security Indoor Cam 2k Rating 8 by

Whenever the camera is accessed for a live view, the camera's LED status indicator lights up blue.

The built-in speaker isn't particularly loud. So don't rely on the siren's alarm to scare someone away. However, your pets may be scared at first when the camera detects them and shouts, "Hey, what are you doing there?"

It is possible to switch off the camera in the app and effectively switch off the camera and microphone. If you're worried that Big Brother is watching, you can rest easy. However, Eufy is still missing two-factor authentication, and that's a privacy issue.

Our opinion

If you can exceed the additional $ 10, choose Eufy's other camera – the Eufy Security Indoor Cam 2K Pan and Tilt. I think Pan and Tilt's heading feature is worth the extra $ 10. Nevertheless, the Indoor Cam 2K works just as well as its siblings, and you can save yourself a Hamilton if you absolutely do not need the pan / tilt function.

How long it will take?

This should hold better than the rotating model because there are fewer moving parts. In the event of a malfunction, Eufy grants a 1-year limited warranty for defects.

Is there a better alternative?

As mentioned earlier, the Eufy Security Indoor Cam 2K Pan & Tilt is the better buy at $ 50. You pay a little more, but you get this 360-degree coverage – and more security in terms of privacy because the camera is not visible. Alternatively, the Wyze Cam V2 remains the benchmark to beat due to its outstanding cost of $ 20.

Should you buy it

Yes. The price is affordable and the image quality of the camera is impressive.

Editor's recommendations




25 Jun
Blog

Eufy Indoor Cam 2K Pan And Tilt Review: Thieves Can’t Hide

ufy Security Indoor Cam 2K

Eufy Security Indoor Cam 2K pan and tilt report: nowhere to hide

"Eufy's 2K Pan And Tilt offers 360-degree coverage and sharp video quality at an affordable price."

  • The rotating base offers 360 degree coverage

  • Inexpensive costs

  • Sharp 2K footage

  • Tons of data protection features

  • The 2-factor authentication is missing

  • Shrill sounding speaker

Anker Innovations' smart home sub-brand, Eufy, has made progress in building its portfolio. The EufyCam 2 and the Eufy Security video doorbell have proven to be top competitors in their respective areas. Now they have to ensure security with an indoor camera in the house. The Eufy Security Indoor Cam 2K Pan and Tilt is a fascinating option to monitor your home and protect your privacy.

360 degree security cover

As the name suggests, the Eufy Security Indoor Cam uses a rotating base that allows it to pivot and tilt to ensure maximum coverage in your home. Regardless of position, it can be manipulated to cover almost any area. This implementation is rare for indoor cameras, so it has a distinct advantage over its fixed counterparts.

John Velasco / Digital Trends

Indoor cameras are usually best located in corners to maximize their coverage. With this function, however, it can be placed anywhere and still cover all corners – despite the camera's moderate 125-degree field of view.

In comparison, the indoor camera from Ring has a wider field of view of 140 degrees. Since the Eufy Security Indoor Cam has an advantage with its articulated camera, it can possibly cover a larger area. In addition, it can also be mounted on walls and ceilings for a better viewing angle for even more coverage.

The only complaint I have when panning and tilting is that the camera cannot rotate freely beyond a certain point. There appears to be a lock point so it cannot pan over a 360 degree turn. Instead, you have to turn the camera back the other way. This can be a bit confusing when using the function.

Respect for your privacy

The Eufy Security Indoor Cam Pan & Tilt offers some remarkable features that protect your privacy at home.

In addition to the available cloud storage, there is primarily a microSD slot for local storage. It's reassuring for those who want to make sure the footage shot by the camera stays private.

It's worth noting that cloud storage plans through Eufy for 3 days of rolling video history start at $ 3 a month, which is only for a single camera. In the meantime, the $ 10 monthly subscription covers up to 10 cameras with the same 30-day continuous video history.

Second, the camera can be switched off via the app, which causes the camera to hide itself and thus release its microSD slot. It can be used effectively as a privacy screen, which is very nice because the camera lens is completely blocked. However, I wish there was a button on the camera itself that could cover the camera and mute the microphone. There is also an LED light at the base of the camera that flashes red to indicate that the live stream is being accessed.

Finally, it is possible to set activity zones so that any movement or detection registered in the specified zones prompts the camera to take action. All of these features indicate that privacy is of interest to Eufy.

There are many details to differentiate between faces and pets.

A big gap, however, is the lack of 2-factor authentication. I welcome all efforts by Eufy Security Indoor Cam Pan and Tilt, but 2-factor authentication is an important privacy and security feature that Eufy needs to incorporate.

Sharp 2K footage

Eufy outperforms most of the competition with its 2K video recording resolution. There are many details to differentiate between faces and pets, but the resolution is set to 720p when the lighting conditions dim. It is strange that this is the case, especially when taking night vision shots with a resolution of 2K. Nevertheless, the video performance of the Eufy Indoor Cam is above average.

Areas of opportunity

One of the strange features of the camera is its ability to yell at people or pets. Seriously.

Whenever it spots a face or pet, it yells "Hey, what are you doing ?!" I was actually alarmed when it first yelled at me because of the shrill sound of the recording. Fortunately, the sensitivity to motion / pet detection can be reduced and there is a possibility to disable it completely.

The built-in speaker is weak, so it is difficult to talk through the camera. And while the siren function can scare people quickly, in most situations it's not loud enough to alert neighbors.

John Velasco / Digital Trends

After all, I wish the camera was smart enough to know when I'm home or not – much like Google's Nest Cams can be turned on and off automatically depending on your phone's GPS coordinates. Instead, everything is manual for the Eufy Security Indoor Cam 2K pan and tilt, which means that you have to select the mode manually when you leave the house and return.

Our opinion

There's a lot to like about the Eufy Security Indoor Cam 2K Pan and Tilt, and even more if you consider the price of $ 50. Combined with the numerous functions, the excellent video performance and the emphasis on privacy, the competitors have no choice but to admit that it is a legitimate player.

How long it will take?

Cameras are usually repaired, but with so many moving parts of the Eufy indoor camera, there is concern that it could fail. One of the downsides to being so cost-conscious is that it's mostly made of plastic. So I can imagine that if it hits the ground hard it will take a blow. If you are concerned that internal components will fail, there is a 1-year limited warranty for defects.

Is there a better alternative?

Not really for its price. If you're looking for something cheaper, the Wyze Cam V2 is a great option for $ 20. On the other hand, the Google Nest Cam IQ Indoor is another solid package with advanced technology like integrated Google Assistant, HDR video and a 4K sensor.

Should you buy it

Yes. Eufy has a solid all-round surveillance camera that doesn't break the bank.

Editor's recommendations