![]() ![]() Alexa? Google Assistant? IFTTT? Forget about it. Audio capture was mostly clear, if a little quiet. We’d expect cloud recording to be made available in due course, but it’s another reason that those demanding simplicity and convenience may wish to look elsewhere.Įlsewhere, the C2 Pro benefits from two-way talk – with the usual limitations on the quality of the camera’s integrated speaker, which means you’ll only use the feature when you really must. We loved the ease with which clips could be navigated, downloaded to our phones and shared with others. Once configured, however, motion triggered and timed recordings worked well. Local microSD storage and network storage are available, but could be easier to setup. Reolink does offer a cloud subscription service for some models, comprising paid tiers from $2.49 to $7.49 per month plus a free, 1GB basic plan with 7-day video history for a single camera, but it’s not currently available for the C2 Pro. Great local video storage features, but no cloud recording supportĪs mentioned, the C2 Pro is blessed with a range of video storage and management options, but they don’t include the cloud at this point. Importantly, all of the camera’s motor controls worked reliably, and the C2 Pro was able to adjust its focus on the fly without too much lag. Manual panning and zooming from the app took a couple of seconds to react (even with a wired network connection), while the live video stream ran a second or so behind the real world. We found motion detection to be accurate and quick, with notifications received on our smartphone within a second or so. Despite the cheap-feeling hardware, panning is very quiet with only a faintly-detectable whirr at close range.Īlthough there’s room for improvement, we were mostly pleased with the camera’s responsiveness. While Wyze Cam Pan tries its hand at intelligent motion tracking of detected objects with mixed results, Reolink keeps it simple with horizontal panning around an impressive 355-degree axis. That alone is admirable in a $100 smart cam, but let’s not forget the C2 Pro’s PTZ features, which greatly extends the camera’s field of view. There may be a noticeable fish-eye effect to maximize field of view, but in terms of absolute clarity, the C2 Pro is one of best performers we’ve reviewed, outpacing even the likes of Nest Cam IQ Indoor on quality. Night vision performs equally well – you’ll have no problems monitoring home security at night, with a clear, reasonably bright image and good range. Like most budget smart cameras, areas around windows in daylight are blown out, but otherwise, contrast and color are balanced and realistic. The C2 Pro is blessed with a range of video storage and management options but they don’t include the cloud. We’d expect a Wireless IP Camera to be set up over a wireless network, but the C2 Pro simply refused to connect to our Android smartphone out of the box. So far, so friendly – but smiles turn to frowns when it comes to connecting the camera to your home network. Old-school setup requires wired network connection A 3-meter, fully-detachable USB power cable is long enough to reach most positions, or for extremes, you can easily supply your own. The camera’s sturdy base ensures a stable desktop position, but you’ll also find an included bracket, screws, and anchors for wall or ceiling mounting. The C2 Pro ships with a decent selection of accessories supporting a versatile array of mounting options. Two rear antennas add a retro aesthetic, while on the rear of the camera, Ethernet, micro-USB power, and a microSD slot are easily accessible. Cute, compact, and curvy, Reolink’s camera certainly looks more friendly than the basic Wyze Cam Pan, although in hand, the plastics feel a little cheap and toy-like. On looks alone, the C2 Pro is certainly a contender. Reolink will be hoping the C2 Pro’s enhanced mobility and imaging can compete. While devices like VTech HD Pan & Tilt Camera or quirky entrants like Guardzilla 360 fail to impress, the $25 (really) Wyze Cam Pan offers great performance and breakthrough value. While other features, such as motion detection, smartphone alerts and two-way audio are tablestakes, a microSD slot for video capture is a reassuring addition for backup, or for homeowners who prefer to manage security locally.Ĭonsumer PTZ smart cams are reasonably rare and typically disappoint, with one exception.
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