Ee-zee pee-zee.
Back in familiar
territory today, with yet another home WiFi security camera. It seems
that all the big names have cameras available these days, meaning we
all have a big long list to choose from when considering a smart-home
security system. However, one name we've never taken a look at is
EZVIZ (pronounced, we assume, easy-viz), yet their latest micro
camera is pretty impressive. We review the EZVIZ Mini Plus Wifi
Camera.
So why has this caught
our eye when larger and better-known companies have similar products
at similar prices? Well, the EZVIZ Mini Plus WiFi Camera is small –
damn small, in fact, meaning it ca be installed in many more places
than chunkier cameras. It also features a magnetic base, so mounting
it in places other than a shelf or the top of a cabinet is possible.
Despite the small size
(it's only 5cm across) the camera captures video in Full HD 1080p, at
30 frames per second. The lens has a 135 degree range, so no matter
where you place it, you'll be able to see most of that room or
location. As you might imagine it connects to your WiFi router
wirelessly, allowing you to see the live stream via the EZVIZ app.
The camera is powered via an included USB adaptor (no battery power,
unfortunately), and also features a port for a Micro SD Card of up to
128GB. All good stuff.
The EZVIZ (iOS and
Android) is delightfully clean and neat, and allows you to control
the cleverer features of the Mini Plus. As well as viewing the live
feed (which never had a longer than a two second delay for us, even
when connecting via the internet and not the house WiFi) you can set
motion activation whereby recording to the SD card (if you have one
installed) will begin when movement is detected, and also how your
smartphone receives notifications of incidents.
The EZVIZ Mini Plus
Wifi Camera features two-way audio via the app, so you can both hear
what's cracking at your home, as well as being heard by those there.
You can therefore shout “Oi, sod off, burglar!” if you see that
you're being burgled. Or just “BOO!” to scare the crap out of
your housemates and family. Can you guess which we did to test it?
The camera is mounted
on swivel head connected to a magnetic base, which is awesome.
Because of it, you increase where you can place the cam, as long as
you are in range of a power supply. If you live in a nuclear bunker
with metal walls, you're laughing - but we found some unique places
to experiment with, including the top of a sliding patio door (the
metal rim that doesn't slide, that is) and also a metal light
fitting. It doesn't mean the camera can go anywhere (especially due
to that power cable requirement – for a truly wireless camera you
might want to look here), but the magnetic base is a big help and
does away with the need to screw anything into the wall.
The image quality is
great, especially when recorded directly to the SD card. However,
even the live feed was clean and crisp, allowing you see a lovely
clean and smooth stream whenever opening up the app. Also, as you
only need your phone to set this thing up, installation was a breeze
and we could view the feed after only a couple minutes after opening
the box.
A great quality camera
with a very user-friendly app. Good stuff, all round.
£99
