I'm not sure what the fuss is about for those who have had issues, but I found this camera to connect seamlessly to my network (WPA2 using Apple Time Capsule), and with only a few minor annoyances when connecting to the Echo Show. The image and video quality are fantastic considering the price point, and it even captures and broadcasts audio.
I purchased this unit for the sole reason that it was the least expensive camera that purports to be compatible with the Amazon Echo Show--and it fulfills this claim adequately. While it does suffer from a bit of latency, the integration was pretty straight forward (disable encryption in the app, enable EZVIZ skill, input camera name and EZVIZ login info, and say "Alexa, show [name of camera/room/feed]."). I do not mind the latency (less 5 seconds for the most part, but it does go to buffering on occasion) for my usecase, as I primarily use it to check on exterior doors around the house (mounted on the inside of the door, as this is not an external camera) when a noise is heard late at night to obviate getting out of bed or reaching for the phone and waiting for login to complete. As a baby or other real-time monitor in conjunction with the Show, this unit may not be the ideal choice due to the lag. However, when connected via wifi to one's phone or tablet it does offer a lag-free real-time feed with audio (if enabled).
The camera has several nice features that I did not even notice in the description (they're probably there but I skimmed) that some more expensive cameras don't have (at least not without subscription-based fees). The motion detection system is easily adjustable, and can be set to detect large animals and people while allowing cats and, perhaps, small dogs to move freely without triggering alerts or notifications. Push notifications include an attached still or vid snippet to easily ascertain what triggered the alarm/notification. There is also a built-in alarm that has a low-level single beep and an "intense" setting that more resembles an actual home alarm (quite loud!). Furthermore, the motion detection system can be turned on and off via a schedule to allow for a bit of automation. It also has an IR mode, which I have admittedly not tested, that can be enabled/disabled or set to auto. And the app has a link to IFTTT scripts that allow one to do even more with the camera, including telling Alexa to put the camera into sleep mode.
Overall, I am very impressed with this camera for the price. While not perfect, it shouldn't be expected to be at this price point. The app just works, and Echo Show integration is more than adequate and is exactly what this reviewer expected and hoped for.
I am a techie, I build computers and am an auto mechanic. I know my way around electronics and machines. I knew what to expect when I ordered this cam. Even I was surprized they got this many features in such a small price. We are Very Happy, made the wife cry that she could watch her little boy play and talk to him while she was at work for such a low quality price.
Clear video, low lag (some, upgrading router and modem, will update if lag drops, on 50mb con.)
Useable two way audio (just take turns like walkie talkies).
Easy safe setup, new devices need code that is printed on underside of base of cam to connect, only people with access to the cam are able to then use code to login.
Software is smooth and bug free. Have not used the provided cloud service, only using for remote monitoring while at work.
Provided usb cable and wall plug are a nice touch for this price point.
Ordered echo show, will update when pluged in for veiwing cam and voice opperation.
Specs were read and accepted as adequite before purchased, product seams worth more than the sum of its parts and extreamly happy with products ease of use and simple implementation.
I have ordered two other cams (different model for different applications in same home) also made by this brand, cant wait to use them all together!
I have used other much more expencive cams and they always have complicated software and hardly work right and dont intergrate with android well.
These guys have really fine tuned the customer experiance with a great product that exceeds realistic expectations.
I purchased this camera on a whim because I've developed an interest in Zoneminder / security and other random streaming things. I'm knocking off a star because I don't see any way to not have the camera communicate with the outside world (other than putting it on a WiFi network that's blocked from public access). Other than that, it's a pretty neat little unit:
Pros:
* The mobile app works well enough. It's pretty easy to see what's going on, and the audio features work OK.
* The night vision is pretty good. I temporarily installed the camera in my living room and had my wife sit on the couch in total darkness and her movements and activities were still pretty clear.
* The HD quality is also pretty good.
* The magnet in the foot and the included mounting plate make it easy to install this camera anywhere.
* The included USB cable is really quite long. For most uses it would be adequate.
* The camera does work with RTSP. See cons.
Cons:
* Occasionally when trying to move the camera from one network to another it is REALLY cranky and takes a few tries.
* The mobile app is not super intuitive for some things (I couldn't figure out how to hide/display some things) but it does what it needs to do, for the most part.
* Camera always tries to send stream data up to EZViz to be available through the app, as best I can tell.
* While the camera does work with RTSP, you cannot be using an encrypted stream. Combined with the con above, it means that you would be broadcasting your video unencrypted outside of your home. Think what you want about that.
The RTSP stream URL looks like rtsp://ip-addr:<password>@ipcamera-address:554/Streaming/Channels/1
This is basically a Hikvision unit so their guide kinda sorta gives you what you need to know: http://oversea-download.hikvision.com/uploadfile/RTSP%20Interfaces%20and%20Development%20Guide_2012.pdf
Overall I would say this is a fine unit if you're either:
* super techno savvy and building a discrete wifi network for cameras for use with something like zoneminder
* OK with sending your video to "someone else" for rebroadcast into your app
Granted, with encryption (assuming EZVIZ/Hikvision does it right), no one else can see your video stream in the clear. But... you never know.
Very good quality camera. It has it's pros and cons, but the pros way outweigh the cons. Let's start with the pro's. I have an Xfinity security system and did not want to pay for another indoor camera. So I bought this one since it works with Alexa. Let me tell you, the picture in this EZVIZ Mini is exponentially better than the cameras I have from Xfinity. It is so clear in both regular lighting and night vision. Added bonus, IT RECORDS AUDIO TOO!!! I am so in love with this camera that I'm ordering another one and considering getting their outdoor security cameras as well.
Now to the cons. My cons with this camera are more with the setup and the app, not with the camera itself. This is why it gets 4 stars. Setup was a bit confusing and the 1 minute sound wave to set up the wifi is loud and annoying as all fudge. Once you get pass that, setting everything up in the app and figuring out how to use it is solely trial and error. There were no clear instructions that came with it. While the camera is beyond the quality I was expecting; with the app, you get what you paid for. A piece of shi app that looks like a kinder gardener could have set it up better. Now to the next con. Getting it to work with Alexa on my Amazon Show and Amazon Spot. Just like everything else I set up for Alexa, I found the EZVIZ in the skills section and enabled it. Usually you are golden from there, right? WRONG!!! I asked Alexa to show me the baby's room and she tells me "I'm sorry, EZVIZ is asleep". ASLEEP??? I tried everything to figure out how to wake it up. After 2 HOURS of googling and reading everything under the sun and trying a million commands with Alexa and her app, I FINALLY found out how to wake up the camera. For those of you looking for the same information on how to wake it up, here is what you do.
1. Go into your EZVIZ app
2. Click on the picture coming from the room camera you want to wake up.
3. Go to the settings gear in the top right corner.
4.Scroll ALL THE WAY DOWN.
5. Turn OFF Image Encryption
6. Turn OFF Sleep Mode
Then bam! I asked Alexa to show me the baby's room and there it was on the screen. It had FINALLY worked with Alexa.
Since the initial setup, I have had no problems with it and am loving my purchase! I feel like I paid way too little for such a good quality camera!
CONSIDERING the price point, I give this camera a solid 4 stars.
It may not be suitable for the tech unsavvy though, because with my router, and many other reviewers, it requires you to TEMPORARILY change your router to G only mode and disable 5ghz. This can all be reverted back once your camera is connected for the first time.
The camera receives the wifi information from the phone, so the phone must be temporarily connected to the 2.4ghz network. This can be changed back once the first time setup is done.
The quality is unusable unless you choose "hi def" setting. Then it is actually decent for thirty five bucks. If you are seeking quality, you shouldn't be buying in this price range.
If you're seeking a cheapo camera to watch your dogs while you're away, this will work.
Feature Product
- Works with Alexa for voice control (Alexa device sold separately).
- EZVIZ MEETS ALEXA - Our WiFi Cameras can now be controlled by Alexa through Echo Show Simply ask her to show you the baby's room, the backyard, or anywhere you have an EZVIZ camera Stay tuned for new skills as our relationship with Alexa grows The Mini O can also be controlled by other smart home IoT devices through IFTTT
- Operating temperature:14⁰F to 122⁰F (-10 ℃ ~ 50 ℃).VIEW ANYWHERE, ANYTIME through the EZVIZ app, which lets you see all of your EZVIZ cameras in one place Secure and encrypted using multilayer security and end-to-end video encryption
- NIGHT VISION and 111° viewing angle for clear HD video when it gets dark Receive motion detection alerts through the EZVIZ app on your smartphone or tablet
- LISTEN IN AND TALK while away using the built-in speaker and mic
- MULTIPLE STORAGE OPTIONS to choose from A cloud storage option is available, and includes a free one-month trial with 7-day playback For storage locally, camera accepts up to a 128GB micro SD card for storage beyond the cloud
- NOTE: Kindly refer the Instructional Video from the Image Section and User Guide from the Technical Specification before use which is highly recommended
Description
The Mini O is an indoor HD 720p smart home Wi-Fi camera built for the connected home.
Connect and Share
Stay connected when you’re not home. Receive motion alerts on your phone to keep track of what's happening. Take photos and record footage any time you want with the EZVIZ app, while easily saving or sharing on social media from your smartphone.
"Alexa Show me the Living Room"
With the EZVIZ skill and Alexa, you can now interact with your Mini O using your voice through Alexa and Echo Show.
Storage
(1) Local storage up to 128GB MicroSD card to save video.
(2) 7-day and 30-day cloud storage options, with free 30 day trial.
(3) Use all of the above for duplicate backups of your video.
Add-On
Adding as many cameras as you want is easy and visible all in one app, for your home or small business. The Mini O runs on EZVIZ's adaptable platform, which adds new features and functionality as they become available with easy one-click updates.
Requirements
High-Speed Internet Connection (1.5Mbps+)
Mobile OS: iOS 7.0+ (iPhone, iPad), Android 4.0+
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz (802.11 b/g/n)
Please Note: Does not support Wi-Fi 5GHz
Setup
(1) Download EZVIZ app on iOS 7.0+ (iPhone, iPad), Android 4.0+.
(2) Have smartphone or tablet on same 2.4GHz network as camera.
(3) Create an account and follow easy and quick setup steps in app.
*Please ensure to update your device firmware from the EZVIZ APP upon initial setup and check back regularly for future updates.
ALEXA Skills Setup
(1) Select the “Enable Skill” button in the Alexa APP to link your EZVIZ account and discover your device.
(2) Select a suitable name for your camera in the EZVIZ APP.
(3) Discover your camera in the Alexa APP.
*Image Encryption must be turned off from your camera settings in the EZVIZ APP to properly connect with Alexa.
Packaging Contents
2 x Mini O with Stand
2 x Metal Mounting Plate
2 x Adhesive Foam
2 x Power Adapter
2 x Quick Start Guide
The motion notification works excellent, as you can see when the UPS guy brought my Amazon order, but I usually have to shut it off because even moths will set if off ( there is a sensitivity adjustment ). It sends an Email and you can watch a 30 second video of what set off the motion sensor. It also allows you to set a schedule for the notifications so they will only work between the hours you set. There is no option to mask out any of the screen, to keep it from notifying you of regular traffic through a door or something that moves with the wind, like on more expensive IP camera's.
The BIG problem with these is the contrast on the infrared picture at night. It will fixate on anything light colored and set the picture brightness to that part. The resulting image will set the contrast level to what it sees as the brightest, and make the rest of the picture dark and cause rings in the picture. I have included 2 pictures from my Mini O but the Mini 360 model does the same thing. You can see where the Mini O set the brightness on the beige wall next to the camera and the rest of the picture is dark and the dome protecting the lens produces rings. I have fixed the picture on this one camera by turning off the IR light and there is enough light from the other one out on the shed to give me an okay picture. These are very sensitive and a porch light would be enough to see a good picture. The mini 360 in the front yard has a 5 ft wall in the field of view painted beige and it creates the same effect and gives rings at night using IR, so it's not perfect. My Christmas tree lights were made of white wire and just 2 of them in front of the Mini 360 made it focus on them and the rest of the picture was black, even with the lights turned off. The zoom feature cannot fix this problem as it is a digital zoom of the original one.
You can see all the controls available on your tablet or smartphone on one of the pictures I included. All the controls worked great. If you don't subscribe to their cloud service and want to see any motion that occurred during the last few days, you will need to install an SD card in the included slot of the camera to use this feature. If you look under the bottom controls on the screen, you will see a linear timeline with every motion detection noted as a line. You can slide the arrow back to any line and watch the video of what it detected. It works great. You can record anything that you are looking at and it will put the video on the device you are using. You can make a video of something you are playing back from a previous time also, for the police or to Email or message to someone.
These camera's are a real advancement in technology that have only previously been available only on $300 and higher camera's but took a degree in IT Tech to get every feature to work. Now, it's a 2 minute setup and done. The 3rd picture shows the website access view. You can get on any computer and have even more control and viewing choices. The 4th picture shows the multi-screen view like you would have a DVR type system showing all of your camera's at once. Everything you can do on your phone is available here.
You'll notice I have these mounted outside and they are not advertised as outside camera's. I live in southern Arizona where precipitation is rare and they are mounted either under and eve or patio cover. I have taped them up good and sealed openings on them to keep out any random moisture and hope they last. Once you install them you never need to touch them again.
I did notice one difference about the Mini O, when watching it's feed on the PC, I come back sometimes and it will say "5 minutes viewing time has ended". So I guess they limit your access to their servers with this one.
UPDATE: There has been real trouble with the interface between Amazon and the Chinese servers in the early months of 2018 but in August they finally straighten up and started responding within 5 seconds of voice response. The app hasn't shown any glitches. Compared to NEVER in July. I was ready to dump them completely because that's the only reason I purchased my Echo Show was to access my camera's. . This cheaper model Ezviz has shown only one drawback. They limit the viewing time to 5 minutes for some reason during heavy traffic. Other times it keeps playing.
I LIKE THEM.
Delivery was on time and product was in good condition.
Mini O 720p is great for my apartment, but night mode does have a "halo" or ring in the recording from IR LEDs, which distort the image.
Not sure if this is a defective unit, or how they all look. Will update after I contact customer service.
Other than that, playback is capable of near real time (less than 2 seconds of delay via the app). Also, comes with a 30 day trial for cloud storage, which I will probably subscribe to. Motion detection is accurate in my apartment, and can queue notifications on my phone via the app.
Subscription options:
None / SD card. Camera records when motion is detected.
7 day storage = $70ish / year
30 say storage = $107ish / year
You can use both SD local storage and cloud storage at the same time which is a big selling point for me.
I love the night vision and real time push to talk along with the wide view!! Perfect for my pet that I worry about when I’m not at home. Don’t like the metal plate that I had to screw into my wall or the ugly hanging cord but honestly those are no big deal. It works with my Alexa show and both cell phones. (Had problems syncing to my new iPhone X so I had to set it up with my iPhone 7plus and it worked fast and easy then I transferred that info over to my iPhone X. ) aside from that the picture is clear. You can pay $5.99 per month for cloud storage that’s the cheapest. And I love that I can speak to my pet when I’m not home and check in on him from time to time and get alerts when someone passes by the camera. Night vision is SO cool and clear too!!
I have been using this camera for a couple of weeks now and I have got to say, I am incredibly impressed. During setup , I couldn’t connect to my AirPort Extreme network cause I have the same ssid for both the 5 and 2.4 networks and so I just connected it to the 2.4 on my Xfinity modem and it works flawlessly. I have it mounted outside under the porch roof so I think it will be fine even though it’s not meant to be used outside. I mainly bought this for the intergration with Alexa and it’s incredible especially if you have a fire tv or fire tv stick . You can pull up the camera on your tv by just saying “Alexa show me the front door”! And it will take no longer than 6 seconds to show up which is faster than I expected for a camera of this price. You can even see it on your fire tablet which I just discovered . The notifications pop up on your phone every time it detects motion so try not to point it at roads unless you don’t mind the constant notifications. The app is incredibly well designed and works amazingly well . I’m so impressed with this camera . All of these features and I got it when it was $29.99! I would definitely recommend.
Good resolution, easy to use application. Sound quality acceptable. Good value for the price. IR range is limited but very functional for the short distance it does work. Motion sensor worked well and was not overly sensitive for our installation, contrary to several other reviews. Likely this issue is directly related to the location. Zoom feature left much to be desired - despite efforts of support (who responded quickly), you apparently can only zoom to the center of the image. Being allowed to zoom to corners would be a welcome addition. Despite a few drawbacks, the product seems to be a good buy for the price. Will likely purchase another set for additional coverage.
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