Cyberlayman tests the new Alfawise SD07W security camera, designed for outdoors, but which could also be useful in indoor environments, especially in warehouses or in any case rather large rooms. Here's how it's made and what it allows you to do.
When you open the package, you immediately realize what the main use of this security camera is.
How it's made
It has a considerable weight and dimensions, and it is therefore normal that it is combined with a use other than that of home security. Nothing prevents you from using it at home, but certainly its aesthetic is not minimal, nor could it embellish the living room. Heavy and showy, it would be difficult to hide it in some corner of the house.
It is formed by a bracket to be anchored to the wall, with the screws supplied, rather sturdy, since it will have to support the weight of the chamber, which exceeds one kilo. On the rear part a WiFi antenna, while on the lower part the eye of the camera, which can be rotated almost 360 degrees.
Aesthetically it has the appearance of a rather professional video camera, to be used in commercial premises, behind which there are cables that are used for the ethernet connection, for the power supply, and for resetting the camera itself.
The aesthetic, therefore, suggests the use and uses of the device: if you are looking for something minimal and modern, this is not the ideal accessory. Alfawise SD07W is a video surveillance camera to be used outdoors, or preferably in commercial establishments, or large warehouses.
Technical features
Alfawise SD07W is a camera that offers 1080P video resolution, thanks to the 1 / 2.7 inch CMOS sensor, which supports the H.264 image compression format. 6 LEDs for night vision surround the eye of the camera, with an IR distance of 50 meters, which allows you to see the movements of people and objects during the night.
Among the various features, the Alfawise SD07W also incorporates a siren, so as to also function as a sound alarm, when it detects people and moving objects. It is possible to choose a specific area to be monitored, for example allowing animals to pass through the lower part without activating the alarm.
Again, the Alfawise SD07W has two-way audio, so it allows on the one hand to listen to the sounds of the space where the camera is installed, on the other hand to send voice messages, which are reproduced thanks to the speaker integrated into the camera.
The camera eye offers 5x optical zoom, with a 2.8 – 12mm lens, while the Alfawise SD07W can be rotated 355 degrees for a full viewing angle, while it can shift vertically by 120 degrees.
The main feature remains, however, that of impermeability. Alfawise SD07W is IP66 certified, therefore waterproof and dustproof. It is, as already stated several times, a video camera designed for outdoor use, and as such it will be exploited. Choosing to place it indoors would mean nullifying or frustrating its characteristics, such as that of impermeability.
On the back there is the slot for the micro SD, for local storage, which however does not seem to be the preferable storage solution. First of all because, it is easy to think of installing the video camera in inaccessible places or at heights, so it would be bad to extract the micro SD to view the videos.
Also, because the door of the microSD is kept closed by screws, which should be unscrewed from time to time. And then, better to rely on the cloud, so you can view the footage, without having to physically interact with the camera.
Configuration and use
Although the camera is compatible with WiFi or ethernet cable, the first configuration gave us a positive result only with the cable. Obviously it is necessary to connect the camera, directly with the ethernet cable, to the router for the first configuration. Subsequently, after the Alfawise SD07W is detected by the app, it is possible to enter the Wireless settings, to connect it to the WiFi network.
The application, CamHi, available for free on the App Store and Google Play, is certainly not among the most appreciable from an aesthetic point of view. The UI is presented in a rather archaic way, with not too modern graphics, but it is still functional.
The first screen lists the cameras connected to the network, and it will be enough to click on them to see the video stream appear immediately. The various options on the screen will allow you to make a recording, zoom in and out, send voice messages to the camera, or listen to the sound coming from the room where the camera is installed.
Moreover, by carrying out simple slides on the screen in one of the four cardinal directions, it will be possible to move the camera lens, albeit slowly. In fact, there seems to be no way to quickly turn the camera from one point to another, and you have to proceed step by step.
Quality and operation
The camera has a good video quality, considering that it is a safety device it shows sufficient details. The night vision is also good, and allows you to better monitor the framed area.
The notifications work very well, which always arrive punctually on smartphones, as well as punctual is the quad alarm movement is detected in the framed area.
Through the app it is possible to set the camera recordings, control the audio and video, change WiFi settings, indicate an email where to send recorded videos, and more. The app, we repeat, is not modern from the UI point of view, but it is still functional.
Conclusions
Alfawise SD07W is a good camera for video surveillance, recommended for those who want to mount it outside, or in warehouses or sheds. Solid and sturdy, it would be wasted outdoors, and would not fit well in a small apartment.
It costs about 84 euros in the flash offer, and can be purchased directly from here.
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