Home security has now become a part of users' preferences when it comes to the smart home. Creating a system for controlling the home is now within everyone's reach, not only for the truly low costs, but also for the ease of installation of the system.
The ANNKE C500 outdoor security camera is being tested today, which is optimized for use with a more complex system, rather than as a stand alone camera.
Sales package
The sales package already suggests that it is a chamber to be used in conjunction with a more complex ANNKE system. In fact, besides the camera itself, there is nothing else, except for the screws for fixing and some caps to cover the cables.
There is no ethernet cable, necessary for operation, nor power supply, which is also necessary for operation as a stand alone room. It certainly cannot be said that ANNKE C500 is a camera ready for use immediately after opening the package.
The room has a rather traditional and classic feel. It is well made, almost entirely covered with a white plastic, on whose surface the ANNKE brand can be read in plain sight, while the part that wraps the sensor is entirely black. On the lower part there is the attachment for fixing to the wall, using screws and plugs included in the package.
The room is quite simple and minimal, with a modern look, although it certainly suggests that it is an outdoor room. It also works indoors, but design and IP67 certification suggest an outdoor use.
First configuration
Although the manual suggests a configuration that is not too “easy to use”, with a camera to be configured via web browser and IP to be entered, in reality it is sufficient to install the ANNKE Vision application on an iOS or Android smartphone, available for free on the App Store and Google Play.
At start-up, the app will require an initial configuration, which can also be done via a mobile number. We opted for this option and noticed that the confirmation message came from “Ezviz”, another well-known brand on the vault stage.
After registration, it was sufficient to add a camera using the classic “+” icon, framing the barcode on the camera. Of course, this must first be powered and connected to an ethernet socket. At this point, the game is done, the chamber is ready for operation.
Technical features
ANNKE C500 uses a 5MP image sensor. This is an OmniVision sensor that on paper should provide clearer and sharper images than other 5MP analog IP cameras with standard sensors.
One of the most valuable features of this security camera is support for high-efficiency H.265 encoding, which not only reduces bandwidth, but also reduces storage requirements, ensuring stable and fast transmission and smooth viewing in real time.
Of course, the camera also has long-range infrared night vision sensors, thanks to the smart infrared LEDs, which guarantee the ability to automatically switch from day to night vision, so as to provide clear images even in black and white during the night. In particular, the night vision covers up to about 30m, a rather wide range to ensure more than enough vision for the backyard.
The ANNKE camera also has a 3D DNR technology for three-dimensional digital noise reduction, which can be appreciated especially during night vision. As already mentioned, the room is mainly designed for outdoor use. A further indication of this, in addition to the aesthetics, is the IP67 degree of protection, which allows outdoor use, not fearing the rain, and withstanding extreme temperatures from -30 to 95 degrees celsius.
Technical specifications
How does it work
The video quality of the C500 is good, more than enough for an outdoor video surveillance camera. The 15 FPS video stream is equally sufficient for controlling the backyard or the space in front of your garage. The sensor is still of quality and also in the detection of movements, with consequent sending of push notification to the smartphone is always precise and punctual.
Even with Android, which usually due to battery optimizations causes some problems in sending push notifications, we have not recorded any problems. The night vision is absolutely enjoyable and allows you to control the driveway in a rather precise and clear way.
Conclusions
The price of ANNKE C500 is 61.99 euros on the official website. This is a price more than adequate for the quality of the room, although certainly the advice is to contact ANNKE in case you are looking for a complete video surveillance system, therefore a bundle consisting of hubs with HDDs and several cameras.
The app also provides a clue to this: it is possible to set a view of multiple rooms on a single screen, an option that, for example, is not available in more traditional indoor smart rooms.
PRO
VERSUS
RETAIL PRICE
On the official website of the manufacturer it can be purchased, at the time of writing, for $ 61.99 but you can get a 10% discount by applying the coupon AKC500 .
