The ANNKE brand is now a reference point for home security, and in the past, we have already tested some of the company’s rooms with good results. After the C500, today the NC400 of the NightChroma series is being tested, which already suggests the main novelty: color vision even at night.
Nowadays creating a system for the control of the domestic walls is within everyone’s reach, not only for the really low costs but also for the ease of installation of the system. ANNKE NC400 is a chamber with great potential, but which does not require particularly difficult interventions. On the contrary.
Sales package
As in the past with the C500, even for this new NC400 model, the sales package does not reserve any particular surprises. In fact, in addition to the chamber, there is nothing else, except for the screws for fixing and some hoods to cover the cables, considering that it is a chamber that can also be installed outdoors. There is no ethernet cable, necessary for operation, nor power supply, which is also necessary for operation as a stand-alone room.
How it is made
The room has a rather traditional and classic feel; it is similar to the previously tested model, but it is even more solid. It is well made, almost entirely covered in white plastic, with a chrome insert, and on the surface of which the ANNKE mark can be read. Obviously, the front part where the sensor insists is entirely black. Under the eye of the camera, there is also a warm white light, which serves the camera to look even in total darkness. On the lower part, on the other hand, there is the attachment for fixing the wall, using screws and plugs included in the package.
The room continues to offer a modern look, although it certainly suggests that it is an outdoor room. It also works indoors, but design and IP67 certification suggest outdoor use. This is not a room with a particularly refined design, perhaps to be combined with a living room at home, but obviously offers a more “industrial” aspect, therefore suitable for outdoor use.
First configuration and use
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 this point, considering that the camera does not have a QR code to frame, it will be sufficient to add the camera using the classic “+” icon, manually inserting the serial number affixed to the camera by means of an adhesive. Of course, the camera must first be powered and connected via ethernet. At this point the game is done, the camera is ready for operation: the app will automatically see the camera, and will immediately provide the live video feed.
In addition to the classic power supply, the camera can be powered in PoE, then via the same ethernet cable, connecting it to an NVR PoE NVR. In reality, it seems to us that this is the use for which the camera is designed and optimized.
Technical characteristics
ANNKE NC400 uses a 1 / 2.7 ”CMOS image sensor, which allows the PoE IP security camera to deliver true 4MP Super HD, with a pixel ratio of 2560 X 1440, and record video at 20fps 5MP. It has an F1.0 Super aperture, which allows it to take in as much light as possible, so as to return good image quality, even in low light conditions.
The camera is H.265 + encoded and offers a fast and smooth live stream, which never gave us back any latency. This type of encoding also saves more storage space, consuming less bandwidth than H.265, H.264 +, and H.264 IP cameras.
Among other features, the camera supports the sending of intelligent motion alarms, which allow the user to receive instant messages from the app and email alerts when motion is detected. During our tests, these sendings were always sudden and punctual, even on Android terminals where often the battery optimizations of the various manufacturers cause push notification problems.
It supports, again ONVIF and RTSP, and third-party software for the widest possible integration. Of course, you can watch the live feed remotely from your smartphone, tablet, computer, even when you are not connected to your home network.
As already mentioned, being a room designed mainly for outdoor use, it is IP67 certified, resistant to bad weather thanks to the all-metal housing. The outdoor PoE bullet camera is designed to withstand rain or sun, heat or cold thanks to its IP67 weather resistance rating. The housing is made entirely of anti-corrosion metal. 
Night mode
Among the main novelties of this room, the possibility of color night vision, up to 30 meters thanks to the small LED light with warm white light. The A-1 image sensor present increases the photosensitive areas by 180%, and this certainly ensures a clear color view of your backyard, even if of medium or large size. The small spotlight installed manages to illuminate the area of interest without effort, and the image quality is always appreciable.
Overall, the NC400’s video quality is excellent, with a 20 FPS stream certainly sufficient for controlling your backyard or garage space. 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.
Conclusions
The price of ANNKE NC400 may seem higher than those of other security cameras. It should be noted, however, that the model under test is equipped with an LED headlight and True Full-Color night vision, certainly not present in many other similar security cameras. At the moment, however, it is offered at a discount of 95.99 euros, instead of 135.99, a price appropriate to the quality and functionality of the room.
We recommend that you contact the ANNKE brand in case you are ready to set up, or expand, a complete security system so that you can purchase a bundle consisting of a hub with HDD and several cameras, to record 24/7 with excellent quality. video, even at night, and in color.
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
- Good construction
- Color night vision
- Motion detection and precise notifications
AGAINST
- Network cable and power supply are not included in the package
Retail price
On the official website of the manufacturer, it can be purchased, at the time of writing, for 95.99 euros.
