Vivocam 1MP (1280x720) Analog 4 in 1 Camera

UPDATED REVIEW: Separate hardware and software sectionsThis is my first Zencam. I've been receiving Amcrest's (Foscam Digital's) product promotions, and they promoted Zencam in a message on April 17: "Introducing Zencam HD WiFi Security Cameras w/ Cloud and MicroSD Storage!" I was intrigued. I've purchased other cube cam's and was curious how Zencam compared, especially the software (app) by Amcrest, having experienced what Foscam, Reolink, and Nest can do. I've not purchased any Amcrest cameras, including their Hex IPM-HX1 series.After several days of testing, I was surprised at how well the Zencam E2B performed. With some software refinement, the E2B is potentially best in class -- for these inexpensive, small cube indoor Wi-Fi IP security cameras.HARDWARE REVIEWProsAttractive package design and plastic-free packaging material. Solid hardware. Cute, clean cube design with 3-axis pivoting stand (which hopefully will be durable). Sensor video quality is excellent (color accuracy, auto exposure). Night vision (which is lacking in Foscam's C1 Lite and Uokoo's mini IP camera) is good. Wide angle lens. USB power permits using a battery pack. Both local (microSD) and cloud storage options.Quite an advance from my old (June 2016) Uokoo mini IP camera and associated generic SmartViewPro app. Also, better in some ways than Foscam's C1 and C1 Lite, e.g., Zencam supports push notification, SSL email, direct viewing of recorded video on microSD card [no need for ftp] (although I like Foscam's OSD and full browser GUI).When scheduled and motion detection enabled, event video appears to be reliably recorded (on the microSD card in .dav files).When triggered, an event is recorded [in a continuous block] for as long as there is detected motion -- minutes, hours. After motion is no longer detected, video recording stops in ~35 to 40 seconds. This is the first camera I've had with this feature [actually, this just works smoother than Reolink, although Reolink is better in other ways].Packaging and camera's label have CE, FCC, and WEEE marks. (No UL certification.) [Nest cameras are only FCC marked.]ConsSetting Motion Detection Sensitivity can be somewhat tricky, time consuming with trial and error. The documentation and video tutorials assume that it's obvious the 1 - 100 scale is from low to high sensitivity (and then recommends around 60.) However, some manufacturers' cameras use lower numbering to indicate higher sensitivity. Just needs to be clearly stated.Like Reolink, motion sensitivity determines detection distance. With the camera mounted on the back wall of my garage, for example, a sensitivity setting of 60 will trigger an alert when I'm near the entrance (~20 feet) or closer; but not when I'm in the driveway or on the sidewalk beyond. The detection distance is fine for standard sized rooms.Native file format of video recorded on microSD card is .dav, which requires a special player application to convert to .avi format and then to .mp4 (if desired). Conversion is quick, however.NitpicksSince event video length is not customizable -- recording depends on length of detected motion plus ~35 to 40 seconds, during that time an event's video is not viewable and detecting another event not possible. Not sure other manufacturers' cameras do any better, however -- other than those which continuously record to cloud (like Nest) or a NVR. Balancing this operational aspect, notification (push, email) is quickly received at start of an event.User Manual not useful -- many details of features totally missing. Documentation shortfalls are common in this industry, however.Web site product blurbs do not agree with actual Tech Spec. Tech Spec and product package clearly say 1920 x 1080 at 15 fps, not 30 fps! Camera's FOV (angle) also a mismatch.Not sure is, as is the case for other manufacturers' cameras, whether this camera has (Web) browser access (GUI); or whether this feature is locked or disabled for end user access. This may be a good thing anyway.Does not support 5 GHz Wi-Fi connection.SOFTWARE REVIEWiOS app version series 1.2.1 is functional and mostly stable. Essential features work well. I'd like to see the software refined further to address quirks and bugs.SetupZencam's Privacy Policy is available in app Account > About.Setup out of the box seemed to be going well -- adding account and E2B "cube" camera and defining settings; but then got a puzzling "User locked" error. Finally deleted and re-added camera and things were okay.In setting up my second (and third) Zencam E2B, I noticed some initialization bugs in the iOS app. I needed to exit and re-open the app in order to get Storage Status to work for new microSD card. I needed to exit and re-open the app to get Cloud Storage Security and Time Zone settings to appear in settings, as well as Firmware status to post properly. Also I needed to disable Motion Detection and then re-enable it for push notifications to properly show new Device Name rather than the serial number!NotificationsWhen enabled, Notifications (push, email) are almost immediate. However, there's a delay before an Event's video clip is viewable. For transient motion, this delay is ~35 to 40 seconds.Generally events trigger notifications quickly; but early in testing there were a few times when notifications did not occur although video was recorded. I've found that this issue can occur after initially setting up a camera and also after a power outage. Push notifications did not trigger (appear) for the first one or two events.As an example, I unplugged power to one of the cubes to relocate the power supply. After powering on the camera again, I then enabled Motion Detection and triggered an event (by walking in front of camera) but no Notification was received (although enabled); but the Event was logged. After repeatedly not receiving a Notification, I toggled the Motion Detection setting; then the next test (detection) immediately issued a Notification.When scheduled and motion detection enabled, events are always recorded; the button associated with each camera in the cameras list is only for sending/pushing notifications or not [sort of a quiet mode], not disabling motion detection (which is another setting).In the camera settings, enabling "Motion Detection Snapshots" appears to do nothing as far as saving photos of events as claimed in the video tutorial. This setting appears to be only for email notifications; and, in fact, I couldn't get email notifications to work without enabling this option, which attached a single snapshot to the email message; and no images are saved to the "My Saved Files" folder. (Snapshot images are saved on microSD card in jpg folders.)Recorded video (microSD card)Pinch to zoom event timeline (for viewing stored/recorded video) is quite useful (but documented only in video tutorial).Sharing or exporting an event video requires too many steps. The only way appears to tap record while viewing microSD card video, which is saved to the "My Saved Files" folder. Then go to that folder, find the item, select it, tap the export icon, and save the video somewhere (VLC is not supported as a destination). Or, tap a different icon to export it to the iOS Photos app. However, video resolution is only SD (640 x 480), as a vide/avc1 15 fps mp4 file -- evidently the only way to export recorded video at HD resolution is removing the microSD card and then using Amcrest's Smart Player desktop application to convert the native ".dav" video files to mp4.Note: Live view can be recorded (or snapshot'd), and in that case the SD/HD button determines the resolution, with HD at 1920 x 1080.ConcernsSometimes when tapping the camera's post (view) image in the camera list, the video stream failed to connect; exiting and re-opening the app restored the stream.The app crashed sometimes when viewing event video and clicking the Back button.Also, when Motion Detection was disabled and the camera was powered off (or there was a power outage) for awhile, when the camera was powered on again Motion Detection sometimes was automatically enabled! Puzzling.NitpicksIf switch from Wi-Fi to cellular connection (or vice versa), operation seems to require exiting app and reopening app to establish connection to camera's video stream.OSD items are not customizable (as for Foscam, Reolink, etc.) -- location (in video frame) and format of date & time and camera name. (Nest cam's have no OSD other than the company logo.)For my first Zencam, push notifications were (and remain) mute although notification sound for this iOS app enabled. I added two more Zencams, and audible notification was okay on cubes #2 and #3. Puzzling.Unlike other manufacturers apps, full screen view requires tapping a button rather then merely rotating smartphone. (Uokoo's 3rd party generic app also uses a button.)The on-screen information in the event viewer indicates seconds out of one minute but actually many event clips stop at ~36 seconds! (Some event video clips last one minute, however.)Events (in the event viewer) have generic icons rather than a snapshot from the event.App shows pan/tilt button for the E2B although feature not available on this camera.Using same account, only can be logged into camera using one device's app, e.g., logging into Android app while logged into iOS app will result in a logout (disconnect) on the iOS device. But can share with separate Zencam account.App not optimized for iPad (screen size).

Zencam clearly says this will take up to 64GB MicroSD cards. No working 64GB Sandisk Ultra class 10, formatted FAT or NTFS will be recognized. Tech support says to use 32GB max to avoid problems.

Zencam E2B WI-FI indoor cameraThis was in the box:1080 HD indoor cameraDC Power AdapterMicro-USB cableI have bought this camera as a replacement for AMCREST outdoor camera since I just wanted to cover my entrance door area. The shipping was very fast and it arrived in mint new condition.The package is very simple as the product is on top and other parts to assemble such as power adapter are underneath.It is well made and it looks really nice. I assemble it fast and fairly easy.Here are some Pros and Cons:PROS-very easy to install-high resolution 1080 p HD videonight vision-2-way audio-listen and talk using the built-in speaker and microphone-record on micro SD-card or optional cloud service-wide angle lens up to 115'-streaming video on the phone using zencam app.CONS-almost no instructions-SD card is not included-restricted to power outlet distance( this is my main concern if it had a battery power source it would be phenomenal)I would highly recommend this product.The quality is amazing if you compare the price that is only 43$.

Pros:-Fairly easy to set up (you may have to disable your 5 GHz wifi in order to ensure your cell phone stays on 2.4 GHz during set-up)-App seems to work well enough even though it's a bit laggy during initial connection-Good size and option to turn off indicator light is a plus for hiding where intruders may not notice it right awayCons:-Did not try the paid cloud service, but using the microSD option to save motion videos, the date and time stamps are incorrect (one day ahead and one hour ahead) - this is not really a big deal for viewing on the phone but this makes it impossible to see the current day's recorded videos on the PC (cannot go to a future date)-Live stream on the phone app and on PC works perfectly but could not get email notification to workOverall, good value for the cost until I upgrade to a better system for throughout the entire home

I bought a used-good one from Amazon W. It's great if all I ever wanted to do was look at it but I see why it was returned. It would absolutely not connect to their app and I tried two different phones, multiple routers, multiple 2.4 GHz networks, reset it multiple times until I finally gave up. Typical quality control at Amazon Warehouse. Also, the Zencam app is rated abysmal on both Apple and Google stores which doesn't inspire much confidence.

Overall I like the camera. Picture quality is good and the program lets you convert files to a more universal mpeg4 format. I get a push notice on my phone when the motion sensor was triggered and have camera setup to record on the not provided microchip. I did have to hunt a little to determine which chip would work. Should have been in the specs. (Up to 64 gb sd and the faster the better, ex. 10. It may take others as well.) I had to set set up at work, couldn't connect wi-fi at home. Still have to deal with that. I had a couple of other minor set up problems but Zencam has a few info videos that walked me right through them. Another nice feature I just realized is the camera seems to pre-record before the event and I can even get the audio from the recorded section on line.