REVIEW – I continue to test various home security cameras to see which ones work around my home to provide good video and responsive alerts. I also like cameras that offer cloud-based storage and that can be solar-powered. Let’s take a look at this Vacos Cam IR – Outdoor Rechargeable Battery/Solar Powered Wireless IP Security Camera and see if it will work for me.
What is it?
The Vacos Cam IR – Outdoor Rechargeable Battery/Solar Powered Wireless IP Security Camera is a rechargeable battery camera with 2-Way Audio and PIR Detection. It is 1080p, waterproof, and features night vision and supports for Alexa and Google Assistant. The storage options as the local 16G eMMC and Cloud Storage.
What’s in the box
1 X Vacos Cam IR – Outdoor Rechargeable Battery/Solar Powered Wireless IP Security Camera
2 X Brackets
1 X User Manual
1 X Mounting Screw Bag
1 X 3.3 ft/1m USB Power Cable
1 x Solar Panel
Design and features
Features
Specifications
Video Resolution: 2MP (1920 X 1080)
Image Sensor: 1/2.9″ Progressive Scan CMOS
Video Compression: H.264
Audio Compression: PCM/G.726, Two-Way Audio
Lens: 2.8 mm
Field of View: 120°
Number of Infrared LEDs: 2
Night Vision Distance: Up to 33 ft/10 m
Built-in Battery: 6700 mAh Rechargeable Battery
Audio Input/Output: Built-in Microphone and Speaker
Mini. Illumination: 0 Lux (with Infrared LED On)
Day-Night Mode: Auto Change with IR-Cut Removable
Indicator Light: Blue, Red
PIR Sensor: 8 Meters (26 ft)
Wireless Network: 2.4 GHz WiFi (IEEE802.11b/g/n)
Wireless Security: WEP, WPA, WPA2
Remote Access: P2P
Storage: Built-in 16 GB eMMC
Cloud Storage: Support Free 7-Day Cloud Storage
Housing: ABS + PC
Operating Power: DC 5 V
Solar Power: Support
Operating Temperature: -20 °C to 50 °C (-4 °F to 122 °F)
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor/Outdoor
Weatherproof Rating: IP65
This camera is made of plastic with a USB port and a speaker on the bottom. There is a rubber flap to keep the USB port watertight.
Performance
Once you initially charge the camera, the next step is to download the Vacos Smart app and set up the camera. The process is extremely easy and can be done in just a few minutes. After that, you mount the camera as desired and if you have a solar panel you connect that as well. I asked for and received the solar panel because I am not into climbing up a ladder every few months to take the camera down to recharge it.
The following are some screenshots from the app:
This camera is great at recognizing people’s movements and immediately recording. It provides color video in the day and black and white at night. Regardless, the video is incredibly clear and detailed.
Daytime video capture:
Nighttime video capture:
(FYI: The fence was installed during testing)
Overall this camera works great. Both the video and 2-way audio are clear and the notifications for movement are very responsive.
I really like that I am able to connect a solar panel and never worry about charging. I do wish that the reporting in the app would change from battery power to solar so that I can always confirm that the solar panel is connected.
What I like
- The build quality
- The ease of installation and setup
- The really good video quality
- The supporting app and options
- The solar panel charging capability
What I’d change
-
- The power connection mode should change from battery to solar to confirm the solar connection
Final thoughts
First, I must be honest and declare that I did not expect much more than average performance from the Vacos Cam IR camera. I have to admit that I was very wrong. This camera is easy to install and set up, offers great features, and most importantly offers fantastic video. The ability to add a solar panel means that even though it is a battery-powered camera, I can “set it and forget it”. Well done!!
Price: $99.99
Where to buy: Vacos website, Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Vacos.
