REVIEW – As a DIYer, I build and create many things including modifications to existing devices and vehicles. I always want my work and property to be secure and over the past few years, I have installed 2 NVR systems with several wired cameras, as well as several wireless cameras of various brands. Anran is the brand of one of my NVR security systems and I continue to be impressed with its reliability and overall quality and features. So, it should not be a surprise that I am eager to review the ANRAN C3 5MP Integrated Solar Battery Camera.
What is it?
The ANRAN C3 5MP Integrated Solar Battery Camera is a 2K HD resolution security camera featuring motion detection, 2-way audio, IP65 waterproof, a long-lasting battery, onboard micro SD card and cloud storage, etc. This wireless camera offers versatility for any security need.
What’s included?
- 1 x ANRAN C3 5MP Integrated Solar Battery Camera
- 1 x USB-C Cable
- 1 x Screw Pack
- 1 x User Manual
Tech specs
Image sensor: 1/2.9” 5Megapixel CMOS
Effective pixels: 2304(H)*1296(V)
Shutter: 1/25~1/10,000s
Min illuminance: Color 1Lux Black/White 0.01Lux
IR distance: Black & white image, night vision distance is 12M
Day/Night: Auto(ICR)/Color/ B/W
WDR: DWDR
Lens: 3.6mm,95° view angle
Video compression: H.264
Bit rate: 32Kbps~2Mbps
Audio Input/output: Built-in mic/speaker
Alarm trigger: Support PIR, voice, and light alarm
Interface protocol: Private
Wireless: 2.4G WIFI(IEEE802.11b/g/n)
Supported mobile phone OS: iOS 8 or later, Android 4.2 or later
Security: User authentication, software encryption
Battery: 5000mAh rechargeable Li batteries
Standby time: 6 months
Working time: 2 months(20 times wake up per day)
PIR Detection: 8m Max, 100°
Operating temperature: −10 °C to 50 °C
Power supply: DC 5V/1A
IP rating: IP65
Storage: SD card(Max.128G), cloud storage
Design and features
- Smart PIR Human Detection
- More Sensitive and Accurate PIR Sensor
- A Rare and Remarkable 5MP Integrated Solar Camera
- This Solar Security Camera is Compatible with Alexa
The ANRAN C3 5MP Integrated Solar Battery Camera features a waterproof plastic case with a built-in solar panel on the top. On the opposite side is a speaker and a rubber flap that covers the on/off and reset buttons, the USB-C recharging port, and a micro SD card slot for onboard recording. On the front, are the lens, sensors, and LED indicators and the back has the built-in mount.
Performance
The ANRAN C3 5MP Integrated Solar Battery Camera needs to be fully charged before installation. The LED lights are red when being charged and green when fully charged.
The camera is easy to set up using the Anran app. The following screens show the setup process and the eventual control screens.
App:
I mounted the ANRAN C3 5MP Integrated Solar Battery Camera onto the side of my house with the lens facing the front of my garage. I get video alerts of any movement near the front of the garage adding to the the overall security of my home.
The following are the day and night images that I receive from the fixed position of the camera.
Daytime image:
Nighttime image:
Here are some additional screenshots from the app that show features and performance capability. You will notice one screenshot that shows that there is a cost ($1.49 monthly) to add/use the AI Intelligent Analysis features. For the record, I chose the $2.99 monthly cloud storage plan. I always prefer the safety of cloud storage as opposed to leaving the safety of recording in the hands of the physical device:
What I like about the ANRAN C3 5MP Integrated Solar Battery Security Camera
- Simple sleek design
- Easy to setup
- Clear and crisp video
- Nice features and recording options
What needs to be improved?
- Design with a removable rechargeable battery so recharging is easier
Final thoughts
The ANRAN C3 5MP Integrated Solar Battery Security Camera is easy to set up and mount. Since it is wireless and can be recharged via solar, it is very versatile and can be used in many places with access to a decent amount of sun. It is nicely designed and performs just as well as my existing Anran cameras.
Price: $59.99
Where to buy: Anran website ($15 OFF for ANRAN Black Friday Sale with the coupon code: 02RA0Q88DY04)
Source: Anran provided a free sample for this review. Anran did not have a final say on the review and did not preview it before it was published.
