Some years back I had an attempted break in on my property which prompted me to look into an IP security camera. I did not want to spend a load of cash and wanted something basic. I settled on andĀ installed a Sannce IP camera to monitor street view access into my property.
From the get go I had issues with the Sannce App not connecting and draining my cellphone battery a lot quicker than it should. I did some tinkering and found that the Sannce IP camera can be accessed via web interface, therefore negating the need for the App.
Accessing the Sannce camera worked ok but there were functions that were not working well with the camera. Playing back automated recordings was a pain in the butt, I was never satisfied with how it all worked.
Fast forward a couple of years and I finally decide to look at a different camera. I had some specific criteria for the new IP security camera:
- Should be easy to install
- Does not require any wiring
- Works off Wi-Fi
- Can record locally to an SD card
- Has an easy to use app that DOES NOT require monthly subscriptions
- Should have good image quality
- Automatically records on motion detection
- Send alerts on motion detection
Reolink Argus 2 IP Security Camera
I have read countless reviews on various IP cameras, my decisionĀ was to go with the battery operated Reolink Argus 2 IP security camera. The Argus 2 is a 1080p full HD camera fitted with the new Sony Starlight 2MP cmos sensor that allows clearer night vision. The camera comes with a detachable 5200MaH rechargeable battery.
What I like about this camera is that there is NO NEED for subscriptions to view the live feed or recordings!
Features of the Argus 2 IP Camera
- Full HD 1080P
- 100% wire free
- Indoor/Outdoor Use
- Removable rechargeable battery
- Starlight night vision Sony CMOS sensor
- Smart P.I.R sensor
- Two way audio
- Wide 130 degree viewing angle
- Motion recording to SD card
- Live view anytime without the need for subscriptions
- Motion sensing recording without the need for subscriptions
- Option to enable alarm on motion detection
Reolink IP Camera No Subscription Required To Playback Recordings
As mentioned before, one of the deciding factors for me was to have a IP security camera where I did not have to pay any subscriptions to be able to view recordings. The Reolink App requires you to create an account to be able to login to your camera. Recordings are stored on an up to 64GB SD card and as an optional extra you can sign up to the Reolink cloud storage offering.
The Reolink App is user friendly and intuitive. If the PIR motion sensor push notification is enabled, you will get notifications directly to your phone notification area.
I especially like the attention that went in to the playback section. Recordings are kept on a timeline, and can be viewed easily by selecting a time and then using the play option. The user has the option to download videos or to take screenshots of scenes.
Reolink Argus 2 Full HD video quality
The Reolink Argus 2 is an easy to install and use battery operated IP security camera that comes in at a very competitive price and packs oodles of features.
I have had the Reolink Argus 2 for exactly a month. The battery as of writing this is sitting at 57%. Naturally, I have done a lot of testing so the battery could potentially go for two to three months in my use scenario.
I am very happy with the Argus 2 and it gets my recommendation.
Buy it from Amazon.