Filip Brož I've already tried several security devices that communicate with an iPhone or iPad. Most often, it was various cameras that can be purchased for a few hundred to a thousand, or possibly a professional solution where the investment is in the tens of thousands. Each solution has its advantages and disadvantages, but I now got my hands on the Spot camera from iSmartAlarm, which is very affordable and extremely handy at the same time.
Security cameras used by each person in a different way. Someone needs to protect their house, car, garden or valuables inside. I personally used the Spot camera as a substitute for a baby monitor. When we left for a long weekend, the camera instead followed our two cats who stayed at home. The advantage of Spot is that it can be placed practically anywhere.
Magnetic base
Due to its dimensions, the Spot is very inconspicuous. The flexible adjustable feet with a swivel base always allowed me to set the right angle. If you can't fit the camera somewhere, you can attach it to the iron thanks to the magnetic base, or attach the Spot hard to the wall thanks to the included screws and dowels. So you can place the camera really anywhere.
The package includes a USB power cable that is 1,8 meters long, so you shouldn't have a problem connecting it to an outlet. The Spot smart camera belongs to the family iSmartAlarm smart security system, but you can use it completely independently. You just have to download the app of the same name in the App Store, create an account and add a new device. I managed to install the camera in a few minutes, all I had to do was press the Set Up button using the included reset pin and enter access to the home Wi-Fi network. Using the QR code displayed in the application, I also gave access to the camera to my wife.
Decent parameters
The Spot camera covers an angle of 130 degrees. Once I got it set up well, I had no problem seeing the whole room. You can also zoom in on the image, but don't expect any stunning detail. The spot broadcasts live with minimal latency in 1280x720 resolution, and in case of a slow connection, the camera resolution can be reduced to 600p or up to 240p. You can of course connect to the camera from all over the world. All you need is a working internet connection, but don't expect the image to run as fast as on your home network.
Spot also manages night vision, using infrared diodes. At night, it can easily cover a space of nine meters. I was surprised myself when I turned on the app at night and looked at the details of the night apartment. In addition to the camera, the Spot also has a sound and motion sensor, thanks to which it is possible to automatically turn on recording whenever the camera detects any movement. The spot will then record 10 seconds and send you a notification. You can play the clip in the iSmartAlarm cloud.
The sensitivity of both sensors can be adjusted in up to three levels. So you don't have to worry about false alarms. The Sound Recognition function is also innovative. The algorithm can identify the typical alarm and sound of carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. In case something like this happens, you will be informed about it again. It is also important to mention that the operation and transmission of the camera takes place through the manufacturer's encrypted cloud. You don't have to worry about someone else watching your footage.
SD card slot
In the lower part, the Spot has a hidden slot for a microSD card of up to 64 GB. You can easily turn on continuous recording. Spot can also take time-lapse video, with the length of the footage being up to you. Last but not least, the camera can also take photos, and parents and children will appreciate the two-way communication. I really enjoyed talking about my daughter and wife from work. However, even our cats were surprised when our voices were heard at the weekend. We were rewarded with happy meows.
In my opinion, the Spot is the ideal camera for any user, whether they have experience with any security devices or not. You can add the camera to the iSmartAlarm set and use it as another device or use it completely independently. You can buy this smart camera at EasyStore.cz for 2 crowns, which is a very solid price considering its quality. You usually won't find so many features in other cameras, at least not in the same price category.
OK, and if it ever happens that the application disappears from the Applestore, can it be used and configured without it? Via the web, for example?
Nice review, but missing quite a bit… camera shots. To see how the video quality is when it's off at home.
Thank you for the article. A review on homealarmreport.com states that the camera does not have a battery. So I wouldn't use it as a security device (only plug it in via a power bank).
Otherwise, wifi connection is indicated... but it's actually about connecting to the internet using wifi. I understand that it is taken for granted, but if I don't have Wi-Fi with Internet in the building, I still need, for example, a GSM modem. And the application must be running on the phone, right? Can't set sending sms or mms? Thanks Pavel
I'm also missing a sample of captured images from the camera. And I would also like to ask, can the camera be set to upload to the cloud? Either your own or some manufacturer's cloud for later viewing? An important function for a security camera. Otherwise, nice article.
I have it with iSmartAlarm and there is an option to either have it as part of security and that means the recording is triggered by a sensor (door, motion) or to have it as a separate one and the camera itself tracks movement as well as sound (I stomped on the floor and it sent me a notification). The recording will be made either on the manufacturer's cloud (can be viewed online) or on an SD card (must be played on a PC).