Amcrest Outdoor 4k Security Camera Review

~ Bhavin Patel ~ Leave a comment

Looking for a good outdoor security camera? well, look no further than an Amcrest outdoor 4k UltraHD camera.

Little background on what I had – I have few cameras outdoor including porch, patio, garage, sideways etc. all of them are mixture of various manufactures and now i am seeing issues when i’ve more and more and managing all of them is just harder. So, I started adding them to my homeassistant system and Blue Iris.

Few weeks ago, I added new Amcrest Doorbell and I submitted that review here to help anyone who is really looking for a good doorbell camera. This time, I thought to give you all a honest review about this new Amcrest outdoor camera.

enough, let’s talk about some of the good specs and features:

  • PoE
  • 4k with ultra HD
  • Works with Blue Iris!
  • High Resolution 8-Megapixel Ultra High Definition Video for Excellent Quality and Clarity, 4K @15fps, 3MP @30fps.
  • Features enhanced low light capability utilizing the latest CMOS image sensor and chipset.
  • 2 Powerful IR LED for 98ft Night Vision.
  • Built in Microphone for one way audio.
  • 2.8mm Lens with a 105° viewing angle.
  • IP67 Outdoor Weatherproof Camera.
  • Wide Dynamic Range up to 120dB.
  • H.265 Compression Technology.
  • This is a Power Over Ethernet (POE camera) for easy installation (POE Injector or Switch Required; Not Included, Sold Separately).
  • Storage to PC, NAS Local, and MicroSD Card (Up to 256GB).
  • Dome Dimensions: 4.3 x 4.3 x 3.9 inches.
  • Dome Weight: 1.1 lbs.

Night time video quality comparison

This is where I really like this camera compare to my other one which I have in backyard, which is Reolink 520 ( RLC 520). It has horrible night time video honestly. I was looking for the replacement and I think this amcrest one is the one. It has good night time quality and it’s IR is really good. Specially if you have some light or street light coming to your area , then it’s really clean quality. Now I must say, first night I installed to my patio and lights were off and image quality was not that good but again, it was better that Reolink 520 one.Right now, I’ve it installed in my front yard and I also have street light and so image quality is really nice. You can even do night time color mode as well, which is pretty good feature.

IR Pattern on this camera is little bit off compare to RLC 520 but it’s not that big significant difference as well. But like I said, if you have light coming to your area, then this camera is going to shine. (star light illumination)

Installation

This is not a wifi camera, it’s a PoE camera which means you have to do hard wire but at the same time, it’s more reliable than a wifi signals. Specially I would recommend to use PoE on the outdoor ones. This one has 12v adapter as well if you don’t have PoE Switch Hub. Now, how to install this camera and ethernet connection and all, you all are smart to find that out. I am not going to bore you with that, but yes, this Amcrest comes with all required tools and accessories etc.

In my case, I have Cat6 cable 100ft. and so I’ve used that one with this. Initially , I didn’t had extra hub with the PoE on it and so I’ve used it with regular ethernet RJ45 and powered by 12v adapter. Later I found good PoE switch from Amazon and currently it’s working fine with this setup.

Integration

I’ve it integrated with Home Assistant and Blue Iris and it’s working fine. NOW, I DON”T have any NVR, so haven’t tested that but I heard that it’s working fine with any NVR and specially Amcrest’s own NVR platform. I might get that one day , hahaha.

You can use Amcrest View Pro app as well. Also, this is RTSP compatible camera and so you can use with any NVR with that support.

Supports, 256GB SD card but would recommend to store some other media as well just because SD cards normally fails when you really need it.

HomeAssistant configuration is pretty straight via Yaml

Final Verdict:

It’s definitely very well might be my new favorite budget camera that definitely doesn’t disappoint in the lens features, image quality and integrations with other smart home systems. It’s night mode is also nice with color night mode feature. Low light image quality is average but again I have light available where I have this camera so I am good. Overall, I fully recommend this to the folks who are looking for a budget outdoor camera with PoE and good features and specs.

Happy Coding!!!

Amcrest Doorbell AD110 review and integration with HomeAssistant system

~ Bhavin Patel ~ Leave a comment

AMCREST Doorbell AD110 – My review and integration with HomeAssistant
Currently in the beginning of 2021, we have many options as a doorbell cameras and I’ve tried 2 so far and this one is my 3rd one. The “Amcrest AD110”. I got to say, I’m impressed. I like multiple options for the storages like – Cloud, SD Card, RTSP integration. Yes, you’ve heard me, RTSP. It’s a most welcoming feature for all the DIYers like me for using the devices with HomeAssistant. “Thank you Amcrest for listening to our requests”.

What’s in the box?
– Camera
– Two face plates (really good to have options for multiple face plate which match your bricks or sidings etc. You can always spray as well , not that I’m going to do , hahaha)
– Two sided screw driver
– Masonry drill bit
– Wires, Wire nuts
– Chime kit and it’s wiring

What you will see on a Camera?
– There is a nice 1080p camera with PIR sensor and also IR for night vision.
– You will also see some device information on the back like MacID, Serial ID etc., which you may need it later on to setup that device in Amcrest App. But don’t worry, Amcrest is smart to put the required barcode on front of the camera itselft so in you’ve mounted it first then you don’t have to take it all apart again to add it into the app, SMART
– On the side, you will see reset button and SD card slot.
SD Card – Max upto 128 GB with Fat32 format
How’s the wiring?
Well, I like that it uses your existing low voltage(16v-24v) old school wiring as well. It’s not a battery operated one. Though it’s uses low volt, I would suggest to shut off the switch when you are installing it.

There are required wires, nuts and connectors etc. everything will come in a box itself so you don’t have to find around the house.

Wifi signal requirement is 2.4 GHz and not going to work on 5GHz. It has two way talk feature, screenshot feature etc. via their app. Look for the installation videos below.

Installation
I could make a video of the installation but honestly, Amcrest did such a great job of creating those videos itself, I attached those links here –
Installation Video from Amcrest
Setup a video doorbell in Amcrest App

Note: Does not comes with wedge brackets but easily build one using 3d printer from local city office or library. I didn’t need one but friend of mine did it via public library and works great. Link here

App Support and Digital Views

To view and control your doorbell camera and it’s settings, you will have to use their Amcrest Smart Home App (Available for iOS and Android)

Another option , which I am using it as in HomeAssistant and Blue IRIS integration. Yes, it has RTSP support like I said earlier and so smooth integration to the Blue Iris.

HomeAssistant and Blue iris integration –

Some of my friends were able to integrate directly via amcrest platform in HA, something like this – Full link here

Binary sensors available for Motion detection, Online/Offline device status etc. Also available is Sensors and Camera entities so you can add it to the HA dashboard.

Blue Iris integration? Good installation and configuration link here. This is how I did mine.

Few suggestions to Amcrest from all of us–
Secure the app via 2-factor authentication or Duo
Provide some more compatibility with HA system via Doorbell button binary sensor
Have some MQTT support and this will be #1 choice for all DIYers

Final Verdict
Thumbs Up. I am thinking to order one more for my back door as well. Overall it’s great choice and I like it compare to prior two ones which I’ve tried.