Amcrest IP2M-841 Review – A Clear Winner in Security Cameras.
Lots of people want to feel safer at home and install security cameras. So much so, in fact, that people now use them both outdoors and indoors. There are so many different cameras to choose from, however, that it can be a bit difficult to make that decision. Hopefully, therefore, this Amcrest IP2M-841 review will help you to determine whether or not this affordable Wi-Fi camera is the right one for you.
What Is the Amcrest IP2M-841?
The Amcrest IP2M-841, also known as the Amcrest ProHD, has a number of key features:
⦁ It has full 1080p HD video resolution thanks to its Sony image sensor and Ambarella processor.
⦁ It offers pan, tilt, and zoom (PTZ) functionality. It is capable of three times zoom, which is quite significant. PTZ is usually only offered on more expensive models.
⦁ You can view the images on a range of devices, because it is Wi-Fi enabled.
⦁ It comes with 12 infrared LED lights, which gives you great nighttime vision up to 32 feet, even in no light.
⦁ It comes with two way communication thanks to the mike and speaker, allowing you to converse with people you see on your video.
⦁ It has motion alerts, alerting you with a snapshot of the movement it has captured. You can set this so that it is above the height of a pet or use other forms of customization as well.
⦁ It is encrypted and therefore fully secure, which is perhaps the most important upgrade compared to older IP systems. The Amcrest ProHD comes with AES encryption and SSL connection.
⦁ It has different output and input ports for your alarm system and external speaker.
⦁ It has cloud storage so you can always keep and view any images it has captured. At the same time, it offers other storage options, including FTP server, your own computer, a network video, NAS, or a MicroSD card.
Prices and What Do You Get?
The Amcrest IP2M-841 is surprisingly affordable. At the time of this writing, it was available from Amazon for under one hundred dollars. For that, you will received a solid box in which each element of the camera is stored securely. Your package will include the camera, a network cable, all the necessary mounting hardware, an instructional CD, a 10 foot power supply, and a one year warranty.
Installing the camera is very easy, and you have two options available. These are:
⦁ To download the Amcrest View App on Kindle, iOS, or Android. Scan the camera’s QR code, and you will be linked up to it so that you can view your images.
⦁ To plug your camera into your router and access the user interface. You can then find the serial number of your Amcrest, copying the local IP address as provided. You then need to go to your browser and enter the IP address there, after which you can set a username and password. You will then be prompted to install your plugin.
Once installed, you will be able to enjoy fantastic quality images, as well as excellent audio. The camera has been designed not to monitor the outside of the property, but rather different rooms inside. For instance, it can be used as a baby monitor or to make sure the babysitter or housekeepers are doing their jobs properly. Since it also comes with two way audio, it is also possible to speak to people in the area that is being monitored. Hence, it is a highly multi-functional device.
The remote PTZ functionality is truly out of this world. You will find it very difficult to purchase a security camera in this price bracket that offers PTZ. You can control it through your Amcrest View App, which is really user friendly and intuitive. It offers 360 degree rotation and a 90 degree viewing angle. Movement is very quiet and you also have control over how fast it moves. Then, there is the night vision functionality, which allows you to see in a room or area in total darkness with full clarity.
The Amcrest ProHD is not waterproof, which means it hasn’t been designed for outdoor security. However, it is possible to place it in front of a window and thereby have quite significant views of your garden or yard. Since it has night vision capabilities, this can be very useful in the evening.
The motion detector is also highly sophisticated and one of the many options you can control through your Amcrest View App. If the camera detects any movement within a parameter that you have set, it will send you a notification that includes a snapshot of the area in which the movement was detected. Make sure you set this correctly, so that you aren’t disturbed whenever a tiny critter moves about the room, however.
What I Liked About the Amcrest IP2M-841
⦁ It is very easy to install, particularly if you choose the first option, which is through the mobile app. You will have the device up and running in no time.
⦁ Thanks to the superior quality technology, the images are incredibly sharp, even if you use the night vision technology.
⦁ The various sensors, and particularly the motion detector, work very well and you can set sensitivity to your own requirements.
⦁ The audio quality is excellent.
⦁ You get a one year warranty as well as lifetime support as standard.
What I Didn’t Like About the Amcrest IP2M-841
⦁ You do get some cloud storage with the device as standard, but it is limited. If you want to increase your storage, it is quite expensive.
⦁ You do need to perform an IP configuration if you want to change any of your settings, including the sensitivity of the sensors. This is quite complicated.
⦁ It does not have IFTTT integration, which means it can’t link to other smart devices such as locks or lights.
⦁ Visibility is at 90 degrees, which is quite limited.
⦁ You can only use the device indoors, although you can set it up next to a window if you want to monitor the exterior area.
The Final Verdict
If you want to install an indoor security camera, it is very important that you pick the one that is right for your needs. That said, the Amcrest IP2M-841 seems to be right for virtually everybody’s needs. The disadvantages are minimal and quite inconsequential, particularly when considering the quality of the images, the PTZ technology, and the price. Hence, it is 100% recommended.