Review: WYZE Cam OG 1080p HD Wi-Fi Security Camera – Valuable peace of mind without breaking the bank

Explore the Wisecam OG’s features and quality in this unbiased, comprehensive review... Read more

Specifications

Recommended Uses For Product	Baby Monitoring, Pet Monitoring
Brand	WYZE
Model Name	Wyze Cam OG
Connectivity Technology	Wireless
Special Feature	Local Recording, 2 Way Audio, HD Resolution, Night Vision, Sound Triggered Recording, Built In Light

Introductory Impressions: Wisecam OG (The Original Gangster) Camera Review

Welcome, readers! Let’s dive straight into the world of WIsecam, where technology meets security in an interesting blend wrapped up in the Wisecam OG (Original Gangster). Wisecam has always been synonymous with quality and affordability, and the recent release of the Wisecam OG has stayed true to this legacy. However, let’s cast emotions aside and critically evaluate this addition to the security camera market.

Unveiling the Wisecam OG: A Peek into the Blend of Old and New

Keeping in line with its stereotype-breaking ranges of cameras, Wisecam has recently released Wisecam OG that claims to have gone back to its roots, hence, the name – Original Gangster. The initial impressions are definitely eye-catching. The design is sleek, with an ergonomic touch, made for both indoor and outdoor use. There is, of course, the added touch of nostalgia, with the OG reminiscent of Wisecam’s earliest cameras released back in the day. But it’s the present, folks, and we’re all keen to see if OG embraces future-ready features.

Security at Your Fingertips for $20? Is It Even a Reality with Wisecam OG?

Here’s the highlight – Wisecam OG is priced at a surprising $20 initially. Yes, you read that right! A bona fide security camera for just $20 seems quite unreal. Moreover, this new variant claims to be ideal for both indoor and outdoor security, making it quite versatile. But is it too good to be true? As always, price cannot be the standalone truth about a product’s utility. We need to take a closer peek under the hood to find out if Wisecam OG is actually worth the 20 bucks.

Understanding the Price Dynamics: The Wisecam OG and Telephoto Models

• Wisecam OG impresses with its affordable $20 price point
• Telephoto model priced higher at $30, offers zoom features
• Combined purchase for both cameras costs around $50-$60

Getting right to the heart of it, one of the most intriguing aspects of the Wisecam OG and its brother, the OG Telephoto, is certainly the pricing. Given the features being offered, the price points can leave one either impressed or skeptical.

The Wisecam OG: Sweeter Deals at $20

At an initial pricing of $20, the Wisecam OG seems to be quite a steal. Portable and indoor-outdoor friendly, it seems to offer more than what’s expected at this price. It’s worth noting, however, that I was told the price would hike up to $25 after some time, which is still quite reasonable, but it might be beneficial to grab it at the lower cost while you can. On the other hand, the question arises: Does it live up to the expectations set by the tempting price tag? The succession of this review will provide more clarity.

Wisecam Telephoto: A Wider View for $30

The Telephoto model sits at a higher price point of $30, ready to climb up to $35 after the initial period. Equipped with lenses that bring the world a little closer without moving an inch, it certainly sounds fascinating. But is it worth the extra ten bucks? The specs point towards a positive answer, but of course, the real value lies in the day-to-day usage and overall performance.

Stack ’em Up: Combined Price for Both

If you’re thinking of buying both because they stack perfectly on top of each other, you may look at an expense of around $50 to $60. Seeing the added value each camera brings to your security setup, this deal sounds fair. But it’s also critical to dig further into the performance of these cameras and if they deliver satisfaction proportionate to your investment.

In this overview, it’s essential to note that while the price of these cameras is very attractive, what truly matters is the quality and functionality they offer. Are they worth your hard-earned dollars? Let’s dive into the features and performance to find out.

Scrutinizing Wisecam OG’s Prominent Features: An In-Depth Analysis

• Wisecam OG is compatible both indoors and outdoors
• Upgraded mount design ensures improved stability
• Onboard spotlight camera serves as star feature
• Updated chip to provide three times faster alerts
• Offers superior 1080p video quality
• Can be paired with a telephoto camera

Unboxed, set-up, and looking sleek, let’s delve a little deeper into the Wisecam OG. Is it the high-tech ally for your home security as it promises to be, or just another cam in the market? Let’s dig in!

Indoor and Outdoor Compatibility

The first thing that got my attention is the fact that this camera can be used both indoors and outdoors. Now, I appreciate this dual feature as it increases versatility and convenience. With its bragged affordable price tag, the Wisecam OG offers more freedom in camera placement than many of its counterparts restricted to indoor use.

Upgraded Mount

Another area where the Wisecam OG stepped up its game is in the mount design. The new style not only makes it look more professional and sleeker, but it’s also more sturdy. The traditional quarter twentieth mount has been replaced with an eighth-inch, making it a game-changer in how you set up and position your camera.

Spotlight Feature

Hands down, the star feature has to be the onboard Spotlight camera. None of its predecessors had it, and it certainly justifies, for me, the slightly increased price. With additional spotlight settings and the ability to enable motion-activated spotlighting, I found this feature quite practical. It can act as an extra deterrent for unwanted visitors as well as boosting the quality of nighttime footage.

Fast Chip

Another upgrade worth noting is the chip update for three times faster alerts. Honestly, this left me quite impressed as prompt alerts are a crucial aspect of any security camera.

Resolution and Video Quality

Despite being priced lower than the version 2 and 3, I found the 1080p video quality of OG remarkably superior. The video output was richer and clearer, making it a steal deal at a $20 price point.

The Telephoto: Everything’s Better with a Companion

Wisecam has added a beautiful feature that allows stacking the OG with the telephoto camera for even better security coverage. At $30, the telephoto is a neat addition, worth considering if you want both cameras. I must say, it’s a smart move by Wisecam, showing their ingenuity and customer-conscious approach.

Overall, the Wisecam OG isn’t merely a security camera; it’s a convenient, versatile solution with substantial features targeting the practical needs of homeowners. Be it the impressive video quality, sleek design, mount upgrade, or the spotlight feature, the Wisecam OG sure packs a punch when it comes to giving value to consumers.

Quality Investigation of Wisecam OG’s Offerings

• Wisecam OG offers solid video, audio quality in its range
• Swift, punctual alert notifications are a major plus
• Spotlight is underwhelming for larger outdoor spaces

Having spent some detailed time with the Wisecam OG, it was time to test some of the performance metrics mentioned in the product features. Particularly, I took a closer look into the camera’s video, audio quality, and the responsiveness of its notification system.

Video Quality During Day and Night

The Wisecam OG boasts a 1080p resolution, and it swiftly passed the daylight video quality test. The images had excellent detail, vibrant colours and sound exposure levels. Compared to the version 2, I noticed a clear improvement. The video quality was quite solid for a camera in this price range.

As for night recording, Wisecam OG offers a built-in spotlight that assists in recording colored videos even in low-light conditions. This spotlight seemed interesting, especially when you consider you get this feature at a $20-25 price point. However, the spotlight’s brightness, clocking in at 40 lumens, proved to be slightly underwhelming for larger outdoor spaces. Don’t expect it to light up larger yards, but it is sufficient for smaller settings or monitoring closer regions.

Audio Test

Moving onto the audio front, Wisecam OG offers two-way audio communication, a feature I appreciate in modern security cameras. The microphone quality was above average, providing clear and discernible audio. It was not the best in the industry by any stretch, but entirely apt for everyday use.

Motion Alert Speed

Another crucial aspect of any security camera is the alert system. You’d want your system to instantly notify you for any captured motion. With Wisecam OG, I was pleasantly surprised at the speed of the alerts. Whether my phone was running on 5G or Wi-Fi didn’t make any difference – the alerts were quite punctual.

Final Verdict

Based on my time examining the user experience of Wisecam OG, I can confirm it offers solid video and audio quality for its price range. The swift alert notifications add a cherry on top. Although the spotlight could have done with higher brightness for larger areas, it does a decent job for its price. In all, Wisecam OG certainly appears to carry features that give good value for your money.

Exploring the In-Box Contents and App Features of Wisecam OG

• Wisecam OG includes robust camera, adapters, and unique mount
• App offers control, live video, past recordings, motion notifications
• Some advanced features require subscription-based packages

Unboxing the Wisecam OG

When it comes to unboxing the Wisecam OG, the first thing I noted was the compact and minimalistic box design. On opening the box, I found it hosts a bounty of components, all designed to provide a comprehensive package. Included in the box are the camera, a uniquely designed mount, screws for mounting, a USB to micro USB power adapter, and a wall adapter.

The camera is the star of the show, and it comes with a build that signifies robustness and reliability. It houses a lens, microphone, PIR motion sensors, and an onboard Spotlight. On the back, you’ll find the power cable that connects securely to make it waterproof and a dedicated speaker. On the bottom comes the provision for the micro SD card slot and a set-up button.

What I found intriguing is the dual-camera stacking provision on top of the main camera, designed for the telephoto camera addition, if one wishes to enhance their security setup.

Navigating Through the Wisecam OG App

The Wisecam OG does not just impress with its physical packaging but also its digital presentation. Once I booted up the app, I found an array of features to explore. I consider this app the control room of your Wisecam OG, giving you the ability to maneuver through various functions and settings.

On the main screen, I found numerous snapshots indicating the live feed from my Wisecam OG camera. What I felt was advantageous is the ability to view live video or past recordings, thereby keeping an eye on past or present events. A beneficial feature is the motion notifications that get updated in the app in real-time as events happen, making it a responsive and interactive security experience.

App Feature Details

Digging deeper into the app led me to the finely detailed settings page. Through the detection settings, one can set the sensitivity of motion detection. You’ll even find sound detection sensitivity settings, which I believe add a layer of protection against unwarranted noise disturbances.

Note: One slight downside is that certain features like smart detection and person pet, vehicle, and package recognition are part of subscription-based packages, which might not be feasible for everyone.

Despite this, the Wisecam OG still packs a punch in terms of performance and responsiveness, bringing affordability and quality into one security solution that is designed to cater to your specific security needs.

Dismantling the Wisecam OG: Body, Mounts, Lenses, and More

• Wisecam OG features spotlight, PIR sensors, and back speakers
• Removable cutout allows camera stacking with a telephoto camera
• Higher-priced variant includes telephoto lens for enhanced image quality

Stepping into this segment, I felt an utmost excitement as I got an opportunity to break down the Wisecam OG into its nitty-gritty details. This inspection helps us understand the thought process behind the product’s design, and how each component contributes to the overall user experience. Let’s tread this path and discover more.

Unboxing the Wisecam OG

The packaging of this device is compact and impressively designed. Inside the box, aside from the camera unit itself, are the mounting materials, screws, drywall anchors, and the USB A to micro USB power adapter. While the components are well-crafted, I’d like to draw attention to the fact that the mounting bracket is of a different style, and the threads may not fit in every mount, which is something to consider based on your installation plans.

Inspecting the Wisecam OG’s Body

As for the body of the Wisecam OG, its sleek design deserves a mention. It is captivating enough to blend with your decor without coming off as an eyesore. The built-in spotlight and PIR sensors in front, the back speakers, and the micro SD card slot at the bottom are impressively accommodated. The power cable lends a waterproof push to the device. But what truly caught my eye is the removable cutout on the top. This thoughtfully added feature allows users to stack the OG camera with a telephoto camera – a feature worth appreciating in this price range.

Decoding the Lens Mystery

Looking further into the lens, I found it well-fitted with regular as well as telephoto lenses. While the telephoto lens comes as part of the higher-priced package, it provides enhanced image quality, which is crucial for security purposes.

Mounts and their Usability

The mount provided is an adjustable one, although the mount thread being smaller may not be compatible with all mounting spots. But I’m of the belief that it certainly provides more flexibility in terms of points of installations.

In conclusion, Wisecam OG’s compact body, thoughtfully designed with appropriate mounts and lens sheds light on the manufacturers’ attention to detail. Nevertheless, I hold the notion that the telephoto lens might make a user ponder over purchasing the higher-priced variant. The overall design and technicalities make up for an efficient and functional device suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Breaking Down The Wisecam OG’s Additional Offerings

• Wisecam OG offers spotlight and sound detection features
• Comparatively smaller spotlight but integrated solution
• Affordable and comprehensive, yet limited for advanced needs

Going beyond its basic capabilities, I delved into the extra offerings that the Wisecam OG brings to the table. From the spotlight feature to the sound detection sensitivity, here’s an unbiased scoop on my experience with these additional options.

The Extra Mile: Wisecam OG’s Spotlight and Other Additional Features

The most notable additional feature of the Wisecam OG is certainly its spotlight. This handy in-built function offers an edge when it comes to monitoring your surroundings during night-time. With the Wisecam OG, you don’t necessarily have to rely on external sources of light. Equipped with a 40 lumens spotlight, the camera illuminates the area being captured, helping produce clearer videos in the dark.

Nevertheless, I must point out that the spotlight is a little smaller as compared to some other models in the market. For instance, the Wisecam version 3 offers a 70-lumens option, which implies a brighter light. However, that comes as a separate purchase, giving some points to the OG for providing an integrated solution.

Another valuable addition is the sound detection feature. With this, the Wisecam OG can trigger an alert based on sound alone, which can be a helpful supplementary to the motion-alert function.

Comparing The Wisecam OG with Contemporary Cameras: What Makes it Stand Out?

Is the Wisecam OG a standout from the rest? Well, that mostly depends on your specific needs and preferences. I found the Wisecam OG to be a cost-effective choice that offers a comprehensive package of necessary features for simple security needs both indoors and outdoors. It did stand out with its spotlight function and price positioning, which seem to punch above its ‘affordable’ tag.

However, the camera may leave you wanting more if you have more advanced requirements, such as higher resolution, wider field of view, or broader integrations with other smart home devices. The slightly smaller spotlight and the moderately ‘loud’ siren, in comparison to its contemporaries, might fall short in more demanding security scenarios.

Overall, the Wisecam OG manages to provide a well-rounded package for its price, while its unique combination of features sets it apart from not just its predecessors but also the contemporary market.

Delivering a Verdict on Wisecam OG: Final Thoughts

After spending considerable time navigating the pros and cons of the Wisecam OG, it’s time to deliver a final verdict. Everything has been closely scrutinized – from its appearance to its performance and features. Without any bias, let’s get started.

The Love-Hate Relationship with Subscription-based Products: Reflecting on Wisecam OG

Let’s be honest, the emerging trend of subscription-based products is something that has not wholly won my heart. There’s something about ongoing costs that raises a bit of skepticism in me. However, it’s crucial to give credit where it’s due. Despite Wisecam OG offering subscription options, the way it’s structured is more accessible than many products out there. The pricing isn’t too steep, and the options for one or unlimited cameras is a truly commendable approach to a standard industry practice. But most importantly, it’s the freedom to bypass this entirely with an SD card for a more traditional video recording setup that I genuinely appreciate.

Wisecam OG: A Worthwhile Purchase?

Let’s address the big question: Is the Wisecam OG worth your money? First off, it’s challenging to find such a feature-loaded device within the same price range as the Wisecam OG. With its spotlight feature, color night vision, improved siren, outdoor capabilities and more, it certainly packs a punch. But this doesn’t mean it’s perfect. Criticisms such as its dependency on the subscription service for certain key features are valid and act as a limiting factor for users not looking for additional ongoing costs.

Wrapping Up: Journey with the Wisecam OG

All in all, the Wisecam OG surprised me in many ways. It combines an attractive price point with features usually seen only in higher-end security cameras. It revisits its origins with an updated touch, offering substantial improvements compared to its predecessor models. Subscription criticisms aside, it’s encouraging to see that Wisecam remains committed to providing affordable security solutions with continuous recording capabilities even for those who prefer a one-time purchase.

However, keep in mind that every user’s experience is different. While my journey with the Wisecam OG was mainly a positive one, yours might vary slightly based on your specific needs and circumstances. That’s what makes product reviews such a fascinating world; everyone has a unique viewpoint to share!

Should you buy the WYZE Cam OG 1080p HD Wi-Fi Security Camera?

Buy it if…

You want affordable home security

At only $20-$25, the Wisecam OG offers reliable indoor and outdoor home security at a fraction of the price of similar products.

You seek comprehensive features

The Wisecam OG provides 1080p video, spotlight features, and sound detection sensitivity, among other features, giving you full control over your security needs.

You desire fast notification

If you need a security camera that alerts you quickly regarding any detected motion, the Wisecam OG’s upgraded chip will notify you three times faster than previous versions.

Don’t buy it if…

You dislike subscription models

While the neat features it brings may be enticing, the Wisecam OG also has a subscription model for some of its features, which could increase the overall cost over time.

You prefer discrete outdoor equipment

The Wisecam OG has an onboard spotlight feature that may draw attention to the device when motion is detected. If you’re looking for discreet cameras, it may not suit your needs.

You want out-of-the-box complete motion recording

Without paying for an extra subscription or purchasing an SD card for continuous recording, you won’t be able to fully utilize the motion recording feature of the camera.

FAQ

Does the Wisecam OG come with the telephoto version?

No, the telephoto version is separate and is priced distinctively. However, the two cameras can be stacked together.

What is the price range for the Wisecam OG and the telephoto version?

The Wisecam OG is priced around $20, though it’s predicted to go up to $25. The telephoto version is currently $30, and it will go up to $35.

What are the standout features of the Wisecam OG?

Standout features of the Wisecam OG include indoor & outdoor functionality, a louder siren, color night vision, inbuilt spotlight, and faster alert notifications.

Does the Wisecam OG have good video quality?

Yes, the quality of the 1080p video from the Wisecam OG is better than its previous versions.

Does the Wisecam OG offer instant motion alert?

Yes, Wisecam OG has an upgraded chip that alerts you for motion three times faster.

How does the subscription-based model work for Wisecam OG?

Subscriptions for the Wisecam OG start from $1.99 for the cam plus and go up to $3.99 for the cam pro. There are also packages for unlimited cameras.

Can I bypass the subscription model?

Yes, you can bypass the subscription model by using an SD card for 24/7 recording.

What is inside the Wisecam OG box?

The box contains the camera, the mount and mounting bracket, power cables and adaptors, and screws and drywall anchors for mounting.