Review: YI Home Security Camera – High-quality, user-friendly and affordable security solution

Explore the impressive features and user-friendly interface of the YI 1080p Home Camera... Read more

Specifications

Recommended Uses For Product	Indoor Security,Pet Monitoring,Outdoor Security,Baby Monitoring,Surveillance
Brand	YI
Model Name	Y20W
Connectivity Technology	Wi-Fi
Special Feature	Motion Sensor

First Impressions & Price Point

The moment my eyes landed on the YI 1080p Home Camera, my intrigue was piqued. Unboxing the device, I was met with a compact, sleek camera that seemed to defy its affordable price-tag. I was certainly curious to see how it could potentially stack up against its pricier counterparts.

Presentation & Initial Thoughts on the YI 1080p Home Camera

Right out of the box, the camera came neatly packaged and included all the necessary accessories. My first impression of the device was that it was incredibly compact, sleek and blended well with any typical home decor, making it fairly unobtrusive.

Discussing the General Importance of Home Security

As we all know, a sense of security at home is paramount. Whether it’s for the safety of our belongings, or more importantly, our loved ones, many of us are on the hunt for that perfect home security solution. The YI 1080p Home Camera definitely piqued my interest in this regard, and I couldn’t wait to put it through its paces.

Pricing Exploration & Comparison with Similar Products

Considering a price point of 60 pounds on Amazon UK and around $60 on Amazon USA, this camera is definitely on the affordable end of the spectrum. When you compare this price against a myriad of other home security cameras available in the market, it certainly feels like a steal given the features it boasts. As always, the important question arises: Does this wallet-friendly price come at the cost of quality and performance? Well, we’re about to find out.

Unpacking the Features

• YI 1080p Home Camera offers full HD recording
• Features wide-angle lens and night vision
• Includes two-way audio and motion detection

Alright, let’s dive right into what the YI 1080p Home Camera brings to the table, feature-wise. This petite powerhouse has drummed up quite a lot of attention and rightly so, it’s packed with an impressive array of features that serve to elevate your home security experience.

Full HD 1080P Recording Capability Overview

The camera supports Full HD 1080p recording and suffice to say, the resolution is impressive. Images are crystal clear and the footage is smooth without any jitters. Even in challenging light conditions, the quality of the recordings is commendable. However, be mindful that the higher the quality, the more storage it requires. It’s a balancing act, you’ll need to figure out what works best for you.

Highlighting the Camera’s Wide-angle Lens & Night Vision Feature

You’ll be pleased to know that the YI camera is equipped with a 112-degree wide-angle lens. When positioned strategically, it gives a pretty comprehensive view of a room. But, don’t take my word for it. Try it out and see the level of coverage you can achieve. You’ll be surprised.

Now onto its night vision capability. Honestly, I was rather amazed by the brilliance of this feature. The camera swiftly switches to Night Vision as daylight starts to dwindle, and the black and white Feed is acceptably clear!

Discussing the Two-way Audio & Motion Detection capabilities

The two-way audio function is worth mentioning. Not only can you monitor your home, but you can also communicate via the camera. It’s not a function you’d use every day, but it’s a well-rounded addition to the overall package. I found the motion detection feature to be quite dependable. It picks up even the most subtle movements, recording and alerting you promptly – another huge tick for security.

Talking about the Baby Crying Detection and its Potentials

What piqued my interest was the baby crying detection feature. A niche function, for certain, but absolutely invaluable for those with infants. It could provide that extra bit of reassurance for anxious new parents.

However, bear in mind that while these features seemed impressive during my trial phase, your experience could vary depending on the specific circumstances in your home. Organize your space and set up this little device effectively to make the most of it.

Breaking Down What’s In The Box

• YI 1080p Home Camera package includes essential components
• Camera requires continuous power, no in-built battery
• Product’s design might not blend with all decors

Unboxing a new gadget always feels like a little slice of Christmas, doesn’t it? Now, let’s explore what we find upon opening the box of the YI 1080p Home Camera. But remember, we’re not just aiming for the excitement here. We are focusing on the utility and practical aspects of each item.

Initial Overview

At first glance, the clustering of items in the box is indicative of a simple yet effective package. All the essentials required to get the camera up and running are included – no rushing off to a tech store for some missing part.

All The Essentials

1. The Camera: Compact and sturdy with a discreet design. It’s a modern looking gadget that won’t seem out of place, no matter where you decide to station it.
2. The Stand: A nice touch is a small stand that supports the camera. It is flexible and allows different orientations for the camera.
3. Power Cables: The USB to MicroUSB connector provided serves to power the device. Note that there’s no built-in battery, which means the camera needs continuous power.

Extra But Noticeable

Bonus points for the inclusion of a wall adapter and the generous length of the cable . The length of the cable provides a bit more flexibility as you won’t be restricted to an immediate vicinity of a power outlet. Just remember, it’s all the more essential to carefully consider your camera’s placement for prime surveillance scope.

While the matte black look stands out, keep in mind the camera doesn’t automatically blend in all room decors. Some might find the contrast more noticeable than preferred, especially if subtlety is an important criterion for you.

To round it up, the box gives you a comprehensive kit to get started with your home security. The items are practical, user-friendly and contribute to a hassle-free setup and use. With that said, the lack of an in-built battery might be seen as a drawback by some. So, if you’re contemplating buying this product, factor in constant power availability at your chosen site.

Considerations Regarding Camera Set-Up

• YI 1080p camera offers versatile mounting options
• Set-up involves connecting to YI Home app
• App provides straightforward and user-friendly setup

Choosing the right spot to position your home surveillance camera can make a world of difference in ensuring complete home security. The YI 1080p home camera comes with some impressive set-up features and opportunities for customization, all directed toward giving you the most suitable home security solution.

The Stand & Mount Flexibility

First, let’s talk about the physical set-up of the camera. The camera’s box comes with a stand and a mount, which offers you a variety of mounting options. From placing it on your table to securing it to the wall, the little, versatile mount ensures that you can set it up practically anywhere. This is fantastic because you may want to place the camera in unique positions – whether it’s overseeing the front door, monitoring the baby’s crib, or even obscure placements where an intruder would least suspect. This flexibility in placement makes the camera stand out from many of its competitors as it ensures that security is not compromised in any room arrangement.

Setting up the camera via the YI Home app: ease & efficiency from start to finish

Now let’s talk about the technical set-up. To get the camera up and running, you need to connect it to the YI Home app, which can be downloaded from your respective app stores. The process is incredibly intuitive and user-friendly, even for those not too tech-savvy.

1. Once downloaded, the app walks you through each step. You’ll start by connecting your camera to your Wi-Fi network. Bear in mind, it only supports a 2.4GHz band.
2. After successfully connecting to the Wi-Fi, you’ll be provided with a QR code on your phone. Hold it in front of the camera, and let the camera scan the QR code.
3. Once the QR code is scanned, the camera begins the set-up phase, including any potential firmware updates. The process, to my surprise, was short and completely hassle-free.

All in all, I found the camera set-up to be remarkably straightforward. The flexibility of the physical mount and the ease of the app setup process certainly contributes a great deal to the YI 1080p Home Camera’s overall appeal.

A Deep Dive into Camera Capabilities

• YI Home Camera has advanced smart detection feature
• Offers cloud or Micro SD storage options
• Added layer of security with PIN access

After having the pleasure of navigating through the initial setup of the YI Home Camera, it was time to really test out what this little device could do. Here’s a close examination of the key features that make the camera particularly appealing.

Smart Detection & Sensitivity Levels

Tucked away in the settings of the camera’s app, I discovered something quite remarkable – the smart detection feature. This advanced feature allows you to set activity regions within your home. Once set, these regions are the ones your camera would monitor for motions, reducing the possibility of unnecessary alerts and potential false alarms. As someone who has a cat, I found this feature handy for eliminating false alerts from my furry friend’s movements. The sensitivity levels were equally amazing. Even at the highest setting for the purposes of testing, the camera had an impressive degree of accuracy.

Recording Options: Cloud Service versus Micro SD Card

The YI Home Camera offers two options for storing your recorded videos: the YI Cloud service and a Micro SD Card. For those who prefer their data in the cloud, this service comes with a small additional cost. However, it can be a handy option if you want to access your videos anywhere. But if you are like me, preferring to maintain things locally, the support for a Micro SD card of up to 32GB provides more than enough storage capacity.

Adding An Extra Layer of Security

Here’s where the YI Home Camera really won me over. In the settings menu, there’s an option to set up a PIN for accessing the camera feed. Think about it: an added security layer to ensure that even if someone gets a hold of your phone, they still won’t be able to snoop into your live feeds. This thoughtful addition bolsters the camera’s utility as a security device and offers users an extra peace of mind.

Overall, the YI Home Camera scores high on features and customizability, effectively catering to various preferences and usage scenarios.

Discussing the Live View & Notification System

• Live view of YI Home Camera is user-friendly
• Notification system is customizable and sensitive
• Both features score high on functionality and usability

Now, let’s delve into the heart of the YI 1080p Home Camera experience—its live view and notification system. From my experience with this camera, I discovered that its live view and notification features are surprisingly robust.

Live View Experience

The live view is intuitive and easy to use. You simply access the YI Home app, enter your pin, and voila, you’re viewing your camera in real-time. The live view offers an almost real-time look at what’s going on, with only a slight delay. This shouldn’t be an issue if you’re using the camera for basic home monitoring.

Time and again, it was impressive to see it moving seamlessly from one part of the room to the other. The interface is user-friendly, and even users with minimal experience in smart home technology should have no difficulty navigating its functions. For your consideration though, it’s worth weighing the slight delay against your needs and expectations of a smart home camera.

Notification Scheduling and Alerts

As for the notification system, it’s a setup within the app that sends alerts to your phone when it detects activity in your designated zones. In my testing, I found this incredibly useful, although, at times, maybe a bit oversensitive—especially on high settings. The sensitivity settings allow for customization which is a plus.

One aspect that stood out was the customizable activity zones. Setting up specific areas for the camera to monitor is a beneficial feature. I appreciated that it wasn’t constantly set off by incidental motion outside of my selected areas. However, I recommend playing around with it to find the balance between alert frequency and sensitivity.

Understanding and Managing Notifications

Opening notifications takes you right to the ‘recent activity’ section where you see what tripped the motion sensor. During my test, it was quick and responsive, providing me with footage of the exact moment it picked up motion. This was a win for me during my review period, especially when trying to track specific events or activity.

Overall, both the live view and notification system of the YI Home Camera score high on functionality and usability. Although, bear in mind, you may need to put in a little time initially to refine the settings to your specific needs.

Camera Calls & Quality Control Features

• YI Home Camera offers quality images and communication features
• Allows using call feature for multiple purposes
• Provides option to adjust video streaming quality

When it comes to any smart home camera, the quality of images and ease of communication features should be top notch – and this is exactly where the YI Home Camera has a strong standing.

Utilizing the Call Feature: From a Security Standpoint to Personal Control

One impressive aspect I experimented with was the camera call feature. My initial assumption was that this function might be useful in the unfortunate event of an intruder situation, but the practicality of it soon became obvious beyond the realms of home security. One convincing use-case is for instance, being able to communicate with a loved one, or soothing a crying baby remotely. This adds a tremendously convenient element to the whole product.

There’s also the flexibility of toggling between a one-way or two-way call. This choice means that you can either solely listen in on the happenings within your home or engage in a full-fledged conversation. This design of the calling feature, I found, worked flawlessly and without any delays, making it a top feature of this camera.

Quality Control: Choosing Between HD, SD or Auto for Best Viewing Results

The quality control settings are another aspect you will appreciate. Having the freedom to switch between HD, SD, or Auto quality settings is a big plus. It’s vital, especially when you’re dealing with varying internet strength issues. Over a strong Wi-Fi connection, HD provides crisp and clear images. Nevertheless, if you are on a mobile connection or dealing with fluctuating Wi-Fi strength, Auto or SD seems to be more reliable. This way, there are no buffering issues, and the live camera feeds stay smooth.

Being able to adapt the video streaming quality is undoubtedly an important feature, often overlooked in many smart cameras on the market. It essentially allows for tailoring the experience based on your individual needs and situation, thereby improving the overall user experience with the YI Home Camera.

Connectivity & Accessibility Across Devices

• Efficiently manage multiple cameras via YI Home app
• Separate camera setups for distinct settings and features
• Sharing access feature for home security

Connecting and managing multiple cameras via the YI Home app was a surprisingly efficient process. Given the often tedious nature of syncing devices, I appreciated the simplicity with which the YI Home Camera integrated into a broader system. This is something I believe many consumers, especially those with larger homes or multiple properties, will find incredibly beneficial.

Managing Multiple Cameras

The app readily invites the addition of more cameras. You have a choice from the 720p version to the 1080p version 2, and they can all be managed from one neat interface. An essential point to note, however, is that the separate cameras are indeed separate – meaning, each camera setup has its distinct settings and features. If you have specific needs for each area in your house, this could be a handy feature, but it might prove a little cumbersome for those preferring synchronized settings.

Sharing Access

Sharing access came off extremely thoughtfully encompassed in the app. By merely sharing a link, other people in your household or trusted individuals can gain access to the camera’s feed. Ensuring the privacy features are all customizable, I realized it almost builds a sense of a shared responsibility for home security. Still, it’s always essential to bear in mind that sharing involves providing another layer of access to your private space, so use it thoughtfully.

In conclusion, the connectivity and accessibility of the YI Home Camera system are essentially user-friendly, with some small considerations to note. The flexibility and sharing options could be a big selling point for families or businesses with larger spaces to monitor.

Final Verdict: Weighing the Pros & Cons

After thoroughly experiencing the YI 1080p Home Camera, it’s time to take a step back and run through the key positives and negatives that stood out in both theory and practice. This should help even further in highlighting where this camera excels and areas where it may somewhat fall short.

Pros

• High Build Quality and Design: The design of the camera is minimalistic and flexible, meaning it would not look out of place in any home setup. It’s especially notable the camera and stand are robust enough to be moved and adjusted frequently without worry.
• Efficient Setup: The setup process managed to really impress me. It’s intuitive and easy to follow, making it accessible to all, regardless of their technical ability. From signing into your Wi-Fi network to scanning the QR code, it was a seamless process.
• High-Level Functionality: Obvious functions like HD recording were admired, but it’s the intelligent innovation like baby crying detection that left a real impact. Equally, the smart detection feature that adjusts sensitivity according to the activity region was impressive.
• Secure and Accessible: The option to set up a PIN code to access your camera adds an additional layer of security. It’s also beneficial to be able to add more cameras and share access with family members.

Cons

• Doesn’t Support 5 GHz Wi-Fi: The camera only supports the 2.4 GHz band, which may limit connectivity, especially for those users who use the 5 GHz band for faster, less crowded Wi-Fi.
• Subscription for Cloud Storage: While the camera does support Micro SD storage, if you want a cloud-based solution, you’ll have to pay extra for the YI Cloud service. This could be a potential hidden cost for users down the line.
• Motion Detection: Although the ability to customize the sensitivity of the motion detector was appreciated, in my experience, at a higher setting, it was too sensitive, leading to unnecessary alerts. It’s something users will need to adjust to their specific home setup.

Overall, considering the cost, the feature set of the YI 1080p Home Camera, and the user-friendly design, it seems like an excellent value for money proposition for anyone looking to enhance their home security. While it does have a few drawbacks, notably the Wi-Fi limitation and the potential additional cost for cloud storage, the positives overwhelmingly outshine the negatives. It delivers a smart security solution that is user-friendly, flexible, and packed with helpful features that enhance your home’s security effectively.

Should you buy the YI Home Security Camera?

Buy it if…

You’re near your home frequently

The YI camera’s intuitive two-way audio feature enables you to communicate with family members or alert intruders from your phone, this can come in handy if you are often close to your home or office.

You need a cost-effective high-quality security option

The YI camera offers high-resolution, full HD 1080p recording and a wide-angle lens, all for only 60 pounds or $60 – a great deal for anyone seeking a pocket-friendly purchase that does not compromise quality.

You’re not very tech-savvy

The YI Home Camera comes with a highly intuitive app that makes the setup and usage pretty beginner-friendly. This is particularly beneficial if you’re not comfortable with overly technical gadgets.

Don’t buy it if…

You Prefer devices that support a 5 gigahertz band

The camera only supports a 2.4 gigahertz band, which may not be ideal for those who prefer or use a 5 gigahertz band.

You need continuous power without an external source

The camera doesn’t come with an internal battery source and thus, needs to be constantly connected via a USB to MicroUSB connector – it may not be the best choice if you’re looking for a more portable or cable-free option.

You’re not interested in setting up activity regions for surveillance

The camera’s motion detection feature requires user-defined activity regions for proper functioning. This may seem like an unnecessary task if you prefer a security cam that automatically picks up movements in any area, without manual intervention.

FAQ

How much does the Y:I 1080p Home Camera cost approximately?

It can be found for around 60 pounds on Amazon UK and $60 on Amazon USA.

What key features does the Y:I 1080p Home Camera have?

The Camera offers Full HD 1080p recording, a 112-degree wide-angle lens, night vision, two-way audio, motion detection, and a baby crying detection feature.

Is there a battery inside the Y:I 1080p Home Camera?

No, the camera does not have a lithium-ion battery. It requires power and comes with a USB to microUSB connector for this purpose.

What type of WiFi network does the Y:I 1080p Home Camera support?

It only supports a 2.4 gigahertz band. It does not support the 5 gigahertz band.

What storage options are available for the Y:I 1080p Home Camera?

You can either use a micro SD card up to 32 gigabytes to store the recordings or sign up for the Y:I cloud service.

How does motion detection work on the Y:I 1080p Home Camera?

You set an activity region or range in your room where the camera will detect movement. It is smart enough to recognize movement specifically within your activity region.

Can the Y:I 1080p Home Camera be used to communicate?

Yes, the camera has a feature which allows two-way communication. You can press a button on the mobile app to start a call via the camera.

Can you share access to the Y:I 1080p Home Camera with other people?

Yes, you can share access with other people who have a Y:I Home app. They can join through a link you share with them.