Author: Kaitlyn Short
Samsung's SmartCam home security line is currently composed of four camera models: SmartCam HD Wi-Fi Camera, SmartCam HD 1080p Full HD WiFi Camera, SmartCam HD Outdoor 1080p Full HD WiFi Camera and SmartCam HD Pro 1080p Full HD WiFi Camera. These are high-quality IP cameras capable of quality home surveillance at an affordable price. Each model, indoor or outdoor, is small and sleek, easy to set up, and records decent video without much hassle needed from the user.
Keep reading for pros and cons, plus Samsung Smartcam reviews from real customers
Simple setup is a big feature of the SmartCam device line. You simply download the app on your smartphone or tablet with a wi-fi connection, then a smart wizard helps you complete the setup process once connected to your wi-fi network. Other features include 1080p HD live streaming footage, night vision, two-way communication with a built-in speaker and built-in mic, advanced motion and audio detection that can tell the difference between a rustling plant outside your window, and actual movement in the room, and the ability to set different motion zones within the field of view to be sent push notifications about. You also have options while viewing your SmartCam live feed video in the app. You can pan and tilt, plus you can zoom up to 4x on the mobile app and up to 10x when viewing footage on your online account.
The body of the camera is lightweight and versatile. It is designed to be easily set up in your home or business location; it can be set up nearly anywhere with a flat surface, near a wall outlet, and with a decent wifi connection. Its wifi capabilities, in particular, make the SmartCam a very useful security tool complete with push notifications for real-time alerts and alarms sent straight to your phone.
This IP camera line is relatively cheap when considering its high video quality and special features. There is no monthly cloud service fee and the initial purchase price is within $100-200. The cloud storage recording options are also free and simple to access. The additional MicroSD memory card slot allows you the option to choose the local storage route. Most of the SmartCam's features are affordable and hassle-free to operate, making it a great way to keep your home security as simple a task as possible.
The SmartCam's cloud storage options, though free to use, are minimal at best. They allow uploads of a length no more than 30-seconds. These clips are easily uploaded to the cloud but are difficult to organize and control. You can use SD card storage to save more video manually, but this requires more effort and understanding of the technology.
Additionally, the Samsung SmartCam app for Android and iOS mobile devices have middling user reviews. Google Play shows a score of 3.2 with 4,800+ reviews and Apple shows a score of 2.2 with 233 reviews.
Samsung itself doesn't have the best customer support available. They outsource their products to outside vendors, which makes it difficult to get the proper support through Samsung channels. They do provide some tutorials on the SmartCam's website, but the more "technologically challenged" may find some struggle when faced with issues that aren't addressed in the site's FAQ section.
These are the last models to be branded as Samsung Smartcams. The company has a rebranded line called Wisenet SmartCam, under a new corporate name change from Samsung Security to Wisenet under the umbrella of Hanwha Techwin. Newer models will be listed under the Wisenet brand.
Additionally, Samsung's SmartThings Hub product line for home automation devices no longer supports the Samsung Smartcam camera line.
The Samsung SmartCam line has been a perfectly acceptable security option for those on a budget, whether looking for an indoor security camera or outdoor cameras. It's capable of providing the user with crisp and detailed high-definition video, two-way audio, motion detection, and real-time recording alert notifications, as well as live video streaming via the iOS and Android mobile device app. Users can also opt for local storage on models that have an sd card or micro sd card slot. It doesn't require much in the way of setup and operation, but some may find the lack of user support an issue when faced with technological problems, especially as the company is moving away from the Samsung-branded Smartcam line toward the new Wisenet line. As the company is moving toward different branding, we are not certain how much longer the SmartCam line will be supported by Samsung for customer support, and tech updates.
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