EZVIZ Camera Systems

[RunGunBro]

Hi all

I am looking at an easy solution to my home security camera setup.

In the past I have used Hikvision IP cameras connected to an NVR but I am now looking at the EZVIZ cameras. (Company also owned by Hikvision)

The app and the whole system seems more consumer friendly for a home set up. More plug and play.

Has anyone got experience to know if there are POE versions available in SA? (I want to use Lan to power them rather than running silly 12V DC to them)

A bit of a long shot but if anyone has input I'd appreciate it.

Cheers

 

[RunGunBro]

My own research tends to lean towards it not being possible to power these via POE and one needs to run DC power to them. A wiring nightmare inevitably.

 

[Billionairebum]

If you do find a decent solution please let us know. I've been looking at BlueIris and a few PoE cameras as a start with some AI face recognition bits, but it doesn't seem set and forget at all.

 

[thecurto]

I'm using the EZVIZ BC1C wireless cameras and can confirm that it is as close to plug and play/set and forget as possible. There are literally no cables needed.

They use Wi-Fi and have a built-in battery and 32GB of storage built in as well. I've been running them for about 6 months and the battery lasts between 1.5 - 2 months depending on how much movement the cameras pick up each day. Wi-Fi signal is solid as they seem to pick up my mesh network inside.

Each camera has a sturdy magnetic base (or screw in mount if you prefer) so when you need to charge it, just pop it off in the morning, plug in a micro-USB cable and it's fully charged by the afternoon.

The app is easy to use and you can log in remotely to access the live feed. You can use their cloud storage service for a fee but I've just been storing footage on the internal storage which has been perfect for my needs.

Lastly, they've got some decent tech built in like a PIR motion system with a flood light, night vision, human detection so your pets don't set them off and a two-way intercom so you can chat to your friendly Takealot delivery guy from a distance.

Link here: Takealot

 

[rabiddog]

I use Ezviz cameras and much like thecurto I found setup and use very simple.

I have previously used the c3w's with an NVR. At the moment I use majority bc1c and two c3x just incase I forget to charge the bc1c's.

Setup is easy, use is simple. While I don't use the cloud storage I found the pricing was competitive when I did the research.

It's worth noting that many of the wifi models, if not all will only work on 2.4g. This is common but changing more I believe.
There are one or two poe models but not that many unfortunately. I think ezviz is popular in the DIY market where most choose wifi.

 

[fLAKY]

Ezviz are great just a bit expensive. You can also look at the xiaomi range, I use them very very good value for money.

On you 12v issue. You do get POE to DC converters you can use those to convert from POE to your dc plug and then power the cameras. I have done it in the past and works well. Just make sure you are getting the correct converter as you do get converters that will step down from 12v to 5v

 

[GerhardHoffman]

I have a few C3X cameras. Their night vision is truly insane. I don't run POE. Their wifi is very strong so I opted to go for a 24V DC system that goes throughout the house with a DC to DC converter at each camera. This is to keep the cameras on during load shedding.

 

[iamgigglz]

Just a heads up if you’re shopping around; stay away from anything that uses the Yi Home app. It was always packed full of ads, but now they’ve added a full screen ad that shows whenever you open the app. Annoying as hell when you want to see what that noise in the passageway was…

I’m also running an Ezviz system with the NVR and it’s great. Can recommend. My only annoyance is the detection zone feature doesn’t work too well.

 

[GerhardHoffman]

The C3X detection zone works very well. It has accurate human detection and a bunch of other detection methods.

 

[RunGunBro]

Thanks all for the valuable feedback. I am looking at using POE/ETHERNET to DC adapters as I already have LAN run to the spots I want to put the cameras.

I will then run a UPS to my modem which will hopefully pass power onto the cameras during load shedding.

 

[Reverse Flash]

Anyone use the Ezviz BC1C with the solar panel? Does it remain charged with solar?

 

[gavin286]

Thanks all for the valuable feedback. I am looking at using POE/ETHERNET to DC adapters as I already have LAN run to the spots I want to put the cameras.

I will then run a UPS to my modem which will hopefully pass power onto the cameras during load shedding.

Takealot

I use these to power some things in my network rack from the switch. They're selectable voltage too, from 5 to 12v.

 

[gavin286]

If your budget allows, Ubiquiti cameras are a good option. All PoE (from any switch if you're not in their eco system). User friendly app that is updated often, as well as F/W updates for the hardware. The capital outlay is on the expensive side with needing a cloud key to record to and host the software, but no monthly fees etc.

 

[Grumpy Mango]

I have 4 EZVIZ cameras, one C3X and 3 C3TN's. All running on the wireless network with 12V cables going to a 150W power bank. All together they use around 15wh so i can get around 10 hours back up power with the small power bank.

Wifi signal is ok, cameras are 10-15m from router and go through walls etc, signal is ok, not great. The cameras work very well, The Ai human and vihicle identification is ok, again not great and i get many false alarms. The android app is good especially when you have the cloud subscription. The PC app is decent if a little feature poor, but works well regardless.

I cant comment on the option for POE but i can confirm that all my cameras came with RJ45 connectors.

Ive had these cameras up for a year and im still happy, we have frequent bad weather with heavy rain and high winds and so far they are holding up well.

 

[Reverse Flash]

Anyone know the differences between the BC1C & CB3 ?

I can only see that
*The CB3 does not come with magnetic base & built in memory? and smaller battery...

 

[RunGunBro]

Okay so since posting I went and purchased one unit of BC1C unit.

This wouldn't really be a product I would have gone for as, on paper, it seems like it would be gimmicky. (Battery powered, wifi, magnetic mounting etc)

I ended up taking the risk on it as I did not feel like running cables.

So far I have been pretty happy. The set up was easy, the app works pretty well with various settings to choose from, the voice and alarm functions work well too. I do not have the cloud subscription for now. Another plus is due to the battery, it operates during load shedding seamlessly. (Obviously you need a UPS system for your wifi)

The only down side is there are relatively expensive at R2k +. 3 units would set you back around R6500 which is pretty steep. I am looking at getting one or two more for other areas around my property.

 

[RunGunBro]

Anyone know the differences between the BC1C & CB3 ?

I can only see that
*The CB3 does not come with magnetic base & built in memory? and smaller battery...

I have one BC1C unit and have been impressed. The magnetic mounting works surprisingly well.

Also the battery life seems really good (depending on your settings).

 

[Reverse Flash]

I have one BC1C unit and have been impressed. The magnetic mounting works surprisingly well.

Also the battery life seems really good (depending on your settings).

Thanks, appreciate your replies. I am thinking about getting them with the solar panels about 3 or 4 so I don't have to keep charging.

Will also need to get a backup unit for wifi - thinking about the Gizzu ones...

Can you access the camera from a laptop as well or only app?

 

[Grumpy Mango]

Can you access the camera from a laptop as well or only app?

EZVIZ has a PC app that i use daily. it has limited functionality but works well enough. i just run it on my 3rd screen so i can easily see whats going on

 

[Reverse Flash]

EZVIZ has a PC app that i use daily. it has limited functionality but works well enough. i just run it on my 3rd screen so i can easily see whats going on

Thanks bud, that will be helpful