Most low-cost out of doors security cameras I’ve examined have one evident situation, or the producer prioritized superfluous options over the fundamentals. Who cares about Alexa help if the video feed is uneven? Is it actually a cut price if I’ve to enroll in a month-to-month subscription simply to view my clips?
It’s not good, however the Defender Guard Pro is a refreshingly simple out of doors safety digicam that delivers clear video and helps fundamental options most folk need—all at an reasonably priced value. Video clips are saved domestically, there aren’t any hidden further charges—it even comes with a MicroSD card—and it labored reliably for me (after a bit of tweaking).
Shaky Setup
Let me get the dangerous stuff out of the best way. The worst a part of my expertise with the Defender Guard Pro was the setup. There are two causes for this, and also you’ll wish to take into account them before you purchase this digicam.
First, the Defender Guard Pro solely helps the two.4-GHz Wi-Fi band, which is widespread for safety cameras, however it may possibly current issues throughout setup in case your cellphone will not be linked to the two.4-GHz band in your Wi-Fi community. Some routers let you switch bands by way of the app, or you may create a visitor community that often operates on the 2.4-GHz band. I downloaded the Defender Guard app, signed up for an account (I used to be happy to see two-factor authentication), and scanned the QR code on the digicam, however it took a number of makes an attempt so as to add due to this situation.
Screenshot: Defender Guard by way of Simon Hill
Screenshot: Defender Guard by way of Simon Hill
Second, the Defender Guard Pro is a tethered digicam that wants an influence outlet. You get a prolonged energy cable (10 ft) with an non-obligatory extension (25 ft), however the cable will not be waterproof. The digicam is designed to be wall-mounted on the outside of your home (screws are equipped), and you will need to drill a gap to feed the cable by means of—solely a brief part of the ability cable on the finish is waterproof. This digicam helps power-over-Ethernet, so you may also use an Ethernet cable, although this isn’t offered. The digicam itself is IP67-rated for water and mud resistance and has braved wet Scotland with none issues.
A 32-gigabyte MicroSD card comes within the field with the Defender Guard Pro, however you may also purchase it with a 128-GB or 256-GB card (or insert your personal). If you intend to show steady recording on, it’s most likely price snagging a higher-capacity card, however for recording occasions, 32 GB is lots.
Clear View
With a max 2,560 x 1,440-pixel decision, the Defender Guard Pro gives pleasingly clear and easy video at 30 frames per second. You can pinch to zoom in (as much as 16X digital zoom) and nonetheless see an inexpensive degree of element. You may change to a decrease decision in case your Wi-Fi’s vary is restricted, however video high quality inevitably suffers. The principal weak point is the shortage of HDR, so brilliant areas can seem blown out (keep away from putting in the digicam in a spot that will get direct solar).
Screenshot: Defender Guard by way of Simon Hill
