Wansview Outdoor Security Camera 1080P WiFi Wireless IP Camera, Surveillance Outdoor Weatherproof Bullet Home Security Camera With Night Vision and Remote View and Control W2 (white)

Disclaimer:As a satisfied customer of two Wansview cameras which have been in service for some years, and having already completed a review on those cameras, Wansview enquired whether I would be prepared to undertake a review of their latest camera, with purchase price reimbursed. I agreed, and present my findings below. I purchased the camera from Amazon in the usual way, i.e. without pre-selection.Executive summary:The W2 is a good quality metal bodied HDMI 1080P fixed bullet camera, that performs exceptionally well. It has good inherent low light performance due to its comparatively large low noise sensor (allowing acceptable colour video almost to sunset), a good processor with fast and strong compression algorithms giving almost no video lag and allowing 25 fps without overloading the WiFi. It also comes with clear English instructions. The camera is complemented by a stable, intuitive, free, and advert-free App (Android and Apple versions). It was reassuringly easy to establish fast and reliable first-time connectivity, and customise other features. The WiFi antenna is of high sensitivity, and lead lengths on both the camera’s wire tail and its plugtop power supply are plentiful. Depth of field for the fixed focus glass lens is excellent in daylight and good at night. The wall or bulkhead mount is vibration-free , although alignment can prove difficult . Like all bullet cameras with integrated IR LEDs, it is susceptible to reflection from spiders’ webs, exacerbated due to the absence of an optical baffle ring outside of the front glass between the lens and IRLEDs..I identified a small defect in the sample I bought which I easily overcame with the manufacturer’s support – see footnote.Plus points:• Excellent value for money• High quality materials and construction – IP66 sealed and stable in windy conditions.• User-friendly and intuitive Apple/Android apps• Very easy and fast first-time P2P connectivity using QR• Dedicated p2p support allows easy access to multiple cameras over the internet• Long lead lengths on camera and power brick• Excellent video compression• Reliable, stable wi-fi connection• Good low light optical performance• Good third party app/Windows program support with ONVIF and RTSP protocols configurable ports, and access to Wansview’s DNS lookup server• Backward compatibility and integration opportunities with more complex home systems• Mounting hardware and Allen keys for alignment are supplied• FTP image/video clip recording for motion-detected alarm is included for those with FTP server (at home or on line)• Email snapshot on alarm can be set up (the camera can store SMTP detail)Minus points:• Significant video degradation and near continuous “false positives” for motion detection at night result under IR illumination if you get a spider’s web in front of the camera.• Difficult to align accurately• Zones for alarm setting require Windows and IE access• No SD card support• No speaker or microphone connectivity• No alarm I/O connectivity• Focus adjustment requires internal accessFor whom, and in what situations, would I recommend this camera?This camera, whilst useful for general purpose/security applications with several image/video clip push options represents significant progress over earlier generation cameras by achieving 25 f.p.s. at full 1080p resolution without eating too much WiFi bandwidth. These dynamics make it exceptionally good for continuous monitoring of remote areas, wildlife during the day, and at night (spiders’ webs permitting).Packaging/DeliveryThe camera arrived on a Sunday afternoon, ordered ~30 hours earlier – perfectly to schedule. The Wansview packaging was superb, with camera and other components comprehensively protected in a glossy box, and typical Amazon overwrap.First imageI am used to doing this fairly quickly via a web interface – and that is still feasible with this camera as it maintains support with IE. However, for the less technical, Wansview has simplified the procedure for smartphone users (Android or Apple). Initial connectivity is very quick and reliable – best yet that I have experienced. Having wired as per instructions, downloaded the Wansview app (only a few Mb), run it, hit the + sign to add the camera, pointed the phone camera at the QR code on the Wansview camera body – “ding” – enter “123456” as password – I was imaging to my phone literally only a minute or two after getting it out of the box.Essential Software SettingsThese are very easy and do-able from the App – computer not needed. Setting up WiFi is also straightforward. Assuming wireless use, once settings have been uploaded to the camera you can – and should – unplug the wired network lead. TIP: In addition to changing the (user name and) Password of the admin, even if you are the only user, add a “Visitor” or “Operator” account for yourself and, once all required settings are uploaded, switch to that log-in, thereby preventing accidental changes of any settings.Mounting the cameraThe (long) camera tail needs to be passed through to indoors for subsequent connection to the power lead (and I suspect occasional P2P connection to a laptop for firmware updates). The fattest part of the tail is the network socket, requiring a hole of ~18mm diameter. Screws and plugs are provided to secure the camera backplate to the wall or soffit. The bigger hole for the wire tail can either be in the centre of these three backplate mounting holes or a short distance away. If the latter there is a slot in the backplate to allow the tail to exit coplanar to the plate and then loop. The latter is much easier as the camera can be physically mounted before dealing with the wire tail. TIP – using self-amalgamating tape, secure the reset switch and power socket mini-tails behind the network mini-tail; work a spare network cable strapped to a straightened wire coathanger or similar through the hole from the inside, plug that in to the tail and (with one person each side) push/pull that part of the tail through the hole. The other two parts of the tail (power and reset switch) will follow.Aligning the cameraCompared to ball mounted bullet cameras, adjusted like an interior mirror on a car, this one is fiddly. However, it can be made much easier by having the camera switched on, with an artificial target at the centre point of interest, and a phone or tablet receiving live images in view while aligning the camera.This camera is aligned using spherical principles. One pivot is perpendicular to the mounting plate – let’s call it Altitude or “Alt”, another that scribes the camera in an arc – let’s call that Azimuth or “Az”, and finally the camera rotates about its own optical axis – let’s call that Rotation or “Rot”.To adjust Alt, not only does the larger Allen screw on the Alt joint need to be loosened, but the clamshell needs loosening near the wall plate by slackening the smaller Allen screw and unscrewing the whole slightly. The Alt angle can then be set in fairly coarse steps. Next, tighten the larger Allen screw to stop it slipping, then rotate the whole camera/bracket assembly to get the centre feature of the picture as near correct as possible (don’t worry about image rotation at this stage). It will likely be necessary to alternate between Alt and Az adjustments a couple of times to align the target perfectly, and there may be a compromise thanks to the comparatively coarse steps on the locks. Next, tighten the Allen screw near the mounting plate as well as the larger one on the Alt joint. Finally, set correct image rotation. Loosen each the two Allen screws opposite one another at the joint closest to the back of the camera by ~ half a turn each, rotate the camera about its axis to get the hood at the top and the rotation correct, then retighten these two Allen screws.Video performance out of the boxThe video performance in daylight and twilight was excellent, although when almost aiming into the sun some unwanted reflections could be a problem. Ideally the camera hood would be a little longer for the camera field of view; better, it would be. The App allows for up to x4 digital zoom, and the focus was crisp enough to support it for scenes at around 3m from the camera.Night time performance was excellent when first mounted. An IR cut filter switches out at the same time as the IR illuminator cuts in. Spiders are abundant in my rural location and cause problems on most external security cameras..This one is slightly worse than most in that regard. Although the lens is recessed behind the LED array with an internal baffle ring, there is no baffling in front of the front glass, so a spider’s web strand anchored to the front cowl across the face of the camera reflects blinding IR from the LEDs straight back into the lens and camera sensor. If night time performance is important and spiders abound, you may need a different camera or a bit of background lighting of the area under surveillance and set the IR illumination to “always off”. If this becomes a big problem, I may experiment with an external baffle ring of my own.Optimised focus video performance and internal constructionBeing a keen photographer, I wanted to adjust the lens focus. To do this requires that the camera front cowl and glass be removed (by loosening Allen screws, one of which is covered by a tamper-evident paper seal). I examined the internal components and construction and am pleased to report that the materials, construction techniques and internal design are to a high engineering standard. The slightest movement on the lens both ways affirmed that only minuscule improvement was possible. I should stress that no such adjustment is essential and would not have been contemplated other than to complete a comprehensive review.Motion detectionThere are four windows, individually adjustable for position, size and sensitivity. They can overlap too. A PC interface is needed to enable and adjust these individually.Footnote: Soon after installing I noticed mist inside the front glass. This was traced to a minor dent on a flange where the camera is sealed. I dried it out and resealed the camera with a thin smear of silicone grease at the point of concern – no problems since.

I bought this camera after read reviews, but my opinion about this camera in general is lacks of sophistication. After good pictures and easy to set , I still have problems such as I had so much trouble to reconnecting, I have buy long Ethernet cable to connect between router and camera to working ( it’s not wireless), still can not workout alarm, etc... what’s point to having this for security ? Feels wasted money.

I got this camera after getting the Q3S from Wansview. Even though this is an outdoor camera, I am using it indoors. It does the job I need it to and look nice with a collection of high quality cabling coming from the back. it is bigger than I thought it would be.Like the Q3S, the quality of image and frame rate is very good. I plumped with Wansview after doing quite a bit of research. If you are looking to get a camera for indoors though, I would get the Q3S. The quality is the same to my eye but the Q3S is more zoomed out by default, can move by panning with the app and can transmit sound and voice both ways.I like to use the app on my phone and the application on my Surface Pro 4. I often have it on its stand with the camera in full screen. There is room for improvement in user interface but I can't knock the functionality and quality.

The media could not be loaded. Product TitleWansview W2 (1080p Wireless Outdoor IP camera)Box ContentsWansview W2 Camera, USB UK plug, RJ45 Cable, Wall mounting attachment + fittings, user manual and CD (Contents can be downloaded via their website)First impressionsThe camera arrived packaged well and had a premium feel to it. The box provided product details and links to the Wansview iPhone and Android apps. Inside the box the contents were protected and wrapped well.I had a good feeling about this camera from the moment I took it out of the box, I was looking forward to setting it up.One of the things that impressed me about this camera is the RJ45 plug that is attached to the camera cable (see photo). It’s a lot thinner than my other Wansview camera meaning I won’t have to drill as big hole in the wall. This is an excellent upgrade.First setupWow! What an easy setup! I already have two Wansview cameras and this was just as easy. First download the app to your smartphone. Once in the app you need to click the + to add a new camera and select use your phones camera to scan the QR code located on the camera itself. This will add the camera to the app. Next plug in the RJ45 cable connecting it to your router and camera. Your camera will now be on your home network. Head in to your camera settings and configure your wifi, this is in advanced settings and you just need to select your network and enter the password. Finally head over to the user settings in your app and change the default password. You are then good to go, unplug your RJ45 cable and enjoy a wifi enabled camera.RunningYou can view your camera via several methods, on your laptop/PC you can use the Wansview software or use the web browser (IE, Chrome but not Edge). On your mobile or table use the Wansview app to view your cameras. I needed to invert my camera so the picture was the right way up, this was easy to do inside the app.When you first view your camera in the app it defaults to 480p, changing it to use 1080p makes a massive difference to the image quality.To my surprise I didn’t have to make any router changes to access my cameras away from home, it did it all for me and I can now keep an eye on things from work.I also use MotionEyeOS on my Raspberry Pi, this allows me to manage all my cameras from one location and store my video on my NAS drive. Adding this camera to MotionEyeOS was easy and there were not conflicts.Things I like• Long power cable• Great night vision• Incredibly easy set up• No extra set up to access away from home• Nice premium look and feel to the camera• Easy to use and well made mobile appThings I don’t like• Defaults to 480p – this could give a bad first impression if you didn’t realise you could change it to 1080pSummaryA solid camera with lots of features, set up is simple and easy to follow using the quick start guide. These devices have improved a lot over the last few years and the price has continued to be low without decreasing the quality. Don’t be put off by the cheaper price when comparing it to others such as TP-Link, DLink etc. This camera is superb.I also recommend checking out their indoor camera range, again these are superb cameras and can be viewed within the same app.I have included a video showing the desktop apps and the mobile app.[...]

Unfortunately I can not review this product as|I have not been able to set it up and connect it. This is because the small `allen` type screws are stuck fast and can not be moved. So, set up is impossible. However, that said, if this camera is as good as the previous indoor cameras I have bought then it`s a thumbs up!

Product sounded great and looked even better when I unpackaged it, however, after several attempts at linking it to WiFi it kept saying cannot connect with 5g WiFi, it said to switch to 2.4g. Not a clue so I’ve returned it.