This article is an Amcrest ProHD Outdoor Security IP Turret PoE Camera review.
I've been testing this IP camera for a week, and I have enough data to get to a conclusion about the pros and cons of this product. Just keep reading.
The camera model is IP5M-T1179EW-28MM.
It is avaible on the Amazon store, click the link below to check the price.
Camera Overview
The Amcrest ProHD IP Turret is designed to work as a discrete security camera.
With 5MP resolution and a 2.8mm lens, the camera records crisp videos during daytime and works in dark environments using its NightVision feature.
It's possible to use the internal microphone to listen to somebody close to the camera and record the audio/video into an Amcrest NVR or a micro SD card.
The camera is weatherproof (IP67), so you can install the camera outdoors and use a power supply or PoE (Power Over Ethernet) to power it on.
What is in the box
The camera box brings the Amcrest IP turret camera, a quick guide, and installation accessories such as mounting plate, anchors, screws, and cable protectors.
There's also a camera installation template, a Warranty card, and a 1-month Free subscription coupon for the Amcrest cloud.
Camera features
Here are some of the Amcrest ProHD Outdoor Security IP Turret Camera features.
5MP resolution
High-resolution cameras allow you to see clear details on the video, especially when using the digital zoom. This Amcrest IP camera has a resolution of 5MP (Mega Pixel), which is more than double of a traditional Full HD camera (2MP).
Wide angle lens
With a 2.8mm lens, the camera has a wide-angle of view. It's possible to capture the image of an entire room.
Weatherproof
The camera has IP67 ingress protection, which means it's designed for outdoor installation, and water from heavy rains can't get inside of the product.
NightVision
At night, the camera turns its infrared LEDs to illuminate its surroundings and record everything in the dark, as shown in the image below.
Audio
The internal microphone allows you to hear everything close to the camera.
Micro SD card slot
There's a micro SD card slot in the back part of the camera.
You can install a micro SD card into the camera to record video locally.
The camera accepts up to 256GB micro SD cards.
Camera installation and setup
The setup is straightforward; download the Amcrest View Pro from the Android store, power the camera, connect it to a router, and use the for the setup.
There's a wizard to guide you on a step-by-step setup.
You can use the P2P or IP/Domain/DDNS options.
The camera automatically receives an IP from the router and gets connected to the network. With the P2P setup, just scan the QR code and follow the instructions.
Amcrest View Pro (Smartphone App)
After the installation, the app shows the live feed from the camera.
The app is very intuitive and easy to use.
It's possible to select multiple camera views, enable audio, change the resolution (SD or HD), take a snapshot, manually start/stop the video recording, etc.
You can use the App to playback recorded videos and setup the cameras features.
It's possible to adjust parameters such as motion detection sensitivity, schedule, region, and other features. See the picture below for more details.
You can configure the camera to send you notifications via mobile app and email.
Web Interface
You can access the Amcrest ProHD Outdoor Security IP Turret PoE Camera via a web interface. Let's do a quick review on the main features.
There's no need to install a plugin; the camera automatically works on the Google Chrome Browser and gives you an error message if you try to use the I.E. browser.
The picture below shows the camera live view feed via a web browser.
You can have access to the camera video recordings by clicking on "Playback".
Using the setup menu you can configure your camera.
The menu is intuitive and easy to use.
Cloud recording
It's possible to set up the Amcrest camera for cloud recording.
You can sign up for a Free or a paid plan that ranges from 7 to 90 days recording with prices from $6 to $27.50/month, respectively per camera.
You can use the app or visit the Amcrest cloud to create your account.
Third party compatibility
The camera has the ONVIF protocol which allows the integration with third party recorders and softwares such as the Blue Iris.
Pros and cons
It's time to talk about the good and the bad of this Amcrest IP camera.
Here we go...
Pros
Cons
So, basically the video quality is very good and features are awesome.
I just had a hard time playing with different apps for live view and playback on this camera and the otherAmcrest Wi-Fi Pan Tilt camera I have running on the Amcrest Home App. So, there are two different apps to deal it to view the live cameras.
It's also necessary to use another app for the cloud setup, so... too many apps.
Conclusion
This review is about the Amcrest ProHD Outdoor Security IP Turret PoE Camera's main features, and I must say I'm happy with this product.
I would recommend it for most home and small business installation.
The quality and features are worth this price tag.
Click the button below to check it on Amazon.