Key Features
|
|
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
The Function of Home Security Cams
Home security cams, more commonly known as security cameras, have become a staple in households across the world. But what functions do these cameras really serve, and why have they become such crucial elements of modern home security?
Deterrence of Criminal Activity
The primary function of home security cams is to act as a deterrent to potential intruders. When a would-be burglar spots a camera, the risks associated with breaking into that particular house increase manifold.
Real-time Monitoring
One of the major advantages of modern security cams is the ability for homeowners to monitor their property in real-time. This real-time monitoring isn’t just limited to preventing break-ins. Parents can check on their children, and homeowners can monitor service professionals like plumbers or cleaners who are working in their absence.
Evidence Collection
In the unfortunate event that a crime does occur, security cameras serve the crucial function of gathering evidence. Clear footage can help law enforcement agencies identify culprits, understand the sequence of events, and even aid during court proceedings.
Safety and Peace of Mind
Knowing that one’s home is under surveillance 24/7 brings unmatched peace of mind. It’s not just about preventing burglaries or vandalism; for many, it’s about monitoring old family members, ensuring children arrive home from school safely, or simply being aware of who is at the front door without having to answer it.
Integration with Other Smart Home Devices
Modern home security cams often come with the capability to integrate with other smart home devices. This could mean linking your cameras with smart lights to give the illusion of occupancy, or with smart locks to allow remote access to trusted individuals.
Read more: Top 7 Best Phone Cases
What Are The Parameters and Prices of Arlo Pro 5S?
Priced at $249.99, the Arlo camera is a testament to the brand’s continuous journey in innovation. Visually, this camera is reminiscent of the Pro 4 Spotlight Camera, which comes at a slightly cheaper $199.99.
However, the Arlo goes a step further by incorporating dual-band Wi-Fi, a power-saving mode, and the much-acclaimed SecureLink technology, a feature specifically designed for those possessing the Arlo Home Security System. The absence of compatibility with Apple’s HomeKit, a feature its predecessor had, maybe a letdown for some Apple enthusiasts.
For those on a tighter budget, there’s always the TP-Link Tapo C420S2, priced at a modest $119.99. Though it lacks the extensive field of view or the dual-band Wi-Fi, it still delivers quality 2K footage and has a provision for local storage through a microSD card slot. Ultimately, choosing between the two boils down to one’s specific requirements and budget.
The Functions and Characteristics of Arlo Pro 5S
When it comes to surveillance, the Arlo Camera leaves no stone unturned. Its capability to record or stream at an impressive 2,560 x 1,440-pixel resolution ensures that you have crystal-clear visuals at your disposal. With the luxury of a 12X zoom, you can easily spot any anomalies or focus on intricate details. The brightness levels can be adjusted seamlessly through the Arlo app, ensuring excellent HDR even under strong sunlight.
One notable upgrade that the Pro 5 boasts is the introduction of advanced color night vision. This enhancement, driven by larger camera sensors and refined software, has seen significant progress, mirroring the leaps in smartphone night photography. The Pro 5’s night vision can truly be termed one of the best in its class. However, while stationary objects appear crystal clear, moving subjects might sometimes show a slight blur. For those who prefer the old-school way, options for spotlight and black-and-white night recordings remain.
The Pro 5 further elevates its game with a jump to a 12-bit sensor from the previous 10-bit, ensuring improved color accuracy and sharper video quality. For users to genuinely experience the camera’s strengths, a robust internet connection becomes indispensable, especially when operating at maximum settings.
In terms of connectivity, the Pro 5 offers support for both the 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz bands, although the initial setup requires the 2.4-GHz connection. Though Arlo sells Base Stations separately, which are mandatory for local video recording or Apple HomeKit use, the Pro 5 can also be directly tethered to your router.
For designs, the Pro 5S 2K doesn’t stray too far from the Pro 4, giving users the choice between a pristine white and a sleek black finish for its weather-resistant shell. Although Arlo security cameras have yet to reveal an IP rating for this model, the device dimensions stand at 3.5 by 2.0 by 3.0 inches (HWD). The glossy black camera assembly, which slides in effortlessly, houses a removable, rechargeable battery. A conveniently located magnetic charging port and a release button are situated at the base. For mounting purposes, the back has a threaded hole designed to fit the provided mounting bracket perfectly.
One of the most anticipated features is its extended battery life. While the Pro 5S 2K utilizes the same battery as the Arlo Pro 4, its innovative Low Power mode can stretch the battery life up to a commendable eight months, a two-month improvement from its predecessor. This mode, when active, opts for snapshots over video clips for triggered events. The user retains the flexibility to manually activate this feature or set it to automatic mode once the battery hits a particular threshold.
Read more: Iganony Review: Best Anonymously Viewing Instagram 2023
How Does One Install and Use Arlo Security Cameras?
Installing the Pro 5S is a straightforward process for the user.
Firstly, the battery comes fully charged, followed by downloading the security camera app and creating an account with Arlo login.
- The next step involves tapping the plus icon at the top of the Devices screen. From there, the Pro Series is selected from the Cameras menu, and the Pro 5S is chosen.
- The user then input their Wi-Fi details and make sure the battery is correctly positioned.
- Once the LED begins blinking blue, the camera will scan the QR code displayed on the user’s phone.
- After hearing a chime, the user can tap “Continue” and patiently wait for the camera to establish a connection with the app.
- The camera is then named, and it instantly appeared on the app and the user’s Alexa device list.
- Post a quick firmware update, the camera is positioned outdoors, and attached to a backyard deck post using the provided screws and bracket.
- The installation concludes with a tap on the “Finish” button.
How Can One View Surveillance Footage?
The imaging specifications remain consistent. The Arlo camera system is a 4MP HDR camera that delivers 2K (2,560-by-1,440-pixel) video and provides a 12x digital zoom. It showcases a vast 160-degree field of view and features a motion-triggered spotlight, whose brightness hasn’t been specified by Arlo. The assembly also houses two IR LEDs for black-and-white night vision, a motion sensor covering a 130-degree range, a noise-canceling microphone, and a speaker. Additionally, the device comes equipped with a dual-band Wi-Fi radio and an 80dB siren.
The Arlo camera system is designed to record videos and dispatch alerts (both push and email) upon detecting motion or sound. Its auto-zoom and motion tracking functionalities enable clearer visuals of the detected subject. A subscription-exclusive smart motion detection capability can distinguish between people, pets, vehicles, and packages.
For local storage of recordings, the camera needs to be connected to the Arlo Smart Hub priced at $99.99 (supporting external USB drives). In contrast, the TP-Link Tapo C420S2 simplifies local storage with its integrated microSD card slot.
In the absence of an Arlo Smart Hub and without intentions of purchasing one, a subscription to an Arlo Secure plan becomes imperative to access cloud-based recordings. For a monthly charge of $4.99 (or an annual fee of $47.88), users receive 30 days of high-quality recordings for a single camera. This plan also grants access to advanced motion detection features, cloud-specific activity zones, sound-based alerts for smoke and CO alarms, and interactive notifications. Alternatively, for a monthly $12.99 (or yearly $119.88), these features can be unlocked for an unlimited number of cameras. The Arlo Secure Plus plan, priced at $17.99 monthly (or annually at $179.88), incorporates a 24/7 Emergency Response function.
Read more: Merchant Cash Advance Blursoft Review – Is It Worth It?
How Do I Connect My Phone?
To seamlessly integrate the Pro 5S 2K into your daily life, the device is designed to connect effortlessly with smartphones. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this:
Download the Arlo App: Begin by downloading the official Arlo security camera app from your respective smartphone’s app store (Google Play for Android users and App Store for iOS users).
Create or Log into Your Account: If you’re a new user, the app will prompt you to create an account. Existing users can simply log in.
Add Your Device: Once logged in, there’s an option to add a new device. Select the Pro 5S 2K from the list of available Arlo cameras.
Follow On-Screen Instructions: The security camera app will guide you through a series of steps, including scanning a QR code from the camera, selecting your Wi-Fi network, and inputting your Wi-Fi password.
Integration with Smart Home Services: The Pro 5S 2K has built-in compatibility with IFTTT applets, allowing for a broad interaction with numerous other smart devices, ranging from smart lights to thermostats, from various third-party vendors. Furthermore, for those who use voice services, the camera smoothly integrates with both Alexa and Google Assistant. This allows for voice commands to access the camera’s feed, control settings, or even play back recordings. Notably, while the camera supports platforms like SmartThings, Arlo has decided not to include support for Apple’s HomeKit. The camera’s compatibility with the emerging Matter standard remains to be confirmed.
Connection to Arlo Home Security System: If you have the Arlo Home Security System in place, the Pro 5S 2K can be tethered directly to the system’s central hub via Wi-Fi. Another great feature to consider is Arlo’s SecureLink. This feature ensures the camera stays online even if there’s a hiccup in your Wi-Fi connectivity. Additionally, by allowing the camera to offload certain connectivity functions to the hub, SecureLink aids in prolonging the battery lifespan of the Pro 5S 2K.
Conclusion
The Pro 5S 2K is undoubtedly a powerful piece of security camera that’s both versatile and adaptable. With its ability to integrate with a variety of smart home services, except notably Apple HomeKit, it provides users with flexibility and convenience.
