Home security, in particular, DIY options have grown in popularity over the last few years. Sadly, it’s part of the world we live in now that people need to be more aware of the security of their home. Thankfully, there are manufacturers like D-Link who are making that pathway easy to understand and deliver. With two new offerings — one indoor, one outdoor — there’s even more reason to invest in protecting your home and family.
D-Link DCS-8526LH – $179.95
The DCS-8526LH Full HD Pan/Tilt Pro Wi-Fi Camera is designed to give you full visibility. It can turn a full 360° and offers auto-motion tracking with AI to ensure you’re not getting false positives from your cat or dog roaming the house. It’s got IR LEDs which give you a clear view for 5 metres even in the pitch black of night.
An interesting feature is “Tap Location” which allows you to point the camera at any target in the field of view with just a single tap. This means accuracy of viewing and quick response to anything you want to take a closer look at.
D-Link has been smart with its implementation of this camera too, bringing a privacy mode. Enabled through the mydlink app to cover the camera lens. This means you’ve got full control over when your camera is able to see anything, without being concerned of third parties viewing recorded footage, or “hacking” into your camera.
D-Link DCS-8630LH – $279.95
The DCS-8630LH is a full HD Outdoor Wi-Fi Spotlight Camera, similar to the Arlo Essential Spotlight Camera we recently reviewed. It uses a 400-lumen spotlight to give quality colour night vision throughout the wide viewing angle. The spotlight will activate after dark when movement is detected or can be manually activated through the app. All the while, it will handle whatever the weather throws its way thanks to the IP65 rating on the camera and cables.
The DCS-8630LH has a built-in Smart Home Hub allowing you to connect it to other mydlink Smart DIY devices. This could very well be the first step for many users to begin their smart home security setup. With devices like the motion, door and window sensors available.
Storage, Subscriptions and the cloud
Both new devices — like many before — will connect to your D-Link cloud account, so your security footage is safe even if your camera is stolen. Through this, you can view your footage moments later or, of course, stream real-time what is happening in, or around your home. If you want to hook them up to a more immediately accessible option, you can put up to a 256GB microSD card in the camera which will record over the oldest footage when motion events trigger. If you want greater visibility, you can continuously record by linking the cameras to a compatible NVR, VMS or NAS device.
D-Link is one of the many options available for DIY Home Security. What features do you look for when you’re shopping for this line of equipment?
Do I still need a subscription if I am linking to and storing the footage on my NAS?