YI Dome Camera is a very good product. With all of the options out there now it is difficult to choose the right item for your individual needs. Sometimes reading reviews can often lead you to what you would not initially pick.
This review is for the YI Dome Camera 1080p Home Security Camera. And the YI Home Android/IOS app.
First of all. As pseudo technologically challenged people. This Camera and the APP needed to operate it are VERY easy to install and use. The instructions are easily understandable. We had no problem connecting the camera/s to our WIFI. We did not need to place the camera directly next to the WIFI box as instructed. The camera paired with the APP running on a tablet instantly and easily with no problems. Once you plug in the camera, it has voice commands on what to do next! Way cool!
Initially, after reading several negative reviews about the privacy issues using the APP on your phone or tablet. As does MOST APPS that can access your contacts, documents, make changes to your phone/system etc.. We decided not to install the APP on our phones or old tablets.
Warning: The APP ONLY runs on Android or Apple/IOS systems. We own PC computers. The camera was already in transit after learning this. BUT, we contacted the company with our predicament. They quickly responded within 30 minutes! With a link to download the APP version for PCs. But the PC version of the APP does NOT allow about 80% of the original Android and IOS system settings and features. It basically only allows live time viewing and controlling the camera direction and maybe IR light on and off. No recording and saving options.
With that and the privacy issue in mind. We simply bought a NEW Android tablet to use ONLY for the security cameras!
The Android APP has ALL of the features stated and works flawlessly and easily. We purchased the cameras to monitor our front and back yards after a neighbors’ pit bull dogs tore up our vehicle’s front end by trying to get to another neighbors cat hiding under it! This happened in the early morning hours when it was still dark outside. We did not know this was happening as we walked out to the car until the dogs barked at and almost attacked us out of nowhere!
Warning 2: This is an indoor use the only camera. We placed the camera on the window sill facing the front yard and driveway. We purchased this MOSTLY for night time viewing in the event of another dark time dog attack. To use the night time IR light for better quality night time recording. Disappointingly, when the camera is facing a reflective surface (the window) at night time. The IR light will bounce off of it. Making the video vary from perfect night time vision to as if your taking a picture with a flash going bright white. Never a stable vision. It constantly focuses and refocuses. Again we were discouraged.
BUT we contacted the company again. Resolution. Turn OFF the IR light setting. And BAM! Perfect night time recording! The nighttime recording is black and white as opposed to more color using the IR. Even with the HD setting, and the minimal light outside from our front porch light and public light posts. You can easily see vehicle make and models as they drive by! And can easily identify trash being blown around in the wind!
Motion Detection is GREAT! Only recording when motion is sensed. You can choose the motion sensitivity from low to medium to high. On medium, it will not record when our bushes are blowing in the wind (which is ALWAYS) but WILL when people jog by, cars drive by, even birds flying close! High sensitivity it will record the smallest of movement like when rain is dripping down the window or when clouds are moving fast.
So far. Even after reading several bad reviews for several different reasons. And fearing having to return even if from our own errors. Any problems we have had. We contacted the company themselves and they helped us EVERY time. Responding within hours of the request! We are VERY pleased with this product and its support. Not to mention the price!
The HD recording IS HD and awesome! The camera itself has a Micro SD card slot to save videos directly to it should you choose not to buy the Cloud Protection Plan. If you’re only doing motion sensing recording, the SD card option has enough storage. As for negative reviews of the cameras ceasing to work after several weeks/months. Well, that DOES randomly happens with technology! I am sure if it happens to us. We will contact the company and see if there is any warranty or repair available. And if not. $53 for a new camera is NOT horrible if it gives you a great sense of security!
This price (even with buying a new tablet for the APP use) PALES in comparison to the large security companies with monthly membership costs. 5 stars all around!
