Foscam FI9853EP

Been looking for new outdoor cameras for some time, normally I install Axis but the budget didn't allow that for now.

After some research and reading reviews I came across these "low budget" cameras and ordered 2 to test them.

I don't have to mention anything in terms of delivery, this is always fine at CB

The camera delivered:

The cameras come neatly with a sticker, CD with software and a manual (the manual is from another camera, but can be used immediately.) The supplied software is highly recommended, it works nicely and is suitable for everyone to use. Setting the camera is also a piece of cake via the free available app, you can set the camera via the QR code on the camera, with the app you scan this code and you're done!!

Construction of the camera:

The construction is very solid, Foscam has opted for a full metal housing and base, which makes the camera feel heavy and solid. There are some ambiguities on the internet about indoor or outdoor use, although the camera has an IP value, many wonder whether this camera can be used outdoors. I tested it and it works. The finish of the camera is waterproof and can withstand a jet of water. The camera also had no problems with a condensation test.

Camera connections:

As for the connections of the camera, I was somewhat surprised. From the camera comes a cable with 3 options, a POE network connector, a reset button and a power connector. The wiring harness is about 60cm. This is no problem for mounting on a system ceiling, but what if you want to mount it against the wall or fixed ceiling, this becomes difficult. The camera cannot be mounted without making a "big" hole (read at least 16-18mm) to feed the connectors through, because the connectors do not fit in the foot. Making the foot higher could be an option so that the connectors fit in it, but this means that the waterproof concept on the connector is no longer present. I myself mounted the cameras on an outside wall and placed a waterproof mounting box for the connectors. Aiming and adjusting is very easy to do with a phone to hand that displays the image. Aiming is easiest when the camera is fully inserted and the 3 screws of the outer ring are tightened with 1 turn.

POE: Power over Ethernet, with this you can use a separately available adapter or switch to send the power supply over the network cable, so you don't have to have a socket near the camera because the power supply is then in the network cable.

Image from the camera

The image of the camera is good, remembering that it is a 720P camera, it is not much inferior to the much more expensive entry-level models from axis. Digital zooming is not recommended, however, because this is not significant. What was striking is that when the camera is at its best settings, the bandwidth was very acceptable at less than 250KB/s. At dusk, the camera itself switches to night vision by means of the built-in infrared beamer, this is ideal and far beyond expectations, it is literally as if someone points a lamp at the object to be recorded.

This infrared beamer can also be set manually so that it turns on/off at certain times. (For example, if you hang the camera near an outdoor lamp, the infrared will not turn on by itself because the sensor still sees too much light)

Standalone mode via SD Card:

An SD card can be placed in the camera to store images, which is useful if you do not have a NAS or PC with software that does this for you.

Placing the sd card is not convenient at all, you have to open the camera to insert the sd card, make sure that you break the warranty seal, so if possible consult the CB helpdesk or this first if possible. affect your warranty conditions. After inserting the SD card (max32GB), you can view the images via the app.

Conclusion:

This "Low Budget" camera is fine, the only thing that makes it look cheap is the price.

For relatively little money you still have a very solid camera that is perfectly suitable for most purposes.

I have tested the cameras with a POE switch on both:

Synology camera surveillance system Blue Iris software (windows)

Tips for outdoor use:

-Place a waterproof mounting box near the camera for the connectors, so you only have to run a network cable through.

This camera is very suitable for outdoor use and has a solid housing. Beautiful metal. If you want to use the SD storage, you have to open the camera and break the warranty seal.

Hardware installation is a bit difficult because of the thick wiring harness. The UTP connector is quite large. You will need to drill at least a 28mm hole to get it through. However, if you unscrew the camera (which is quite easy) you can remove the entire wiring harness. This is a simple plug connection. Then you can get the entire wiring harness through a standard PVC electrical tube.

Software-wise everything works very simply, and with a little knowledge the camera is easy to install and use stand-alone.

Image quality is very neat. Has trouble with scenes in which a lot of light and dark are together. The dynamic range is therefore somewhat small. Viewing angle is decent, but could have been bigger. Night vision is very reasonable!

I recommend this product because it is one of the best choices in terms of value for money. I currently have 4 pieces together with a synology nas as a recording station. Am very satisfied!