Pyronix DoorbellCam Wireless Doorbell Camera Kit, 1080p, Chime & 32GB SD Card DOORBELL/KIT-SDC

Overview

A video doorbell replaces a plain door button with a camera, microphone and speaker. When someone presses it, you can see and talk to them on your phone.

This Pyronix kit saves ordering the camera, the indoor chime and the memory card one by one. Fit the camera at the door, place the chime where it can be heard and insert the card.

How it works

• Wi-Fi to the phone: the DoorbellCam joins your Wi-Fi network and talks to the HomeControl2.0 app. That is how alerts and live video reach you.
• A separate link to the chime: the chime uses its own RF channel, which means a dedicated radio link rather than the app.
• PIR detection: PIR means passive infrared, a sensor that notices a change in body heat. Here it can also trigger the camera without a button press.

Where to use it

The IP65 rating and its temperature range make it an outdoor unit for a main entrance. It can also be installed wherever needed, because it needs no mains supply.

Test the Wi-Fi signal at the door before fixing anything, because a weak signal is the usual cause of slow video.

What the figures mean in practice

• Five sensitivity levels: this helps to mask out nuisance alarms triggered by pets and other movement.
• Up to 10m at night: this is the night visibility. Day and night modes are Auto, Colour and B&W, so do not count on colour footage in the dark.
• 4 users: the maximum user access figure, so plan who in the household needs the app.

Installing it

Pair the devices in the app, and set up is complete. The chime then pairs quickly with the DoorbellCam.

Mount the camera at a height that shows a visitor's face, and clear of direct rain where the door has a porch.

Planning your system

Plan on a charging routine, since the battery recharges by cable. There is also a fixed power supply option of DC 5V/1A.

The DoorbellCam can work with its range of smart home products, like the SmartPlug, for scenes such as switching a light on if the doorbell is pressed at night. Those parts are not in this kit.

For a wider comparison, read this guide to video doorbells in the UK or browse the Pyronix range.

Standards and ratings explained

IP65 is an ingress protection rating. The first digit means dust tight, and the second means protected against water jets from any direction.