Wireless security cameras are on a rapid ascent – all you need is one or more cameras, a Wi-Fi connection, and the smartphone app to see, day or night, who is at your door, in your backyard – anywhere.
Swann has long been a provider of security cameras, sensors, digital video recorder systems, and the accessories you need to secure your home or office. It is up against some tough competition in Reolink Argus, NETGEAR Arlo, D-Link and many more.
Swann is popular because you can get it at Bunnings, Office Works, other major retailers and online. And it works out of the box.
Its latest wireless (no wires) smart camera SWWHD-INTCAM is well specified.
- Resolution: 1080p (2MP)
- Night Vision Distance: up to 10m metres
- Viewing Angle: 120°
- Audio: up to 5 metres
- True Detect: Heat sensing PIR motion detection up to 8 metres
- Camera Usage: Indoor/ Outdoor IP65, Weatherproof
- Wi-Fi Frequency: Wi-Fi N – 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- Power: Wire-free / Rechargeable Battery
- Storage: 7 Day Local + Cloud option
- IP: IP65 waterproof
- Wi-Fi: 2.4GHz up to 20 metres. 5GHz is available for shorter distances.
- Warranty: 12 Months
- App: Safe by Swann for iOS and Android to View, Control and Listen 24/7
Out of the box
It is one of the few ‘independent’ items that does not rely on other security devices to function. All you need is Wi-Fi (for remote viewing), and a smartphone with the app.
It comes with a magnetic ball mount, a USB-A to microSD cable and instructions. That is it!
Battery
The massive 6,000mAh non-replaceable battery takes about six hours to charge (no charger is supplied so use any USB 5V/2A charger – lower amperage will take longer to charge).
In a week of testing, I have not needed to recharge – I suspect the battery will last a couple of weeks of typical use and perhaps two months of infrequent use.
You can leave the charger connected if convenient and it will still record.
The app (Android tested)
The iOS or Android app is not available on Windows or macOS.
Safe by Swann allows you to pair with the camera, name it to suit its location, set the environment, select image quality, and the level of PIR motion detection sensitivity (to help avoid false positives).
It requires you to establish a Swann cloud account. Additional cameras can also be paired (looks like up to six).
It stores recordings for up to 7 days. It sends notifications, not emails, to your smartphone.
The app offers an optional premium subscription package that includes up to 30 days of cloud recording, 5 GB data storage, ongoing premium support, shared access for up to 4 users, and push notifications.
Video quality
A 2MP sensor will just output FHD 1920 x 1080p but, this takes a lot of storage space and internet bandwidth. Choose the minimum acceptable resolution for your needs, e.g. 1080, 720 or 480.
It records incidences (a 10-60 second clip) on the inbuilt SD card for up to seven days and shows live video.
Live view is up to two minutes. As this is over the internet, there can be a lag of a few seconds.
The infrared night view is adequate.
Audio is one way – from the camera – and mic sensitivity is acceptable.
Image quality is adequate for the task, but if you want higher quality, there are better (meaning higher bandwidth) and more expensive cameras.
Other Uses
Suitable for baby monitoring, observing family members, watching pets, and any indoor or outdoor area.
GadgetGuy’s take
It is a competent consumer quality wireless security camera. There are better cameras (costing much more) and many worse. The reality is that security cameras universally do not provide great colour or images. They are there to record details.
In that respect it is fit for purpose but don’t even begin to think of wireless IP camera’s unless you have a good internet connection (NBN 50Mbps or better) and while you can place a camera up to 20 metres away you will need a Wi-Fi repeater for longer distances or to use the faster 5GHz band.
I urge you to think about your whole home security needs before buying one camera. You may need multiple cameras, door and window opening sensors, remote door lock, smart lights, intercoms etc.
Pros
- Does what it claims out of the box
- Easy app setup and camera pairing
- Provides acceptable images and details
- Can work while charging
- Good battery life
Cons
- Live viewing lag is frustrating – not the camera’s fault
- Sound volume is lower than expected
- Way too many notifications until you get the PIR sensitivity and camera angle right
- Easy to steal it from the magnetic mount – all your images are on the camera
- If you expect glorious HD images look at 4K cameras at much higher cost
Ratings
- Overall: 4
- Features: 4.5 out of 5 – has everything you need
- Value for Money: 4 out of 5 – multiple packs are cheaper
- Performance: 3.5 out of 5 – Fit for purpose as a security device
- Ease of Use: 4 out of 5 – Android app and pairing is easy
- Design: 4 out of 5 – still concerned at how easy it is to pull it from the magnetic mount
Price:
$269.95
I give the outdoor camera swwhd-intcam a 4 out of 10 and that is for portability and picture quality. There is – 6 out of 10 off for lack of adaptability for 3rd party apps outside the swann app or their DVR range and the lack of information on ports and port forwarding for the camera itself (NOT FOR A DVR OR NVR)
I have now had a Swann wi-fi camera for q number of weeks and the battery life is horrible. The only advantage of the system is that I will keep fit climbing ladder to recharge the unit every 2 days.
Hi Keith. I did not find that to be the case so if you could advise your model number I will take it back to Swann.
Hi Keith
Try setting your motion detection down a notch or two and defining the detection zone a little more tightly. It only uses significant power when it detects an event.
I have the same issues with the battery life. It is nothing to do with the sensitivity settings, I’ve charged them and had then soitting face down in an. Unused cupboard and within 8 hours there is no battery. It’s happened to three cameras. The settings are not the problem.. They used to last weeks on these settings. I want a refund!
I’m giving some thought to installing the cameras that use wi-fi. I see a few negatives about battery life which is not encouraging so how does that go if you go away for a couple of weeks. Also what happens if the electricity trips out for some reason and you lose everything until you return home? appreciate any directions.
1. Only buy camera’s that have microSD slots for local recording. Avoid cloud recording as it needs always-on internet
2. If it is an outdoor camera then look for a rechargeable battery (or ones that fit rechargeable batteries)
3. If it is an indoor camera look for one that allows use while connected to a charger.
4. Avoid base station dependent cameras
The closest I have come to these are the Reolink range