A HD security camera with Wi-Fi capability by D-Link. That’s what I am talking about in this post. Ten years ago, my Dad installed a digital security camera outside our house which records in colours using a VCR. Due to the use of video cassette tapes and poor video resolution during night, the recorded video quality was poor but it still serves it’s purpose well. Back then, video cassette tapes have a maximum recording time of 2.5 hours. In order to record throughout the night, I need to switch my recording to “Long Play” mode on my VCR. This in return extends my recording to 6 hours. Unfortunately, the video quality was compromised. Nevertheless, our outdoor security camera manages to capture the guy who steals our shoes and damage my neighbors plants at night.
So, what are the differences between the security camera I had 10 years ago and today? There are lots of difference due to technology advancements. This year, D-Link launches a new security camera called DCS-960L. This is a newly launch 180 degree Wi-Fi camera packed with 720p HD quality video. Technically, 180 degree viewing angle creates a fish eye, or warping, effect. This is undesirable when comes to a security camera. For the D-Link DCS-960L, it uses a unique de-warping technology that creates a 180 degree wide angle effect. Therefore, you get better viewing quality with less distortion. With it’s compact size of 3.78″ x 3.78″ x 5.43″, you can place it anywhere in your home. Using a 5V DC power supply will be sufficient enough to power up this imaging device.
The D-Link DCS-960L Wireless HD camera has a 180 degree wide viewing angle with no fish eye distortion.
Finally, no more VCRs! For this security camera, it supports local recording using MicroSD/SDXC up to 128GB with time stamp. For the video resolutions, the DCS-960L supports up to 1280 x 720 at 30fps and as low as 320 x 240 at 30fps. The videos are compressed into H.264/MJPEG format and JPEG for still images. These are widely used formats today. The DCS-960L also support audio recording format of AAC and G.711 with it’s built-in microphone. Besides sound recording, the microphone also serve it’s purpose as a sound detector. This function will be discussed in detail on the mydlink app functions.
In order for the DCS-960L camera to perform well during the night, this D-Link 180 degree Wi-Fi camera has an aperture of F2.0. Like a night vision goggle, this camera is able to see up to 16 feet in complete darkness with it’s built-in IR LEDs. The light sensor will determine when the IR LEDs are required.
The only cable you will need is the microUSB for powering up purpose. For data transmissions, the DCS-960L camera uses 802.11ac/n/g wireless connections. With it’s adjustable base, the DCS-960L 180 degree Wi-Fi camera allows various viewing angle. This base can also be mounted into the wall for a better top down view. If you are not a tech savvy person but wishes to get a security camera for your house, then you can consider the DCS-960L. With limited parts, assembling this compact camera will take less than 5 minutes.
Assembling up this wireless camera will take less than 5 minutes.
Do More With Mydlink Lite App
With mydlink lite app available on iOS, Android and Windows, you can remotely view and manage your D-Link DCS-960L camera.
The initial setup requires the app for all configurations to be completed. Simply search for “DCS-960L-xx” wifi connection and connect using the password printed on the card. After which, open up mydlink lite app and follow the instructions. The whole setup will take less than 10 minutes. You will be prompted to change a new password after the setup is completed and also register an account with D-Link. Your device will be listed inside your own D-Link account.
By registering a D-Link account, you can easily access the Live View on your mobile devices and web browser at https://sg.mydlink.com.
The user interface for the mydlink lite app is straightforward. Through the app, you can connect to the camera wirelessly using ‘local’ for wifi or ‘remote’ for mobile network.
The most attractive feature in D-Link DCS-960L is the local recording function. Instead of continuously recording at all times, this security camera records intelligently based on sounds and/or motion detection. The levels of sensitivity can be set in the mydlink lite app. With this function, you would not be loading unnecessary videos in your storage card.
My Verdict Of The D-Link DCS-960L Wireless HD Camera
Simply intelligent device. This camera is easy to install regardless if you are using indoor or outdoor. With it’s base plate, you can mount it anywhere. If you are like me who don’t like to do too much of drilling at home, using the 3M tapes will be good enough. Accessing the D-link DCS-960L Live View using my LTE network is smooth.
The D-Link DCS-960L is now on sale in all Challenger stores at $209. You can read more about this product at D-Link’s official website.
