Reviews
4G LTE Outdoor Surveillance Camera A solid performer with an integrated power source.
The K&F Concept KF50.0009AEU is an outdoor surveillance camera with full control via wireless connection. It is powered by an internal lithium battery that can be charged with the included solar panel. The lens mount is motorized and allows remote control of horizontal and vertical movements as well as zooming in and out.
The integrated power source provides some independence in camera location. I placed our sample on a post in the backyard, fairly high up, pointing at the lawn to record wildlife, especially at night. The plastic mount is easily attached with the screws provided. Masonry requires the use of a drill and dowels (preferably better than the cheap examples in the kit). I mounted the solar panel under the camera in a similar fashion, using the pivoting mount to adjust it so that it points slightly upward to harvest as much sunlight as possible. It could be placed away from the camera. The 3-meter tether offers a lot of flexibility in this regard. It plugs into a USB-C socket underneath the device. An alternative power source could possibly be used if sunlight is scarce, but the body of the plug is a bit too small and the socket is surrounded by rubber to keep moisture out, so a suitable cord is needed.
Before all this, the first task is to connect the camera to the home WLAN and download the Ubox app to a smartphone. It's pretty standard for this type of device. I would have liked to use the camera via PC, but it doesn't support Windows. The only option is to use the Android app in an emulator, or possibly use a Windows program with multiple factory cameras. This requires some knowledge and effort, and the camera may need to be set up in the manufacturer's app first to get the necessary details.
The camera can be set up with either a sound signal or a QR code. I had trouble with the former, but the QR code worked right away. The instruction book clearly made some effort, but some of the English language is difficult to follow.
The camera has all the typical features listed. The app is fairly easy to navigate, but not perfect. Recordings can be viewed after a short connection delay. They can be stored on an SD card in the camera or in the cloud (subscription required after the free trial). The recording quality is very satisfactory, and I found this camera generally capable. I'm still trying to set up shots longer than a few seconds, and the battery doesn't last the night at this time of year. It might be better on a safety setting where it's not triggered and not accessed as often.
The integrated power source provides some independence in camera location. I placed our sample on a post in the backyard, fairly high up, pointing at the lawn to record wildlife, especially at night. The plastic mount is easily attached with the screws provided. Masonry requires the use of a drill and dowels (preferably better than the cheap examples in the kit). I mounted the solar panel under the camera in a similar fashion, using the pivoting mount to adjust it so that it points slightly upward to harvest as much sunlight as possible. It could be placed away from the camera. The 3-meter tether offers a lot of flexibility in this regard. It plugs into a USB-C socket underneath the device. An alternative power source could possibly be used if sunlight is scarce, but the body of the plug is a bit too small and the socket is surrounded by rubber to keep moisture out, so a suitable cord is needed.
Before all this, the first task is to connect the camera to the home WLAN and download the Ubox app to a smartphone. It's pretty standard for this type of device. I would have liked to use the camera via PC, but it doesn't support Windows. The only option is to use the Android app in an emulator, or possibly use a Windows program with multiple factory cameras. This requires some knowledge and effort, and the camera may need to be set up in the manufacturer's app first to get the necessary details.
The camera can be set up with either a sound signal or a QR code. I had trouble with the former, but the QR code worked right away. The instruction book clearly made some effort, but some of the English language is difficult to follow.
The camera has all the typical features listed. The app is fairly easy to navigate, but not perfect. Recordings can be viewed after a short connection delay. They can be stored on an SD card in the camera or in the cloud (subscription required after the free trial). The recording quality is very satisfactory, and I found this camera generally capable. I'm still trying to set up shots longer than a few seconds, and the battery doesn't last the night at this time of year. It might be better on a safety setting where it's not triggered and not accessed as often.
06/07/2023