D-Link has upped its security camera game in recent years. Case in point: Its latest Full HD Wi-Fi Camera (DCS-8302LH) may not offer any groundbreaking features, but the user experience is much improved, thanks to a revamped mydlink app (for iOS and Android). Suited for covered outdoor installation (under eaves), the D-Link camera is weather resistant and can be mounted on a wall or around a pole.
Quick specs
- 1080p video with 135-degree field of view
- Weather resistant
- Cloud recording and local storage (up to 256GB microSD card)
- Wired Ethernet and Wi-Fi support
You can expect the usual features of a modern security camera. From the built-in siren to night vision (5m range) to two-way audio and even Google/Alexa integration, the D-Link camera has these basics covered. It also has Bluetooth support, which simplifies the setup process. Simply place your smartphone (with the mydlink app open and Bluetooth enabled) next to the camera. The app should automatically detect the camera — no need to scan a QR code or enter any login details.
More importantly, D-Link seems to have picked up a trick or two from rival Arlo. The mydlink app now displays rich notifications on the smartphone's lock screen, which basically means it will show a snapshot of the camera's view. You can also add up to two phone contacts as Designated Contacts in the app settings. These phone numbers will show up as part of the notification, like a quick dial option. You can then choose to call the contact via the notification. For instance, calling a neighbour to receive a package on your behalf from a courier. It is seamless and convenient.
The mydlink app also has AI-powered person detection. I feel this is more useful than simply detecting motion, which could be caused by moving objects, such as pets and vehicles. In my testing, this feature worked as intended. Waving an arm in front of the camera did not trigger an alert. The notification only appeared (after a delay of several seconds) when I moved my entire self into the camera's view. Motion detection, though, is still available in the app settings.
D-Link offers free cloud storage, though users are limited to three cameras and recordings are only saved for a day. You can upgrade the plan to increase the number of cameras and the cloud recording limit to 7, 14 or 30 days. Prices start from US$2.49 a month. Alternatively, you can also record videos to local storage via a microSD card (not included). Prosumers with an ONVIF-compliant system can also set up continuous 24/7 video recording. At just S$79, the D-Link DCS-8302LH Full HD Wi-Fi Camera offers good value for its features and usability. It is available now at Shopee and Lazada.
Note: Review unit provided by D-Link.
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