Any feedback on the Imou Cruiser Dual 3MP+3MP (or any other cheap camera) ?

Jean_80

Hello,

I’m interested in this camera. Has anyone here tested it?

https://store.imou.com/products/cruiser-dual-3mp-3mp-5mp?_gl=1*14refnj*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIjIHf-PW7iwMVCVZBAh2nXD0GEAAYASAAEgK2RPD_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAAprLeJoTGkpB-of2T86xzs0C5TmgC

Is each camera recognized individually in SecuritySpy, allowing for different settings to be applied ?

Does the PTZ function work for each camera separately ?

Is it mandatory to use the Imou app and create an account ?

Is it compatible with HomeKit Secure Video?

In short, any information is welcome!

I’m open to any suggestions for an affordable outdoor WiFi camera :

PTZ or wide-angle fixed, ideally without requiring a third-party app, so with a web interface (I know Imou cameras don’t have one).

I don’t need anything too sophisticated, 1080p can be enough for me, and good dynamic range would be a plus (to prevent the sky from being overexposed).

I know that’s a lot of questions, but with so many options available, getting advice from someone with experience would really help me make the right choice.

Thank you !

Ben

IMOU cameras generally do work with SecuritySpy, however note the following:

• Setup is a little difficult. Initially, you have to use the IMOU app to create and account and set up the camera on your network. Then, in your router, you have to assign the camera a reserved IP address on your network. You use this IP address, along with the password ("Safety Code") printed on the label on the back of the camera (not the password set up in the IMOU app) to add the camera to SecuritySpy with the ONVIF profile.
• While PTZ should work because the camera supports ONVIF, we haven't tested this.
• We haven't tested dual-sensor IMOU cameras. It would be logical that a different "Input or stream number" setting in SecuritySpy would select between the different sensors.
• Battery-powered IMOU cameras will not work with SecuritySpy, since they can't do the continuous video streaming that SecuritySpy requires.

I would also recommend connecting cameras by wired Ethernet wherever possible - especially to outdoor locations where WiFi signal strength is often weak due to the external walls of the building.

For a budget brand that works well, look at Amcrest - they have some outdoor WiFi models, better ONVIF support, and they don't require an account to use. You may notice some similarities between Amcrest and IMOU hardware, since they are both owned by Dahua!

Jean_80

Hello Ben,

Thank you very much for your response. 

Thank you for the instructions regarding the IMOU cameras and the settings with the router, this could help me or others.

As for the wireless connection, I cannot do otherwise. However, so far, with a very old Foscam, it worked, even though the framerate is not very high. It is sufficient to detect an intruder! 

Additionally, the connection was very stable. The only obstacle for the WiFi signal is a window and a distance of about 15 meters, after that, nothing else. It was fine with the old cheap Foscam, and it should be the same with a more recent camera. In any case, I have no choice.

Considering your response, I will rather look into Amcrest in the end, to avoid using an app, to have better ONVIF support, and a web interface (thus avoiding “SmartHome”).

So, if, apart from the “SmartHome” category, the other Amcrest models have a web interface, it seems to be a better choice considering my needs...

Thank you again for the information !

Jean