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The C4W is the latest camera in the ever-growing range of Ezviz security cameras which is now available from Argos for £99.99.
Features
- Sensor: 1/2.7″ Progressive Scan CMOS
- Lens: 2.8mm, view angle: 103° horizontal, 118° diagonal 4mm, view angle: 87° horizontal, 104° diagonal
- Day & Night: IR-cut filter with auto-switching
- DNR: 3D DNR
- WDR: Digital WDR
- Video Compression: H.265 / H.264
- Video Bit Rate: Ultra-HD; HD; Standard. Adaptive bit rate.
- Max. Resolution: 1920 × 1080
- Frame Rate: Max: 30fps; Self-adaptive during network transmission
- Smart Alarm: Motion detection; Active sound and light alarm
- Protocol: EZVIZ Cloud Proprietary Protocol (No ONVIF)
- Storage: MicroSD card slot (Max. 256 GB) or cloud
- Wired Network: RJ45 × 1 (10M/100M Adaptive Ethernet Port)
- Wi-Fi: IEEE802.11 b/g/n
- Power: DC 12V/1A (no POE)
- IP Rating: IP67
Set-Up
Like most cameras, I have reviewed in the past couple of years, set up is quick and simple. I already have the Ezviz app, so it was just a case of hitting the add camera button and scanning the QR code.
I opted to use ethernet for my data, but you can optionally use Wi-FI using the 2.4Ghz channel.
This has options for MicroSD recording, cloud or you will be able to use an Ezviz NVR. So you will need to buy and install the microSD card if this is your chosen medium.
Performance
Daytime
Daytime performance has been excellent, which is the norm for most cameras nowadays. There is not much to say here, video is clear and identifying objects or people is easy.
Nightvision
I have had issues with the night time performance, this is not advertised as being a colour night vision camera, but this is what it has been recording as.
However, the addition of colour causes a loss of clarity and some slightly dark spots on my recordings.
It looks like the problem is due to bright street lights which keep the camera in colour, but there is not enough light to illuminate my path, in particular where a tree casts a shadow, then the IR light does not appear to be capable of hitting my path properly.
Unlike many regular security cameras that use ONVIF, there are minimal settings to adjust the image, you have an IR switch, and that’s it.
With a bit of tweaking on the position, I did find the dark spots to be better. They appear much worse on the small screen of my phone, but when you open the images on a PC they are much clearer.
In well-lit areas, the image appears better than normal BW night mode, and the overall quality is good, but some consideration will need to be used when positioning this.
Alerts
The alarm is moderately loud, not as loud as a burglar alarm, but activating it just outside my closed office window I can easily hear it and it is loud enough to wake me up during the night, and quite likely my neighbours.
Within the settings you settings to customise if the camera makes a noise on detection, this is intense, soft, or mute, then also if the light comes on. Unlike the Ezviz Floodlight, this does not have AI object detection, so it is prone to triggering to random things in your garden. I had to immediately switch the intense noise notification off where it is located on my property. However, if you can locate the camera somewhere more secluded from the weather such as a porch I can see how this could be useful as a deterrent for would-be thieves.
Price and Competition
The Ezviz C4W costs £99.99 from Argos
I can’t think of any direct competition that offers a siren and strobe lighting from other brands. The Ezviz C3W is an appealing alternative to this, costing less, but being Wi-Fi only, I used it for several months with no issues at all. Night vision was black and white but the quality was excellent.
Beyond Ezviz, there is extensive competition.
Reolink is the obvious alternative, they are similar to Ezviz in that they offer a range of excellent cameras, but they are restricted to their own system. It could be argued the Reolink system is worse because their NVR only works with Reolink cameras, whereas the Ezviz NVR will accept ONVIF cameras.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reolink 4K PoE Home Security IP Camera, 8MP Ultra HD Add-on... | 185 Reviews | Buy on Amazon |
If you can live without the siren and light, then you have almost any ONVIF camera to choose from. This includes the more expensive but superior Hikvision cameras. There is also Annke which has a 4K POE camera at the same price as this, or H.View which has a colour night vision POE camera at the same price.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| H.VIEW Security Camera 5.0MP Color Night Vision Outdoor POE... | Buy on Amazon |
Overall
If you already invested in Ezviz, then this camera is another excellent option in an expansive line-up. The active defence with siren and strobe light are clearly the stand out features, and if you can perfect the motion detection, this should work very well.
The night vision performance is a bit hit and miss, the colour night vision that I have been getting offers better than normal performance for semi-lit areas, but suffers on very low lit parts of my garden.
Overall, this is a good camera, but if you want to use Wi-Fi for your connection, I would be tempted to save some money and go with the £69 Ezviz C3W.
Ezviz C4W Outdoor Wi-Fi CCTV with strobe and siren Review Rating
Summary
Another good camera from Ezviz, but the colour night vision recording can suffer in some scenarios.
Overall
70%-
Overall - 70%70%
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
