Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post. I was sent the IMOU Ranger 2C video camera to review free of charge, but words and pictures are mine. This post contains affiliate links, see more information here. You can use the code WWWPROMO to get 20% off your purchase of the IMOU Ranger 2C 4MP indoor video smart home security camera at Amazon until the end of 2021.
From vacuum cleaners to smart lightbulbs, smart home devices are well and truly taking over, with more than half of UK homes having one or more smart devices.
When it comes to home security, smart home cameras and video doorbells have absolutely skyrocketed in popularity. Unlike older style CCTV cameras which were fairly tricky to install and monitor, they’re a relatively cheap way to see what’s going on at your front door or within your house no matter where you happen to be, and of course act as a visual deterrent for any would-be burglars if placed in view.
The new IMOU Ranger 2C 4MP indoor camera is a budget-friendly smart home camera which allows you to view and hear what’s going on remotely from your smartphone, and sends mobile alerts as people come and go. Around the same size as an old-style webcam, you can set it up anywhere indoors; pointing out towards your front door, monitoring a child’s bedroom or to look out for pets during the day.
Setting up the IMOU Ranger 2C 4MP indoor video security camera
Set up of the camera couldn’t be easier, even for an impatient non-techy person like myself!
It needs to be plugged in within range of the WiFi router. There are are mounting surfaces and bolts included so that it can be positioned on a ceiling/wall if desired, but it has good coverage with 360° pan and 90° tilt so even on a shelf or windowsill it can see around the whole room easily.
A QR code printed on the box takes you to the App Store and Google Play, where you can download the Imou Life app. You need to sign up using an email address and then scan the QR code on the underside of the camera to link your camera to the app.
And that’s it – you’re ready to go! It really is that simple.
What are the features of the IMOU Ranger 2C 4MP indoor video security camera?
As well as being really easy to set up, the IMOU Ranger 2c boasts a lot of useful features.
It has two way audio; great if you’re using the camera as a video monitor and want to warn a child to get back into bed, or maybe ask the postman politely to leave your package in the porch.
You can set up your own notifications and detections. It has smart human detection, and you can set up the types of alerts so it will only send you a notification if relevant. You can also set detection boundaries, so that it will only send alerts when movement is detected in a specific area for example within your property boundary.
The picture quality is really good. The technical spec is ‘4MP QHD Video & H.265 Compression’ which I have to say doesn’t mean a lot to me, but it means that it provides a really clear image in any light levels (it is even clear at night) and the compression reduces how much bandwidth and storage the video requires.
If you’re concerned about privacy, it might help to know that the ‘private’ mode, which can be activated by the app, physically covers the camera lens so you needn’t worry at all.
Is the camera Smart Home compatible?
Yes! It’s compatible with Google Home and Alexa – if you have a device with a screen you can view the camera footage from there.
Can more than one person access the camera?
Yes; after the camera has been paired with one email address, you need to request access (it will ask you to do this if you scan the QR code to set up and it has already been registered) and once access is granted you can use the camera on multiple devices.
Does it record footage?
The IMOU Ranger 2C camera has the ability to record videos on a micro SD card (not included) or on the Imou Cloud. This is a chargeable service, although you get a 30 day free trial.
Footage recorded is stored for 7 days before being overwritten. You can capture an image at any time by pressing the capture button.
How does the IMOU Ranger 2C camera compare to a Video Doorbell?
Video Doorbells such as those made by Ring and Nest are extremely popular. They act as a regular doorbell but also record movement at the front door, and provide two way audio. They’re an excellent deterrent for criminals and very useful if you get a lot of packages delivered!
However, these doorbells do need to be attached outside or hardwired in depending on the brand, and therefore may not be suitable for those in rented accommodation, those in flats etc.
The IMOU Ranger 2C 4MP indoor video security camera is a very good alternative to a video doorbell. It it can be repositioned to anywhere, so can keep an eye on any room in the house (for example, used as a baby or pet monitor) or pointed outside through a window to cover the front door area and alert you to movement or noise.
At £44.99, it is also a cheaper as well as more versatile option.
I personally think the IMOU Ranger 2c camera is a great buy. It’s very easy to set up, and it works really well.
You can buy it from Amazon, or see the whole range of IMOU smart products in their Amazon shop. You can get 20% off IMOU products using the promotional code WWWPROMO at Amazon checkout until 31 December 2010.