This arrived (on sale, and I still feel I spent too much) on Christmas Eve and I quickly started playing with it. I had read reviews about the "ho-hum" cameras, and I don't need HD cameras on my house, I assumed things like license plates were going to be readable from 50ft. They are not. Neither are faces. They have to be closer.
I have 4 of them on the front of my house, making an X from left to right, and right to left, and since they're not all that clear (it's 14 feet from my steps to my camera, and unless you know the person, you'd not know who you're looking at) I installed one directly over my front door. If nothing else, it's a great deterrent, but I was hoping for useful tool just in case, not "hopefully they notice all these glowing red cameras and don't try anything"... I have a dog for that.
I had a mount stripped out right out of the box, so that was a send back and wait for a replacement, email is the only way to get through to the company, and I have a camera that under 30 degrees F will not switch into night vision, but the IRLs do light up. Company wants me to send that one in, but it's up and in a spot that isn't really easy to access, so I'll just deal with that for 3 months a year and hope the redundancy I've installed will cover me good enough. It's a fairly decent lit area anyway, and increasing the "down angle" didn't help. The IRLs are like a flashlight, point them straight out, nothing to reflect off of, they need to be pointed at the ground so the camera will pick them up and "see" in the dark.
Dark mode works very well, actually I think it may be clearer than day mode...provided it's warm enough for the 1 camera. You can see the "hot spots" of the IRLs on all of the cameras, the front yard looks like there is huge spotlights aimed at it from the sky, really interesting to mess with the night vision stuff.
So, basically the quality of video isn't what I thought it would be, I ordered this sight unseen (no pun intended) online, so that isn't anything I could've known. It is NOT bad, or terrible, you can make out types of vehicles, clothing, just facial details are lacking. The night vision makes all clothing appear a smokey grey. However, you can see if someone is pointing at something in night vision, you can see fingers clearly.
Now, the DVR. Yes, like all security camera systems, the OS is back in the 90's. They're function over form, and this is not any different, I deal with camera systems at work, and this one is pretty similar to the super high priced monthly monitored one at my retail store.
The DVR has started ignoring the remote and the mouse if it's not touched within a couple days. I only check it if something's blown over or I notice something, which isn't often. So, I have to pull the power, plug it back in, and let it reboot. I hope it's actually recording while it's not responsive, it shows the R, but I have no clue if it is or not.
Basically I feel this is a cheap system, and even at the sale price, I could've done better. The support is okay, but it's web based, I have a 50+ hour a week job, and this makes any contact drag out for a week before any resolution, disappointing, just like the rest of this system.
I intended to wait to review this, to see it's true colors instead of a bunch of happy "look at my new toy" reviews, and I'm glad I did. This system is no better than much cheaper systems offered all over the place. Save your money, and if you want a cheap system, buy a cheap one, not a below average system in good system's clothing.
by
DIY
7 found this review helpful
Jan 14, 2016
Well worth the money
This is truly a plug and play system. I installed the cameras where I wanted them, had my buddy run the wires in attic, hate it up there. Plugged everything in and didn't quite get the networking part so I called the tech. number. Michel answered and knew exactly what to do. He had it up and running in 3 minutes. Michel is the man! One camera doesn't work so I'm sending it back. Other than that I love this system.
by
DIY
Recommended
1 found this review helpful
Feb 18, 2013
Exceeded my expectations
When I first received the camera system, I felt a little insecure as to my ability to install this system. As it turn out the hardest part part was figuring out how to run the wires so they were not openly visible on my log home. Once I worked that out, installations was a breeze. As soon as I connected the wires, the system was operational.
by
DIY
Verified Purchase
Recommended
19 found this review helpful
May 11, 2017
Easy to install, picture is very clear, DVR easy to setup. However if you need tech help Defender...
Easy to install, picture is very clear, DVR easy to setup. However if you need tech help Defender did not have a phone number to call.
by
Verified Purchase
Recommended
Apr 22, 2017
Security camera system
Installing is easy, getting the laptop and smart phone programed is quite a job. I finally got it though.
by
Recommended
Dec 17, 2016
Caught a thief
I bought these cameras to see the wildlife around my house as well as keep a eye on it. Much to my suprise I was able to see a man try and break in while I was at work. Luckily he was unable to get into my place but he was able to get into some neighbors house and steel stuff. With the help of my cameras it was able to help the police catch the thief and return most of their items. Very pleased it had a very clear picture....
by
Dec 14, 2016
The so called night vision is only good for around 15 feet unless you have some kind of backgroun...
The so called night vision is only good for around 15 feet unless you have some kind of background lighting, its worthless, day time isn't to bad but for the price you pay its what you get so don't expect to much, live and learn, 1 of my cameras has a kind of green tint to it and I sent a message to defender 4 days ago and still haven't heard anything back, kind of expected that after reading other reviews, I have had it up and running now for 5 days trying to make the viewing better with no luck haven't tried connecting to the internet yet still getting my mind ready for that reading through all the stuff on the cd ( NO MANUAL) doesn't look easy, will try that tomorrow and up date later, hopefully the more I play with it the better I can get it to where I want it but I don't have high hopes for this system as of now.
by
DIY
Verified Purchase
1 found this review helpful
Aug 2, 2016
Camera
Good for the price system easy to install user friendly
by
Recommended
Jul 26, 2016
Satisfied
Great picture. Excellent investment. Only suggestion I might make is I wish the cameras adjusted side to side. It was hard to mount some of mine with only the up and down adjustment.
by
Recommended
Jul 13, 2016
Survelliance Equipment
The surveillance equipment is exactly what I ordered. A great price and deal was made for the equipment
by
Pro
Verified Purchase
Recommended
Mar 27, 2016
Great product
The Defender camera system was easy to install and has functioned flawlessly. I am impressed with the quality of the construction. Things that would make it better: more user friendly camera brackets. Make sure you determine if you are going to need extension cable before you begin. You can not just add it to the end if you are short. The extension has to be added to the beginning which can be a pain if you have already pulled the wires and fasten them down.
by
Recommended
1 found this review helpful
Mar 23, 2016
Great Security System
Good deal for the money! Works well and the picture clarity is good. I recommend this system highly and it is not hard to install!!
by
Pro
Verified Purchase
Recommended
Dec 19, 2015
Installed 3rd System and Works Great
This is my 3rd Defender system. Each and everyone has been easy to install and configure. I have multiple properties all setup, recording and motion detection. Each one sends e-mail to designated account when motion is detected. The quality for the price is great.
by
Recommended
Customer review from defender-usa.com
Nov 16, 2015
These cameras are Great!
I used to work for ADT as a sales rep. After reviewing many different camera systems, I choose to purchase and install the Defender Pro security camera system Oct. 19, 2015. The price was right and the system was delivered quickly and I started the install on the weekend. Because it is a hard wired system, I took longer installing it that I wanted, because I was running the camera wires through the attic. It was very simple to set up and the quality of the view is great. Night vision is outstanding. I had some trouble viewing the cameras remotely and had to call customer tech support for help. I talked to Michel the tech and he helped me with in a few minutes and was immediately seeing my cameras on my tablet. I know feel better, as now I can see my home if my alarm does go off when I am not home. Thank you again Michel for your help straightening out my IP issues. Every thing is now working GREAT! I would recommend this system to anyone that wants to protect their homes and business. They are just as good or better than the high priced camera systems ADT sells and much cheaper to install, especially if you are a do it yourselfer.
by
Recommended
Customer review from defender-usa.com
Nov 9, 2015
Excellent system
I recently bought the 8 camera system, when it came I opened it and was a little overwhelmed but it turns out for no reason. The installation was simple and easy to hook up. The DVR is simple to operate.
everything was as advertised and I like the clear picture day or night, I would recommend this system to any home owner, a lot of bang for your buc.
by
Recommended
Customer review from defender-usa.com
Nov 2, 2015
I'm impressed
I purchased these cameras to use at my home. I had a couple of issues and contacted the company. I had prompt responses and actually ended up sending a few items back for repair. What the company did was promptly replaced the items with new ones. I'm very pleased with my cameras and very impressed with the customer service this company gives. I recommend these cameras to everyone.
by
Recommended
Customer review from defender-usa.com
Oct 30, 2015
Great product
Easy to hook up. Pictures were very clear. Cameras do not swivel and could only be positioned one way so I had to attach them to boxes.
by
Verified Purchase
Recommended
Oct 4, 2015
great system
I bought my camera system 11 months ago, very easy to set up and user friendly. After 10 months one of the cameras went bad, it only works in night vision. I emailed customer support, shipped camera back and they replaced with a new camera all within one week turn around time. Defender Pro has a wonderful product and they stand behind their product.
by
Recommended
Customer review from defender-usa.com
Jul 21, 2015
good camera system
My wife and I did extensive searching for a home system and found defender pro to be the answer. It works great online and smart phone with ease. Only draw back was I lost 2 cameras and had to send them back within one year. Glad the warranty covered it. I would like to see this product have a longer warranty system. But all in all clear awesome picture day and night!
by
Recommended
Customer review from defender-usa.com
Jun 27, 2015
good quality but had issues along the way
Purchased these camera's about a year and a half ago for watching my home as I was on a vacation trip. Weirdly 4 of my cameras were stuck in black and white mode but defender replaced all 4 of my camera's which was amazing! I did have issues connecting in to a router but I eventually got it working and those features are good. Would recommenced
by
Recommended
Customer review from defender-usa.com
Jun 23, 2015
Excellent
I bought this about 3 months ago & the quality of the pictures is excellent. Glad I bought them.
by
Recommended
Customer review from defender-usa.com
May 29, 2015
awesome cameras
I am so pleased with this setup and would not trade for any other the cameras are the BEST and quality night and day are WONDERFUL and the once I called and spoke to support tech Michel and he got me up and running on ALL my devices in less than 30 minutes I am soooo HAPPY
by
Recommended
Customer review from defender-usa.com
May 22, 2015
Great system!
I bought this system to keep my home secure and prevent the riff raff coming near my house. Eight cameras around my house should do the trick. I installed it myself. It went really well. I ran a video wire from the DVR in the office, thru the attic, to the living room TV. Now, when the doorbell rings, I can see who it is right from my couch.
by
Recommended
Customer review from defender-usa.com
Mar 10, 2015
EASY INSTALLATION GREAT VEIW ON SMARTPHONE
I BOUGHT THIS FOR HOME SECURITY AND BOY DO I LIKE IT. GREAT FOR WATCHING THE BACK YARD ANIMALS, THE NIGHT VISION LOOKS REALLY GOOD ALMOST LIKE DAYLIGHT. EVEN HAS A MOTION SENSOR WHICH CAN BE TURNED ON LIKE I DO SO I KNOW WHEN THE MAIL PERSON COMES.
by
Recommended
Customer review from defender-usa.com
Feb 27, 2015
Works Like A Charm
We bought a system for our office to track comings and goings of employees and monitor the space when no one is around. Very easy to set up and view from our smartphones. So far so good.
by
Recommended
Customer review from defender-usa.com
Feb 3, 2015
Must be a networking specialist to make this work!
Setting this up locally to view is a breeze despite the very poor documentation. The mechanical quality is very good. It's the set up instructions and support that is VERY poor and forget contacting the Defender support line! The give you the wrong name of Apple app to download, the give you a write a review for extended warranty and it's not on their website! They had me download a piece of SW for networking that corrupted by browser! Stay away from this product if you're buying to monitor remotely. Locally it's fine
by
DIY
Verified Purchase
1 found this review helpful
Jan 22, 2015
Easy Installation
Bought this item for our office. Was able to install in under 4 hours with no prior experience.
by
Recommended
Customer review from defender-usa.com
Nov 5, 2014
Great system !
Bought this for our 2nd business and wish we had installed this for our 1st shop.
Excellent quality with easy installation !
by
Recommended
Customer review from defender-usa.com
Nov 1, 2014
great system
System works great and easy to install. Great customer service
by
Recommended
Customer review from defender-usa.com
Oct 12, 2014
easy setup
this system was easy to set up, the hardest part is routing the wires. also the camera brackets wont allow you to mount them to a surface above it (ceiling, soffit). the picture quality is great.
3-Axis Adjustable Camera, Data Encryption, Day/Night Mode, Human Detection, Infrared, Motion Sensor, Programmable, Remote Access, Weather Resistant, Wide-Angle, Zoom
3-Axis Adjustable Camera, Audio Recording, Day/Night Mode, Full Color Night Vision, Human Detection, Infrared, Motion Sensor, Night Vision, Recordable, Remote Access, Spotlight, Weather Resistant, Wide-Angle
3-Axis Adjustable Camera, Day/Night Mode, Human Detection, Infrared, Motion Sensor, Multi-Alarm Settings, Night Vision, Recordable, Remote Access, Weather Resistant, Wide-Angle