Annke Crater Pro Dual-Band WiFi Indoor Camera Review
As we enter the new year, our first product review will be about a smart pan and tilt indoor security camera from Annke. But first, what is a pan and tilt camera? Smart pan and tilt indoor security cameras provide mechanical movement along horizontal (pan) and vertical (tilt) axes, which can be controlled manually or automatically. This flexibility allows users to monitor and adjust the camera's view to focus on specific areas of interest, track motion, and capture detailed footage when needed. These types of security cameras are often referred to as PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras that offer a high degree of flexibility and control when monitoring and surveilling an area. We got the chance to test Annke's Crater Pro pan and tilt camera, and here is our review.
What is the Annke Crater Pro Dual-Band WiFi Indoor Camera?
Annke's Crater Pro is a cutting-edge security solution that combines advanced technology with user-friendly features to provide unparalleled peace of mind. This indoor camera is designed to offer superior performance and convenience, making it an ideal choice for safeguarding your home or workspace.
The key features of this pan and tilt smart indoor security camera include the following:
- Dual-Band 2.4GHz/5GHz WiFi Connectivity: Enjoy seamless and reliable connectivity with dual-band WiFi support. The Annke Crater Pro camera can operate on both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency bands, ensuring a stable connection even in crowded WiFi environments. Say goodbye to lag and buffering as you stream crystal-clear video footage in real-time.
- 4MP Full HD Clear Image: Experience stunning clarity with the 4MP Full HD resolution of the Annke Crater Pro. This camera captures every detail with exceptional sharpness and precision, providing a clear and vivid view of your surroundings. Whether it's monitoring your home or office, you'll have a crisp image at your fingertips.
- Night Vision Up to 6 Meters (Or 12 Feet) Away: With its advanced night vision technology, this camera provides clear and detailed surveillance in low-light or pitch-dark environments. The built-in infrared LEDs enable the camera to capture sharp and monochromatic images up to a remarkable distance, guaranteeing that no suspicious activity goes unnoticed in the dark.
- Smart Sound and Motion Detection: The Crater Pro has a precise motion detection system designed to trigger instant alerts when any movement is detected within its field of view or when sound occurs. Once activated, the camera will track the movement, which you can view from the Annke app on your mobile device. This feature allows users to stay informed and respond promptly to unexpected events, enhancing the camera's role as a vigilant guardian of your indoor space.
- PT 350° Pan & 60° Tilt for Wider Coverage: With its Pan and Tilt capabilities, the Annke Crater Pro offers unmatched flexibility in surveillance. The camera can pan 350 degrees horizontally and tilt 60 degrees vertically, giving you a more comprehensive coverage area to monitor every corner of the room. Whether you want to watch specific areas or scan the entire room, this camera covers you.
How to set up your Annke Crater Pro Dual-Band WiFi Indoor Camera
- The first step is unboxing your Annke security camera. As you unbox your Annke Crater Pro camera, ensure that all the included components, such as the camera, power adapter, and any necessary cables, are present. If not, contact Annke or the retailer where you purchased the camera.
- The next step is critical. It is deciding where you want to place your camera. Ensure it is positioned to capture the area you wish to monitor effectively. Keep in mind that the camera requires access to a power outlet. Also, make sure this location has a good WiFi signal. If not, you may need to get a WiFi Extender or booster. Also, remember that the Annke Crate Pro can be installed on a shelf and your ceiling if you have a power outlet nearby.
- Once you determine the location, plug the provided power adapter into an available power outlet and connect it to the camera's power input. The camera should power on, and you may see LED indicator lights indicating its status.
- Nest, download the Annke app on your smartphone or tablet. You can go to the app store (Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for iOS devices) and search for the "Annke Vision" app. Download and install the App on your mobile device.
- Once the App is downloaded, you must create an account if this is the first Annke device you have in your home. If you already have an account, you can open the App and select " You'll need this account to access and control your camera remotely.
- Camera Registration: Follow the App's on-screen instructions to add your camera to your account. This typically involves scanning a QR code on the camera or entering the camera's unique serial number. Ensure you have good light so your camera picks up the QR code on the bottom of your Crater Pro.
- Connect to WiFi: The App will guide you through connecting the camera to your WiFi network. Select your dual-band WiFi network (2.4GHz or 5GHz) and enter the correct WiFi password.
- Camera Placement Adjustment: Once connected, you can adjust the camera's pan and tilt settings within the App to ensure it captures the desired area.
- Night Vision Setup: If the camera is placed in a low-light area, ensure the night vision mode is activated within the App. The camera should automatically switch to night vision when needed.
- Motion Detection and Alerts: Configure motion detection settings through the App if desired. This allows the camera to send alerts to your mobile device when it detects motion within its field of view.
- Remote Access: With the camera successfully set up, you can now access the live feed and control your camera remotely using the Annke Vision app on your smartphone or tablet. You can view the camera's feed, adjust settings, and receive alerts anytime.
Your Annke Crater Pro Dual-Band WiFi Indoor Camera is ready to help you effectively monitor your indoor space. Keep the App installed on your mobile device to access your camera's features and settings conveniently. Note that whenever you need to reconnect your Annke Crater Pro to your home network, you will need access to the camera's QR code or bar code.
Smart Home Integrations
If you are an Amazon Alexa user or household, you will like the Annke Crater Pro. Still, you might not like this indoor security camera if you are a Google Assistant or Apple HomeKit home. The Annke Crater Pro camera comes with Alexa voice control. Users can use simple voice commands to control effortlessly with any Alexa-enabled devices. You can access your Annke Crater Pro camera quickly and conveniently by simply using voice commands. You can ask Alexa to show you the live feed on your compatible device or start recording after you hear a sound, making monitoring your space a breeze.
How much does the Annke Crater Pro Dual-Band WiFi camera cost?
This pan and tile indoor smart security camera has a list price of only $49.99 and is currently on sale on the company site for $39.99. You can also pick one up on Amazon for $45.99. Is this a good price? Suppose you are looking for a reasonable and budget-friendly indoor pan and tilt dual-band WiFi indoor security camera compatible with Amazon Alexa. In that case, the Annke Crater Pro is priced competitively.
Performance
Our testing of the Annke Crater Pro was done in a real home with average WiFi connectivity. Overall, the installation process was simple, but it encountered a few issues. One problem we had was getting our smartphone camera to recognize the Crater Pro's QR code, which is on the bottom of the camera. You must do this step to connect your camera to your home WiFi network. It took us a while to connect.
A good issue we had with the camera was the storage of videos. We like how this camera allows you to store videos locally. The camera has a 30-day free cloud storage trial, but we recommend getting a MicroSD card and storing the videos locally. Just note the MicroSD slot on the camera is a little hard to find. You have to roll up the camera (black part), and you will see the slot below the lens.
As for the quality of the video resolution, daytime vision is good, especially for a pan-and-tilt indoor security camera that costs less than $50. And the field of view is wide. You can see a lot with this camera. However, the panning and tilting process is average. We found it a little noisy when we tilted the camera, and the panning wasn't as smooth as other pan and tilt cameras we tested. Also, the two-way talk wasn't up to par with the other pan and tilt cameras, but it will work.
Lastly, the motion detection tracking was a nice feature in a pan and tilt camera, but remember, it only tracks the user once motion is activated.
Who should use this pan and tilt camera? We think it is an excellent option for users who want to use a pan-and-tilt indoor security camera to keep an eye on either an elderly parent or use it as a baby monitor. The camera's motion detection will alert you when there is movement or sound. Also, you can store videos locally, which will save you money. And it comes with night vision and two-way talk. Having a camera to monitor a person or baby is all good.
Summary
Overall, the Annke Crater Pro camera offers good hardware quality and image performance at an affordable price. Its software and features allow improvement, such as two-way audio and motion tracking. Many user reviews recommend the camera for surveillance purposes but suggest that Annke should focus on enhancing the software to provide a more robust user experience. From our perspective, even with these limitations, the Crater Pro camera is a decent option for those seeking an inexpensive indoor PTZ camera with dual-band WiFi support that will be used to keep an eye on loved ones, both young and old.
Pros
- Cost
- Wide viewing coverage
- store videos locally
- Clear video resolution
Cons
- noisy pan and tilt functions
- Limited human tracking
- The App is a little hard to use - not as responsive, especially when reading QWR codes.
For more information on what smart home devices work with Amazon Alexa, check out The GearBrain, our compatibility find engine for smart devices, which includes smart security cameras like Annke Crater Pro. It's free and easy to use.
