IMILAB EC2: Cordless AI Security Camera makers recently provided us with a version of the camera. Everything arrived just fine and the contents, as shown below, made it here in one piece.
Upside Down, Whoops
Now starts what I would call the most difficult part of this whole ordeal. The instructions that come with the device are rather unique, telling you to install an app that is not easily found on the app store unless you know just what to look for.
Scan the QR code on the document to be directed. Once there, its a complicated mess of “turn on this device, but not this one, don’t wire the connection til after you have made the connection on Wi-Fi, then pair these devices” and so on.
After all that, I was able to get it to work:
And once we had video, we had the world. Easy to use interface, great signal through walls. The components are very well made and don’t have any issue with the 50ft distance we put between the router/camera. Night vision is seamless, as well as clear 1080p video when possible.
Either install using a 3M sticky pad or with two screws, mount on a covered surface, and this camera should do the trick for weeks to come before needing to be recharged via USB. I would personally recommend getting a large external portable charger so you don’t have to worry up taking it down and back up. Just plug it in once a month.
The only other grievance I have is that the Mi Home ecosystem is not that robust in the United States. These cameras will most likely be sequestered to their own app for quite a while.
But overall, we enjoyed this product. It gets the job done. Is there room for improvement? Absolutely. But the IMILAB EC2: Cordless AI Security Camera works, and works well. The quality of the video and the durability should mean we have this for a long time to come. Everything I found issue with can be fixed, and most likely will with time.
A variety of cameras and packages can be found on their Indiegogo here. As always, we recommend caution when purchasing from Indiegogo companies, but the hardware itself is impressive enough to recommend.