Home » Review: Samsung SmartCam HD (SNH-E6411BN) – a feature filled smart home camera

Review: Samsung SmartCam HD (SNH-E6411BN) – a feature filled smart home camera

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The Smart Home is here and now, and security is probably one of the best applications of it. Security cameras have been in use for decades, and have provided lots of useful information. The Samsung SmartCam HD is much more than your average security camera. With the ability to watch video in HD, motion and audio detection, as well as ability for two way talking, playing melodies, and other smart features, it has you covered.

Look and feel

The camera itself is designed around the sensor lens, which makes it look like any ordinary webcam. The lens is surrounded by a bunch of IR leds that light up when the camera is in the dark, giving you night vision as well.

An LED slot gives you status, while a microphone slot sits next to it.

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The back features a rating and information plate, a bracket that can be tightened or loosened to mount this and adjust angles all around, while a couple of buttons allow you to setup WiFi or reset this. Vents for speakers as well as a port for micro SD storage also exist.

At the bottom is the connection for power in (always needs to be plugged in), as well as an Ethernet port in case you don’t want to use WiFi.

Setup

Setup is exceedingly simple. You do need to download the Samsung Cam app, of course:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.techwin.shc&hl=en_GB (Android)

or

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/samsung-smartcam/id519014699?mt=8 (iOS/Apple/iTunes)

Once downloaded, you need to setup your Samsung Cam account.

Since I have already tested the Samsung SmartCam SNH-1011n, I was already setup for that.

After that, you go to your login page, hit ‘Add Camera’, and the app walks you through it. Within minutes you are setup, with no hassle at all. The process includes pressing the WiFi button at the back of your camera, finding it within a list (or just the one), choosing it, giving it your WiFi password, and giving it a name and password.

What can it do?

This feature full camera provides the following functions:

  • Full HD resolution
  • 128 degree wide angle
  • Two Way Talk
  • Motion and Audio Detection, with notifications and alarms sent to you via phone or email
  • Ability to setup Motion zones to focus on
  • As a baby monitor, it can also play melodies
  • Night vision up to 16 feet, with a 50 feet option available
  • IR Filter for the above
  • micro SD slot to store and save videos/photos
  • WiFi or Ethernet connection (Internet required, of course!)
  • Apps for Android/iOS

Usability and performance

The device is extremely useful, and I got quite used to having it constantly report when things were going on in the house.

What was even more fun was that I set it up in front of the bird feeder outside, and could see when the squirrels were going for all those peanuts. Pesky thieves!

The alerts are really useful, and let you know when someone is around. The option of two way talk also means that you can talk to your loved ones, check in on your baby, or just scare an intruder. You can also set up recorded messages that can be played. (INTRUDER ALERT!! EXTERMINATE!! HASTA LA VISTA BABY!!! You get the drift!).

Night vision is equally good, and while it lacks colour (all night vision does), it is extremely clear and useful.

The mounting bracket

If I had to be picky, and I am clutching at straws here, I would say that the mounting bracket could probably use a bit of work. At certain sharper angles, it struggles to stay up, and that can be rather annoying. If a tightening option was available on the stand, that would definitely improve this product.

More information

For more information, visit the Samsung product page:

https://www.samsungsmartcam.com/web/

The Samsung SmartCam HD Camera can be bought from various retailers, such as Currys, where it retails generally for £89.

Verdict

Feature filled camera that gives you functionality and peace of mind, all at a great price.

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