The Chinese manufacturer also has a portfolio of cameras intended for household monitoring Xiaomi. The currently cheapest representative is a 360-degree Full HD camera Xiaomi IMILAB, which, with its good workmanship and very low price, will definitely rank among the popular smart home products.
We are Xiaomi IMILAB they bought a smart home camera so that we could test it and find out its qualities. Right at the beginning, we can say that for a low price, it really offers a lot.
We bought it here 👇
I want Xiaomi Imilab camera with coupon
The packaging is a brief base with a surprise
The minimalist white box is barely as big as the product itself. After unpacking, the box contains a smaller box with instructions, a microUSB cable for connecting the camera together with a terminal to the socket.
A small surprise is the presence of a wall mounting kit. We used the camera only as standard on its own stand, so we did not use this set.
The package then contains the camera itself, the bottom of the box no longer contains any hidden accessories. On the outside, the package already contains a traditional image of the product, the logo of the partner brand Mijia and a description of the technical specifications in the manufacturer's domestic, Chinese language.
Plastic construction
The IMILAB camera measures 108 x 76 x 76 mm, weighs 182 grams and is made of matt white plastic, while its optics are covered with protective glass. The camera head can be rotated to the sides, but also vertically, the control is electronic via a mobile application.
When the optics are in their highest position, they reveal a microSD card slot of up to 64 GB for saving the record and a "reset" button. There is also an LED next to the sensor, which signals the recording.
The bottom side contains a system for wall mounting and the back side has a charging connector or speaker. The processing as such is really high quality, the camera is very strong and the plastic design does not really interfere with the fulfillment of its functionality. The manufacturer definitely deserves praise for its minimalist design and quality of workmanship.
Easy setup in three steps
As the enclosed manual says, setup is quick and has three steps. The first is to connect the camera to the socket via the cable in the package. The camera turns on, prompts the user to insert a microSD card, and maps the room by quickly rotating it in all directions. In some cases, it is necessary to "reset" the camera with the appropriate button before use.
The last step is to connect to the famous Mi Home application. Once connected, the camera will request a Wi-Fi connection and download the firmware update. The camera can also be used without a memory card, in which case it will be recorded via the application to the appropriate smartphone.
However, the recording loop function is not available without microSD storage. The camera gradually accompanies you with the voice through the settings, in English.
The functionality is extended by the Mi Home mobile application
The mentioned Mi Home application is easy to use, the connection is fast using Wi-Fi and in our case we chose the setting of the Chinese region. Enjoy the ability to adjust the image and night mode of the camera.
There are software updates and other options for customizing home monitoring and sleep mode. An interesting feature is the Voice Call, with which you can contact the room in which the camera is located. The application also offers a "pop-up" window when watching a recording on a smartphone.
Therefore, a relatively cheap camera definitely does not save functions. Its 1080p lens will also offer an image with recording to a standard microSD memory card, NAS storage or cloud. There is no lack of manual control or loop and there is also monitoring of baby crying or AI function.
These include, for example, the recognition and recording of persons, and their subsequent overview on the timeline in the application. Enjoy automation and sharing.
Full HD sensor
Thanks to the sensor and the software used, the camera is not lost even in poor lighting conditions, the manufacturer also guarantees night use up to a distance of 10 meters. H.265 was chosen as the video encoding format, which is also a welcome plus. As such, the sensor is covered with protective glass to prevent damage.
The camera sensor has an angle of view of 110 degrees, but thanks to the rotating design, it is easy to capture 360 degrees of angle, respectively. the whole room you choose as needed.
The image quality is good
During the day, the quality of the Full HD image is at a good level, objects indoors or outdoors are visible and the camera can handle changes in light. It's not about the quality that today's smartphones with their sensors offer, but that's not even the goal of this camera.
In a given price category, it is definitely a good result and it will be enough for safety needs.
In poor lighting conditions, at dusk or in the dark, night mode is activated. It is an automatic activation and the camera offers four sensors for night shooting. The image quality at close range is sufficient, but at a distance, the image has a lot of noise and the images lose sharpness.
Objects are slightly less visible and the camera cannot recognize people as smoothly and perfectly as in daylight. The camera signals the recording by an LED diode on the front.
You can watch sample photos and video at the following link.
The sound is only average
Although it is not specifically a camera aimed at recording sound, it is definitely only average. The movement of the camera is noticeable on the final record, and in the case of outdoor use, the sound of the wind is also a disturbing element. The resulting recording can be used for security purposes, but the sound quality will need to be taken with a slight margin.
Power required
This particular model of Xiaomi IMILAB home monitoring camera does not include an integrated battery. This is important information for all potential users, and this fact must also be considered with regard to the location of the camera within the room.
To use the camera, turn it on, capture and synchronize, a constant supply of electricity is required. It is solved by a microUSB power connector, while the end to the socket, but also a relatively long power cable is already part of the package.
Final rating: Lots of music for little money
If you are looking for a camera for your home, whether indoors or in your conservatory, Xiaomi IMILAB is a very affordable solution.
However, the manufacturer does not offer any certified water resistance, so the location of the device itself is very important. However, you will enjoy a good Full HD image and a wall mount kit, which is included in the package.
IMILAB 016 1080p smart home camera
For example, pet owners who want to see their activity in the absence of the owner will like a handy housekeeper. Yes, the camera can potentially be used as an electronic "babysitter" or as a security feature in the home or office. For a given amount, the camera will also pay off financially.
I don't want to connect to Wifi, any ideas? In the end, just the voice pops up that I have a camera closer to the router, which is of course bullshit, I tried it anyway
oh, I gave the wrong password .. 😀
I can't reset, so I still only have a yellow light and the reset button doesn't respond even if I hold it for a minute…