The WYZE Cam Pan v3 is an affordable and feature-packed smart home security camera. It builds on the success of its predecessors by offering improvements in design, functionality, and performance. Rated IP65 for indoor and outdoor use, the camera offers flexibility and reliability in various settings, whether it’s for monitoring your home, pets, or baby. Here’s a detailed review highlighting the pros, cons, and features of the WYZE Cam Pan v3.
Key Features
- 1080p Full HD Resolution: The camera delivers clear and detailed footage in 1080p resolution, providing a good balance between video quality and storage efficiency.
- Pan, Tilt, and Zoom (PTZ) Functionality: The motorized pan-and-tilt feature allows the camera to rotate horizontally by 360 degrees and vertically by 180 degrees, enabling you to cover a wide area with a single camera. The zoom functionality lets you focus on specific areas for detailed monitoring.
- Motion Tracking: The camera can automatically detect and follow moving objects, such as people or pets, ensuring that you don’t miss any important events. The motion tracking feature works smoothly and provides real-time alerts to your phone.
- Color Night Vision: Unlike many other security cameras that only offer black-and-white night vision, the WYZE Cam Pan v3 comes with color night vision, allowing you to see more details in low-light conditions. This feature is especially useful for identifying people or objects in the dark.
- 2-Way Audio: The built-in microphone and speaker allow for two-way communication, making it easy to talk to someone through the camera. This is useful for communicating with family members, pets, or even potential intruders.
- Weather Resistance (IP65): With its IP65 rating, the camera is designed to withstand dust, rain, and other harsh weather conditions, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. This is a key improvement over earlier versions that were strictly indoor models.
- Compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant: The camera is compatible with major smart home ecosystems like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing for voice control and seamless integration into your existing smart home setup.
- Local and Cloud Storage: The camera supports microSD cards (sold separately) for local storage, so you don’t have to rely solely on cloud storage. The cloud storage offers a 14-day rolling event video history for free, with the option to upgrade for longer storage and more features.
- WYZE App: The WYZE app, available for iOS and Android, serves as the control center for the camera. From the app, you can view live footage, pan or tilt the camera, set up motion detection zones, and review stored footage. The app interface is intuitive and easy to navigate.
Pros of the WYZE Cam Pan v3
- Affordable Pricing: One of the most appealing aspects of the WYZE Cam Pan v3 is its price point. At under £40 (approx.), it offers a wealth of features usually found in more expensive security cameras, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious consumers.
- Pan and Tilt Functionality: The ability to remotely pan and tilt the camera offers flexibility and extensive coverage of the monitoring area, eliminating the need for multiple fixed cameras. The smooth motor operation enhances this feature’s effectiveness.
- Color Night Vision: Many cameras in this price range lack color night vision, so this feature gives the WYZE Cam Pan v3 a competitive edge. It allows you to see clearer details in low-light settings, making it easier to monitor your home during the night.
- Smart Home Integration: The compatibility with Alexa and Google Assistant makes the camera an easy fit into most smart homes, offering hands-free control via voice commands. This feature is particularly convenient if you have other smart home devices.
- Weatherproof Design: The IP65 rating allows for reliable outdoor usage, providing peace of mind knowing that the camera can handle various weather conditions without damage. This extends its versatility for users who need both indoor and outdoor surveillance.
- Motion Tracking and Alerts: The motion-tracking capability works well for detecting and following movements, such as a person entering a room or a pet wandering around. Real-time alerts ensure that you’re immediately informed of any activity.
- Local Storage Option: The option to use a microSD card for local storage is a big plus, allowing you to save video footage without relying solely on cloud storage. This is a budget-friendly option for long-term use without recurring subscription costs.
Cons of the WYZE Cam Pan v3
- Limited Cloud Storage Features: While WYZE offers free cloud storage for 14 days, it is only for event-based recordings. Continuous recording requires the use of local storage, or you must subscribe to the Cam Plus plan for additional cloud storage and features.
- No 24/7 Cloud Recording: For users who prefer continuous recording rather than event-triggered clips, the lack of a free continuous recording option in the cloud can be a drawback. This limitation is only remedied through a paid subscription.
- Occasional Lag in Motion Tracking: Some users report that the motion tracking is not always perfect. There can be a slight delay in the camera’s ability to follow fast-moving objects, especially in larger spaces.
- No 4K Video Option: While 1080p resolution is decent for most users, the camera does not offer 4K video. If you’re looking for extremely high-definition footage, especially for large areas or detailed monitoring, the lack of 4K might be a disadvantage.
- Limited HomeKit Support: The WYZE Cam Pan v3 does not support Apple’s HomeKit, which may be a downside for those using Apple’s smart home ecosystem.
- Limited Range for Motion Detection: Although the camera can pan and tilt to cover large areas, its motion detection range is somewhat limited. Objects or people at a greater distance may not always trigger the camera.
Final Thoughts
The WYZE Cam Pan v3 is a well-rounded, affordable security camera with impressive features for its price. Its pan, tilt, and zoom capabilities, color night vision, and IP65 weatherproofing make it versatile for both indoor and outdoor use. Smart home integration with Alexa and Google Assistant adds convenience, while the option for local storage provides flexibility. However, its cloud storage features are somewhat limited unless you subscribe to the Cam Plus plan, and the motion tracking, while useful, can occasionally be delayed. Despite these minor drawbacks, it offers excellent value for users looking for a cost-effective security solution.
