Yi Home Camera

bk · 17-07-2018 12:39pm #1

So I picked up a Yi Home Camera 720p in the Amazon Prime sales for just £17!

There are currently still available if anyone is interested. You have to apply a voucher (easy) to get this low price. They also have deals on the outdoor one, 1080p ones and tilt and zoom ones.

I got my first of two and I thought I'd give some impressions.

I'm very impressed with these for the price. Some of the following details around subs, etc. also apply to the other models.

Image quality is decent enough, I wouldn't say good enough for a high security situation, but good enough for my needs, good enough to be able to see what is going on.

- I'm going to use one as a baby monitor, allow me to move my Logitech Circle to another location to use full time as a security camera.
- I decided to pick up a second to stick right on the inside of my patio door looking out through the glass!

For free without a sub you get:
- Notifications of movement detected (can be adjusted, frequency and sensitivity). Notifications seem to take about 10 seconds to come through.
- When you log into the camera, you can then review a 6 second clip of when the movement was detected. Nice! As far as I can tell it is storing these videos in the cloud even without a sub!
- You can create an Activity Zone, so notifications are only received when someone enters it. This is basic, just a single, adjustable rectangle, some other cameras offer multiple zones, but others charge for this feature, while here it is free!
- You can add an SD card to the camera so you can review longer clips then just 6 seconds. I haven't tried this yet, need to get a new SD card.

You also have sub options for uploading video clips or continuos video recording to the cloud, I haven't tried this.

I really like how small these are and the fact they use standard micro USB charging. They come with a decent stand, that has lots of options for fitting/tilting. But what is cool, you can pop the actual body of the camera out of the stand and it is only slightly larger the a €2 coin and about a matchbook thick, given you other interesting mounting options.

I've opted to just stick it straight to a window looking out and it is relatively discreet and works decently enough.

Note you need to turn off the IR at night time if doing this, IR reflects off glass. But even with IR off, I can still clearly see what is going on outside (street lgihts help).

I wouldn't say that you can make out the facial detail of people, but good enough to tell what is happening outside and if it is family or other.

I think these cameras are nice additions to allow me be able to tell what is going on around the house. I'm very happy with it for now for the price.

cherryghost · 17-07-2018 4:45pm

Stop temping me. I have a D-Link camera at the moment and its pretty rubbish. It's extremely limited in its capabilities.

Standard Toaster · 17-07-2018 5:03pm

I have the 1080P version, used as a baby cam.
Works quiet well. No sub here either but if you have a SD card in it, you can play any motion recorded remotely via the app.

When the 7 second clip finishes playing you can tap show 'entire clip" and watch all the recorded motion via the SD card.

64Gb card works just fine too.

bk · 17-07-2018 5:14pm

Standard Toaster wrote: »

64Gb card works just fine too.

Note, I think this only applies to the newer 1080p one. My 720p one specifies only cards up to 32GB.

OldMrBrennan83 · 17-07-2018 5:15pm

This post has been deleted.

ted1 · 17-07-2018 7:04pm

Just set mine up with a 32Gb card. Happy so far. Seems to a lot of functionality for a small price

Also have a outdoor one in the post.

bk · 17-07-2018 7:09pm

ted1 wrote: »

Just set mine up with a 32Gb card. Happy so far. Seems to a lot of functionality for a small price

Also have a outdoor one in the post.

Yeah, I was interested in the outdoor one too, but I'd have to get a plug wired for it by an electrician (cables there so shouldn't be a big job), but would add to the cost, already too broke with holidays and prime sales. For now I'm just going with sticking the camera on the window.

Let us know how the outdoor camera goes.

ted1 · 17-07-2018 7:27pm

bk wrote: »

ted1 wrote: »

Just set mine up with a 32Gb card. Happy so far. Seems to a lot of functionality for a small price

Also have a outdoor one in the post.

Yeah, I was interested in the outdoor one too, but I'd have to get a plug wired for it by an electrician (cables there so shouldn't be a big job), but would add to the cost, already too broke with holidays and prime sales. For now I'm just going with sticking the camera on the window.

Let us know how the outdoor camera goes.

Willl do, Delivery seems to be slower for the outdoor one.

kaisersose77 · 17-07-2018 8:37pm

Can you watch a live stream through 4g and if so can it be done without a sub?

OldMrBrennan83 · 17-07-2018 8:41pm

This post has been deleted.

ted1 · 17-07-2018 9:36pm

kaisersose77 wrote: »

Can you watch a live stream through 4g and if so can it be done without a sub?

Camera on WiFi , then just watch it live or watch a playback from the sd on your phone over whatever means you want

cherryghost · 18-07-2018 11:07am

Amazon have just cancelled my order on Yi Home cam claiming the price discount was an error.

ted1 · 18-07-2018 11:52am

Which one did you order and how much was it ?

cherryghost · 18-07-2018 1:27pm

ted1 wrote: »

Which one did you order and how much was it ?

Yi Home Camera 720p, at 16.99 (was 39.99 with 23 discount voucher)

ted1 · 18-07-2018 2:04pm

cherryghost wrote: »

ted1 wrote: »

Which one did you order and how much was it ?

Yi Home Camera 720p, at 16.99 (was 39.99 with 23 discount voucher)

That’s what I paid and got it delivered no problem.

cherryghost · 18-07-2018 3:21pm

I popped over an email to Yi UK store to get an answer.

bk · 18-07-2018 3:54pm

Well I ordered two. One a few days before the Prime sale when they were actually priced at £17, no voucher required and a second one during the prime sale with voucher.

The first one already arrived, the second hasn't dispatched yet, but no cancellation either, so fingers crossed.

Mike1961 · 25-07-2018 4:43pm

Having read the bargain alert, I bought one of these (for £16.99). I didn't need it of course but that's the way we roll here on Boards. I already have 2 IP cameras (all the way from China). The downsides for the Yi Home camera is that I can only access it using the dedicated app and I can't upload streams to an FTP server (which I'm paying €5 a month). That said, it is a very handy little gadget and the app is very easy to use. Stick in a microSD, set up motion alerts and you're away in a hack. No regrets..... and tempted to buy another.

ted1 · 30-07-2018 2:10pm

Have the outdoor one up and running.

Came with a 3m USB cable , one end permenantly attached to the camera the other witha bulky USB connector. So I cut the cable and extended it then fed it into The house and plugged it in.

Playback is good. I would prefer more if a fish eye lense.
The alerts are very sensitive and may have to adjust it.
There’s an alarm feature that sounds via the cameras speakers if it senses movement

ted1 · 30-07-2018 2:17pm

Here is some day and night footage.

https://imgur.com/gallery/79F8Qwf

verycool · 30-07-2018 2:25pm

ted1 wrote: »

Here is some day and night footage.

https://imgur.com/gallery/79F8Qwf

Wow, that is crystal clear! I'd say even better than my Ring 2 doorbell.

Must pick one of these up.

What model is this, the 720p model outdoor?

The 1080p is £80 on amazon. Tempted!

OldMrBrennan83 · 30-07-2018 2:27pm

This post has been deleted.

bk · 30-07-2018 2:57pm

Patww79 wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

LOL my windows definitely need cleaning

Naturally the outdoor camera will have much better view then trying to look through a window. I really need to get an electrician around and get a plug fitted for one of these.

ted1 · 30-07-2018 3:38pm

verycool wrote: »

ted1 wrote: »

Here is some day and night footage.

https://imgur.com/gallery/79F8Qwf

Wow, that is crystal clear! I'd say even better than my Ring 2 doorbell.

Must pick one of these up.

What model is this, the 720p model outdoor?

The 1080p is £80 on amazon. Tempted!

It’s this one :
https://m.geekbuying.com/item/YI-1080p-WiFi-Outdoor-Security-Camera-White-389561.html?Currency=EUR&gclid=CjwKCAjw7vraBRBbEiwA4WBOnw7QVA4bQsfOVeusurbz98fwQLvpJpK_wp5_hQ1cf10of9oXnNxNABoC1IYQAvD_BwE

It’s 1080p, Around 40gbp during prime day.

I have the indoor one pointing out the back via the kitchen window and during the day it’s grand, but at night it just sees the reflection of the IR lights but as soon as the PIR floodlight comes on it kills the IR lights so works grand but the resolution is less

bk · 30-07-2018 3:58pm

ted1 wrote: »

I have the indoor one pointing out the back via the kitchen window and during the day it’s grand, but at night it just sees the reflection of the IR lights but as soon as the PIR floodlight comes on it kills the IR lights so works grand but the resolution is less

You can turn off the IR lights in the settings and can actually work pretty decent at night even without the floodlight, obviously depending on street lights, etc.

At least good enough to tell if friend or foe is outside, though not good enough for Crime call

cherryghost · 30-07-2018 4:27pm

Considering the quality and location of that camera, whats the legal status on having camera on your home premises that also records out onto the public road?

goose06 · 30-07-2018 5:06pm

cherryghost wrote: »

Considering the quality and location of that camera, whats the legal status on having camera on your home premises that also records out onto the public road?

https://www.dataprotection.ie/docs/Data-Protection-CCTV/242.htm

Domestic use of CCTV systems.
The processing of personal data kept by an individual and concerned solely with the management of his/her personal, family or household affairs or kept by an individual for recreational purposes is exempt from the provisions of the Acts. This exemption would generally apply to the use of CCTVs in a domestic environment. However, the exemption may not apply if the occupant works from home. [ Where the exemption does apply, a person who objects to the use of a CCTV system - for example, a neighbour who objects to images of her/his property being recorded - may be able to take a civil legal action based on the Constitutional and Common Law right to privacy.] It should be noted that recording of a public space, even partially, or when recording is directed outwards from the private setting, it may not be regarded as a ‘personal or household’ activity for the purposes of the Data Protection Acts, and this may have immediate and particular interest to drone operators and data controllers.

Reference: ECJ Ruling on household exemption C-212/13 - Ryneš

ted1 · 30-07-2018 9:21pm

cherryghost wrote: »

Considering the quality and location of that camera, whats the legal status on having camera on your home premises that also records out onto the public road?

^^as above. But really bothered not as it’s focused on my property and the alert zone only focuses on my property. (You can set a box where motion alerts will operate )

insular1 · 12-08-2018 10:18pm

How much of a delay is there between the camera picking up an image and it displaying on the phone for these? Thinking about picking one up for a baby monitor. Have a couple Arlo cams and they are great but the video stream on the phone lags about 5-10 seconds behind the live event and seems to depend on how good my wifi signal is at the time. Perfect for monitoring when away from home but didn't work as baby camera as you'd hear a noise upstairs and have to wait 5 seconds and be running half way to the room before the image would show that she had just thrown a toy out of the cot or something. Not good for my wife's nerves, or mine for that matter! ðŸ˜

Nelbert · 13-08-2018 9:53pm

Can you connect to this without the app? I've a synology nas that I'm on the lookout for a cheap IP camera for i.e. I'd rather a straight IP link to the synology and then use the synology for viewing. removes the reliance on a app which may be abandoned if / when a new model is released.

cherryghost · 14-08-2018 3:46pm

iSpy is free and open source. It can scan for IP cameras on your network and attempt to build a URL based on a massive database of known devices/URLs. Otherwise you could do a packet capture on your network to find what's likely an rtsp url of some sort.

I've done so for some relatively unknown d-link camera model and managed to build a user and pass protected rtsp url from it.

Linky

Blanchy90 · 14-08-2018 3:47pm

Is the 1080p version still discounted?

What sort of range do they have outside? I want to keep an eye on my motorbike and it'll be a few meters away from the house

stesaurus · 15-08-2018 10:43am

insular1 wrote: »

How much of a delay is there between the camera picking up an image and it displaying on the phone for these? Thinking about picking one up for a baby monitor. Have a couple Arlo cams and they are great but the video stream on the phone lags about 5-10 seconds behind the live event and seems to depend on how good my wifi signal is at the time. Perfect for monitoring when away from home but didn't work as baby camera as you'd hear a noise upstairs and have to wait 5 seconds and be running half way to the room before the image would show that she had just thrown a toy out of the cot or something. Not good for my wife's nerves, or mine for that matter! ðŸ˜

Within a second on WiFi. The longest delay would be firing up the app. You could just have it running on a tablet/phone and turn off screensaver.
The desktop app allows you to group cameras so you can have multiple views at once.

stesaurus · 15-08-2018 10:46am

Blanchy90 wrote: »

Is the 1080p version still discounted?

What sort of range do they have outside? I want to keep an eye on my motorbike and it'll be a few meters away from the house

Not currently but set an alert up for camelcamel or hukd and you'll see when they are discounted

What do you mean by range? WiFi range or viewing range. WiFi seems about standard, but keep in mind it's likely to be in the outside of an external wall so could be an issue.
Viewing range seems fine. It's 1080P and I have no problem identifying people who are 20m away

Blanchy90 · 15-08-2018 11:16am

stesaurus wrote: »

Not currently but set an alert up for camelcamel or hukd and you'll see when they are discounted

What do you mean by range? WiFi range or viewing range. WiFi seems about standard, but keep in mind it's likely to be in the outside of an external wall so could be an issue.
Viewing range seems fine. It's 1080P and I have no problem identifying people who are 20m away

Good idea thanks for that.

I mean the viewing range, perfect the bike will well within 20 meters

jon1981 · 01-10-2018 1:40pm

Thinking of getting a Yi outdoor cam. Out of interest, how solid are this company? If they fold I don't want to be left with a bricked IP cam because the cloud service is gone.

bk · 01-10-2018 2:25pm

jon1981 wrote: »

Thinking of getting a Yi outdoor cam. Out of interest, how solid are this company? If they fold I don't want to be left with a bricked IP cam because the cloud service is gone.

Good, question, probably the honest answer is we don't know.

They are a new company, started just 4 years ago, but seem to have really taken off and have spread. But honestly no guarantee. On the other hand, their cameras and subs are like half the price of Nest, etc. so could be worth a gamble.

You could go with Logitech Circle or Nest instead, but they definitely require a subscription. Another option would be a basic CCTV camera connected to a NVR.

jon1981 · 01-10-2018 3:23pm

https://www.ft.com/content/ed28f99c-6e0c-11e6-a0c9-1365ce54b926

Yi Technology, China’s answer to GoPro, is expanding into the drone market after raising $90m from investors, throwing down the gauntlet to competitors such as DJI and GoPro.

Drones and action cameras are among the fastest-growing consumer technology products, and competition from Chinese hardware makers poses an ever-increasing challenge to rivals in Silicon Valley.

Shanghai-based Yi, founded in 2013, is relatively unknown in the US, but its rapid sales growth, particularly in low-priced cameras, is having an impact on camera makers such as GoPro.

ted1 · 01-10-2018 4:31pm

bk wrote: »

Good, question, probably the honest answer is we don't know.

They are a new company, started just 4 years ago, but seem to have really taken off and have spread. But honestly no guarantee. On the other hand, their cameras and subs are like half the price of Nest, etc. so could be worth a gamble.

You could go with Logitech Circle or Nest instead, but they definitely require a subscription. Another option would be a basic CCTV camera connected to a NVR.

No need for a sub at all that’s why I went with them. With the sd card it’ll always store locally. So if they went belly up , get a refund from amazon. And if you need footage you could still get it.

Alanstrainor · 01-10-2018 4:37pm

jon1981 wrote: »

Thinking of getting a Yi outdoor cam. Out of interest, how solid are this company? If they fold I don't want to be left with a bricked IP cam because the cloud service is gone.

I've been running a Yi indoor cam for a year and a half and it's been great. I've been thinking about getting one of the outdoor yi cams for a while but I've read some bad reports online. Some of the reviews I've found say that the camera goes offline randomly and needs to be power cycled to come back. Not ideal if you're away from the house. But I suspect this is a frimware issue, and Yi are quite good at supporting their products.

jon1981 · 01-10-2018 4:38pm

ted1 wrote: »

No need for a sub at all that’s why I went with them. With the sd card it’ll always store locally. So if they went belly up , get a refund from amazon. And if you need footage you could still get it.

The main reason really I'm interested in the Cloud service is in the event of the camera being tampered with. If the little feckers cop on there's a SD card in it, they'll just rip it off the wall. At least I'd have the footage. Problem is I also can't mount it high enough to ensure it won't be out of reach entirely. About 7-8 foot up.

bk · 01-10-2018 4:42pm

jon1981 wrote: »

The main reason really I'm interested in the Cloud service is in the event of the camera being tampered with. If the little feckers cop on there's a SD card in it, they'll just rip it off the wall. At least I'd have the footage. Problem is I also can't mount it high enough to ensure it won't be out of reach entirely. About 7-8 foot up.

They offer 8 seconds motion activated video for free in the cloud, but if you need more, their subscription options are here:

https://www.yitechnology.com/homecamera/yi_cloud_euro.html#ssso

There is always Logitech Circle, Nest as alternatives if you need.

jon1981 · 01-10-2018 4:57pm

I see the cloud service is hosted in China. What are the latency like when there is a motion detection trigger?

bk · 01-10-2018 5:27pm

jon1981 wrote: »

I see the cloud service is hosted in China. What are the latency like when there is a motion detection trigger?

I just tried, 40 seconds. Of course might differ for you based on time, etc.

My logitech Circle Cameras seem to be about 20 seconds.

Mike1961 · 30-10-2018 2:52pm

I've had the YI indoor cam for a few months now. Recently it stopped recording to the microSD card. I've had to reformat the card several times .... but normal service is only resumed for a short time before it stops recording again.

keane2097 · 04-12-2018 12:25pm

I got a couple of these last week. In fairness for the price they are quite impressive.

I don't suppose there is an easy way to tie recording and/or alerts to whether or not I am at home? My thermostat for example knows when I'm at home from my phone location and decides whether or not the heating should be on based on that.

I presume I will need to go the Home Assistant route to get similar functionality with these?

Alanstrainor · 04-12-2018 4:33pm

I see the Yi outdoor cam is down to 39.99 when you add it to your cart/checkout. I just ordered one, so I'll see how I fair.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/YI-Wireless-Weatherproof-Surveillance-Detection-H30/dp/B0776V3CG5/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1543937397&sr=8-3&keywords=yi+outdoor+camera

keane2097 wrote: »

I got a couple of these last week. In fairness for the price they are quite impressive.

I don't suppose there is an easy way to tie recording and/or alerts to whether or not I am at home? My thermostat for example knows when I'm at home from my phone location and decides whether or not the heating should be on based on that.

I presume I will need to go the Home Assistant route to get similar functionality with these?

I don't think the Yi Home app has that functionality unfortunately.

bk · 04-12-2018 4:45pm

Alanstrainor wrote: »

I see the Yi outdoor cam is down to 39.99 when you add it to your cart/checkout. I just ordered one, so I'll see how I fair.

Uh.. Excellent deal, I paid £54 during Black Friday sales!! Great price for it.

Alanstrainor · 04-12-2018 4:49pm

bk wrote: »

Uh.. Excellent deal, I paid £54 during Black Friday sales!! Great price for it.

Ha, I ordered the same for black friday, and checked my order this morning only to see that it hadn't been dispatched yet and noticed the price change. Cancelled the original and re-ordered!

mugsymugsy · 04-12-2018 4:50pm

Alanstrainor wrote: »

I see the Yi outdoor cam is down to 39.99 when you add it to your cart/checkout. I just ordered one, so I'll see how I fair.

I don't think the Yi Home app has that functionality unfortunately.

Where you getting that price? Amazon?

Alanstrainor · 04-12-2018 4:51pm

mugsymugsy wrote: »

Where you getting that price? Amazon?

Oops, forgot the link:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/YI-Wireless-Weatherproof-Surveillance-Detection-H30/dp/B0776V3CG5/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1543937397&sr=8-3&keywords=yi+outdoor+camera

Yi Home Camera

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