[Product Review]
We had been using D-Link IP cameras for the longest time, since 5 years ago with our very first DCS-960L which we are still using now! I think it is a pretty hardy good camera that had performed really well over the years, but can feel a little pricy at $209. Along the way, D-Link came up with newer cameras that comes with better clarity, functions and compatibility with popular Smart Homes apps such as Alexa or Google Assistant. I have not reached that stage of having to automate every damn thing yet, and is happy to be using their free and very user-friendly mydlink app.
Actually with their app, you will even get free mydlink cloud recording for up to 3 devices for a day. But if that is not enough, like in my case because I use so many cameras, you can also choose to subscribe to their plans starting from $2.49/mth. The app also has security features that can rival the banking apps as well lor, and comes with 2FA and biometric security features for that added safety!
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| Dun pray pray, 5-times Best IP Camera Brand Winner liao. |
In any case, we are absolutely stoked to be reviewing their two latest cameras, namely the DCS-6101LH & DCS-6501LH because I know they would come in very handy for our home indeed. The DCS-6101LH is the smaller and cheaper one in the left of the photo above but let me share the common features for both of them. It is amazing how much technologies had advanced while the cost had been brought down.
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| Personally I find that no need so many packaging material lah, because the camera and cables are quite compact already. I find that the DCS-6101LH looks like one-half of a crab's eyes. Cute. |
Shared Features
- Full HD 1080p Resolution
- Sound / Motion Detection
- Day / Night Vision
- Rich Notification (Take action from your lockscreen)
- Cloud Recording
- Smart Home Compatible (Works with mydlink, Alexa and Google Assistant)
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| Both screenshot of the camera view of my very messy house looks the same lah, because both are full HD 1080p resolution mah. |
The above features would have been sufficient for our use, but with the DCS-6501LH which is slightly more expensive, you will get additional features such as auto motion tracking, microSD card slot, pan & tilt function, 2-way audio and WPA3 encryption. If you were to ask me, I think I wouldn't mind paying just $10 more for DCS-6501LH just for the pan & tilt function which can give you an almost 360 degree view!
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| The DCS-6501LH has a slightly bigger casing that houses the rotating motors for the pan & tilt function. I actually had to search for the microSD card slot because I never read instructions but had to refer to it to find the slot right below the lens, hidden from view and visible only when the lens is pointed upwards. |
So if you have the intention of setting up security cameras for your house, the Lazada 7.7 Great Singapore Sale may be the best time for you to buy the hardware from D-Link. I do have a link (https://bit.ly/3oRh8Ju) for you to get a $5 voucher if you are a new user. Aiyah last time I also never believe in sales until I started using the app and realized one can save quite a lot with the discount vouchers that you can stack and D-Link (https://www.lazada.sg/shop/d-link-official-store-new) is also giving out vouchers too! Just do not fall into the trap of buying useless stuff.
After writing so much, I still never mention the price hor? Actually this is really the selling point for the cameras! I ever wrote in my previous reviews of their cameras that although they perform well and really lasts, their price can be a little on the high side. This time round, guess what? The DCS-6101LH is only going for $39 while the higher end DCS-6501LH is only $49! If you get a few of these and use the discount vouchers in Lazada, you can get them even cheaper lor! Best deal I say!
