review

Blink XT2 Smart Security Camera Review

The Blink XT2 Outdoor/Indoor Smart Security Camera is the latest entry from Blink.  Most specs are the same from the prior generation.  The introduction of two-way talk via a rear mounted speaker and enhanced recording ability set this apart from the earlier generations. We encountered the first generation from Blink two years ago.  The Blink Home Security System was a decent wireless camera but was still a work in progress.  Seeing the opportunity for an outdoor model, the Blink XT was introduced and we liked this a lot.  The Blink XT2 builds upon the older XT so readers shouldn’t be … Read more

Yi Outdoor Camera is a Good Choice for Outside the House

Yi has been making home security cameras for several years and has finally entered the outdoor security camera market.  We had a chance to test out the Yi Outdoor Security Camera.  Good software, nice hardware design and a decent app help this camera to compare very favorably to other outdoor cameras on the market. We have looked at several other Yi models including the Yi 1080p Dome Camera and the Yi Home Camera. We found the Yi Outdoor Camera to be equally useful.  It shares the same app as the others and integrates without any issue without any additional learning … Read more

Hands On Review of the Blink XT Home Security Camera

The Blink XT Home Security Camera System is the second generation and the improvements put this over the top as one of our favorite outdoor cameras.  Improved video quality, a rugged outdoor build, decent app and a built-in thermometer that’s actually accurate.  What’s not to like? We encountered the first generation from Blink two years ago.  The Blink Home Security System was a decent wireless camera but was still a work in progress.  Blink has come a long way with the XT fixing most of the shortcomings and making this a very easy camera to setup and use. Software You … Read more

How to Select the Best Home Security Camera

An article on how to select the best home security camera seems appropriate for a site like ours which is focused on this subject.  Simply going out to your local electronics store and buying the cheapest model they have is likely going to result in a return or purchase of a second camera.  This article will hopefully provide a framework for some pre-purchase guidance and allow to narrow your criteria down so that when you do finally take the home security camera plunge, you will select the best home security camera. Home Security Camera Connectivity Many home security cameras come … Read more

Wyze Cam Pan is a Feature Packed Bargain

The Wyze Cam Pan is a new concept from Wyze Labs.  We’ve previously looked at the Wyze Cam and then the Wyze Cam V2.  We were impressed with both for being bargain priced and feature rich. We got our hands on a Wyze Cam Pan.  It’s well engineered and the app works great.  Let’s take a deeper dive into our review. Software You can access the Wyze Cam Pan through an iOS or Android device.  This camera cannot be accessed from a web browser. Setup of the Wyze Cam Pan is easy.  Download the app and sign up.  After that, … Read more

Honeywell Lyric Wi-Fi Water Leak and Freeze Detector Hands On Review

Faithful readers of our HomeCamCafe site know we like to stray from our traditional home security camera articles once in a while.  So today, we’ll talk about the Honeywell Lyric Wi-Fi Water Leak and Freeze Detector. Reasons for Having the Honeywell Lyric Wi-Fi Water Leak and Freeze Detector Why do you need one of these?  Those that have experienced a leaking hot water heater can appreciate the advantage of knowing there’s a leak as soon as it hits.  A delay can be very costly. How costly?  Going back 15 years ago, I owned a condo at the Jersey Shore.  On April … Read more

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