In today’s world, the need for an efficient and reliable surveillance system is more than ever. As security concerns become prevalent, so do the security systems. Just like any other thing, security is best served automated.
In recent years the pan and tilt cameras have caught the attention of the crowd. Their incredible design allows them to pan (move horizontally), tilt (move vertically), and zoom. This allows them to cover large areas without the need for multiple static cameras.
One of the companies that offer these types of cameras is SwitchBot. The SwitchBot Pan/Tilt Camera 2k is a towering figure in smart home security devices. It provides a ton of features for security automation.
In this article, I’ll provide a detailed insight into this tech wonder.
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First Impressions
The SwitchBot Pan/Tilt Camera 2k came with:
- A base to mount the camera onto
- A screw pack to install the base
- A USB adaptor with a Mirco USB cable
- A small reset pin to press the reset button
- A user manual
The camera is designed in such a way that it can rotate freely in every direction. The camera also has a physical shutter on its lens for privacy.
On the back side, there’s a micro USB port, and a reset button present deep in a hole. On the bottom, there’s also a port to insert an SD card (not included).
Key Features
The SwitchBot Pan/Tilt Camera 2k comes packed with a bunch of features, ranging from voice controls to motion tracking, to make your home security experience automated and hassle-free.
Some of these features are listed and explained below.
Rotate Freely
The SwitchBot Camera allows video capturing in all directions. It can rotate 360 degrees horizontally and 115 degrees vertically allowing you to view the entire room with just one camera.
You can also set 6 focal points in your house and then simply select one to automatically turn over to it making it even easier to check specific areas when needed.
Privacy Mask
With the privacy mask feature of the SwitchBot Camera, you don’t have to compromise privacy for your security.
The camera has a physical shutter on the lens that can be turned on to prevent it from recording.
Install Anywhere
The SwitchBot Camera supports all kinds of irregular or inverted installations. You can install SwitchBot Pan/Tilt Cam anywhere within the reach of a power socket.
You can either put it on a flat surface or install it on your ceiling for better coverage of the room for intruders.
Motion Tracking
Now you don’t have to buy extra devices to make a good surveillance system. The SwitchBot Pan/Tilt Camera comes with a built-in motion sensor allowing for human and motion detection.
Whenever the camera detects motion it can pan towards it and you can automatically start recording whatever is in sight.
Routines
The SwitchBot Camera is made for smart home ecosystems so it supports routines with other compatible smart products. For example, you can configure it to start recording when the door sensor detects the door is opened, or only start recording when you are out of the house.
With the SwitchBot Camera the automation possibilities are endless but remember that it needs a compatible hub to do all that automation.
Voice Control
Now you can issue simple voice commands like, “Alexa! Show me the living room” or “Google! show me the driveway, to control the camera recording.”
The camera can be used with Amazon’s Alexa or Google Home assuring a convenient and easy-to-use experience.
Two Way Speaker
The SwitchBot Pan/Tilt Camera has an integrated speaker and a mic. This means you can hear and talk to a person on the other end where your camera is placed.
This opens a door to many possibilities like answering the door without opening it or just talking to a family member in another room.
Phone Alerts
The camera supports integration with the SwitchBot app on your smartphone, available for both Android and iOS. This allows the camera to send you pop-up notifications in real time whenever it detects something suspicious.
Moreover, all the images and video recordings of the camera can be viewed anytime from your smartphone using the SwitchBot app.
Night Vision
No security camera is complete without a night vision mode, which is why the SwitchBot Pan/Tilt Camera records videos and images in high definition during both day and night.
It’s equipped with 8 infrared LED lights that help provide detailed recordings no matter the time of the day or light levels. This awesome feature takes your home surveillance system to the next level.
Large Storage
The SwitchBot Pan/Tilt Camera can automatically record and store footage on a local MicroSD card up to 256 GB (Giga Byte) installed in the port on the bottom of the camera.
You can even use cloud storage for convenient and easy-to-watch footage.
Better Detail
We all are aware of the jokes regarding the poor quality of video cameras. But no jokes can be made about the SwitchBot Pan/Tilt Camera. Now, you can every small detail of your footage thanks to the 2k resolution.
Not only does it provide exceptional clarity and details, but it can also zoom in much more than other cameras without losing much on quality.
Product Details
| Details | SwitchBot Pan/Tilt Camera 2k |
| Smart Detection | Motion, human tracking |
| Power Supply | 5V2A, 6.56ft cable |
| Microphone/ Speaker | Two-way audio |
| FOV (Field of view) | 360º H, 115º V |
| Recording Method | 24/7 & Event |
| MicroSD Card | Not included |
| Smart Integration | Alexa, Google Assistant |
Should You Buy This?
One thing that I was sent by SwitchBot is the cat-style camera. Now, as you can see by the writings, this is something that we don’t generally see in the American or European market.
It’s the same device but with a cat cover that can be removed and a tail that goes over the USB port. The is brilliantly designed to allow the USB cable to firmly go through it to the port.
Now as for me, I think for the more indoor uses I would buy it because it looks pretty cute with the whole cat outfit.
Overall Score
Now the main SwitchBot Pan/Tilt Camera is getting a rating of a whopping 9 out of 10 from me. It’s like the best security camera you can get with a ton of features like motion sensor, night vision, etc all at the reasonable price of 50 Bucks!
You can even get the 1080p version for even lower (40 bucks). There are honestly no huge drawbacks to the device and is worth every penny also the cat outfit looks pretty cute inside my living room so a pat on the back for that.
FAQs
What Is the Resolution of the SwitchBot Pan/Tilt Camera 2k?
The camera features a 2K resolution meaning it has 2000 horizontal pixels, which provides:
- Exceptional clarity
- Detail in your footage
Can I Use the SwitchBot Camera Outdoors?
The SwitchBot Camera is designed for indoor use.
It can be used outside in a protected location as it’s not weatherproof.
How Does the Privacy Mask Feature Work?
Instead of just turning off recording, the privacy mask feature involves a physical shutter on the camera’s lens.
The physical shutter can be activated to prevent recording and protect privacy.
Final Thoughts
- The SwitchBot Pan/Tilt Camera 2K is a remarkable addition to the world of smart home security devices, offering a wide array of features for automated and hassle-free home surveillance.
- Its exceptional 2K resolution ensures clarity and detail in footage with the ability to zoom without sacrificing quality.
- The camera’s motion tracking, routines, voice control, and two-way speaker enhance its automation capabilities, making it a versatile and convenient choice.
- With features like night vision, large storage options, and an optional cat-style design, this camera proves to be a valuable asset for those seeking advanced home security.