Amcrest 5MP Outdoor POE Camera 2592 x 1944p Bullet IP Security Camera, IP67, 132° Viewing Angle, Human & Vehicle Detection, Tripwire & Intrusion, 5-Megapixel, IP5M-B1186EB-AI-V3 (Black)

These are my initial thoughts after getting it setup and working with my NVR (PorConnect A800+), but not installed.I got this camera to replace an AvertX camera that bit the dust after a disappointing short almost 6 years in use. The AvertX system from Costco came with 4K HD POE cameras (8MP). This system has been great, but in the last year 2 of the cameras have died and one more seems a bit on the way out. The replacement cameras from AvertX are $280. So, I hadn’t replaced those cameras immediately until I looked into my choices as I wasn’t really eager to spend $600 for three cameras.This camera feels real solid as far as weight goes, equivalent to the AvertX cameras that came with my system. The camera housing is metal. The mount is plastic. A couple things to note, that I have discovered as part of setting this up in my house for later installation outdoors:1. This is not a 4K camera and the ratio is different. The ratio with my Avertx cameras is 16:9 (3840 x 2160) like true HD. This camera is 4:3 (2592 x 1944).2. It is a little tricky to get the password changed. The AvertX software would not connect directly to the camera. I had to connect the camera Ethernet cable to my switch and then power the power injector dongle with a 30-year-old wall wart Radio Shack AC Adapter (Cat No 273-1662) set to 12V that had multiple connectors one of which actually fit the dongle. With that setup, I was able to use the Amcrest recommended network config tool (Amcrest_ConfigTool_Eng_V3.20.10.T.180715) to get the IP address of the camera and put that in my Chrome browser to directly connect to it. Once this was accomplished, I could actually change the default user ID and password. There are a lot of other settings in there as well, many of which are not accessible from within my AvertX user interface to the camera.3. Since this is not an AvertX camera, it appears I do not have the ability to change many of the settings of the camera using their software. See the pictures showing what is available with the AvertX camera vs. the Amcrest camera. Also, note that the AvertX camera capture has a Connect Directly to Camera link while the Amcrest does not.4. So far, I have not been able to figure out how to connect directly to the Amcrest camera while it is connected to my AvertX NVR. I have not tried any of the phone apps that Amcrest mentions in their documentation. So far, I have had to do the process in #2 to connect directly.For an almost $250 price savings (after taxes) over the AvertX camera, I am happy so far. It looks like I am giving up some setup conveniences for that savings and we’ll only know if it is worth it once 5 or 6 years have elapsed, to see if this one lasts as long. There are 4 AvertX cameras left and one of those has already changed as far as video quality goes. It may be on its last legs although the first two to die just quit without warning. The Phoenix desert heat has got to be brutal on these things. If this one works out over the next few months, I will probably feel more comfortable splurging for the Amcrest 4K version of this one (IP8M-2496EW-AI-V3) which seems to be regularly priced at about $100.I’ll update this review with my longer term findings after a few months.

I had a very poor experience with an Amcrest NVR many MANY years ago, and relentlessly targeted them for their failures. The CEO contacted me directly and tried to reconcile, even sent me a couple free cameras. I kinda balked at it because it didn't fix the NVR problems, but I was impressed by these two cameras he sent me. This was like 10 years ago. I now EXCLUSIVELY buy Amcrest cameras for use with blueiris. Both those cameras are still in operation today.This camera is no different. Just excellent. I'm most impressed with the night vision on this one. I notice that this one stays in daytime mode even after dark. The colors are incredible, and doesn't switch over until it absolutely needs to. Meanwhile, I've got one of those 10 year old Amcrest cameras in my garage and even during the day with light shining into the garage, it stays in night mode. Not sure why. This new one excels.Just bought another one to replace an older outdoor one that gets hammered by the sun all day every day, and has been in place for years. IR lights failing and it's time for some 4k.

UPDATE2: I have upgraded my review to 4 stars based on having them in operation for a month. I am thus far very happy with the performance of these cameras, the image width, depth of field and clarity earn high marks for a reasonably priced camera. After I discovered how to manipulate the mount so I can point the camera where I wanted things went smoothly. Originally I thought the lens hood was too short but it seems to work well enough although I still think they should lengthen the adjustment another half inch. My install was very detailed and time consuming because I wanted to make this clean and maintenance free, I used quality solid copper cabling and PoE switch, made sure there was no exposed wires and am testing out open source NVR software to complete the setup. Amcrest has a good tool for installing or configuring the cameras (Amcrest IPconfig) but I would like to see them update their surveillance software and include various methods for configuring access via the web in addition to any of the paid subscriptions model they might have or come up with. In short this project has been fun, I still have 2 more cameras to install but am sure that will go just as smooth as the others, just be sure to use good wire and PoE switch. I posted a pic to show how it looks installed, they arent obvious at first glance, it took my neighbor a while to notice they were there and they werent too pleased which was the cherry on the cake for me.UPDATE: Prior to returning these I sat down and gave these a good looking over to see if I could use them as planned. Well after a little investigation I found that if you do the following you can gain greater flexibility on camera positioning.1. Remove the set screw from the white sleeve (attaches base to camera ball) be sure to hold the camera head as it will get real loose2. Slide the white sleeve towards the camera, you will need to manipulate the camera so that the sleeve has max extension3. Once you have done that you will notice the base rotates (you may hear or feel clicking)4. Adjust base to the required position then slide sleeve back to original position and insert set screw5. The sleeve has a rubber gasket which you may or may not see depending on amount of travel of the sleeve, just make sure when putting back together the gasket is in place6. Now install camera and make your final adjustments and tighten set screwI bumped the rating up 1 star because I feel so far that the camera appears well made but the lack of instruction on how to fine tune positioning is not documented (or that I could find) and was a cause of frustration and wasted time looking for alternatives.First the bad:1. Unless you are planning on putting this camera dead square on your target area dont expect any level of adjustment other than up and down (maybe). If you are planning placement at a location off center from your monitoring area the ball mount DOES NOT allow for horizontal and vertical alignment to center up your viewing area so you will have blind spots.2. If you have to manipulate the orientation to get the correct adjustment you run the risk of having the cable chase within the ball joint pointing up which would allow for rain and snow to collect and make its way into the unit or mounting box.3. The cutout in the base to accommodate the cable also limits the position in which this can be placed. Again if you align the slot in any position other than down you will most certainly get water and snow into your camera or junction box.4. The sun shield is way to shallow, its next to useless.5. These do not connect at gigabit speeds which means each port on my costly GB switch which these would connect would be a waste of resources. I suspect part of the video lag is a result of slow line speed.The good:1. If you are one of the few who are lucky enough to be able to place the unit dead center on to your target area without adjustment consider yourself fortunate.2. The units are heavy and constructed of metal and SEEM to be made well.3. I only powered up one camera before realizing the poor design quality noted above but the picture seemed clear BUT with a noticeable lag.

I’m actually very surprised how well these work. The night time image is way better than my old cameras, very good image quality day and night! The ir light really lights up the areas I’m trying to see. I added a external ir floodlight and it’s as good at night as it is in the day