When you think of a security camera, what do you picture? For many the image is of a dull grey box with a large protruding lens, or an ugly, bulbous sprout sticking out from a wall or roof.
Security cameras are, unfortunately, a necessity, especially here in South Africa, but they have become a blight on interior decorators and designers alike for both homes and businesses.
Compounding these issues are the general outdated nature of these cameras, which result in large units that haven’t taken advantage of miniaturisation over the years or wireless tech. This results in large, unattractive cameras that need to be hard wired into a space, further compounding the complexity, cost and aesthetic impact of the whole endeavour.
While it may seem like an entire industry left in the past, there is at least one company doing things in a better, more modern way, one company by the name of Xiaomi.
Xiaomi’s range of smart security cameras – available in South Africa right now – take full advantage of all the advancements made in electronics in recent years to create cameras that not only work better than the older generation, but they also look damn good while doing it.
See the Xiaomi Smart Camera C200 in our header image above, one of the C family of smart cameras from the company.
The C200, C300 and C400 all share a design language of a main camera body in a pleasing spherical body sitting on a base. This design isn’t just meant to look modern and sleek, even though it does, but it also adds movement to the affair. The main camera body can rotate for a full 360 degree view of any area it’s in, allowing for total coverage.
For those who want something different, consider the Xiaomi Outdoor Camera AW200. This deviates from the design language of the C20, C300 and C400 to focus on outdoor use. The main camera body is now on a stalk which connects to a base, making it perfect for mounting it just about anywhere while still allowing for a full view of the surrounds.
The small and attractive look is still packed with functionality, such as a high res 1080p camera and IP65 dust / water resistance. Combine this with ultra-low light, full-colour night vision recording and you have a camera that strives when outside without killing the perfectly cultivated look you may have planned for a garden, fascia, entrance or any other environment. As with many things in life first impressions count, and for those who want to create a great first impression at home or at work, the AW200 is a perfect choice.
No matter your choice of Xiaomi smart camera, you can look forward to wireless functionality across the board thanks to a wifi connection. Not only does this save on the cost and clutter of extra wires, but it also does away with the need for a central point for the cameras to return to. This usually takes the form of something like a control room in larger complexes, but now any phone or computer can access your camera network.
To get started today shop the range from Takealot, Makro and Incredible Connection.
