This is the first of my post-holiday blog entries – nice to be back from the USA and at my desk.Model number? CAM-B1P.This new external WiFi camera from Sonoff comes with a built-in (approx 3m) lead with a USB-A plug at the end.
At first glance at least, nothing special in the spec… manual vertical tilt?? The unit has the strangest-looking mounting piece I’ve ever seen but which in the end looks quite practical and is simple to use.Specs include input 5v 2A (USB) – lens aperture F1.6, camera lens angle 108 degrees, H.264 compression, the camera handles a (not supplied) TF card of up to 128GB and for WiFi needs a 2.4Ghz connection.Waterproof to IP65.
3 screws in a wall and the camera is up – though – the hole for the lead will have to be the diameter of the USB-A connection and the lead is not hidden in the mounting – but that’s fine.Working temperature -20c to +50c.On the cold side that is fine for most uses, the (pretty standard) +50c limit might mean you should keep the camera out of direct sunlight as here in Spain in summer I’ve already had temperatue sensors with that range go dead on me temporarily at just over +50c in the mid-day sun (not unusual for us in July/August).
The camera needs the free eWeLink APP to work.Claims include 2K video HD clarity, full colour night vision, smart tracking, AI human detection (does any camera in 2025 NOT claim AI human detection?) and 2-way audio.The thin lead looks to be about 3 metres in length – so no more messing around – plug it in….
I love going in at the deep end.There’s a white light flashing at the top-front of the camera… guess I’d better open the eWeLink APP.In the APP is a + sign at the top to add a device and one option is to scan a QR code of which there happens to be one at the back of the camera.
Straight in – the APP detects the camera and provides an online user manual.There is also an “Add Device” button – I’m asked to ensure the device is ON – NEXT – “long press the reset button” – I didn’t need to do that as the device is new.Flashing “Two short and one long”? yes.
Found – “Select a WiFi” – done.At this point as always it asks for the WiFi password.“Device added successfully.
Name (default – changeable) CAM-B1P.Done – couldn’t be easier.And now to check out features in the eWeLink APP for this camera.
Of course, ONVIF/RTSP is supported so you don’t HAVE to use the APP.Ok, watermark OFF.You can change the WiFi access point (I’ve come across cameras that won’t let you do that without a factory reset), local storage ON (I have a handy microSD).
Good quality (no obvious compression artifacts), manual built into the APP… full colour night vision option.OK I got the first bit wrong, the horizontal pan IS motorised – just the vertical you set manually if needed.Autofocus seems just fine from less that half a metre away to infinity.
That initial white flashing light is now on permanently – flicking off every now and then, presumably detecting movement.All of that will be configurable in the APP.The horizontal PTZ seems very smooth indeed.
More on this later – really needs to be mounted outside to make good use of the “AI Human Detection” and right now it’s just too hot to consider venturing outdoors.