Imou Knight 4K smart outdoor security camera with cutting-edge features and superior image quality
Imou Knight Outdoor Smart Security Camera. Pictures: Imou.
Most garden variety security cameras for domestic use are at least 1080p resolution, but I’ve been testing the Imou Knight 4K outdoor smart security camera, which has four times that.
The primary advantage of a 4K security camera is the significantly higher resolution. With four times the pixels of a 1080p camera, the Knight 4K camera provides exceptional detail and clarity. This allows users to capture finer details, such as facial features, license plates, or other crucial information, making identifying individuals or objects in the footage easier.
The Knight impresses with a sleek, modern design that seamlessly blends into outdoor environments. The camera's robust construction and IP66 weather resistance rating ensure durability in various weather conditions. The reset button and microSD card slot are protected by a thick rubber flap that seals it to ensure no water ingress. The only downside I can see is anyone could access the card unless the camera is mounted in a place that’s not easily accessible.
It has features such as smart colour night vision, AI-based detection, a built-in floodlight, weather resistance, local storage and Imou cloud storage options.
The higher resolution enables more effective digital zoom without sacrificing image quality. You can zoom in on specific areas of interest during live monitoring or playback, ensuring that no critical detail is missed.
The Knight can cover a larger area without compromising on image quality. The increased resolution allows for a wider field of view while maintaining clarity, reducing the number of cameras needed to surveil a given space.
The Knight boasts exceptional 4K Ultra HD HDR live monitoring, delivering crisp and clear visuals. The choice of two high-performance 2.8mm/3.6mm lenses offers a 127° diagonal field of view, allowing for finer details for greater visibility and capturing details at a distance.
One standout feature is its smart colour night vision mode, where the spotlights automatically illuminate upon detecting motion, providing vivid full-colour images in low-light conditions. You can also choose infrared night vision (black and white), colour night vision, and an off mode, tailoring the camera's performance to specific preferences.
The Knight also uses AI-based detection with deep learning algorithms that enable the camera to distinguish between humans, vehicles, and animals in real-time, reducing false alarms. I didn’t use pet detection, but it’s worth noting that the feature is in beta development and could cause false alarms.
You can set up detection zones, ensuring a more focused and accurate surveillance system. You can also enable the option to receive customised notifications, keeping you informed about specific events that matter most. The Imou makes creating these zones easy thanks to an intuitive interface.
Equipped with a built-in 600-lumen spotlight and a 110dB security siren, the Knight is a strong deterrent against trespassers. The integrated microphone and speaker allow two-way audio communication, allowing you to talk with visitors or delivery drivers remotely via the Imou Life app.
The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6 capability enhances connectivity, providing a faster and smoother streaming experience. I can appreciate that not everyone has WiFi 6, but it’s great to have it for future-proofing your investment. In case of a Wi-Fi drop, the Knight offers a unique solution — a built-in hotspot in soft AP mode — allowing you to view the live stream without an external connection.
As well as WiFi, there’s also a wired Ethernet connection, but unfortunately, this doesn’t include power (POE) — you have to use the included power adaptor.
The Knight employs the latest H.265 compression, optimising network bandwidth and storage usage by up to 50%. This allows for up to 24 days of continuous recording on a 256GB Micro SD card. You can also subscribe to Imou Protect, which offers cloud storage for up to 30 days of event recordings. The subscription plans include 30 days of cloud video history, enhanced AI detection, and user-sharing options. Although the camera has a free cloud service trial period, you can automatically get seven days' worth of previous recordings without signing up.
The Imou Knight 4K Ultra HD Wi-Fi outdoor security camera impresses on multiple fronts. Its stunning visual clarity, AI-based detection, robust security features, weather resistance, and thoughtful connectivity solutions position it as a comprehensive and reliable home security solution.
Imou Knight 4K smart outdoor camera - €200 very.ie
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