When comparing NetCam HD+ vs Simplicam, the Slant community recommends Simplicam for most people. In the question“What are the best home-security cameras?” Simplicam is ranked 6th while NetCam HD+ is ranked 8th. The most important reason people chose Simplicam is:
If you are getting false alarms often, you can configure the sensitivity and even choose which parts of the frame to watch and which to ignore (the app can divide the picture into 25 different zones, and you can select zone by zone which to watch and which to ignore).
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Pros
Pro Very easy setup
Instructions can be found in the app, or in the printed manual. The steps are very simple - plug it in, connect it to the internet, and install the app on your phone. After that, you just have to worry about registration and your personal settings.
Pro WeMo compatible
WeMo is a home automation system by Belkin. The NetCam HD+ is compatible with this system, which means it can integrate with other WeMo compatible products such as the Belkin Wemo smart bulbs. If you own compatible products, they can interact with each other. For example, you can configure the system so that when the NetCam detects motion, it will turn on the Belkin WeMo lights.
Pro Multi-platform controls
There are apps for both iOS and Android, as well as a web app for any computer or other operating systems. This allows split households (in terms of operating systems) to control their smart camera with ease.
Pro Night vision
The NetCam HD+ has infra-red LED lights that provide light that the camera can pick up, however this light is't visible to the human eye.
Pro Talk and listen
With both a microphone and a speaker, you can have conversations through the NetCam and your phone.
Pro No cloud-based recording service required
Pro Very configurable
If you are getting false alarms often, you can configure the sensitivity and even choose which parts of the frame to watch and which to ignore (the app can divide the picture into 25 different zones, and you can select zone by zone which to watch and which to ignore).
Pro Facial recognition support
When you get notified of movement, the Simplicam will be able to tell you who it is so you know if you can ignore the notification or not without needing to open the app.
This feature requires the subscription.
Pro Android and iOS support + web app
Some cameras only support Android or iOS, but that is very inconvenient for families that have members using both major mobile operating systems (you're still out of luck with Windows Phone unless you use its browser). Lucky, this camera has support for both Android and iOS. There is also a web app that can be accessed through any computer with internet access.
Pro Night vision
There are built-in infra-red LEDs that let you see through the camera even when its pitch black. They illuminate the center of the picture well, but the edges of the frame remain very dark, effectively reducing the field of view further at night.
Pro Scheduling available
You can configure your camera to turn on and off depending on a schedule you create. If the house is typically empty from 9am-3pm, you can set it to turn on then and when you go to bed. This cuts down on notifications, because if its on all the time it will constantly be sending you notifications and could feel like its invading your privacy if its always recording you when you're at home.
Subscription required for this feature
Pro 2 way audio
This camera has both a speaker and microphone, which allows you to have conversations with whoever is in/around your house at the time.
Pro Convenient installation
This camera comes with a wall/ceiling mount, and the stem is flexible allowing you to change the direction the camera is pointing even after installation.
Pro Works over Wi-Fi
Cons
Con Subscription required for cloud video storage
The subscription is almost required - without it you won't be able to see recorded video (only a live feed). You will also only receive email alerts without the subscription - it also unlocks app notifications.
The subscription is $10/month (or $100 if billed annually), and it will allow videos to be saved online for 14 days. You can download these clips if you so wish. This subscription also allows push notifications to be sent to your phone so you will be notified of any intruders immediately.
Con Low field of view
The NetCam HD+ has a 95 degree vision in front of it. This is more than adequate for monitoring a small corridor or a single doorway, however other options offer a much wider field of view and will be able to see more surroundings.
Con No local storage
All videos are uploaded directly to the cloud, and there is no local storage on-board.
Con Low resolution video
Video is only captured at 720p, which is sub-par when compared to virtually any other home security camera. A higher resolution would offer more crisp video, and greater clarity so its easier to recognize who is on your property and what they're doing.
Con Low resolution video capture
At 720p, the video is usable, however it isn't crisp and depending on the distance of the movement you may not be able to make out exactly what is happening.
Con Relatively small field of vision
While the 107 degree field of vision should provide enough sight for most installations, other cameras offer up to 180 degrees of vision which covers a lot more ground. With this camera, there may be blind spots depending on where you install it and which way its facing.
Con Face detection could use some work
Face detection is technically a beta product, and doesn't work very well yet. It can confuse people for each other sometimes, and can have a hard time distinguishing between known faces and unknown people. This feature is getting worked on, and is promised to get better with time. At this point though, it's correct most of the time - but you won't want to leave your home security to be mostly secure.
Con Subscription required to access all features
$5/month ($50/yr) keeps videos for a single day, and allows you to save 1 hour of video.
$14/month ($140/yr) keeps recordings for 11 days, and you can save 3 hours of video.
$23/month ($230/yr) is the highest plan, and will keep videos for 21 days and allows for 5 hours of saved clips.
Con No local storage
Everything is uploaded directly to the cloud, and there is no local storage on the Simplicam.