When comparing NetCam HD+ vs Netatmo Welcome, the Slant community recommends Netatmo Welcome for most people. In the question“What are the best home-security cameras?” Netatmo Welcome is ranked 7th while NetCam HD+ is ranked 8th. The most important reason people chose Netatmo Welcome is:
All data is stored locally on an SD card - included is an 8GB card. Even better - the slot is push activated, meaning it will spring out when you push it in again. This is an example of the good attention to small details. The SD card can only hold so much video though, and once storage space has run out it will overwrite any existing files. This means that if you want to keep any videos, it's important to regularly save them to another storage location (or insert a larger card).
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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 Locally stored data
All data is stored locally on an SD card - included is an 8GB card. Even better - the slot is push activated, meaning it will spring out when you push it in again. This is an example of the good attention to small details.
The SD card can only hold so much video though, and once storage space has run out it will overwrite any existing files. This means that if you want to keep any videos, it's important to regularly save them to another storage location (or insert a larger card).
Pro Inconspicuous design
At first glance, you wouldn't expect this to be a security camera. that means that it's easy to place it in plain sight without being an eye-sore.
Pro Facial recognition
While not a reliable source of security, the Netamo Welcome can sometimes get faces right. It has trouble differentiating between bearded folks, but other than that it does a decent job once it's sufficiently learned the different faces (it can take up to 2 weeks).
Pro Versatile video
With the wide angle lens (130 degrees), this camera is set to record any action in front of it, as well as slightly to the sides of the main focal point. It also includes a night vision mode, where infra-red LEDs illuminate the darkness but aren't visible to human eyes. This is called night mode, and shows up in greyscale, but in decent enough quality to still be able to see everything that's going on in the frame.
Pro Multi-platform
There are fully integrated Android and iOS apps, as well as a web app (although the web app is limited in its capabilities). This is welcome news for any family which is split between Android/iOS users.
Pro Web app included
While some home security cameras only support mobile apps, this one allows you to view the important information in a web browser for your convenience (configuring the camera itself needs to be done through the app, but it's nice to be able to view the live steam on any computer and not just your phone).
Pro Recognizes who enters a household and notifies via companion app
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 Limited positions available
There is no included mount, and it isn't supposed to be pointed at windows or areas with too much light. This limits where you can place it, as it has to be on a table or ledge of some sort, and facing in a specific direction.
Con Visible light when in night mode
When night mode is enabled, there is a glowing red light. This defeats the purpose of its stealthy design, and feels obtrusive when you are walking around your house in the dark - almost like something is watching you (because you are indeed being watched).
Con Sub-par camera quality
While rated at 1080p, the quality of the video doesn't quite match that of other 1080p home security cameras. This might just be optics they used, but the overall quality of the video leaves some to be desired.