Kasa 1080p Indoor Pan Tilt Wired Security Camera: Pros & Con

Key Features That Stand Out

• Full Room Coverage: Experience an expansive view with a 360° horizontal and 113° vertical pan/tilt field of view, allowing you to see everything across a room or walkway.
• Intelligent Motion Tracking: The camera automatically tracks moving objects or people, delivering real-time alerts and enhancing your security monitoring.
• Seamless Two-Way Communication: Communicate with family, pets, or visitors from anywhere using the integrated 2-way audio feature.
• Flexible Storage Options: Choose between secure local storage on a microSD card (up to 256 GB, not included) or opt for Kasa Care cloud subscription for extended history and advanced features.
• Extended Night Vision: Enjoy clear visibility up to 30 feet in complete darkness thanks to the integrated IR night vision system.
• Patrol Mode Capability: Set up the Patrol Mode to automatically monitor specific regions at customizable intervals, ensuring no area is overlooked.
• 2.4GHz Wi-Fi Connectivity: Connects reliably to your home’s 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band for stable streaming.

Kasa 1080p Indoor Pan/Tilt Wired Security Camera – Works as a Baby & Pet Monitor, Motion Detection & Tracking, 2-Way Audio, Night Vision, Subscription-Free Local Storage or Optional Cloud, EC71

Buy Now on Amazon

What We Like

• The pan/tilt functionality is exceptionally smooth, providing complete control over the camera’s viewing angle directly from the app.
• Motion tracking is impressively accurate, reliably following movement within its range without significant lag.
• The 2-way audio is clear and responsive, making it easy to have conversations with people or pets in another room.
• Having both local and cloud storage options offers great flexibility, catering to different user preferences and data security needs.
• The night vision is effective for its stated range, ensuring you can see what’s happening in dimly lit or completely dark environments.
• The setup process is straightforward and guided by the Kasa app, making it accessible even for those less technically inclined.

Performance Analysis

• Video Quality: The camera delivers crisp 1080p HD video, providing clear images during both day and night operations.
• Pan/Tilt Range: With a 360° horizontal and 113° vertical range, it covers a significant area, reducing the need for multiple cameras in a single room. The Patrol Mode is a valuable addition for automated surveillance.
• Motion Detection and Tracking: The camera excels at detecting and tracking motion, sending timely alerts to your smartphone for any activity. This feature is crucial for effective monitoring.
• Audio Capabilities: The 2-way audio is well-implemented, allowing for clear two-way conversations, which is perfect for communicating with family members or comforting pets.
• Connectivity: It utilizes a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band, which is standard for most home networks and generally provides a stable connection.
• Storage: The option to use a microSD card up to 256GB is a significant advantage for users who prefer local storage and wish to avoid ongoing subscription fees. Kasa Care offers enhanced features for those who want more.
• Night Vision: The 30 ft. night vision range is sufficient for most indoor spaces, ensuring continuous monitoring even in low-light conditions.

Best For

• New Parents: An excellent choice for a baby monitor, allowing parents to keep an eye on their infant from another room or while away from home.
• Pet Owners: Ideal as a pet camera, enabling users to check on and interact with their pets when they can’t be there in person.
• Home Security Enthusiasts: A solid option for adding indoor surveillance to an existing home security setup, with motion tracking and alerts.
• Apartment Dwellers: Provides a comprehensive view of living spaces, offering peace of mind in smaller or shared living situations.
• Individuals Seeking Remote Monitoring: Perfect for anyone who wants to remotely check in on their home, whether for security or to connect with family.

Buying Guide

Key Features to Look For

When purchasing an indoor security camera like the Kasa 1080p Indoor Pan/Tilt Wired Security Camera – Works as a Baby & Pet Monitor, Motion Detection & Tracking, 2-Way Audio, Night Vision, Subscription-Free Local Storage or Optional Cloud, EC71, prioritize robust pan/tilt capabilities for wide coverage, effective motion detection and tracking for alerts, and clear 2-way audio for communication. Look for flexible storage solutions, whether it’s local microSD support or reliable cloud options, and ensure adequate night vision for round-the-clock monitoring. Connectivity options, such as 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, are also important for a stable connection.

Important Materials

While specific material details for the camera’s housing aren’t always prominent in product listings, expect durable plastic construction common in consumer electronics designed for indoor use. The focus is typically on the functionality and longevity of the internal components and the quality of the lens.

Essential Factors to Consider

• Coverage Area: The 360° pan and 113° tilt is exceptional, but consider the specific dimensions of the room you intend to monitor to ensure full coverage.
• Connectivity: Ensure your home has a stable 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network for optimal performance.
• Storage Needs: Decide if you prefer subscription-free local storage via microSD card or the advanced features offered by cloud subscriptions.
• Power Source: This is a wired camera, so proximity to a power outlet is necessary for continuous operation.
• App Integration: Kasa’s app is generally well-regarded; check reviews for ease of use and features available on your mobile device.

Budget Planning

The Kasa EC71 falls into a competitive mid-range price point for smart indoor cameras with pan/tilt functionality. Factor in the potential cost of a microSD card if you opt for local storage (prices vary based on capacity and brand). If considering cloud storage, be aware of the monthly or annual subscription fees associated with Kasa Care, which typically range from $5-$10 per month per camera for basic plans.

When to Buy

Smart home devices like security cameras often see price drops during major online sales events such as Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. Purchasing during these periods can offer significant savings. Additionally, if you are setting up a new nursery or adopting a new pet, purchasing the camera around that time will be most beneficial for immediate use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum capacity of the microSD card supported by this camera?

The camera supports microSD cards with a capacity of up to 256 GB, providing ample space for local video storage.

Does the Kasa EC71 require a Wi-Fi connection to function?

Yes, the camera connects to your home’s 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band to stream video, send alerts, and allow remote access through the Kasa Smart app.

Can I view the camera feed on multiple devices simultaneously?

Yes, you can typically access the camera feed from multiple devices using the Kasa Smart app, allowing different household members to monitor as needed.

Is the camera suitable for monitoring outdoor areas?

No, the Kasa EC71 is designed as an indoor camera and is not weatherproof, so it should only be used in dry, indoor environments.

What is the range of the night vision feature?

The integrated IR system provides clear night vision up to a range of 30 feet, allowing you to see in complete darkness.

Does the camera support voice assistants like Alexa or Google Assistant?

While not explicitly detailed in the provided features, many Kasa devices integrate with popular voice assistants; checking the product listing or Kasa’s official website for current compatibility is recommended.

Final Thoughts

The Kasa 1080p Indoor Pan/Tilt Wired Security Camera – Works as a Baby & Pet Monitor, Motion Detection & Tracking, 2-Way Audio, Night Vision, Subscription-Free Local Storage or Optional Cloud, EC71 stands out as a highly capable and versatile indoor monitoring solution. Its comprehensive pan/tilt range, coupled with intelligent motion tracking, ensures you have a clear view of your entire room. The convenience of 2-way audio makes it an excellent choice for interacting with family or pets from afar, and the dual storage options offer flexibility for all users. With reliable night vision and the straightforward Kasa app interface, this camera provides robust functionality and peace of mind for various home monitoring needs, from a dedicated baby monitor to an effective home security addition.