Over the last few weeks I’ve been trialing D-Link’s new Omna Wire-Free Indoor / Outdoor Surveillance cameras. These are basically a direct competitor to Arlo, providing a wireless solution for around-the-clock video surveillance.
Like Arlo, the D-link set-up requires a base station and offer good battery life via rechargeable lithium batteries. Recording can be done locally or via a cloud subscription that is complementary for 12-months for up to five Full HD cameras.
Any decent wireless camera in my opinion should provide the following, Full HD 1080p video capture, local storage via microSD Card or USB Hard Drive that can be connected to the hub, night vision, two-way talk and even an alarm. The D-Link Omna system ticks all those boxes.
The MyDlink app is easy enough to use, although I feel that Arlo’s app may be just a tad more user friendly and possibly more responsive. But keep in mind I’ve only used Arlo cameras prior to this, so I’m bound to have a higher degree of familiarity with its app interface.
The night vision is just as good as the Arlo Pro cameras I’m using, but keep in mind there’s also an Arlo Ultra range now that offers 4K video capture. It’s possible to set the level of motion detection, so your dog for example doesn’t cause the camera to record every time it walks past.
In terms of smart connectivity the system is compatible with Amazon Alexa and the Google Assistant. I have a Lenovo Smart Display in the kitchen that works with Google Assistant. So I can summon “The Lawn Side” camera and see a live video feed almost immediately.
The kit includes magnetic mounts for each camera, and a mounting arm. As you can see I’ve mounted my cameras upside down outside, within the app there is a “ceiling mode” that inverts the picture.
The Wi-Fi Hub has ports for a microSD card and an external USB Hard Drive. But as I mentioned you do get 12-months worth of cloud recording for free normally worth US$49.99.
A two-camera D-Link Omna package will set you back $799.95.
Web: dlink.com.au
Chris was EFTM’s Motoring Editor for many years, driving everything from your entry level hatch to the latest Luxury cars through to the Rolls Royce.
He has been in the media for 20 years, produced three Olympic games broadcasts, attending Beijing 2008 & London 2012.
Strangely he owns a Toyota Camry Hybrid, he defiantly rejects the knockers.
Chris is married to Gillian and resides in Sydney’s North West. They have Sam the English Springer Spaniel and Felix the Burmese cat to keep them company, and recently welcomed baby Henry to the family.
He has now left EFTM, and writes freelance and runs his own Facebook Page “Bowen’s Garage”
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