Hands-on review- D-Link Full HD 180-Degree Wi-Fi Network Camera

I'm quite partial to D-Link's line of mydlink app powered wireless devices. I've got one of their wireless smart plugs put to good use, allowing me to remotely turn an old AC unit on and off. My previous experience with their wireless security cameras has been good as well.

I couple of months ago, I got to try out another D-Link camera- The Apple HomeKit enabled Omna 180 CAM HD. Whilst I liked the cameras specs, the Apple exclusivity made the camera of little use to me.

For us more Windows and Android people, D-Link have released their DCS-2530L Full HD 180-Degree Wi-Fi Network Camera in ANZ. Apple users can also play with it, but they may be more interested in the much more expensive, and more-phallic-looking Omna because… feels.

The DCS-2530L is criminally easy to set-up. You just plug it into a power socket (or a powered USB port), press the WPS button on the camera for 3 seconds and then the WPS button on your router, wait a couple of minutes and with a green light you are ready to go.

If you don't have a WSP (Wi-Fi Protected Setup- acronym fans) button, you can do the setup via a tablet or phone. You need to download the mydlink Lite app, scan the QR code on the quick install card included in the box, and you are away.

Of course, in order to use the mydlink Lite app, you need a mydlink account. This is no bother to set up and absolutely free. There are no subscription fees or anything like that.

I've used plenty of network security cameras, but it was only when playing with D-Link's Omna that I realised how useful the 180-degree lens is. With a regular camera, no matter where you put it you are never going to get a view of your entire room. With the DCS-2530L you don't really have to worry about location as long as you are not silly about it, you are going to get a full view of the room no matter where you place the camera.

The picture clarity is perfect. Of course, the 180-degree lens gives things a fish-eye look, but you are after the maximum viewing-angle, not the best cinematography. The camera has an infra-red low-light mode allowing the viewing of five metres in front of the camera in total darkness.  Recording is carried out, either remotely, using your device storage, or with an optional microSD card that slots in the side.

The camera's stand can be wall or ceiling mounted. The plate on the bottom can removed for use as a fixing bracket. The stand is hinged, allowing you to position the camera body. The camera can also be rotated in the body allowing you to fix the camera on any surface, regardless of angle, and adjust the camera view accordingly.

The D-Link Full HD 180-Degree Wi-Fi Network Camera does exactly what you expect of it. It's easy to set up and, using the mydlink app, seamlessly integrates into your D-Link network security system. Remote access to the camera, with its 180-degree lens, gives you piece of mind when away from home.

D-Link Full HD 180-Degree Wi-Fi Network Camera is available now at around NZ$320 or AUD$250.