[IP CAM] D-Link DCS-2132L Wifi Camera

[simic]

Its time to retire my old Panasonic BLC-30 which has served me for the past 8 years.

I got for myself the DCS-2136L as I found I just needed a good fixed camera with good low light vision capability.

It is one of its top end model, with 720p HD sensor, no PTZ, 802.11ac wireless capability.

I purposely chose a model without PTZ capability as I have it permanently aimed at my front door to generate email alerts as movement is detected.

In my years of using my Panasonic Camera, I have not used the PTZ at all.

Specs are as pasted from their website.
Camera
• Sony Exmor 1/3” Megapixel CMOS progressive sensor
• Fixed lens: 3.6 mm F1.4
• Built-in white LED for low light surveillance with color image capability
• Passive infrared (PIR) sensor for enhanced motion detection
• Digital zoom magnifies image area up to 10 times
• Built-in microphone and speaker for 2-way communication
• ONVIF compliant
• Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) provides properly exposed video even under backlit conditions

Connections
• 802.11ac wireless connectivity
• 10/100 Fast Ethernet port
• Micro SD/SDHC Card slot for onboard storage
• DI/DO port for connection to external devices


One interesting thing not present on the low end IP cameras is the inclusion of Dry contact relays. With it, you can integrate your camera into your home automation or IDS system. You camera will be able to send a signal to your IDS should it detect an alarm condition (movement detected or PIR sensor activated)

 

[simic]

Initial Setup

Setup was relatively painless.

I plugged into the LAN port of the router and power it up.

Next I checked the DHCP lease table on my router to see what LAN IP was assigned to the IP camera.

With the IP, I was able to login immediately with a web browser.

Default username is admin, no password.

After login, you will be brought to the Video Feed page, where you will get a live video stream.

Configuring DCS-2136L Wifi Camera for PIR detection and Automatic email alerts

After a week of use, I found this camera possess great low light vision capability.

Video captured in low light look great and I am able to make out the facial features.

It will definitely replace my old panasonic camera as a front door surveillance camera.

I have configured to detect human presence using the PIR (Passive Infrared Sensor).

Upon triggering the alert, it will email me 15 seconds (inclusive of 3 seconds before alert trigger) worth of video to my email account.

This way, I am alerted of visitors to my house when I’m out.

To begin, login to the web GUI and goto Event, Event Setup.

Configure an action (email account and server)

• Click Add server and add the email address and SMTP server
• If your ISP does not provide a SMTP server to receive email, you may point to the Google one (aspmx.l.google.com).

Configure a video recording duration (15 sec duration with 3 sec pre recording)

• Set alert source (trigger) and actions
• Set a re-arming delay.
• This defines how long the camera will ignore further triggers once an alert has been sent
• Set trigger source to be PIR
• You could choose between PIR or Motion Detect. PIR is more accurate when you need to detect human movement as the PIR sensor is tuned to the IR energy (warmth) emitted by a person. It is the same kind of sensor that turns on the energy saving toilet lights.
• Set Action to Send to email server
• Once PIR is triggered, send an email with the captured video as an attachment.

Have FUN!

 

[simic]

Some pictures captured under various lighting conditions.

The pictures has been lightly edited to obscure my personal details.

Afternoon

Night with toilet lights on

Night with Main door open and all indoor lights switched off

Night with Main door open and all indoor lights switched off, captured by Nexus 6 in HDR mode

 

[jonoquek]

The last photo is with IR ?

 

[jcs_sgd]

This model should be DCS-2136L, wireless AC with white light LED. saw it when I was at their booth last show

 

[mib500]

Looks nice even though its only ip camera

 

[SimonLam]

Cheap and good to monitor home

 

[mib500]

Cheap and good to monitor home

Yeah... maybe i should get one too...

 

[simic]

The last photo is with IR ?

The low light function auto kick in during low light conditions.

The sensor worked so great in low lux that I didnt feel the need to turn on the white LED!

This model should be DCS-2136L, wireless AC with white light LED. saw it when I was at their booth last show

Yes, the model should be DCS-2136L. Thanks for pointing it out.

 

[bear1sg]

This model should be DCS-2136L, wireless AC with white light LED. saw it when I was at their booth last show

I tot IP Camera only have Infra-red LED only, now also have White LED IR?
Sound good. mean at low light or Lux will also have color picture or video...
Must go and take a look at challanger

 

[jonoquek]

Interesting ..white LED at night, seem like this is the only model for doing that.. wonder what is the logic and it will not be suitable to place in bedroom..

 

[bear1sg]

I went down to challenge and they do have the mode

 

[bear1sg]

any one have any idea how Much $$$ is this ip camera.

 

[slientbomb84]

Hi @simic, Did you try to view the camera with mydlink apps on iphone and android? how is the performance?

 

[bear1sg]

If have more than 1 IP camera, how can I view all IP camera in 1 Screen using PC or Mobile device or app?

 

[VodkaDevil]

Recording any solution?

Hi all, kinda interested in this camera...one of my big concern is recording, not sure this camera can record to my NAS bo, i am using WD NAS, anyone can advise?

 

[bear1sg]

Hi all, kinda interested in this camera...one of my big concern is recording, not sure this camera can record to my NAS bo, i am using WD NAS, anyone can advise?

I hear it can record to the DNS-327L, DNR-322L and PC also.
For PC forget the name of the Software ....

 

[evq]

Hi all, kinda interested in this camera...one of my big concern is recording, not sure this camera can record to my NAS bo, i am using WD NAS, anyone can advise?

I have tried 4 dlink models; 942, 2132, 2136 & 5222, all can be recorded in my Qnap nas.

 

[bear1sg]

I have tried 4 dlink models; 942, 2132, 2136 & 5222, all can be recorded in my Qnap nas.

Good to that, as I also looking for a storage.

 

[AshSim]

It's 2136 correct? The model number? Im confused...