I've been researching and reviewing a wide variety of security cameras but the common thread seems to be that you have to pay a lot to protect your valuables. However, the folks at Wyze sent me their Wyze Cam Pan ($29.99). For around $30, you get a remarkably full-featured indoor camera that has capabilities beyond cameras costing twice as much. For example, the Pan in the name stands for Panorama. The camera actually rotates on its own, covering 360 degrees, at 110 degrees per second, sensing motion and recording in 12-second increments. You can even mount it on an industry-standard tripod mount. This makes it ideal as a security camera in a centralized, wide open area of your house. While it is for inside use only, it incorporates night vision thanks to 6 infrared LEDs, for 18 shades of gray.
Unlike competing cameras that require a paid plan for storage of more than a few days, the Wyze cameras include 14 days of cloud storage and microSD for onsite storage. Despite the low price, they have quite an elegant design. The Wyze Cam Pan looks like a miniature version of Apple's newer AirPort Time Capsule, with a camera from 2001 A Space Odyssey on the front. It also works with Alexa and IFTTT so you can take action based on movement and you can view videos on an Echo Spot or Show. Wyze sells the Sense, which is a motion sensor as well and the neat thing is, it can be plugged in to the Wyze Cam's extra USB-A port, daisy chain style. And as affordable as the Wyze Cam Pan is, if you don't need the panorama feature or want something smaller, Wyze sells another model for about $20.
Pros
- Affordable enough to place throughout the house
- 14 days of cloud storage and microSD for onsite storage
- Automatic 360 degree panoramic rotation option
- Elegant design, works with Alexa
- Tripod mount, USB port for WYZE Sense Bridge
Cons
- Not for outdoor use
Final Verdict
The Wyze Cam Pan is a remarkably functional and affordable camera that, thanks to the price, you can place throughout your home.
