Godrej Spotlight Pan-Tilt Home Security Camera Review: A Solid Entry From a Trusted Brand
Godrej is a name synonymous with security in India, and their recent foray into the smart home space with the Spotlight range of security cameras is certainly worth noting. This review focuses on the Godrej Spotlight Pan-Tilt home security camera, a Wi-Fi-enabled device that aims to provide peace of mind at an affordable price point. Priced at Rs. 3,499, the Godrej Spotlight Pan-Tilt camera promises remote viewing, pan and tilt functionality, and seamless integration with your smartphone. We put it through its paces to see if it lives up to the hype.
Design and Build Quality: A Sturdy and Functional Design
The Godrej Spotlight Pan-Tilt camera sports a cylindrical design with a vertical ‘stem’ attached to a circular base. This base is responsible for panning left and right, while the stem allows for tilting the camera module up and down – a significant advantage over the fixed version in the Spotlight range. The camera can be placed on a table or mounted on the ceiling using the included attaching plate. It comes with a long USB cable and power adapter, providing flexibility in positioning the camera. Interestingly, Godrej claims the camera can be powered even with a power bank, making it potentially usable on the go or in areas lacking a power outlet.
The camera features a microSD card slot on the underside of the unit, supporting up to 128GB cards for continuous video recording. Weighing in at around 400g, the camera is heavier than many of its competitors. It’s important to note that the camera lacks water and dust resistance, necessitating careful placement in less exposed or humid conditions.
Key Features
- 2-megapixel sensor for full-HD (1920×1080-pixel) video recording.
- 110-degree field of view with 350-degree panning and 90-degree tilting capability.
- Night vision using an IR filter for clear video even in darkness.
- Built-in microphone and speaker for two-way communication.
Godrej Spotlight Pan-Tilt Home Security Camera App and Features: Seamless Control and Monitoring
Using the Godrej Spotlight app (available for iOS and Android), setting up the camera is a straightforward process taking around 10 minutes. Once set up, you can access the camera feed remotely and configure various settings. The app allows for control of multiple Godrej Spotlight cameras, which is a useful feature for larger homes or multi-camera setups.
Key Features
- Live feed access: The app activates the camera from standby within 4-5 seconds, displaying a live video feed with date and time overlay.
- Resolution options: Switch between SD and HD resolutions for the feed.
- Full-screen mode: The app offers a full-screen mode for viewing the feed.
- Live audio feed: Activate the microphone to hear audio from the camera’s surroundings.
- Pan and tilt control: An on-screen D-pad lets you pan and tilt the camera, with the ability to save specific angles for quick access.
- Screenshots and video recording: Capture still images and video recordings, saving them directly to your smartphone.
- Two-way communication: The app allows you to speak to someone near the camera.
- Motion detection: Configure motion detection to capture screenshots or video clips when it’s triggered.
- Continuous recording: With a microSD card inserted, continuous recording can be enabled.
- Cloud storage: The app offers cloud storage (a monthly Rs. 99 subscription) for accessing recordings even if the camera itself is stolen or damaged.
Note: Cloud storage is only for clips recorded due to motion detection, not continuous recording.
Considerations: During the review, the app froze and refused to load despite rebooting the smartphone. A complete uninstall and reinstall of the app fixed the issue.
Godrej Spotlight Pan-Tilt Home Security Camera Performance: A Dependable and Feature-Rich Experience
The Godrej Spotlight Pan-Tilt camera aims to provide peace of mind, and for the most part, it delivers. It’s essential to have a stable and reliable internet connection for seamless functionality. Godrej specifies compatibility with 2.4GHz Wi-Fi networks, and the camera worked flawlessly on the home network during testing.
Key Performance Aspects
- Clear video quality: The camera provides a colour video feed in well-lit conditions, automatically switching to monochrome night vision when needed. Video clarity remains impressive at both HD and SD resolutions, in both daylight and darkness.
- Sharp image detail: The footage is clear enough to recognise faces, objects, and even read text, making it useful for security purposes.
- Pan and tilt functionality: Pan and tilt movement is smooth and responsive, though a delay of about a second exists between issuing a command and the camera moving.
- Two-way communication: Two-way communication, while helpful, has a slight delay in audio transmission.
- Loud speaker: The built-in speaker is quite loud, capable of activating a loud alarm function to deter intruders.
Observations
- The camera emits a loud chime when turned on, connected to Wi-Fi, and during setup, which can be quite annoying.
- Microphone quality is decent, but a slight hum from household appliances is noticeable.
Verdict: A Solid Choice for Home Security, With Room for Improvement
The Godrej Spotlight Pan-Tilt home security camera offers a simple yet effective approach to home security. Its wide range of movement and clear video quality make it a strong contender in its price range. Access to the camera feed from anywhere through a stable network connection, combined with the flexibility of microSD and cloud storage, adds to its appeal.
Pros
- Wide range of motion and field of view.
- MicroSD and cloud storage support.
- Clear video in both well-lit and dark environments.
- Well-designed app with desktop browser functionality.
Cons
- Minor delays in audio and video transmission.
Considerations
While it’s a good choice for home security, there are more affordable options with similar features, such as the Mi Home Security Camera 360 and Realme Smart Cam 360. However, the Godrej Spotlight Pan-Tilt camera’s robust build, coupled with Godrej’s reputation in the security solutions space, make it a worthwhile investment.
Final Rating: 8/10
Overall, the Godrej Spotlight Pan-Tilt camera delivers on its core functionality, offering a dependable and feature-rich security solution at an attractive price point. While minor delays in audio and video transmission exist, the overall experience is positive, making it a solid contender in the crowded home security camera market.
