How I fought with a Xiaomi camera for $25. Xiaomi IP cameras: work with iPhone and for all occasions

Admit it, you've probably at least once wanted to install a video surveillance camera at home or on your property. Often this is a tribute to security, but some, for example, use such devices to communicate with their pet, others simply watch what their neighbors are doing, and still others use them as a video baby monitor. Be that as it may, a video surveillance camera is a useful thing in many cases. And here, in terms of price-quality ratio, there is probably nothing better than Xiaomi devices.

We decided to take a closer look and compare two popular IP cameras from this manufacturer - Small Square Smart Camera and Mijia 1080P. Let's start the story with the second one, since it evoked special emotions.

Mijia 1080P, as the name implies, records video in Full HD quality, which allows you to get high-quality video recording even at night - for this, the camera has infrared illumination, which consists of eight small bulbs and “sees” at a distance of up to 10 meters, and also a high frame rate of 15 frames per second (20 frames during the day) for a detailed view of objects. IN daytime The device pleases with a wide viewing angle of 130 degrees (that is, this camera has very few blind spots) and recognition of 32 different zones - you can conveniently program the desired area to warn of motion.

The stability of the wireless connection is ensured by support for Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz/5 GHz, so connecting to the camera from an application on the iPhone (or other smartphone) always takes a couple of seconds. Let's look at the package and move straight to the connection.

The packaging is in the Xiaomi style - it seems like there is nothing superfluous, but at the same time there is everything you need, this is what the Chinese company learned from Apple. The kit includes the camera itself on a stand, as well as a cable with a power supply and a double flat “plug”. You probably have plenty of adapters for European sockets; if not, they cost several tens of rubles.

By the way, the camera itself is a small black washer - everything else belongs to the holder. That is, in essence, you can install it anywhere in such a way that knowledgeable person won't notice anything. At the end there is a micro-USB connector for power, a slot for a micro SD memory card, a microphone and a reset hole.

The installation process took longer than expected. First of all you need to install on iPhone app Mi Home, in which all settings are carried out. The main catch here lies in the choice of region - it is best to click on China so that everything works as it should. When choosing a different region, our camera either simply did not adjust, or the application subsequently did not identify it. But in the end, as they say, the man turned out to be smarter.

The application is modern and, admittedly, works stably. The main playback window shows the current connection speed to the camera, allows you to pause the broadcast, select image quality, turn on/off sound, take a screenshot, record video, turn on the microphone for voice communication, go to sleep mode and open settings. There are a lot of items, but, on the other hand, it’s convenient that they are all on one screen, so you don’t have to rush around the application.

The settings provide the ability to change the camera name, set an access password, share access to the camera, turn off the status indicator (it’s really quite bright), “apply” the date and time, and much more. It’s probably easier to say what’s not here. The camera can save recorded video both to a memory card and to network storage - from a NAS, or a regular network folder. After installing a microSD card, you can rewind time on the timeline and watch the recording on the same screen.

A very important advantage of the camera is the ability to not only activate the motion sensor, but also enable automatic recording when activity is detected. This way, attackers will not remain incognito, and you can later demonstrate the video if necessary.

And now pay attention - this camera costs less than 3 thousand rubles in Russia. I remember several years ago I bought HappyCam for use as a video baby monitor for 5-6 thousand rubles, while the camera recorded a maximum of 440p, was much larger in size, and had more functions. mobile application- several times less. , of course, do not stand still, but it’s great that this is reflected in the price the best side(in the case of Xiaomi).

Small Square Smart Camera costs about a thousand rubles less - in fact, it is the previous generation of the first hero of our review. The delivery set is the same - camera, power supply, USB cable two meters long.

At the base of the camera there is a folding stand with a magnetic base, which allows you to hold it on a metal surface. There is also a button for installing/resetting and a slot for microSD cards. The camera rotates relative to the mount to obtain the desired viewing angle.

The camera can also be connected in the Mi Home application, the main thing is to select “China” as the region. After this, the installation process will take a couple of minutes, and you can use the camera.

The camera interface is very similar to that of the Mijia 1080P. It is possible to take a photo, start recording, activate a motion sensor, but, however, there is no convenient tape for rewinding in real time. Another drawback is the menu. Although most points on English language, their Chinese counterparts are often found. If you have a head on your shoulders, you can figure it out without any problems, but for many, the language barrier can be an obstacle. But this camera can be used as a smoke and carbon dioxide sensor.

I liked the script support for automating work with the camera. You can, for example, set the motion sensor to turn off when you come home, or turn on the camera if you suddenly get ready to go somewhere. The camera has a viewing angle of 110 degrees; It records not to say that it is excellent, but it is sufficient for everyday needs. In the dark, the infrared illumination turns on, with the help of which the camera continues to see everything that is happening.

In fact, for the money the camera is very good. Having paid about one and a half thousand rubles, we get the camera itself, a motion, smoke, carbon dioxide sensor with the ability to build a smart home system from Xiaomi based on Mi Home. That is, for example, if you buy the same lamp and kettle from Xiaomi, you can set a scenario for turning on the camera, light and kettle when you wake up. And you don’t have to wait a long time for ordered devices from China—in Russia, some stores sell them at a minimal markup.

If I had to choose between Small Square Smart Camera and Mijia 1080P, I would probably choose the second one due to its more attractive and modern interface. However, the “cube” is in no way inferior to it in terms of video recording quality, and if you are looking for a more budget-friendly option, feel free to pay attention to it.

The widespread brand Xiaomi (Xiaomi) is today well known to consumers in the CIS countries.

Having begun its penetration into the Russian-speaking market with inexpensive smartphones, in which the technological hardware was somewhat unstable, the manufacturer continuously improved the quality of its offerings.

The range of products has also improved. Today in price lists you will find not only a reliable phone, but also Xiaomi, DVRs, routers and much more.

Features of Xiaomi products

If we consider Xiaomi products from the perspective of the approach to the development of ergonomics and standard schemes of hardware solutions, we can immediately highlight several distinctive features brand products.

1. The number of controls and adjustments is minimal. However, buttons and other elements make it easy to access the desired functionality. At the same time, the location of each switch is carefully thought out and convenient.
2. Xiaomi devices are emphatically technological, with housings of a somewhat minimalist design. A typical WiFi security camera for a Xiaomi home is a simple lens, without excessive adjustments, a smooth body with minimal curves, made of plastic.
3. In hardware solutions, there is a clear balance between cost and level of technology of nodes and key elements. For example, sensors are used to achieve an ideal picture, characterized by reliability and reliability. But the model range of such structural elements belongs to the segment of long-used, well-known products that do not belong to the latest technological generation of products.
4. In terms of the software shells used, there is also a desire to use inexpensive and reliable solutions. The Xiaomi WiFi camera will not offer any special features. The software for its management and configuration is based on standardized shells and operating systems. It is reliable, predictable, intuitive.

Xiaomi products have another distinctive feature: the manufacturer strives to offer as much useful functionality as possible.

For example, relatively inexpensive cameras have smoke and temperature sensors and pamper the owner with the capabilities of real optical zoom.

In addition, the brand follows the path of optimal compatibility of all its devices.

This means that the Xiaomi WiFi security camera provides access from a smartphone from this manufacturer, control and configuration using proprietary software.

It is precisely because of these features that Xiaomi products enjoy deserved popularity among consumers. Today the brand cannot boast of the most attractive prices.

However, in terms of the overall balance of cost, convenience, simplicity and functionality, the Xiaomi CCTV camera can confidently win the competition against any competitor in its price segment.

Review of the Xiaomi IP camera range

Among the range of Xiaomi digital camera offerings, you can find an option that can fully satisfy the owner’s needs in solving specific problems.

The manufacturer offers models for home and street, with directional or all-round visibility, miniature devices and solutions of average size.

Small Square Smart Camera

Small, similar to a cube on a support, the camera from Xiaomi will offer the owner not only a high-quality image, but also ample opportunities to access data.

The highlights of the technical solution include:

• eight times digital zoom;
• image resolution 1920x1080 pixels;
• night mode and corresponding infrared illumination;
• built-in microphone and speaker;
• smoke and carbon monoxide detector.

The camera can be integrated into the alarm system to activate an alarm; the image and sound from it can be obtained remotely by connecting with a Xiaomi smartphone or other device.

High-quality images are guaranteed by a 1/2.7″ CMOS sensor. The camera operates at temperatures from 0 to 40 degrees, consumes only 0.5 watts, has a viewing angle of 110 degrees, and can save data to a card with a capacity of up to 64 GB.

MiJia 360° Home Camera

Convenient, technologically-looking MiJia 360° Home Camera is built on a powerful processor platform, has many automatic adjustment modes, and can change the direction of the lens by 75 degrees vertically.

Features of the model include:

1. multi-LED night mode illumination, with a range of up to 10 meters;
2. connection via WiFi, microUSB, ability to store data on a memory card up to 32 GB;
3. operating temperature range - from -10 to +55 degrees. If there is a need and climatic conditions allow, MiJia 360° Home Camera can be used as a xiaomi dome outdoor security camera, when installed in places where the device will not get water;
4. built-in speaker and microphone;
5. Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity;
6. motion sensor with own system sending service messages.

This camera got its name due to another feature: the block with the optical sensor rotates freely 360 degrees. The device generates a 1080p video stream, H.264 compression, images up to 1920x1080. The camera has a 1\8″ sensor with a resolution of 4 megapixels.

Yi Home International Edition

If you need a home camera with universal capabilities, including support for access protocols, Yi Home International Edition will be an acceptable option.

The device has a number of features that make it suitable for solving literally any problem.

• built-in motion sensor can send messages to the owner’s phone;
• there is a built-in speaker and microphone for negotiations;
• infrared illumination in combination with a sensitive sensor allows you to shoot video in minimal lighting;
• photo resolution reaches 1280x720 pixels, which in combination with optical zoom allows you to obtain high-quality images;
• Almost all popular access and data transfer protocols are supported;
• the device is made in a body of minimal thickness, which allows you to hang the camera flat on the wall;
• Supports saving data to a memory card;
• The camera can broadcast a data stream to several networks at once.

Although Yi Home International Edition cannot boast of FullHD video, it will be extremely convenient as a video baby monitor, security device, or motion detector. The camera's viewing angle is 111 degrees, which allows you to cover large area observations.

Dafang 1080P

A camera that is called a favorite according to many users.

It is extremely simple and unpretentious in appearance, but has irreplaceable features, easy position adjustment and other conveniences.

The key features of the model include:

1. having its own WiFi transmitter, the camera can act as a separate access point for direct connection;
2. the wavelength of infrared illumination with 6 diodes is 940 nm, which allows you to highlight the smallest details night mode images;
3. the camera covers a large area thanks to a viewing angle of 120 degrees;
4. Possibility of adjusting the position 93 degrees vertically and 360 horizontally.

The device can operate at temperatures from 0 to 40 degrees, humidity up to 90%, provides a WiFi connection, and offers to save data to a memory card.

The power cable connection scheme is also interestingly implemented: into a stationary stand on a non-slip suction cup, on which the camera body rotates freely. The device generates a FullHD 1080p video stream, with an image resolution of 1920x1080 pixels.

YI Dome Camera 360°

A device that can replace several cameras at once is the YI Dome Camera 360°. Features of the model include a servo-drive mechanism.

Using the control software, you can set up to 8 viewpoints. And the camera, according to a configured algorithm, will independently change the direction of view in order to cover the necessary parts of the observation area.

Other features of the device include:

• position adjustment in two degrees of freedom, with a full rotation of 360 degrees horizontally and 115 vertically;
• viewing angle of 120 degrees;
• built-in motion sensor and system for sending messages to the owner;
• built-in microphone and speaker, two types of voice calls;
• infrared illumination and night photography;
• memory card support.

The camera can be accessed either through a WiFi router or through a direct connection to a smartphone.

Advantages and disadvantages of Xiaomi cameras

Xiaomi cameras offer many useful features at an affordable price.

The undoubted advantages of the model range include ease of setup, good quality images, attractive functional content of devices.

They are made in neat, discreet cases. However, it is worth noting the disadvantages of some solutions. In particular, there is a focus only on proprietary software.

If you use a shell from Xiaomi, you can connect to the camera with literally two touches of the sensor. Setting up is no less easy.

If you use third-party software, you may have to spend a lot of time setting the necessary parameters before starting to use video surveillance.

Conclusion

Xiaomi cameras make it possible to get excellent functionality, high-quality video and many attractive options for little money. The products are very competitive in their price segment.

Therefore, they are confidently gaining popularity among a wide audience of consumers interested in the ease of setup and use of video surveillance equipment.

Video: Xiaomi MiJia 1080P review and setup of CCTV camera

Every year, Chinese companies flood the country's market with all kinds of electronics. With all this, the quality of their products does not become worse, but rather improves. The well-known company Xiaomi, which constantly produces high-quality products at a reasonable price, is no exception. The direction of the company in which it is actively developing is the development and production of network devices and smart home components. Today we’ll look at a similar device that can work successfully both in conjunction with other devices and separately from them. It is Xiaomi Yi.

At a very low cost, about $25, the camera has a wide range of options and capabilities, as well as good characteristics. One of them is image quality; the camera broadcasts images in HD resolution at 20 frames per second. The viewing angle reaches 111 degrees. Night vision function is available. Video recording can be done either to a memory card or to the company’s cloud service. Flash cards are supported from 4 to 32 GB. The device has a built-in microphone and speaker. It is possible to record according to a schedule prepared in advance, or a motion detector. The camera supports protocols: IPV4, HTTP, P2P, UDP, DHCP and others.

Equipment

Externally, the Xiaomi Yi Ants white IP camera is made with a sense of style that was adopted from more famous companies. Minimalistic case and box, but poor equipment. Devices from Xiaomi are quite pleasant appearance, their gadgets can be placed in the most prominent places, and they will not stand out as an inappropriate spot against the background of the room, but, on the contrary, will become part of the interior.

The camera block consists of two parts: a black camera and a white stand. The camera itself can be detached from the stand (it is held on by clips), and then hidden or hidden behind a wall, built into doors, or found some other use. But in more In some cases, the camera is quite convenient to use in a non-separable form. The stand can bend in one plane. The bottom of the leg has an anti-slip coating, and under the sticker there is double-sided adhesive tape for sticking to the wall or ceiling.

The Xiaomi Yi camera has a memory card slot and a power connector.

On the back panel there is a reset button to return to factory settings and a speaker.

Communication with the router

Xiaomi Yi allows you to monitor a room via the Internet, and not just over a local network. To connect the camera to the router, you do not need to perform complex actions or change many settings. For the device to work correctly, you just need to install one of the applications: Mi Smart Home or Mi XiaoYi Smart Camera. Which are available for both Android and iOS.

"Smart House"

Through the Smart Home program you can conveniently control all devices from a common network. It works. this program when connecting to a local network, and its main feature is that all points are made in more understandable English. MiXiaoYICamera, we remind you, is implemented in Chinese, English is available only to owners Android devices, but the set of functions is the same. After downloading and launching the application for the first time, there will be a blank screen (in the future, a list of all smart home devices will be displayed here).

Before adding a camera, you need to go to the “Profile” section, and then register on the Xiaomi service. It will be needed for storing video and photo materials, as well as for monitoring the situation via the Internet.

After this, you need to click on the “Device” tab, then on the “+” sign and select your device in the upper corner.

After completing the actions, the LED on the camera should light up yellow color, which the application will report.

Then the process of identifying the camera and its further connection to the network will begin.

If the process is successful, the application will return to the start screen; if not, it will generate a QR code. You will need it to connect to the router. It happens that in automatic mode the camera is not detected and does not connect to the network, but you must use the QR code.

But first you need to reset all settings.

We confirm and receive a special code.

After this, you need to bring the smartphone screen to the camera. After a voice signal in Chinese and the blue LED lights up, a message appears in the application notifying you of a successful connection.

After returning to the main screen of the program, the camera will be visible.

A picture from the camera is displayed at the top of the screen; by tapping on it, we switch to the camera control page. Here you can enable forced recording, activate the speaker or microphone, and take a photo of the room. The timeline shows when the recording was made, it is highlighted orange. It is worth noting that the absence of a memory card does not greatly affect the operation of the camera. The recording is made in the cloud, on the company’s server. Free 4 GB available.

For advanced settings, go to the menu and click “Settings”. They offer the ability to enable recording based on movement in the frame, according to a schedule, and masking - when the LED is turned off. You can also select a password to connect to the device.

Examples

Picture sharpness and overall quality, for its price, very good. There are two modes to choose from – SD and HD. They are selected automatically, depending on the quality of the Internet connection, or forced by the user.

Xiaomi Yi Ants firmware

The article would not be fully disclosed if it did not talk about the fact that on the factory firmware the camera does not work completely open. For example, there is no RTSP protocol, which means that you won’t be able to connect to a DVR or third-party cloud service.

Instructions on how to fix this problem.

1. You need to turn off the camera and remove the memory card.
2. Download firmware with RTSP support: for a camera with a revision lower than V2.1 or for a revision V2.1.
3. You need to format the card, unpack the archive to the root.
4. Then you need to turn on the camera and reset the settings.
5. Then turn off the camera, return the memory card, and turn it on.
6. We are waiting for the system update, connecting to the network.
7. After completing the steps, the following RTSP streams will be available:

Main: rtsp://IP CAMERA:554/ch0_0.h264

Backup: rtsp://IP CAMERA:554/ch0_1.h264

Audio: rtsp://IP CAMERA:554/ch0_3.h264

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Hi all. Today I want to talk about the IP camera from Xiaomi. There have already been reviews of this camera, but these were regular versions, the same one with night vision (IR illumination). I’ll also tell you how to modify it for full use (access through a browser, correct time zone, etc.). Why it is needed, I think it’s clear: we remotely watch the picture from the camera, listen to the recording from the microphone, receive notifications about the danger on the phone (movement in the camera). Now the topic of “smart home” is very actively developing. Xiaomi also keeps up and constantly releases new devices: humidifier, rice cooker, IP camera, light bulb, etc. Of course, this is not a smart vacuum cleaner or a refrigerator that determines what is in it, but still there is progress.

We start, as always, with the characteristics of the IP camera (translated into Russian).

Characteristics.

Contents of delivery.

Appearance.

Separate peephole.

Separate stand. Adjustable only in height. The stand is weighted and does not tip over in any position.

The back side of the camera, signed all the connectors.

There is a 2 color indicator on the front side. Orange - ready to configure. Blue light - connected to WiFi, ready to use. Indicator can be disabled in the settings to make the camera less noticeable.

Setup. Connect to the application.

I’ll also note: I have a camera version v. 2.1, October 2015.
The firmware is stock 1.8.5.1 K (it seems that they do not recommend updating to a version later than L, otherwise the camera will not work outside of China).

Setting up the camera is so simple that I don’t even see the point of showing anything. A minute in time, no more.
1) Create a Mi account if you don’t have one yet.
2) Download the application.
3) Turn on the camera, launch the application.
4) Click + at the top right and follow the instructions in Russian in pictures.
There you need to enter your login and password for the WiFi network and wait a little. All!

On 4pda they scared me that I needed to set it up with dancing and a tambourine, but everything worked out. Moreover, Xiaomi is a huge plus for such intuitive instructions in pictures in the application itself.

Yi Home application interface.

We select our camera and get into the control window.

What you can do and what you can see.
1) Enable audio recording on the camera microphone.
2) Enable video recording.
3) Take a photo.
4) Go to full screen view.
5) The middle button is like Alarm - a sound is made on the camera.
Information: date, time, camera name, scale with information about when the recording was made (you need to record the time on the camera, more on that below), connection speed, how much traffic we spent viewing the image.
Also displayed here important points When there is movement in the camera, we receive a notification on the phone (you can turn this off).

Basic camera settings.

Video test (day and night shooting), audio and photo of Xiaomi IP camera.

Test shot in complete darkness (the eye cannot distinguish objects). Honestly, I was pleasantly surprised (IR illumination gets 10 points).

Daytime photo. The quality is average, but it will work for an IP camera.

What can be added. What did I do?

I was interested in: access to the camera through a computer and the correct time zone to correctly display the timeline when the recording was made.
Thanks to the enormous work of w3bsit3-dns.com users, this couldn’t be easier.
I leave a link to the instructions:
You need to download the archive with scripts and load it onto your memory card, turn on the camera and you're done.
Now our time is correct (Moscow by default) and you can view video from the camera from any computer, and not just through the application.
To do this, download VLC media player. Then go to the camera application, camera settings / network information / IP address, remember it.
Next, go to VLC player -> Media -> open URL -> write rtsp://CameraIP:554/ch0.h264, where CameraIP is the IP that we remembered.
We see the picture from the camera and rejoice :)

Some metrics.

Conclusion.

Video material.

We have already begun to get used to the fact that the Chinese are increasingly filling the electronics market every year, while the quality of their goods is constantly improving. Xiaomi, which has established itself as a manufacturer of high-quality and relatively inexpensive phones, was no exception. Another constant direction of development of this company is the production of network devices and equipment from the “smart home” series. Today we are reviewing one of these devices, which can be used either in conjunction with other components or separately - this is an IP surveillance camera. Xiaomi Yi Ants.

At a low cost (about $25) ip camera has an impressive list technical characteristics. First of all, this is the picture quality - Xiaomi Yi displays in HD quality with a resolution of 1280 × 720 (20 frames per second) and a viewing angle of as much as 111 degrees. There is a night vision function. In this case, recording is done both on an SD card (from 4 to 32 GB) and in the Xiaomi cloud service. There is also a built-in microphone and speaker. The following protocols are supported: IPV4, UDP, TCP, HTTP, RTP/RTSP, DHCP, P2P. There is a recording function based on a schedule or motion detection.

Equipment Xiaomi Yi Ants

In terms of the external design of its devices, Xiaomi picked up the baton from Apple - the same minimalism both in the external design of the box and gadgets, and in the scarcity of the delivery set. And we must give them credit, it was done very stylishly - their routers, adapters and cameras are simply pleasant to look at - you don’t want to hide them somewhere, but rather put them in a prominent place in the room to decorate the interior.

From the box we take:

• camera
• Power supply with American plug
• Long micro USB to USB cable
• Instructions in Chinese

The main body of the XiaoYi Ants camera consists of two parts - a black camera and a white stand. The camera can be unfastened (it is held in place by two latches) and used as a built-in camera in a door, wall, or in some other way hidden and made hidden. But in most cases it is convenient to use when assembled - the stand bends in one plane. On the bottom of the leg there is a rubberized anti-slip edging and under the sticker there is a layer of double-sided tape for mounting on a wall or ceiling.

On the camera itself there is a slot for an SD card and a connector for connecting the power cable

On the back there are speakers and a “Reset” button to reset the settings to the factory state.

Connecting an IP camera to a router

Xiaomi Yi is not just an IP camera for viewing from a local network, but with a built-in viewing function via the Internet. At the same time, there is no need to do any complex manipulations with it and the router. For connection and initial setup you need to install on mobile phone(iOS or Android) one of the programs - Mi Smart Home or Mi XiaoYi Smart Camera.

I suggest using the “Smart Home” program - this is a general application through which the entire smart home system, consisting of several devices, is configured. It only works through local network and its main advantage over XiaoYi Smart Camera is that many menu items are made in English - Mi XiaoYi Smart Camera with similar parameters is made purely in Chinese. Although the latter also has English localization, but only for Android.

Download the application and launch it - on the main screen there will be a list of all smart home devices - now it is empty.

Before adding our camera here, go to the “Profile” section and register with the Xiaomi service - you will need it to save videos and view pictures online via the Internet.

After this, the program will ask us to make sure that the yellow LED on the camera lights up.

Confirm and enter the password for our WiFi.

If everything goes well, the program will return to the main window. If not, it will offer to generate a QR code to connect to the router. By the way, I have never been able to automatically configure the camera - only by scanning the code.

But before that you need to reset all settings with the “Reset” button

We confirm and receive a QR code.

Now the phone screen with this code needs to be brought to the camera until a voice signal appears on Chinese, a blue LED on the camera and a message on the program screen that signals a successful connection.

We return to the start page and see our Xiaomi IP camera in the list.

The current image from the camera is immediately displayed at the top of the screen. If you click on it, you will be taken to the camera control page. Here you can immediately force recording, activate the microphone/speaker, or take a photo. The time scale shows in orange the periods during which the recording was made. By the way, even in the absence of an SD card, recording will be made to the cloud - 4GB is available for free.

To configure the recording in detail, click the “Menu” button—it’s on the far right in the top row—and go to “Settings.”

The following options are available in the configurations:

• Recording based on movement in the frame
• Scheduled recording
• Turning off the lit LED for masking
• Setting a password to connect to the camera

Shooting examples

The video quality for a camera in this price segment really pleased me. Note that it has two video shooting modes - SD or HD. They can be set forcefully, or provided with automatic selection depending on the quality of the wireless connection.

Daytime HD

Evening photography by the light of a table lamp

Night photography In the dark

Xiaomi Yi Ants firmware

Our article would be incomplete if we did not say that the camera’s factory firmware does not reveal all its capabilities. In particular, by default the ability to broadcast video via the RTSP protocol is cut off, which means it cannot be connected either to a DVR or to any third-party cloud service.

And now we will correct this defect (thanks to this site for the tip).

1. Turn off the camera and remove the SD card from it.
2. Download one of the firmwares with RTSP support - once (for a camera with revision lower than V2.1) or twice (for revision V2.1)
3. Format the SD card and unpack the Home file from the archive to the root of the flash drive
4. Turn on the camera and reset the settings (using the Reset button)
5. Turn off the camera, insert the USB flash drive and turn it on again
6. We wait for it to reflash and reconnect to WiFi

After this, the following RTSP streams will be available:

• Main: rtsp://IP CAMERA:554/ch0_0.h264
• Backup: rtsp://IP CAMERA:554/ch0_1.h264
• Audio: rtsp://IP CAMERA:554/ch0_3.h264

We thank the online store TomTop.com for the sample provided specifically for our review.