Logitech WiLife Digital Video Security--Outdoor Add-On Camera

Reviews of Logitech WiLife Digital Video Security--Outdoor Add-On Camera

1.) Perfect for my needs
Reviewed by: Okie Flyers Oklahoma
Rating:
I am happy with this system. It performs as described and is perfect if you don't want to hack up your house running network cable. I have a full up 6 camera system, and it's has performed in excess of my expectations.

Based on all of the negative reviews floating around about this setup, you'd think this system was a joke....from software, connection issues, performance issues, it doesn't do this, it doesn't do that. Whatever. I find that most negative reviews come from technically challenged individuals, or those that have unrealistic expectations. We haven't experienced the issues others have reported. We have the most current software (v2.5) and camera firmware, and have had no issues whatsoever. For the price, we're getting what we paid for.

The specs on this system are clear. If it doesn't meet your needs, then don't buy. We find that it surpasses our expectations. It's great to have a record of all of the activity that goes on around our home while we are absent. Now that we have this system, we find that we cannot live without it. It's like going from dialup to high speed internet....you can never go back. We'll never be without a surveillance system again.

2.) My second (outdoor) add on camera. Still very satisfied
Reviewed by: Tool Chick Orange County, CA
Rating:
I have had a Logitech WiLife indoor and outdoor camera for over a year now. They have worked without a problem. No camera rebooting, no 'lost' cameras, etc.
To cover another angle of the house I added this outdoor camera to the system in May 2010. It could not have been easier to install. You plug it in and the software finds it, that's it. The most time was spend adjusting the view angle of the camera once it was installed, having to climb up and down a ladder and going back inside the house to see the adjustments. (If I had a internet connected smartphone or labtop, even that would have been quick) The manual says that it should not be plugged into a power strip, don't know if that also implies that an extension cord should not be used. Maybe I should not recommend this, but, I have used a 25 foot heavy duty outdoor extension cord on both of these outdoor cameras, (one extension cord is even plugged into another extension cord inside the garage!). My 20 year old "tract home" does not have enough outlets and I did not want to go through the expense and time to have new ones installed when this did work flawlessly. The quality of the image seems perfect to me, there might be a reason why this should not work well, but I have not had a problem.

On the very sunny side of the house (all day sun) I build a three sided simple box for the camera to fit underneath. It seemed to me that having this nice outdoor camera, which is a computer, baking in the sun, day in and day out, would not be good. The other camera is underneath the eave of the house and more protected from the hot sun.

A tip on the software: When in playback mode, after selecting the day(s) I want to view and pressing 'play', I use my keyboards right and left arrow keys to quickly move through the recording segments. Using the keyboard, as apposed to the buttons displayed on the monitor, it does not reset to 'pause' between each section. Selecting a playback speed higher than normal, I often use the setting of " 6.5", lets you quickly go through days of videos, even if you have lots of recorded sections, like I have in front of the house.
Highly recommend this product!


3.) AWESOME protection for the price!
Reviewed by: Vermiposting Diva Outside New Orleans, USA
Rating:
Best protection for the money. I'm a widow, so when I tell the installation was EASY, I'm not kidding. All you need is a screwdriver or a drill. As soon as I plugged the outdoor camera up, my computer at the other end of a 2600sq feet house picked it up. After some adjusting the brightness and contrast, I get a much better picture than I've seen on some of the $1800 security systems!
I feel safer in my own home, and not so nervous about being here all by myself most days. I'm disabled, and if I can install this camera, anyone can. It's a great deal for the money and works just as well as the big, expensive units. My only problem? I've not figured out to make it send alerts to my cell phone, but I'm sure customer support can help me with that. This is some of the best money I've ever spent. Worth every penny and more as far as my peace of mind goes.
I also love the fact that I can access my cameras from any computer in the world, and setting up email alerts was EZ! You won't regret this purchase!!!Logitech WiLife Digital Video Security--Outdoor Add-On Camera


4.) Exactly as advertised
Reviewed by: Paul B. Ciceri Key West FL USA
Rating:
I started out with just one camera to verify it would work as stated. Even with Windows Vista it has worked perfectly. Never a hiccup. And being able to check the view from another computer elsewhere is a real plus! More cameras on the way. Highly recommended!

5.) Highly recommend
Reviewed by: Dennis W
Rating:
I've had 2 outdoor cameras for over 3 months. They were very easy to install and have worked flawlessly.
I'll be adding more as soon they go on sale for $189 again.

6.) No Problems Here...yet.
Reviewed by: Joseph P. Eustermann
Rating:
I'm surprised to read other people's comments about having issues with the cameras. Fingers crossed it doesn't happen to us. We're only at the seven month mark, and we've not had any issues! I'm considering buying an outdoor camera, but am concerned with what others have said. It pleases me though that if I do have an issue...it sounds as though the Logitec customer service is pretty good. Luckily, we haven't had to use it. The set up was easy, and the quality is great! Two items that I don't like though are A. the Logitec website for more information (what a hunk of junk...for a technology company to boot!) and the bulky plug in on the indoor camera. It's a pain.

7.) A great add on camera
Reviewed by: Mainelines Crabapple Cove Maine
Rating:
Purchased this "add on camera" to gain another view for the master system. Installed easily, made of good quality, and a good picture. This whole system is very easy to set up and use. very happy with it............

8.) Logitech WiLife camera
Reviewed by: John C. Lucchese Michigan, USA
Rating:
These cameras work better than I anticipated. When .avi files produce are played back on Windows Media Player the images look like home movies. They produce clear, color images. VERY easy to install. No wiring!

9.) Outdoor Camera Works Good in Dim Light Conditions
Reviewed by: TS Hampton Roads VA
Rating:
I posted the outdoor camera just below the eave on my garage. Camera resolution/clarity is very good, even at night w/ only a 60 watt light fixture. Been using it for 1 month w/ no problems.

10.) Wilife expandible home and small business edition
Reviewed by: AmateurGeek USA- OK
Rating:
I just set this up. this was pretty easy to set up and it was up and running with email notifications within 30 minutes. I clearly have not had it long enough to see if the cameras burn out, but so far it meets or exceeds expectations. The price is a little high but less expensive that having a security firm perform the same installation.

11.) Simplest system to implement ever.
Reviewed by: S. Fischer San Diego, Ca USA
Rating:
Plug in the camera, plug in the receiver, attach the receiver to your computer USB port, load the software. That's it!
The picture quality is much better than the traditional 200x300 analog cameras, requires no coax to be run, is more reliable than wireless since it communicates across your house power wiring. You can even monitor your home security system across the internet.

12.) Logitech Wilife Outdoor Video Security Add-On Camera
Reviewed by: Dale Heist Pennsylvania, USA
Rating:
I purchased this camera to increase the total number of cameras in my system to four. It works as well as the other three that are already on my system. These are all wireless cameras and the whole system works well as long the camras are not too far from receiver. The computer software that runs the system is very user friendly and works well even on Windows Vista. (: I am pleased with this product overall. You get a lot of Bang for the Buck. Would recommend this system to anyone.

13.) Finicky but good Customer Service
Reviewed by: Dog Runner Hendersonville NC USA
Rating:
I purchased the Logitech Wilife Indoor & Outdoor system just over a year ago. I bought several cameras, both indoor and outdoor. The system worked really well for almost a year. Then one of my outdoor cameras went out. Its a long process (about 4-6 weeks), but using the online help desk, they replaced it free of charge. While I was waiting for the replacement to arrive, a second outdoor cam went out. In addition, the replacement had fuzzy quality right out of the box. After another back and forth process on the online help desk, they replaced both cameras free of charge. I just installed them and their video quality is good. So yes, the cams are finicky but the customer service is good if you are persistent.

Some of the things I really like: no pulling wire, mobility of cameras, free online remote viewing (can be a little tricky to set up depending on your firewall and virusware configurations), customizable motion sensitivity, email or cell phone alerts (snap shot, video or text). I am able to keep an eye on my property and my dogs while I am at work or out of town.

Would I buy this system again? Maybe. I would do some research first though and see what else comparable is out there.

14.) Easy Setup - Fuzzy Picture
Reviewed by: Thomas H. Digiovanni Charlotte, NC
Rating:
This camera came up instantly once plugged in; I was impressed. Mounted high and pointed slightly down per the instructions, it is about 25' from my front door. When I stand just outside my front door, I cannot make out facial details of myself; Identify someone breaking in that I don't know - about impossible.

15.) Not the best but very easy
Reviewed by: John Noonan East Falmouth, MA USA
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It's not the best construction and it's not the best quality video but it could not be any easier to install and use and the picture quality is fine. For the money and ease of use it's a pretty good deal.

16.) Camera Failure, other options
Reviewed by: Keith W. Baron Hillsdale, MI
Rating:
I have owned two outdoor and two indoor cameras for about 12 months. I just experience my first camera failure. Consistent with the reviews I've read, one of my outdoor cameras has failed. Considering the price of these cameras I would have expected a much more durable outdoor product.

In order to use all the features of the wilife system you must subscribe to a $79 per year service. Also this system does not support Windows Home Server software. As a result you must leave a second computer running all the time, even though your server is running. The "HomeLink" system can be intermittent.

I am considering a D-link system which offers many different camera options, hardwired and wireless, powered exterior cases, Windows Home Server support and no annual fees. Also there are alot of IP network security cameras now available. These operate independant of a PC. Panasonic offers models for home, small business and industrial at an assortment of price ranges and features. Samsung is also in this market. These cameras offer HD resolution, true pan and scan with auto tracking, low light sensitivity down to .07 Lux, bidirectional audio and a broader operational temperature range. They store images locally within the cameras but allow you to download to your PC's hard drive or to another website.

All these features come at a price though.

17.) new system comming
Reviewed by: BC
Rating:
i liked this system, however, ligitech has a new security camera system platform on its way. logitech alert. i would wait to get that one before i bought this discontinued system. i know im going to switch when its released.

18.) Don't last long.
Reviewed by: Scott A. Serafin Houston, TX USA
Rating:
I use the wilife system in my business. I have indoor cameras inside and outdoor cameras in my drive-thru (which is still technically inside). The outdoor cameras only last me about 6 months. The indoor cameras have lasted 2 years and are still going strong. I recently purchased 2 additional indoor cameras to replace the 2 outdoor cameras that continue to fail.

The system is great and the quality of the images are outstanding. I do however recommend avoiding the outdoor cameras.

19.) 1 Yr lifespan
Reviewed by: avid user atlanta, GA
Rating:
My outdoor camera broke 5 days after the one yr warranty was up. It just seems like these cameras are timed to break just after the warranty so you can purchase a new one. It's such a big shame. It worked great when it was on. Now I cannot buy a new one to replace it since it is beginning to look like a rippoff.
Logitech WiLife Digital Video Security--Outdoor Add-On Camera

20.) Not that good or reliable
Reviewed by: J. Harris Mountain Home, Idaho
Rating:
OK the install is very easy to do and the total set up time is great. I'm disappointed in the picture quality but can live with it. I bought the system so I could remotely view my driveway located in the mountains. The biggest problem with my system is that it has to be rebooted continually or you can't access it remotely. OK that's a problem if your 75 miles away as my case. I found software that will allow access computer to computer remotely and I can view my host computer's view. So what good is Logitech's remote internet viewing, none! On a scale of 1-5 stars I'd would give it a 1 1/2.

21.) Works great for about a year
Reviewed by: 72Turbo240z Yay Area, CA
Rating:
I like the Logitech system. It works great. My review is only for the Outdoor camera, I gave it 2 stars because when it was working, it works well. Like everyone has been saying, once it's about a year old, it will stop working. My internal camera's work great and has no problems. I'm on a hospital grid so its very rare when my power goes out.

I have a feeling it has to do with it's cooling system. If it uses heat syncs with thermal paste than probably the thermal paste dried up. Maybe the thermal paste dried out if it uses it. I say this because if you leave the camera in the freezer it works again. When I take it out of the freezer and once it warms up, the camera just looks up.

I'm going to open it up and see if I can do any cooling hacks.

22.) Lost 2 in one month
Reviewed by: Milesteg
Rating:
We bought this system a couple of years ago so we could keep an eye on the dog kennel while we were at work. The mounting system is a little weak for an outside system. There really isn't a good way to lock it in and the wind in our area would slowly move them out of shot. Fortunatly it uses a standard thread so you can make your own. What really irritated me was that I lost both outside camera's within a month of each other. Granted I got around 2 years out of mine but for the price you pay I expected they would last better than that. Customer support was great when ever I talked to them, and the free webstreaming was nice. It did take a while to get this running on vista 64 bit but I didn't have any problems on windows 7 64bit. All in all I was happy with the software and support but the hardware was definetly made with a survival time limit. This is one of those products where if you buy it don't expect it to last too long.

23.) Great when it works
Reviewed by: Russell W. Gallagher Claymont, DE
Rating:
I have a mixed review about this product. It is easy to install and works great. The problem I had was when the camera stopped working just after my one year warranty expired. I spoke to their customer service and they had me run a diagnostic report. This was sent to their diagnostic department and I received the following email "Thank you for reporting a problem to the WiLife Diagnostics Group!
Your email is being reviewed and a company representative will contact you." I was never contacted by a company rep. I did however buy another camera. I just hope it last longer than a year, and I hope their customer service improves.


24.) Didn't stand the test of time
Reviewed by: Michael Hershberger Cincinnati, OH
Rating:
When I first got the system and installed it, I was excited. Installation was easy. It started right up. It was sending me email alerts. I could access my cameras from the internet. How cool was that!!

But now 3 months later the bloom is off the rose, and I am ready to scrape it or send it back. It is just too unreliable. I have my system at a location that I only visit once a week. I would estimate that less than 25% of the time does it make through an entire week with all three primary functions (local recording, email alerts, internet viewing) all working, all week. And it's not just one thing. It's multiples. Logitec's help system always has suggestions but reliability never improves and the same problems continue to repeat.

So unless you can physically access the system daily and/or are ok with parts of the system going down for periods of time, I would stay away from this product.

Great idea. Flawed execution.


25.) 1 Year
Reviewed by: Prime Example USA
Rating:
Two camera failures within two weeks of each other. All just after the year warranty.

The reviews are correct. These cameras do not last long!

26.) GREAT SYSTEM BUT AWFUL CAMERA LIFE
Reviewed by: Simone USA
Rating:
THE security system itself is fantastic. Easy to set-up and use. The remote capabilities are FAB....the only downside to this set-up are the poor quality of the cameras. They are expensive at $200 or more per camera and they DO NOT LAST LONG AT ALL. I bought 6 cameras for home (2 indoor and 4 outdoor) and every single camera has now been replaced (some cameras more than ONCE)all within 3 to 6 months. Each time the electrician has to come-out to replace the broken cameras costs me $300....this has turned out to be a very very very expensive system. I want to recommend but I just can't !!!!

27.) Total wate of money. Bought 12 8 broke less than 12 months.
Reviewed by: Mark Rockville Md
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I bought 4 camera first and installed them. They all worked very nice. I bought another 8 few months later to set up two other stations. two of first 4 stop working after 4 months. When I installed the second 6 only was able to get 4 working the last 2 had IP conflict. I spent many hours with technical support to get them work but they could never make it work. In the meantime two stop working. I never set up the third station. Now over one year later only 4 camera are still working.


28.) Defective Cameras
Reviewed by: Perspicax Jacksonville, Florida
Rating:
Great idea. When it works it's excellent. I bought fourteen cameras for home and office. Of the fourteen I returned, I think, four within the first year. They replaced them. By the end of the second year six of the eighteen are working. The outdoor cameras are worse than the indoor cameras. They will not honor a warranty after a year. They could have a great product but their hardware is extremely shoddy. I also bought a desktop camera. It doesn't work either, in that you cannot change set the time. Save your money. Buy a DVR system, cheaper in the long run.
Logitech WiLife Digital Video Security--Indoor Master System Camera


29.) Great idea, poor product
Reviewed by: aquaman Waterwood, TX
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Bought 3 of these and one went out in less than two months. Couldn't buy an extended warranty for one of them I bought from Best Buy. Heard bad things about these cameras as far as dependability, and now I believe it.

30.) Good Features but Poor Quality
Reviewed by: Gritz Boise, ID
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One reviewer suggested that those who have "trouble" with this product might be technically challenged, which is a false assumption since he doesn't know these individuals personally. Those reviewers probably just expected the product to work as advertised, which it doesn't. Just for the record, I build computers, service networks, and work with various types of electrical equipment from blood analyzers to HDTV hardware, and the outdoor model of this product has one major failing .... reliability! Couple that with confusing warranty requirements and poor support I consider buying this outdoor camera a poor investment because it will eventually fail. Don't get me wrong .... when it works it has great features, but eventually the camera will likely die. I installed 4 of these at home and 2 at church in the last 3 years. 2 have since been replaced under warranty and another was replaced by an additional purchase. Currently only 2 of these cameras work at all. Although the features are terrific, they are useless when the camera dies. I suspect the outdoor cameras would function correctly if installed inside when the temperature is more consistent ... but outdoors they fail. There are a couple of other annoying distractions as well. If you install on the wrong side of your Service Panel the camera will fail .... as well as failing if installed too far from the camera's USB Receiver. If you install too close to a photo cell from a night light the camera will also fail. The thumbscrew mounting post assembly is poorly designed and is marginal at best in locking the camera to it's desired position. A bird flying into or landing on the camera will change it's aiming point. And birds will ... and do. So if you buy this camera be aware of it's shortcomings ...

31.) Software Great Hardware NOT!
Reviewed by: T. Biebel
Rating:
I loved this system even though the resolution could be better. ALL of the outdoor cameras have failed! If you only need indoor cameras with limited resolution and pretty high cost per camera go for it. The software is great and the idea behind using house wiring as a network works as long as the runs aren't too long. I now use another system outdoors on one computer and this with only the remaining indoor camera that works on another. Hope they fix the problems now that they are owned by Logitec.

32.) Works great for a limited time (warrenty period)
Reviewed by: ngdoggy MA, US
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I had the same problem as many others on this site reported. When I first purchased this item, it worked great but after aproximetly 1 year, no go. I disconnected it for the winter and now can't get it to work after spending 4 hrs. troubleshootng. Sounds like these are made to last just beyond the warrenty period and no luck with customer service after that. I recommend searching for a more dependable product / brand. DO NOT BUY!!!

33.) Logitech WiLife Digital Video Security--Outdoor Camera
Reviewed by: candorguy Los Angeles, CA
Rating:
I've purchased this Logitec Outdoor Video Security Camera back in November, 2009. It was easy to set up and install and it worked great for about two months. After that, the outdoor camera didn't work anymore. Calling customer service was no help at all! They had absolutely no idea what is the problem. The reason why I bought this security system was based on brand loyalty. This was a bad faux pas! My advice is to stay away from this security camera. And yes, I paid for what I got: A piece of junk!!!!!

34.) Logitech wilife outdoor camera fix - Caps C26, C27, C31 and C32
Reviewed by: steven a markham
Rating:
The Logitech outdoor cameras have a known defect (caps melting). They fail in about a year. This is due to the following four 1000uF capacitors: C26, C27, C31 and C32. The caps that were in the original release were 10 volt caps. The next release they were 16 volt. I had 7 dead cameras. I replaced them with a 25 volt high quality cap and they have worked ever since. The caps don't fit perfectly (the original are 8mm diameter versus the 12.5mm that I put in) so you'll need to insulate the leads and let them float above the circuit board. Here is the Digi-key part number for the cap I used: UHE1E102MHD6.
Here is the link for the cap [...]
They are 81 cents each.
The caps are from Nichicon and are Aluminum Electrolytic. They are rated for 10,000 hours at 105 degrees C. They are through hole, radial can, 12.5mm diameter.
I used a high reliability type HE. Here is a link. You could also use TT, PA, HV, your choice.
[...]

35.) Not last
Reviewed by: Simple Man
Rating:
I had same broken problem like other reviews. I had 3 cameras went dead between 4 to 7 months. I bought 2, now only 1 actived ( warranty no longer coverage ) I had to put timer to shut it off daily 10 hours to keep it survive. I am nervious to see it will die any day. The big money invested, The cheating product from manufacturer. Be carefull when you want to buy this model.

Features of Logitech WiLife Digital Video Security--Outdoor Add-On Camera

WiLife Digital Video Security Camera Outdoor Add-On Camera

1.) Increase coverage of your driveway, yard, swimming pool and other outdoor areas;
2.) High-quality, VGA or QVGA color video;
3.) Slim design and 400 MHz on-board processor;
4.) Digital motion detection with secure video transmission;
5.) Weatherproof protection against water and temperature extremes;

Package Height x Length x Width: 12.7 in. x 12.7 in. x 9.4 in.
Package Weight: 2 lbs.

Accessories for Logitech WiLife Digital Video Security--Outdoor Add-On Camera