This camera has a great lens and optical zoom feature, which is a LONG zoom that once auto-focus settles down, and assuming it's processing the correct target, is very clear. That's where the issues start: This camera "hunts" constantly to find a proper focus point. The hunt can take a LOT of time - like sometimes it can go on for 1-2 minutes, and about half the time it picks the incorrect focus target, leaving the entire frame out of focus once it finally stops changing/hunting. Once it locks in on a correct target, it provides a very clear and sharp image. Finally, when using the PTZ controls, this camera's stepper motors scream that they are in motion enough to be easily heard from 50+ feet away (announcing its presence.) This includes the zoom motor, so the noise occurs during ANY adjustment. The form factor is HUGE, so the noise may be less of a concern for those who know it's not going to hide very well, if at all. It does have full 360-degree range of motion, meaning there are no "stops" horizontally. Up and down are obviously limited but go slightly beyond 180 degrees, providing a total view of the area around it. Just the entire neighborhood will hear it while it moves through that extended range.
First impression upon opening this camera is the sheer size. It's quite bigger compared to other cameras that I have. It will definitely be noticeable. Speaking of noticeable, the motors in this camera are not quiet. I have tracking enabled and when you walk past the camera, even at about 20 feet away, you can hear the motors in the camera. That's one thing I don't love about this. The tracking functionality only supports PT (pan and tilt). It won't zoom in on a person for example. The TrackMix camera does support zooming in while tracking. The image quality is really great and offers excellent zoom capabilities. Even at night, the color vision is still really great with low lighting. However, the autofocus at night is really slow and struggles to focus. To summarize, here are some things that I love about this camera: * Easy one wire installation with PoE * Great image quality and excellent zoom * Two-way audio * IR night vision * Low light color with option to use spotlight * Person/animal/vehicle detection with tracking* Integration with HomeAssistant .And some things that I don't love: * No zoom option with tracking * PTZ functionaltiy in mobile and desktop app could be easier. For example, would be nice if I could use keyboard arrow keys to move camera or drag the position with my mouse. There is a "3D zoom" function in the desktop app that allows you draw a box for a region you want to zoom in on. * Noisy motors * Poor autofocus at night
I have this camera placed in a flight of 14 destructive macaws in my bird sanctuary. These guys have been so curious of the camera and have tried biting it! The solid construction has deterred any biting from the birds. That being said, it has amazing visuals day and night. Crazy good zoom. The app is a bit buggy with these cams sometimes, but I believe it is an issue with the app. When it's done refocusing after zooming, the app doesn't update with the correct focus to adjust.
Even with the latest Firmware with Noise Reduction, the sound needs improvement. Pretty much needs to be muted for loud noises not to over-power the end users. The 823 16x never had this issue, just this newer model of 823s2.
It's a really good camera but auto-focus always under/overshoots before returning to the correct focus. For this reason each time the zoom level is adjusted it takes more than 6 seconds to focus. This time should be cut under half or less. Also sometimes it does not really need to re-focus after zoom adjustment, but it does that and blurs out the image anyways.