Conclusion:
Overall the
D-Link DCS-8600LH is a full featured Wi-Fi camera with good resolution and a good app. While there are several improvements I think they can and should make for the next model, there are plenty of positives for this camera. One big positive for me is the lack of batteries. My personal preference is for all my critical cameras to be constantly powered as batteries have been problematic. Sure battery operated cameras are easy to set up, but I find they often miss some of the action on delays or fixed record times. Also a benefit of the AC powered D-Link is you never need to worry about the cold killing your batteries. You just know it will work all year long. I also like the ability to set up easy automations with other D-Link products and outside of that ecosystem with IFTTT.
One downside to me is that this camera is missing what many new cameras are lacking; ONVIF. For many this won’t be a problem since they aren’t running an NVR, but superusers will not be happy. The DCS-8600LH does provide the ability to record locally to a microSD card which some may consider close enough even though the clip would still be viewed through the cloud. I prefer not to have critical things in the cloud, but I do have more faith with D-Link being around for the long haul rather than some of those no name brands. So I do feel comfortable that my D-Link cloud devices will continue to have a useful life for quite a while.
Currently this camera is selling for
$150 on Amazon. For me this is a bit high for a 1080p camera that doesn’t have PIR motion sensing or local control capabilities. That said, if you are already part of the D-Link ecosystem the camera is very capable, but I do think you could get more for your money.
Balancing all of the positives with the few negatives, the D-Link DCS-8600LH Outdoor Wi-Fi Camera earns the Bigbruin.com "Recommended" award.
Pros:
» Good image quality day or night
» 2 way audio
» Notification quick actions
» AC powered
» IP65 weather protection
» Local recording on microSD
» 1 year warranty
Cons:
» No Onvif or PIR
» Would prefer less AC cable and more DC cable
» More expensive than some competitors
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