Foscam F19901EP review

We liked

The rugged, weatherproof, all-metal build quality is a great start for a product that’s going to spend its working life in the rain. It’s also well-specified, with Full HD video quality and 30 IR LEDs to ensure it can still see faces in the dark. The Foscam’s recordings were generally clear and quite smooth – good enough to identify people walking past the camera.

The app is fairly user-friendly and the setup procedure is helped by the use of QR codes, which makes it a straightforward DIY installation.

We disliked

Some aspects of the F19901EP are not so straightforward. Inserting a microSD card involves the removal of six bolts and the lens assembly, calling for patience and a very small screwdriver. We also had an issue before we even began, when the camera refused to join a 5GHz network. 

The companion app can be user-friendly but it won’t, for example, update the software for you. Updates must be performed via a convoluted procedure involving a laptop.

Final verdict

This is a well-built bullet camera that feels like it will put up with years of bad weather, and its 4MP sensor ensures that the pictures it beams back are of a usable 1080p quality. Pitch darkness doesn’t seem to be a problem either, thanks to the IR LED array.

It’s possible to set up this system yourself, adding further cameras and a DVR if you wish. The PoE feature could be very convenient if you have Power over Ethernet equipment.

Installation isn’t always straightforward and Foscam’s companion app is not particularly helpful sometimes, not allowing you to update the software for example. It does offer all the key features, however, including a 6x digital zoom, so it will suit medium to large properties, where an expandable security system is desirable.

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