Customer Ratings & Reviews

The defender 4-channel, 2-camera wireless surveillance system has many features and is easy to set up despite the lack of instructions that come in the box. You are given a one sheet quick start guide and that is pretty much it, but to be honest, you really don’t need anything to get up and running. Everything is straight forward and the cameras connect automatically once they have power. I was able to install my cameras in less than 20 minutes for each one. I was disappointed in the fact that these cameras are not fully wireless, you have to have at least a power plug near by and you are only given about 15 feet of cable to do so. I had to use an extension cord for the camera that I mounted outside, but the other camera I mounted in my garage near the power plug. You are left with a Ethernet plug that you do have the option to use (not sure if it can be powered by PoE or not, but I don’t have that option) that will dangle down and the install does not look that clean unless you do some cord management. I was very impressed with the video quality and even the night vision is of great quality. You should be able to make out details that will help with identifying a person who comes into view. The base station does have a fan in it that makes some noise and you will notice it at first in a quiet room, but after a while you probably won’t notice it at all. I connected mine up to my 23” HP monitor via the HDMI port, but you also have the option of VGA. Mounting the cameras can be a bit of a pain since you cannot remove the cameras to mount them and you have to angle them to get access to the three holes in the base. Overall I am very happy with the cameras, but I do wish they were truly wireless or had longer power cords that were included and I am not sure about the durability of the cords themselves, they don’t appear to be very thick and not sure about them being rated for being outdoors.

Home security systems are a dime a dozen these days. It is a great time to live if you are interested in investing in a high quality, versatile camera system for your home or business. If you are interested in security cameras, you need to ask yourself how much you are willing to invest to learn how to use it, and ease of installation? At one end of the spectrum, you have Arlo cameras, where the only setup is through an app and installation is as easy as attaching a magnetic mount to the wall. At the other end, you have cameras that are wired to a DVR/NVR where you have to run both power cables and video/audio cables to power outlets and the box itself. Both have their inherent pros/cons. Arlo is easier on the setup, but you're paying (handsomely) to continuously record video and you have to charge the batteries every few months (and more frequently when continuously recording). When installing a wired system, the initial install is quite a bit more challenging, but you generally get ample storage space on the DVR/NVR hard drive to store footage and you never have to recharge the batteries. This Defender system falls somewhere in the middle. It's a tad easier to install than a fully wired system (the cameras connect wirelessly) but you have to bring your own screen to review the stored footage. I must note that mine did not come with ANY instructions. While I don't think the lack of instructions makes it impossible to recommend, it certainly affects any recommendation. While the setup (even for novices) is pretty basic, it takes a lot of trial and error to navigate the confusing user interface on the NVR box itself. SETUP To use this device you have to set it up to a monitor. I used an old computer monitor. I plugged the box into the monitor via HDMI and plugged it in (there's no power button). And it booted up fine. I would recommend a USB keyboard on initial install as you have to create admin password and change the time. You don't need a keyboard, a virtual keyboard pops up and you can use the included computer mouse (that plugs into one of the USB ports in the back) and click on the letters you want to type. The cameras themselves connect directly to the the NVR box through Wi-Fi. So plug in the cameras to a power outlet and they will connect to the NVR box automatically. This of course, is within reason. They can't be miles a part, but I put the box in my basement and they were able to connect outside my front door. So for me, the internal Wi-Fi connection from the cameras between the box and the cameras was pretty solid. I was actually surprised. I thought the cameras would have to connect to the internet, and connect to the NVR box through the internet. But best I can tell (again, no instructions) the box creates a Wi-Fi network and the cameras connect directly to it. So in that regards, set up was dead simple. Now, the trick is hiding the power cable. Whereas the Arlo cameras run on batteries, you gotta plug these bad boys in. If you're okay with simply plugging into an outlet inside/outside your house and leaving an exposed cable to the camera, then installation is simple. But if you're like me, you want a professional look and want that power cable hidden. This is where setup gets tough. If you're installing on the exterior of your house you have to drill a hole through your entire wall and run the power cable inside. The best I could come up with, as a non-electrician is to simply run the cable through the wall and plug into a nearby indoor outlet. While on the outside the camera looks great, now I have a hole in the inside of my house running to a power outlet. Which isn't the best. But it's the best I could come up without hiring an electrician. IMAGE QUALITY This is where this unit shines. It absolutely smokes Arlo in terms of quality. The 2K image is great and allows you to zoom in and retain a lot of information in the image. If your camera is close to your front porch, for example, it might not matter, but if you place it further away from what you are trying to monitor, you don't have to worry about zooming in on the image and still being able to see clearly what you're trying to view. The night vision was pretty good too. I was very impressed with it. CONS If I had to pick a few cons, the main is the interface of the NVR box that I previously mentioned. The other is maybe the size of the cameras. These cameras, while high quality, are pretty bulky. They won't go unnoticed in a residential setting. They are white and stick out like a sore thumb. For me, that doesn't really matter, but that is something to keep in mind. In a professional business setting, I wouldn't think this matters as most people expect security cameras at a business. But the user interface, especially without instructions, is difficult to navigate. You can see the picture below. The network settings are confusing to all but the IT professionals of the world. I don't know what a vast majority of the settings mean. So I don't mess with them. In the professional setting, i.e. someone with expertise in security, this may be a simple interface. But for someone with no experience in security cameras shopping for their home or business, it is extremely confusing. I think if you spend some time with it, and use trial and error, you can learn to change the settings re viewing cameras, and motion detection and recording settings, but that's about it. That's all I personally cared about (i.e. motion settings, when to start recording) so I didn't mess with any other settings. While I don't know it for sure, I would imagine firmware updates are done manually (the NVR box isn't connected to the internet, there might be a way to do so, but I didn't spend the time to figure it out) so the only way I can think to update it is manually. CONCLUSION The video quality truly is great, and is the main reason this unit gets 4 stars. But know that there's a steep learning curve both in installation (at least if you want to hide the power cables) and use of the interface. I recommend it for those interested in continuously recording footage (or at least recording a lot) because it's cheaper than other devices that record to the cloud and those who are open to learning how to use it. If you are someone looking for dead simple setup and dead simple ease of use, this isn't the product for you. That doesn't make it a bad product at all, but it's one of the many things you should consider when deciding what security system fits your needs. This Defender system, once installed, gives you the ability to store vast amounts of high quality footage on the cheap (just have to pay initial purchase price).

Living in my rural area of North Florida has many pluses and weather-related advantages. But, being out in a secluded, wooded locale also has its disadvantages, especially where home security is concerned. So, I was anxious to review this Defender 4-Channel, 2-Camera Wireless 4.0MP, 1TB, NVR Surveillance System in exchange for the product. Over the past twenty years my home has been burglarized three times. After the second time I installed an indoor, DYI, security system. However, to gain entrance into my home, a window or door has to be broken and damaged to set my self-monitored system off. Additionally, outside garden and recreational equipment has been stolen because I could not extend my indoor system to protect those areas. I was hoping that the Defender Video Surveillance System could help me protect my outdoor areas and compliment my indoor security. After three weeks of trial and error I think I have my outside camera locations pinned down. And, since this system is expandable I have ordered two additional cameras to cover my equipment holding areas. This Defender Camera Surveillance System can be installed by a professional, and, or, any combination of DYI or professional. I recommend visiting the Defender main website and bookmarking, and, or downloading the Defender 2K, Wireless, SmartSignal App Manual. It provided much needed information, details, helpful illustrations and drawings. I chose to install the complete system myself including the hidden and secure electrical power outlets. My cameras and electrical outlets are contained in bird houses approximately 11 feet off the ground mounted on wooden 4” x 4”s. The 120V electrical is run underground in PVC conduit from the nearest outside electrical outlet up the backside of the 4” x 4”s. I have a 120V, weather-proof electrical box mounted in each bird house. The cameras have 120V plugs, which plug into the concealed outlets. This allows me to unscrew the back of the bird house and unplug the camera if needed. If attempting to install the cameras DYI – keep in mind the location of the cameras is not only important, but must they must be secure from being easily vandalized. Securing the electrical outlet is another vital consideration. I experimented with eight locations over two weeks of use before finalizing my camera installations. Another relevant point when installing the cameras is they have to be able to communicate with the NVR. Not sure what the actual physical limit is, but I have my farthest camera over 150 feet away from the NVR, and it still sends sharp, vivid, impressive, live streams and videos. Why do I think this Defender Surveillance Camera System is outstanding? >> Video Quality – For me this is the most important feature of any camera surveillance system. This Defender delivers up to 2k quality color videos (HD), or, I can select (SD, 480P) using the included app. For optimal video performance 2K video setting should be limited to one camera. When I have my four cameras in operation I will set them all to SD (480P). A feature I particularly like is that I can zoom in or out of any live view or recorded video for greater detail using my two fingers pinched and spread across my Smart Phones, Tablet, or my I-Pad. The cameras are IP67 rated and can withstand outdoor wet conditions and operate in weather conditions of -22 degrees F and up to 140 degrees F. The camera housing is made of metal with an adjustable slide-shade, hood at the top, which allows for decreasing the amount of sunlight on the lens. Each camera has an antenna on a swivel ball, which allows me to keep it in the upright position for better communication to the NVR. The cameras have a 2.8mm lens and a 127 degree diagonal field of view. Each camera has 18 Infra Red LEDs for night vision and their range is approximately 100 feet of depth depending on the amount of ambient light available. The cameras also come with a W/P Ethernet connection for even more dependable security. The provided Ethernet connection on each camera may come in handy when the wireless cameras cannot communicate with the NVR because of building interference or distance. However, an Ethernet cable would have to be run with the electrical to those cameras and back to the NVR. Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cable are both capable of runs of up to 1,000 feet without any appreciable degradation in bandwidth. However, using Wireless or Ethernet cable the minimum network download speed of 5Mbps is required for optimal video performance. Another important feature is that each camera is equipped with a motion detector for, alarms, and video recording, but it is nonadjustable for sensitivity (more on this later). >> Software Set Up – The Defender Camera Surveillance System provides two options for set up. By directly connecting the NVR to a monitor or TV, and, or through the Free Defender App for Apple or Android devices. Either option the NVR needs to be connected to your home router through the furnished Ethernet cable and plugged in. I set my system up through the Defender SmartSignal App, which I downloaded from both the Apple Store for my I-Pad and Apple Smart Phone and the Google Play Store for My Samsung Smart Phones and Tablet. It was easy to do after registering for an account. My account allows me to use the SmartSignal App on my two Apple devices and three Android devices. WooHoo! The more I used this system the easier it was to learn all the various features. Be aware that only the surveillance cameras are wireless back to the NVR. The NVR has to be connected to your home router by Ethernet cable for access to your home network and over the Internet. It is not wireless. Defender furnishes a Cat5e Patch Cable approximately 40 inches long. However, if you need to locate the NVR elsewhere in your home you can purchase of up to 150 feet of Cat5e cable at Best Buy. If you do not have a monitor or TV near your NVR to view live feed from your cameras or recordings, not to worry. TIP: I use 'Screen Mirroring' on my Android phones and Apple IOS devices to view the Defender live images or recordings on any of my three Smart TVs (Living Room, Family Room, and Bedroom) – Just pair them accordingly – no cables required. At full screen the live image is unbelievable (see attached pic). Great detail and color. I can also do this at the homes of my friends or family using their router and Smart TV. YooHoo! Think thoroughly how you want your schedule for motion detection and notification of Alarms. Just using any of my Smart Phones I can change my 'ON' schedule at any time through the SmartSignal App (see attached pic). For now I have the motion detectors 'ON' from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM. When I leave during the day I change the schedule accordingly. If I am out longer then I changed the schedule for, it is an easy adjustment through the App over the Internet wherever I am at the time. I set the Alarm in each case to notify me of motion by e-mail. WaHoo! >> Hardware set Up – As I indicated earlier this can be a DYI, professionally installed, or any combination. If your cameras are mounted in an indiscreet location vandalism should not be a factor. The power supply to the cameras can also be an issue. If not sure hire an electrician to secure the 120V power. I notified my Home Insurance company that I now have 24/7 video surveillance and am receiving an additional 5% discount. You may also qualify, which eventually pays for the entire system, or electrician, additional materials,or any other professional needed to get your system up and running. Take your time placing these cameras at various locations around your home. I moved mine around at eight different locations over two weeks. TIP: When moving your cameras around to determine their final location, angle, etc. - Plug the cameras in 'Live' and use the image on your Smart Phone for placement and adjustments at that site. It saved me lots of time and steps from moving around back and forth from my monitor connected to the NVR inside my house. >> Cons – As stated earlier there is no sensitivity adjustment for the motion detectors on the cameras. I live out in the woods. Bats, birds, flying bugs, rain, and racoons set off the motion detectors frequently at night, and during the daytime hours when I am away. And, they send me alarms each and every time. Yikes! >> Conclusion – This Defender 4-Channel, 2-Camera Wireless 4.0MP, 1TB, NVR Surveillance System is outstanding home surveillance. It could also be used in a small business environment also. The system installation may present some challenges, however it will save lots of money and it may even pay for itself if possible Home Insurance discounts and professional, monitoring costs are factored in. I highly recommend this feature packed system for added security for you and your family.

Big talking points first; Pros: No subscription/membership required!!! 1TB of on-board storage (expandable via USB slot) High quality materials (camera housings are all metal, very little plastic anywhere) Cons: Interface on desktop is straight out of 1988. Limited range when wireless or multiple walls between the camera and the hub itself As many others have mentioned, the build quality of these is top-notch. I feel like they will stand up to a lot of weather and long-term usage. The software is EXTREMELY clunky and not intuitive unless you are familiar with any sort of pre-Windows operating system. Is it impossible? No, but it is also not very convenient. The app makes up for it to a degree, but for those wanting a nice/clean desktop experience when it comes to the menus and settings...this isn't really going to provide that. At least the way it displays the footage/various cameras on the desktop is identical to that of the app, so there's that. Quality of the video itself is also more than adequate. No, it's not 4k, but the day time shots are very clear and the night vision (while not being color night vision) is still better than I anticipated at this price point. Docking 1/2 star for the clunky desktop interface and limited range of the cameras (I even have a WIFI extender in my house)...for a total of 4 out of 5 stars.

Most DIY security systems now require a monthly fee to record and view more than a couple of days of recorded video. What they offer is the availability to instantly see the camera(s) on a mobile device. Complete wireless systems require to frequently recharge the batteries, which sometimes every 5 - 7 days; and the older the batteries, the frequent the recharge. The Defender security system has the right concept, with camera video transmission transmitted wirelessly to the central system. The cameras only require the use of a plug for power. The hardest part of a conventional security system is connecting the cameras to the DVR/hard-drive. Finding a plug to power each camera is less complicated. Setup of the Defender system is simple, and there might be some challenge with the power cord and drilling screws to a brick or concrete wall. If the installation is on a wood surface, it will be relatively easy. First, connect the NVR base to the house modem/router with the provided Ethernet cable. Then connect all cables to the base (power cord, HDMI for monitor and the mouse). All cables have color-coded and image labels for easy installation. Once completed all the connections, follow the monitor setup wizard. Before installing the cameras on a wall, test them first by plugging the power cord and making sure it connects to the base. That is is all the hardware setup. For mobile device viewing, download the Defender app, follow the app setup wizard (logging/create an account) & scan the QR code sticker on the NVR base. The base will automatically connect to your mobile device via the internet. For outdoor camera installation, I wrapped the power cord connection tightly with weatherproofing tape. What makes this system different is that there is no monthly fee subscription and you have instant access to the cameras via the Defender mobile app. The only negative feature I observe is that the cooling fan on the NVR is a bit loud. The sound is like an older laptop cooling fan. In my setup, this is not a big deal, but I would not want this device in a location where one requires complete noise-free. It is a good system, and the wireless setup makes the installation a lot easier. The daylight images are sharp and vivid. The night recording images are also good quality. What I like is the app features, especially the alert notifications when the system detects motion. Overall, I am satisfied with the protection I get with the Defender surveillance cameras.

This system is really easy to install, and you should be up and going within about 30 to 45 depending on where you put your cameras. I have one in the garage, and the other in another location. Cameras look good, and the DVR function is great. I will add 2 more cameras later...but for now, this is really good. I'd recommend this setup, because you can use an app too which I did setup. You don't have to, but if you do...you will need to hook it to your current internet setup. Just plug in the cable, and it will do the rest.

The positive: Excellent pictures. You can see everything, and I mean everything. The cameras are extraordinarily clear. Set-up is simple. I had it up and running in 15 minutes. It would be nice to have set up instructions though! Shame on Defender for that. Little parts with no idea what to do? Really Defender? That's a ding. Another ding is the camera kept telling me I had movement at night....for a moth. A blasted moth kept giving me notices. Pesky little things.

These cameras are a little challanging to set up, but once you do they work fairly well. They operate via wifi, and I was a little disappointed to learn that you couldn’t view these when you are not connected to your wifi. Whenn we travel to our cabin we frequently frequently want to be able to check remotely footage, but have trouble doing so. I have purchased other cameras that have an app with this function, so it would have been nice. The DVR has a nice capacity for storage as well being 1TB. One great part about these cameras is the night vision. The picture comes through super clear and visible. I am very happy with that aspect. The sound is also something I was not expecting, but was pleasantly surprised by. I wish the cords were a little longer, as it limits the options for placing the power supply from the cameras. Setup was also pretty easy considering. I would recommend these to anybody who wanted a middle of the road option for home security.

The Defender 2K wireless camera system is a full-featured self-contained camera system that offers more options than most people will ever use. My first disappointment was with this being called wireless, especially since there are truly wireless camera systems available. My second disappointment was with the instructions. The single page instruction sheet provided minimal setup instructions with a note to go to the support website for the full manual which was not immediately visible. A system with software as complex as the Defender should come with a printed reference manual not just a quick install sheet. After getting all the pieces unpacked, plugged in and connected to my television, the initial setup for the system and two cameras took about 20 minutes using the included mouse and on-screen keyboard to fill out the personal info, login info, password, security pattern and 3 security questions. The system recognized both cameras. As indicated, it took a couple of minutes after each was plugged in. The cameras have a power plug and an Ethernet cable should you wish to hard wire them, otherwise this cord just dangles. The image from the camera is clear and the 127-degree viewing angle is more than sufficient to cover a driveway or front door and yard. Night vision is impressive and crisp. The software interface isn’t pretty but it is effective. The options offered are vast including scheduling, motion detection zone creation, pre-roll recording, event backups and offloading to USB thumb drives, camera image adjustments, emails directly from the system and the ability to control a PTZ camera if so desired to name a few. The mobile app allows you to complete most everything you con do directly on the NVR including viewing videos, both recorded and live and system setup. Pros: Quality construction and build Camera and image quality NVR features and customization In-device storage, no external monitoring services required (unit will however connect to and alert alarm monitoring services) Cons: Not truly wireless, cameras require external power making some installations difficult. Short power cords and currently no extensions for this model available Inability to operate base unit over Wi-Fi, it must be hard wire connected to your internet router Lack of an included instruction manual and difficulty immediately finding it online Overall, this is a more than capable camera setup with an extensive feature set. I hope to get many years of use from it and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a more professional security camera system.

I've had a few different camera systems, each had their pros and cons. - This camera system requires their SmartSignal companion app if you choose not to use the built-in software for setup. Linking the system with its app will be a painful, buggy experience - and using the app to review footage is sluggish and not intuitive. This review is about the hardware which is why I gave it 4 stars instead of 3. The camera mounts don't allow for left/right adjustment after being mounted. I think they could've chosen a better pivoting mount for these cameras,. On the bright side, the mounts are sturdy and can be mounted with the camera upside down if needed. The metal housing is top-notch and should last several years. You can load multiple camera feed thumbnails live. The motion sensors in the camera trigger notifications immediately.both on my phone and Apple Watch. There's an audio button in the companion app, but I haven't been able to get audio from the feed yet (this may be a setting that I'm missing somewhere). The infrared sensors give you a clear view of nighttime activity and it's awesome not needing to pay for cloud storage since the NVR holds 1TB and has expandable storage. I wish the power cords were a little bit longer and had thicker housing, but the thin cord shouldn't deteriorate if you keep it out of the elements. There's an RJ45 jack with each camera power cord which might allow you to keep this offline and inaccessible by anyone not on your local network. The NVR is about the size of a DVR receiver and has three adjustable antennas. You'll need a wired network connection to the NVR since only the video feed is wireless. Overall, this is a better investment for long-term use if you're looking to set up a security system on your property. The ONLY reason I said that I wouldn't recommend this to a friend is because of the software experience. If you're tech savvy and have the patience to troubleshoot some of the software issues -- then this is a great purchase. If you're purchasing this for someone less technically inclined, then a camera system with a more refined software experience might be better.

The setup is reasonable although it could be a bit easier. The two cameras allow for perfect surveillance for my apartment because of their wide range of view. The NVR holds a large amount of footage, and I have had the cameras for a couple of months and they are continuously recording and still haven't had to delete any to make room. The cameras provide crystal clear image quality, I was very impressed with the night time quality especially. The only downside to the cameras which I imagine is kind of unavoidable with having to have a rechargeable battery is the long cord that is required to plug into a standard outlet, the wireless connectivity to the NVR is great but that power cable makes the wireless feature feel not so wireless. Overall, I would say that this system is excellent quality and very reliable however I would recommend a simpler system for anyone who is just trying to monitor an apartment or small home. I found that for myself, it's a little overkill.

The Defender 2K wireless camera system offers highly detailed camera security in a wireless, easy set-up method simplified by a mobile app. The 2) provided cameras simply plug into a wall outlet. The camera data is transmitted wirelessly. Depending on where you locate the 2) cameras, you may need to install a wall outlet. Be sure to test both cameras thoroughly at the locations you prefer to be sure their wireless video signals reach the base solidly. Rain, wind & other inclement weather can adversely affect the transmitted video, so I recommend a full week of testing before drilling holes to run the wall outlets (if needed). The cameras transmit clear, bright images with 127 degree viewing angle. They are well built & are quite heavy duty. The base unit, which contains the HDD, must plug into your router; it cannot be connected to the internet wirelessly. The base unit contains a cooling fan, presumably for the built-in 1TB hard drive. Unfortunately, this fan is anything but silent; I moved it out of my private office, as I did not want to tolerate the constant fan noise. This security camera system is extremely flexible & is designed to be future-proof; you can configure many options when desired. However the set-up is an antiquated system & is not what you would expect from a modern security camera system today. Video quality is excellent during the well lit day time, but it quickly falls to fair at night as darkness sets in. One of the best features is: No monthly fees. You can choose to self-monitor, or you use a paid monitoring service. With no contract or fees, the Defender 2K Wireless Surveillance System offers a high quality, value priced alternative, complete with a mobile app, to meet your security needs for the foreseeable future.

Just the fact that they are wireless helps a lot with installation. The range and night vision distance plus the fact that is a 2K resolution is fantastic.

Overall, these are solid, good cameras for your house or business. Easy to set up and use if you follow the instructions, you'll be feeling more secure in no-time. The only gripes that I found are with the camera's angle, and connecting to the not-so-great mobile app was a pain. From the start, you can tell these cameras are built to last and withstand the elements. They're heavy, and just looking at them may be enough to stop an intruder from entering. The system provides coverage for up to four cameras, which is nice should you ever want to upgrade. The picture is solid, and I rarely found a dropped line or outage. Only when I was installing/moving the cameras around did they stutter to connect. The standalone box that houses the storage and system is small enough to store wherever needed, but is recommended that you plug-in directly to your router for the best results. In terms of drawbacks, the biggest things for me are the field of view from the provided cameras and the hard-to-use mobile app. As of now, I still can't get remote viewing to work even 50% of the time, which is a bummer. I didn't choose this system for mobile applications, but still, I'd expect it to work better here. Each camera has a slimmer angle than you might expect, so choosing the correct position for optimal coverage is crucial. Remember, because this is a dedicated system, you'll need an external monitor to view your feed live. Invest in a cheap monitor and you'll be good to go. Overall though, accessing the menu on the system box itself is fine, albeit a little archaic. The cameras are quick and don't drop a signal, and the picture is clear enough to see. I'd recommend for anyone looking to add some extra security around.

Setup was very easy, plug NVR and both cameras, connect them to your network (using the network cord) and that’s it. Software is limed with options and kind of slow in both loading and playing real time video, especially when used over the mobile network (such as 3G, 4G or LTE). Good part on the software are motion detection alerts delivery to your mobile device, which are working really great. Quality of the video is good but not as expected since it’s 2K and it has lots of buffering and signal periodically being lost from cameras. They are located about 50ft away from the NVR/base. Would I recommend this product? Depends how and where is used, meaning is good for indoor use and I would recommend as that, but very inconvenient as wireless cameras for outdoor use. What I mean by this? Not very preferable wireless system when you still have to run power out for the cameras. Not very convenient to use. I will try to rate mage quality on the cameras with score 1 to 10. Score for day use (indoor with light and outdoor) 9, score for standard night use 7 and for night color use (which is available in the options) 4, because it gets really blurry. Cameras power cords are relatively short and I would not commended those plugs for outdoor outlets use. I would like to see battery powered cameras or maybe even solar powered cameras on this system Local storage it’s plus since you don’t have to pay for cloud space and it should be very easy for upgrade if you need more space. Pros: Easy setup Picture quality Local storage Motion detection alerts Cons: Cameras are not really wireless since you must run power wires to them Signal being periodically lost

The Defender 2k Wireless Surveillance System is great! I own a different brand system as well, which is hard-wired, and I must say that wireless technology is the best! The Defender wireless system is great. No more having to run long wires through the attic and into the DVR. What a pain that was with my first camera surveillance system. Although the camera is not 100% wire free (you still need a power source), it's much better than running an extremely long wire through your house. The initial setup is straightforward; plug things in and link the camera to your system. You will need to setup your log-in info/account. For those of you that prefer to hard-wire your cameras, you do have that option available as well, but so far, connectivity has not been an issue. Camera clarity has been great. There is a mobile app that you can download to monitor your home/office wherever you are. As for the negatives of the system, as previously mentioned, the cameras will need an external power source. This can be a problem when you want to mount them outside of your home and have no outlet immediately available anywhere in sight. This is my reason for the four stars. The power court is not all that long, so it can be an even bigger headache. Overall, I am happy with the Defender 2k wireless Surveillance System. I would definitely recommend this to anyone in the market for a home Surveillance System.

I was a little disappointed at the advertising of this as a "wireless" system. It is not fully wireless. The storage device must be connected to your internet router which may cause difficulty for some. I had to buy an ethernet switch as our router only had 2 ports and they both were already in use. The set up of the cameras and system was fairly easy with the app which is a little clunky. However, the biggest problem was the installation of the cameras. They must be hardwired and the cords that come with the camera are really quite short (about 10 feet) for inside installations this will probably not be a problem but for outdoor installation it will create significant issues. I cord is also not grounded so I am not sure it is wise to use it for outdoor applications. You will have to drill a hole through your exterior wall to get in to a power supply or have an electrician install an outlet near the camera for you. There are some truly wireless (battery - which itself does have some drawbacks) systems on the market which are very good and install very easily. For a business system this would be perfectly geared. For home protection it is more trouble than it is probably worth. The video quality of the cameras is superb. PRO: Great video quality Large storage on-site via DVR No monthly fees CON: must be hardwired to power; DVR must be directly connected to modem/router short cords no manual difficult installation

The video quality of these cameras is awesome and no subscription is required each month since the video is recorded in the unit. Those are the good points. The biggest challenge is getting them installed. The cameras require power to them with a standard plugin. To have the cameras outside, we had to have a holes drilled in our brick to have the plugin in the house. Also, the plugin needs to be close because the cord is only a few feet long. You can purchase extensions to the cord from the manufacturer if you need it longer, but it doesn't come in the box. Once cameras were setup they were already connected to the box, so that part was easy. I have viewed footage from daytime and nighttime and you can see very well and the picture is very fine and detailed. For a recommendation, I would say it is a good system for the price. Just be prepared for the installation process.

Most of the leading home video security solutions make you pay a monthly streaming/storage fee if you want to store video footage from your cameras. The Defender 4 Channel 2 Camera wireless solution offers incredibly sharp video with no monthly fees. It comes with a 1TB box which stores a amazing amount of video. The cameras feature a very wide angle lens (127 degrees) as well as Infrared night vision capability. I set the camera up in our cabin so we can see what goes on when were not around (which is most of the time). We're amazed at what happens with the wildlife at night with the infrared camera lens. You should make sure you can set the cameras up in areas that can connect wirelessly with your router. After I figured out the best locations, the rest of the setup was relatively easy. This is a great solution if you don't want to pay those monthly fees!

The Defender System far superior to the system Arlo system I have now but comes with a lot more work to setup. The Defender brand is a well known name and can be trusted by any customer that it will work, every time, no questions asked. Now, the goods: 1: Interface (The interface is easy and nice to navigate) 2: Build Quality (Every part you touch feels heavy duty and should take all the weather mother nature can dish out) 3: Picture Quality (4k, like actual 4k quality picture. They say it is 2K but my TV displays as 4K) 4: Huge amount of space (1TB!) 5: Internet accessible (See your cameras from anywhere) The 2 negatives: 1: Install is time consuming (Get ready to put holes through walls and add outlets) 2: Color (The white stands out too much, I personally would rather have black) The only reason for the 4 stars as the install and the instructions need a lot of work. They do not give distance details or and ideas on how to run the wires. I plan on adding more cameras once I install more outlets where I need them.