DCS-2330L:
I was surprised at the level of complexity in this menu. This camera can truly operate as a standalone unit. This unit is equipped with Day/Night modes utilizing a photo sensor to automatically switch and activate ir LED’s to support vision. The live 720P video stream can be viewed from the website, app or the DNR-202L
 |
 |
This camera supports both audio and video alarms, although I had to use internet explorer to set the Motion detection and privacy mask windows.
DCS-5020L
This camera offered nearly the same menu options as the 2330 but it doesn’t have onboard recording. One other feature that could certainly come in handy is the wireless extender functionality. This camera of course offers Pan and Tilt Options as well as some digital zoom functionality. The Mapping for the motion alarm on this unit is significantly nicer, not only did it work in chrome but its grid based instead of click drag. Despite not being “HD” the picture on this is still very nice. I also found the night/day switching to be much more accurate.
 |
 |
Conclusion:
All together the system functions nicely. I found the playback response on the DNR to be a little slow at times, but reading and recording to the same standalone hard drive will do that. While I was critical of the feature set on the DNR-202L I was comparing it to much more expensive systems. The ability to switch external hard drives could in theory give you an unlimited history at a reasonable price point. Bigger systems require you to put all investment up front because there are typically limited options for expansion. The documentation says it will only function with D-Link cameras but that really isn’t a drawback because the cameras are very nice.
[…] TechwareLabs tests out the D-Link Small Office Security System with DNR-202L […]
[…] D-Link Small Office Security System with DNR-202L at TechwareLabs.com […]