Above:
The Wilife Indoor, Outdoor, and Spy Camera. The Infrared Illuminator has since been discontinued (more on that in the review).
The Wilife Indoor, Outdoor, and Spy Camera. The Infrared Illuminator has since been discontinued (more on that in the review).
Logitech recently introduced Wilife, a very user-friendly wireless camera setup best suited for home owners with little to no experience with surveillance systems. The equipment is a snap to install and the software is very intuitive. In fact, we began using the software without even consulting the manual! But of course, this simplicity and ease of use doesn't come without some sacrifices. Read on to find out why...
Logitech Wilife Installation And Review:
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What You Get For The Money:
The first thing we noticed about the Wilife system is, of course, the price for the master system and the add-on cameras that are available. At Best Buy, we paid $349 for the master system with one indoor camera, and $299 for each add on camera (the indoor and outdoor cameras cost virtually the same amount, with the "spy" cam available for $349). However, you can definitely find the equipment at a lower price if you shop around. For example, we recently found an indoor add on camera on Ebay for $135. The Wilife cameras are proprietary, which means you can only use cameras designed for the Wilife system and not from another manufacturer.
The first thing we noticed about the Wilife system is, of course, the price for the master system and the add-on cameras that are available. At Best Buy, we paid $349 for the master system with one indoor camera, and $299 for each add on camera (the indoor and outdoor cameras cost virtually the same amount, with the "spy" cam available for $349). However, you can definitely find the equipment at a lower price if you shop around. For example, we recently found an indoor add on camera on Ebay for $135. The Wilife cameras are proprietary, which means you can only use cameras designed for the Wilife system and not from another manufacturer.
Almost Wireless, But Not Quite....
Unlike other similar systems using wifi or radio signals, the Wilife cameras communicate with your receiver through your power system. Simply plug the main receiver into an electrical outlet, and use the supplied USB cable to connect to your computer. Each camera you install is connected to its individual transmitter (aka power supply) by ethernet cable, also supplied. The transmitter is then plugged into the nearest outlet available. So while this system is indeed "wireless", you still need to "hard wire" your cameras and transmitters. Logitech claims this method is a much more reliable way for each camera to send its signal, and we would have to agree. With the right lighting conditions, we were very pleased with the image quality.
Unlike other similar systems using wifi or radio signals, the Wilife cameras communicate with your receiver through your power system. Simply plug the main receiver into an electrical outlet, and use the supplied USB cable to connect to your computer. Each camera you install is connected to its individual transmitter (aka power supply) by ethernet cable, also supplied. The transmitter is then plugged into the nearest outlet available. So while this system is indeed "wireless", you still need to "hard wire" your cameras and transmitters. Logitech claims this method is a much more reliable way for each camera to send its signal, and we would have to agree. With the right lighting conditions, we were very pleased with the image quality.
About That Picture...
Speaking of lighting, one of the biggest drawbacks of the Wilife system is a lack of infrared or "night vision". Most of these types of systems come with cameras that have infrared LED's built in, enabling your camera to record in absolute darkness. Logitech did offer an infrared illuminator you could install near the camera, but it has since been discontinued. We asked Logitech the reasons behind this, and their rep mentioned that the company may be offering a camera/illuminator combination unit in the future (that was the only reason they could give us). Logitech's advice for low light conditions? Install a night light in (or near) the area you want covered. We tried this, with somewhat acceptable results (right). In Logitech's defence, we did find the auto brightness feature quite effective under normal conditions. You should also know that each Wilife camera comes with a fixed lens, not varifocal. So while you certainly can adjust the focus of the image, you cannot zoom in or out.
Speaking of lighting, one of the biggest drawbacks of the Wilife system is a lack of infrared or "night vision". Most of these types of systems come with cameras that have infrared LED's built in, enabling your camera to record in absolute darkness. Logitech did offer an infrared illuminator you could install near the camera, but it has since been discontinued. We asked Logitech the reasons behind this, and their rep mentioned that the company may be offering a camera/illuminator combination unit in the future (that was the only reason they could give us). Logitech's advice for low light conditions? Install a night light in (or near) the area you want covered. We tried this, with somewhat acceptable results (right). In Logitech's defence, we did find the auto brightness feature quite effective under normal conditions. You should also know that each Wilife camera comes with a fixed lens, not varifocal. So while you certainly can adjust the focus of the image, you cannot zoom in or out.
The Wilife "Command Center":
It doesn't get much easier than this. You can use the command center (right) to view your cameras live, or play back recorded segments (see below). Use the setup feature to adjust picture quality, motion recording sensitivity, set a recording schedule, activate or deactivate online viewing, or set up email alerts.
It doesn't get much easier than this. You can use the command center (right) to view your cameras live, or play back recorded segments (see below). Use the setup feature to adjust picture quality, motion recording sensitivity, set a recording schedule, activate or deactivate online viewing, or set up email alerts.
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Remote Viewing On PC or Smart Phone:
You have the option of signing up for a free online Wilife account. This enables you to view recorded video segments from any internet-enabled PC in the world. You can also use a paid account that allows you to view live, streaming video. If you don't want to pay for the live service, you can always schedule your cameras to record on certain days and times, rather than relying on motion capture alone.
If you wish to view your cameras with a cell phone, you should know that Wilife's online service only works with Window's Mobile, and not iPhone or iPad. Although customers have been asking (actually, begging) for an iPhone app since Wilife was introduced, there is no indication from Logitech whether an app will ever be available.
You have the option of signing up for a free online Wilife account. This enables you to view recorded video segments from any internet-enabled PC in the world. You can also use a paid account that allows you to view live, streaming video. If you don't want to pay for the live service, you can always schedule your cameras to record on certain days and times, rather than relying on motion capture alone.
If you wish to view your cameras with a cell phone, you should know that Wilife's online service only works with Window's Mobile, and not iPhone or iPad. Although customers have been asking (actually, begging) for an iPhone app since Wilife was introduced, there is no indication from Logitech whether an app will ever be available.
The Bottom Line On Logitech's Wilife System:
Pros: A very user-friendly system when it comes to installation and day to day use, Good picture quality given the right lighting conditions, Basic online viewing and email alerts are free.
Cons: Fixed lens, No night vision, No iPhone or iPad app, Cameras are proprietary.
Verdict: An effective and quality camera system, recommended for the novice user.
Pros: A very user-friendly system when it comes to installation and day to day use, Good picture quality given the right lighting conditions, Basic online viewing and email alerts are free.
Cons: Fixed lens, No night vision, No iPhone or iPad app, Cameras are proprietary.
Verdict: An effective and quality camera system, recommended for the novice user.
Right:
You can determine the timing of recorded segments with greater accuracy by zooming in and out. As you can see, our fish are very active!
You can determine the timing of recorded segments with greater accuracy by zooming in and out. As you can see, our fish are very active!
Above:
The Wilife Command Center. Click for a better view.
The Wilife Command Center. Click for a better view.
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Above:
Our attempt at night vision, using a 20 watt nightlight. Click for a better view.
Our attempt at night vision, using a 20 watt nightlight. Click for a better view.
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