Read here the findings of four readers who were allowed to test the Foscam VD1
Sascha de Bok Happy user
The VD1 has interesting specifications and practical features: sharp HD camera image (4MP with f2.0) during the day and as soon as it gets dark, a sufficiently high-contrast infrared image. You can record an image with a micro-SD card or a Nas such as Synology Surveillance, then you do not have to take out a Foscamcloud subscription. The bell can be connected to the existing gong with a Powerkit and integration via Google Assistant is possible.
The extensive (and not very intuitive) app guides you step-by-step through the mandatory account registration and installation. After that, a firmware upgrade was performed that lasted for minutes, which left me questioning whether it was going to work. So take the time for this and make sure that the VD1 is powered via the USB-C input and is connected to your home network via WiFi or wired.
The notifications via the app can be set accurately, just like the detection area. The images can also be viewed here.
The screw heads broke during assembly with the supplied screws. So the quality is not top notch. However, the choice of brackets is: wedge-shaped plates are included to mount the VD1 in a corner or a thickened plate, so that the (USB) cables can be concealed invisibly.
The image and sound quality of the VD1 and the easy installation make me a satisfied user. It gives a safe feeling to have some kind of security camera. The fact that you are now dealing with saved images does make you aware of the privacy aspects.
| plus†| sound and Vision installation storage option on sd card |
| min: | user info app, quality screws supplied, full features (face recognition) only with Foscam cloud subscription |
Klaas Zwartbol Meets amply
Beforehand I went through the Dutch quick installation guide on the internet. With the QR code shown there, I was able to download and install the app. I installed the Foscam VMS software on my Windows computer and watched the YouTube instructions.
Checked whether the bell transformer in the meter box meets the requirements and checked whether the existing door chime is a mechanical or digital version.
So I was well prepared.
In addition to the video doorbell, the delivered package contained a Setup Guide, a drilling template and various mounting brackets for vertical and horizontal installation, a Powerkit to connect an existing doorbell, extension cables for the power supply, welding caps and the necessary screws. The 64GB micro-SD card was already installed. So a complete set.
The images from the camera are clear and the movements are displayed clearly and smoothly when using WiFi. Even in the dark it is easy to see if someone is at the door. The talk-back function is good and the speech comes across clearly. The existing mechanical door chime works fine and beeps twice, as does the Foscam doorbell itself.
In short: the doorbell amply meets my expectations with its various options and proper functioning.
| plus†| existing door gong can remain in place no batteries required on existing doorbell transformer local data storage look back without subscription |
| min: | in the event of theft (only with brute force) the data is also lost many notifications even with low detection sensitivity |
Bert Wentink AC voltage
Being allowed to test this front doorbell with camera suited me well: we recently moved into a house where you can’t hear the gong everywhere. With this Foscam VD1 you can use your smartphone or tablet to get in touch with the person who rings the doorbell. For us it was essential that the gong also continues to work, since I do not always carry my smartphone with me at home. We have a mechanical gong and you have to ‘tell’ the app that too.
After mounting, the VD1 worked immediately, the desired two-way communication with the front door is fine. However, our gong was silent. We have such a type that used to contain four 1.5-volt batteries, but these have been replaced by a 12-volt DC power supply. It should also comply with the manual. The Powerkit in the box to troubleshoot the chime didn’t help. After contacting the helpdesk and doing some testing on the kitchen table, it turned out that our gong did work after I connected a 12v AC power supply.
Great result, now the VD1 is back next to our front door.
Another suggestion: it would be great if this VD1 could be integrated into our Fritz!box 7590 gateway. Then the Dect handsets are also connected to the front door.
| plus†| installation good intelligibility |
| min: | iron instead of brass screws in a wet environment |
Ad van de Ven Nice addition
The VD1 comes in a nice packaging, even including a screwdriver. Only no Dutch manual, so I went to foscam.nl/attachments for my information. Typed VD1 into the ‘search box’ and the VD1 appeared completely with technical information and instructional videos. Selected add video doorbell to the app, did the firmware upgrade and followed the instructions; it all went super easy.
Since I needed a potential-free switch contact for an external bell installation with a different voltage, I solved this by using a relay instead of a mechanical chime (after contacting the Foscam helpdesk). Then I set the speaker volume and the doorbell tone in the app via Settings, Advanced settings and Ringtone. Setting up Camera sharing took a while, but after creating an account it worked fine.
The image quality during the day is fine, in the evening there was some reflection from the street lamp. I turned off the IR LED, after which the reflection was gone and the image is fairly clear. The doorbell could be a little more angled if you live close to the street. The motion detection reacts quickly, despite the set low sensitivity and the small detection area.
All in all, the VD1 is certainly easy as a ‘mobile’ extension to the fixed doorbell and it is also a nice addition as a security camera.
| plus†| mounting and installation setting options Foscam VSM program image quality |
| min: | no complete Dutch manual number/duration of the ringing tone is not adjustable no color choice of the cover plate |