ESCAM QF220 WiFi Doorbell IP Camera Review

By Olin Coles

Manufacturer: Shenzhen ESCAM Technology Co., Ltd.
Product Name: ESCAM QF220 3000 mAh battery WIFI Doorbell IP Camera
Model Number: QF220
UPC: 0717850086749
Price As Tested: $104.25 (Gearbest)

Full Disclosure: The product sample used in this article has been provided by Gearbest.com.

Recently I was the victim of theft. A large Amazon delivery happened to coincide with a few mail parcels we were expecting, all of which were entrusted to USPS. Our carrier decided to leave all of these packages, even the small padded envelopes that would otherwise fit inside the secured central box unit, out on the porch of our front door… visible to everyone passing by. According to the delivery confirmation, these items weren’t there for more than two hours before we returned, but that’s all the time that was needed for somebody to walk away with everything.

Hundreds of dollars in electronics and appliances were taken off our doorstep, and we hadn’t taken precautions to prevent the crime or alert ourselves to criminal presence. Our home alarm system alerts us to intruders inside the residence, but cameras weren’t in a position to detect somebody at the doorstep. Apparently this scenario is all too common: protection on the inside, but nothing on the outside. I decided to remedy this weakness by adding a wireless doorbell camera. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the ESCAM QF220 WiFi doorbell IP camera.

Model	ESCAM QF220 Doorbell Camera
Image Sensor	1/3 Megapixel CMOS
Compression Format	H.264
Lowest Illumination	Color 0.6 [email protected], B/W 0.08 [email protected], 0 Lux with IR on
Day/Night	IR-CUT
Light Source	4 pcs low power supply IR Lights
IR Distance	5 meters
Lens/Angle	2.8mm/90°
S/N Ratio	≥ 50dB
White Balance	Auto
Electric Shutter	1/25-1/100,000s
Video Compression	H.264, dual code stream
Video Mode	HD / Standard
Max. Image Size	Main stream 1280×960; Sub stream: 640×480;
WIFI	WIFI 802.11b/g/n
IP Address	Dynamic IP
Visitors	Support 4 online visitors viewing simutaneously
Protocol	DHCP//NTP/UPnP
Alarm	PIR (Passive Infrared Detection)
Audio Input	Internal MIC
Audio Output	Internal Speaker
Audio Compression	AAC
Memory Storage	Support Micro SD card storage, Max 64 GB
Reset	Supports one-click Restore default configuration
Power Supply	3000 mAh lithium polymer battery; charging voltage: 5V2A
Standby time	Maximum Standby for around 90 days
Work Environment	Temperature -5℃~+45℃, Humidity ≤85%
Dimension	142x74x40mm
Weight	0.25kg
Package Dimension	170x100x85mm
Package Weight	0.37kg
Accessories	IP Camera, USB Cable, User Manual, Screws Package

The doorbell camera market segment is bursting with options, and the technology is quickly evolving as image sensors are continually improved. The ESCAM QF220 is a product from Shenzhen ESCAM Technology Company, out of China. This doorbell camera currently available from the Security & Protection section at Gearbest.

The ESCAM QF220 doorbell camera kit comes with the following items: wireless IP camera, USB cable (for charging the internal lithium polymer battery), user manual, installation hardware with screws, and an Allen head wrench for securing the camera into the cradle. You’ll need a Phillip’s head screwdriver to complete installation.

The ESCAM QF220 WiFi Doorbell IP Camera is comprised of some common features: camera lens at the top, with microphone pinhole positioned at the top right corner and daylight/nighttime sensor below. The passive infrared sensor resides in a darkened dome directly above the doorbell button, while four IR LEDs (not visible) circle the lens. A speaker (also not visible) sounds out from the bottom.

In addition to the PIR sensor, the doorbell button at the front of the camera also sends an alert to the NetCam app, enabling connected smartphone users to communicate with visitors at the unit via an intercom speaker system, or allow the visitor to leave a recorded message on the unit that is transmitted to the app.

The ESCAM QF220 is comprised of a sturdy plastic enclosure, and mounts into the cradle using an Allen head screw at each side. The cradle helps shield the camera from environmental damage, but also allows for easy installation and removal for charging and programming the unit.

There’s more to the ESCAM QF220 Doorbell Camera than meets the eye. Removed from the protective cradle, the backside of the unit reveals several important features that extend its functionality. Located at the top is a tamper switch, which is intended to notify the app when the unit has been removed from the cradle. Below this is a rubber flap, which can be pulled back to reveal more controls.

Behind the rubber flap is the 3000 mAh lithium polymer (LiPo) battery pack, as well as a TF Card slot that accepts up to 64 GB MicroSD card for digital file storage. A power button is located in the middle, and is used for activating the unit and certain program features. A micro USB port is available for charging the unit (cable included), and a device reset pinhole if programming needs to be cleared (pinhole tool included).

As illustrated above, installation for the doorbell camera is very straight forward: mound the cradle to a solid surface using the four screws provided (expansion anchors included), then secure the camera unit into the cradle with two allen screws (wrench included).

ESCAM recommends a free app named NetCam by NetCam360 for Android and iOS devices. My experience with this software was a bit frustrating, as the included quick start manual explained abbreviated installation instruction. For best results, turn on the camera so it repeats the ready command, set the device type to ‘battery doorbell’ in the app, scan the QRcode, and then enter your wireless configuration. This should quickly pair the device to the app.

There are some caveats to using a doorbell camera app on your smartphone. First, you’ll need to ensure the app remains running in the background so your phone can receive the alerts. Next, your phone must have an Internet connection in order to communicate with the doorbell camera in real time. Finally, the NetCam app must not be put into sleep or power saving mode, which affects battery consumption on the phone.

There are countless doorbell cameras available to the retail market, and they all perform the same basic tasks to varying degrees of precision. Most users want a clear picture of subjects recorded, especially if needed for evidence of a crime. As of November 2017, no consumer doorbell camera offered a 4K image sensor, and only a very few are capable of 1080p video. ESCAM QF220 utilizes a 1.3 MP image sensor (1/3″ CMOS) capable of 1280×960 resolution (960p), which clearly captured identifying details from the 90° FOV in front of the camera lens.

While the hardware combined plenty of useful features, especially WiFi 802.11 b/g/n compatibility, the software comes from an unassociated third party that relies on standard p2p architecture. This means that while the NetCam app offers all the features you might need from your doorbell camera, it does so without specific design for the ESCAM brand. Other brands have an app specifically made for their camera, which can offer smoother ease of use.

IMPORTANT: Although the rating and final score mentioned in this conclusion are made to be as objective as possible, please be advised that every author perceives these factors differently. While we each do our best to ensure that all aspects of the product are considered, there are often times unforeseen market conditions and manufacturer changes occurring after publication which might render our rating obsolete. Please do not base any purchase solely on this conclusion, as it represents our rating specifically for the item tested which may differ from future versions. Benchmark Reviews begins our conclusion with a short summary for each of the areas that we rate.

Our first rating is performance, which scores how well the ESCAM QF220 WiFi Doorbell IP Camera executed its intended tasks. Overall, I was satisfied with hardware performance, but less so with the software app. The field of view is adequate for most situations, but 960p resolution lags behind 1080p available with more expensive units. Additionally, the PIR sensor is not immediate, but rather delayed, which reduces this item from a personal security device to a consumer electronic designed for convenience.

In terms of appearance I found the ESCAM QF220 to be aesthetically appealing, but would have prefered a less pronounced profile. This works both ways: a larger unit is conspicuous and might ward off threats, while an inconspicuous profile might not be detected or deter criminal threats.

The ESCAM QF220 3000 mAh battery WIFI Doorbell IP Camera is constructed in high-impact plastic, secured into a plastic cradle. The unit is durable enough to withstand harsh environmental elements, but not direct tooled attacks. The battery’s charge could last up to three months with no door activity, or one month with moderate activity.

Functionality is a strong point as the camera does offer a wide array of features, but since the hardware is solely dependant on the software app installed on up to four smart phones, there’s a certain amount of risk that these features are muted by lack of wireless connectivity or power saving features on the phone. The unit’s passive infrared sensor offers three sensitivity levels, while the doorbell button can accept recorded visitor messages. The tamper switch alerts to when the unit is removed from the cradle, and a MicroSD card allows for local recording.

As of November (2017), the ESCAM QF220 WIFI Doorbell IP Camera was available online for $104.25 (Gearbest). This product originates from China, and appears to be listed at several outlet retailers.

In summary, I found the ESCAM QF220 to be a useful tool for home surveillance. While there are certainly more robust doorbell cameras on the market, they typically cost $300 or more by comparison. For the money, Gearbest offers a good product with solid value. There is a small learning curve for this technology, but it’s not any more complicated than your average smartphone. I recommend the ESCAM QF220 for monitoring outdoor activity.

+ Clear 1/3″ CMOS 1.3 MP Image Sensor
+ 960p Resolution H.264 Video
+ IP56 Water Resistant Enclosure
+ Two-Way Audio/Video Intercom
+ Passive Infrared Sensor Alarm
+ Color Day or Infrared Night Visibility
+ 90° Field of View
+ Local Storage via MicroSD Card

– Three second delay in PIR sensor recording
– Lacks High-Definition 1080p Resolution
– NetCam App Consumes Smartphone Battery
– Poor English Translations

• Performance: 8.50
• Appearance: 8.75
• Construction: 7.50
• Functionality: 8.75
• Value: 9.00