ANNKE C500 review

ANNKE C500 review – are they good 5MP PoE security cameras?

This PoE security camera has a 2560×1920 detailed image, bring 2.5x 1080P high-resolution images, allows you to see even when you digitally zoom in via the app. 100ft/30m Superb HD Starlight Color Night Vision(default mode is the black & white, manually switch). 2.8mm lens for a wider field of view. Protect your family in a safe day and night. This ANNKE C500 PoE Surveillance Camera System is super easy to install and use, even for beginners. Unlike CCTV DVR camera kit, it needs only one ethernet cable to power the camera and transmits video signal simultaneously, no need for a separate power adapter. It enables long-distance wiring without any loss of picture quality. Find more in ANNKE C500 review.

vacuums & floor care is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Raed more
ANNKE C500 review
ANNKE C500 review

In the box

* 1 x 8CH PoE NVR
* 4 x 5MP IP PoE Camera
* 2 x 30m/100ft Network Cable
* 2 x 18m/60ft Network Cable
* 1× Power Adapter for NVR (DC48V)
* 1× 5.9ft/1.8m HDMI Cable
* 1× 3.2ft/1m Ethernet Cable
* 1 x USB Mouse & Remote Control
* 1 x CD & User Manual

Specifications – ANNKE C500

Image Sensor1/2.7″ OmniVision Progressive Scan CMOS
Video Resolution5MP(2560 ×1920@15fps)
Signal SystemPAL/NTSC
Video CompressionBullet Camera: H.265/H.264
Dome Camera: H.265+/H.265/H.264+/H.264
Video Bit Rate32Kbps~8Mbps
Audio Compression
Audio input/output
Lens2.8mm
Min.IlluminationColor: 0.01 Lux @(F1.2, AGC ON)
Angle of Viewhorizontal FOV: 100°, vertical FOV: 74°, diagonal FOV: 130°
Number of Infra-Red LEDs2 pcs
Night Vision DistanceUp to 100ft/30m
DNR3D DNR
Wide Dynamic RangeDigital WDR
OnvifSupport
IR Cut FilterYES
EthernetRJ45 x 1(10M/100M)
General 
HousingMetal & Plastic
Colorwhite
Operating PowerDC12V;PoE (802.3af)
Storage
Operating Condition-22 °F – 140 °F /-30 °C – 60 °C
Indoor/OutdoorIndoor/Outdoor
Weatherproof RatingIP67
Dimension (L x W x H)Bullet Camera: 6.8″ × 2.6″× 2.72″ /172.7  × 66 ×69.1mm
Dome Camera: 4.3″ × 3.7″  /110  ×93.2 mm
WeightBullet Camera: 0.7lbs /300g
Dome Camera: 0.9lbs /400g

Key Features

  • Stunning 5MP Super HD Resolution
  • Cutting-Edge H.265+ Video Compression
  • Easy PoE Installation, Real Plug & Play System
  • Superb Night Vision with EXIR Array LEDs
  • Email Alarm with Snapshots and APP Push
  • Easy Remote Access on Mobile Devices
  • Connectable to Third-Party Cameras
  • 4K Video Output to Display Ultra Clearness
  • Durable IP67 Weatherproof Cameras

ANNKE C500 review

Dimension

ManufacturerANNKE
Part NumberI51DB0102
Item Weight16 ounces
Package Dimensions5 x 5 x 5 inches

How to setup the ANNKE C500?

At startup, the app will request a first configuration, which can also be done via mobile phone number. We opted for this option and we noticed that the confirmation message came from “Ezviz”, another well-known brand on the stage of the security cameras.

Although the manual foreshadows a configuration that is not too easy to use, with a camera to be configured through a web browser and IP to be inserted, in reality it is sufficient to install the ANNKE Vision application on iOS or Android smartphones , available for free on the App Store and Google Play.

After registration, it was sufficient to add a room using the classic “+” icon, framing the bar code on the camera. Of course, this must first be powered and connected to an ethernet socket. At this point the game is done, the room is ready for operation.

ANNKE C500 camera review

Among the most valuable features of this security camera is the support for high efficiency H.265 encoding, which not only reduces bandwidth, but also reduces storage requirements, ensuring stable and fast transmission and a smooth display in real time.

ANNKE C500 uses a 5 MP image sensor. It is an OmniVision sensor that should provide clearer and sharper images on paper than other 5 MP analog IP cameras with standard sensors.

The ANNKE camera also enjoys a 3D DNR technology for the reduction of three-dimensional digital noise, which can be appreciated especially during night vision. As already mentioned, the room is mainly designed for outdoor use. A further indication of this, in addition to aesthetics, is the IP67 protection rating, which allows outdoor use, without fear of rain, and withstanding extreme temperatures from -30 to 95 degrees Celsius.

Of course, the camera also has long-range infrared night vision sensors, thanks to smart infrared LEDs, which guarantee the possibility of automatically switching from day to night vision, so as to provide clear images even in black and white during the night. In particular, night-time night vision covers up to about 30 m, a rather wide range to ensure more than enough vision for the backyard.

Can you use this as outdoor camera?

The video quality of the C500 is good, more than enough for an outdoor video surveillance camera. The 15 FPS video stream is equally sufficient for controlling the backyard or the space in front of your garage. The sensor is still of quality and also in the detection of movements, with the consequent sending of push notification to the smartphone, it is always precise and punctual.

Even with Android, which usually due to battery optimizations causes some problems in sending push notifications, we have not registered any problems. The night vision is absolutely enjoyable and allows you to control the driveway at home in a rather precise and clear way.

ANNKE C500 customer review

Perfect little DIY setup for people who understand private IP

As with any LAN or IP device for your home there is a little bit of a trial and error to unveil the devices that get assigned an IP address so that you can begin to configure. This device was no different, and luckily was on my subnet by default. Once you find it you can do typical things like port forward and configure it via a browser. As with all of these third party units it’s IE compatible only, but no big deal because you’re only viewing your internal stuff and not unknown Internet content. Initial screen configurations allow for a set of initial password and from there it’s a matter of getting familiar with the gui. I configured one of these on a switch that’s POE and one on a NVR that’s POE, both worked flawlessly. I was also able to manipulate the unit quite a bit to get the angle I wanted to capture. The h.265+ is a great addition to a network running 8 cameras as I still maintain about 25% storage capacity running recordings 24/7.
By Amazon Reviewer
Clarity and Quality are exactly what you would expect for the price

Let me start out by saying I was not paid or compensated for this review. I have installed 5 camera systems since 2013 and this is the best bang for the buck by far. I used to be an EZvision snob but have branched out to Hikvision and Annke. Out of the mentioned brands, EZvision has the cheapest systems, HIKvision has the most expensive, and Annke is the middle ground with all the options of the bigger brands.

I have a 5,000 sq. ft. house and used a POE switch along with 250ft of outdoor rated CAT6 cable to install. After learning how to install my own connectors I didn’t use any of the included 50ft cables(although they are of great quality). All of my wiring resides in my attic. The POE runs to my basement where my router is located. This NVR doesn’t come with a built in WIFI card but I always prefer hardwired Ethernet on surveillance systems. You can buy a cheap access point if you need to install away from your router($25 here on Amazon).

Setup was a little more complicated for my usage since I was not directly plugging each cam to the ports on the rear. After getting the IP addresses of each camera, setting up my ports, and registering the cameras with the NVR, I was up and running with about 20 minutes of software setup.

There are many functions built into the NVR but I chose just to use the surveillance without any motion detection. The night-vision was what impressed me the most. I can easily see 100ft in my side yard all the way to our communities access road.

We view the cameras on a cheap 1080p monitor but note this system is 4k resolution on its recording(much better to read license plates and distinguish faces). If you export the file to a supporting 4k device you’d be blown away at the clarity. Aside from the HDMI monitor, we access the cams utilizing our android phones with the Annkevision App. The app isn’t as fluid as ones I’ve used in the past but has all the functions one would need to perform remote monitoring.

The only recommendation I could make is for Annke to include 100 CAT 5/6 cable clips to fasten to the exterior and interior of your attic/crawlspace. If not, they’re less than $10.
By Amazon Reviewer

Editor’s recommendations