If you’ve ever compared 4K footage to “full HD” (i.e., 1080p) video, you’ll notice a significant difference. 4K video has multiple times the number of pixels as 1080p video, which means it has significantly more detail.
So, if you have a smart doorbell to assist secure your property from theft, doesn’t it make sense to have a smart doorbell that records in the greatest quality possible?
This is correct, but there are a few viable 4K smart doorbell possibilities (including Feels and a DIY technique), albeit you are currently pretty limited. Fortunately, a few smart doorbells have recording quality superior to ‘full HD.’
Smart Doorbells and the Problem With ‘Full HD’ Recording Quality
Smart doorbells are fantastic since they replace (or sit beside) your standard doorbell and, in addition to alerting you when someone approaches your front door, they record persons who stroll close. This might be handy for crime prevention as well as keeping a watch on your community in general.
While many aren’t full-fledged security systems (like hardwired CCTV cameras), they perform many of the same roles, which means that recording quality is critical.
Currently, many smart doorbells provide ‘full HD’ recording quality, which is 19201080 pixels. While this may appear good – especially because HD stands for High Definition – it does not always enable you to see people’s faces at night or even car plate numbers when they pass by during the day.
This can be aggravating, especially if you need to get a license plate number or view someone’s face in connection with a crime. When you can’t decipher these facts, you’ll wonder what the point of your smart doorbell is.
They are typically useful, but ones that record in higher resolution than full HD are much better.
Why 4K Smart Doorbells Would Be Awesome?
I said before that 4K captures four times the number of pixels as full HD. It’s practical twice as broad and tall (therefore 2 x 2 = four times as many pixels), but what does this mean? Paul Hibbert evaluated a 4K smart camera, demonstrating its different quality over full HD.
If you’ve been to an electronics/TV store in the recent decade, you’ve seen 4K TV screens that compare the quality to full HD – and they show a huge difference between the two video standards.
A 4K shrewd doorbell would be fabulous in light of the fact that, rather than attempting to make out vehicle plate numbers and individuals’ countenances from a good way, you would have the option to do it easily – an unmistakable benefit over full HD.
So, are there any 4K smart doorbells on the market? So, in the next two sections, I’ll go through this.
Feels: the World’s first 4K smart doorbell?!
None of the major smart doorbell manufacturers, including Ring, Nest, and Eufy, offer 4K smart doorbells. In reality, a search on Amazon for “4K smart doorbell” yields… no relevant results. Oh, no.
There are a few clarifications behind this (as I portray in the “Defects with 4K brilliant doorbells” segment underneath) yet fortunately, Feels – a relatively new player in the smart home field – has a well-funded IndieGoGo campaign that has already resulted in the production of hundreds of 4K smart doorbells.
Unfortunately, despite original targets for December 2020 delivery, the most recent reports (as of February 2020) indicated what had pushed things back for various reasons, including China production delays and the pandemic effect.
There have also been some complaints from backers that the program contains several issues. New Feels app upgrades are coming out all the time to fix these issues, but the Feels 4K doorbell is still in the works.
Nonetheless, I’m hoping that it’ll be able to overcome its manufacturing challenges since I’d want to put it through its paces. Can you ‘DIY’ it because no other ‘off the shelf’ doorbells offer 3840×2160 resolution?
A DIY 4K Smart Doorbell
Several online instructions teach you how to create a smart doorbell yourself – using a Raspberry Pi. These range in price from $40 to $150, depending on what you want to accomplish, in any case, many individuals go for a straightforward 1080p (Full HD) camera focal point.
Nonetheless, in April 2020, the Raspberry Pi blog unveiled a new 4K camera for $50. This can record at 40-60 fps relying upon settings, which is fairly momentous – especially given that Ring devices often only accomplish 15 fps.
On Amazon, you can also find a little cheaper Pi-compatible camera named Arducam. This records at a higher resolution than 4K (at 4192×3120 pixels), however, only at 12 frames per second.
So, if you’re up for a challenge, creating your Pi-powered smart doorbell may be a great idea – especially if you use Sony’s official Pi camera, which can arrive at an undeniable degree of FPS even at 4K goal.
Why FPS Matters (Both Good and Bad)
FPS stands for ‘first-person shooter,’ as most gamers are aware. In this context, it stands for ‘frames per second.’ A frame is a collection of numerous still pictures that make up a video. As a result, if a movie has 30 still pictures (frames) every second, it is referred to as a 30 fps video.
This is significant because if a video were just two frames per second (for example), you’d only get two pictures per second – resulting in an extremely jumpy film that may miss vital details like the license plate number of a passing automobile. As a result, a greater frame rate is preferable.
I am generally speaking! As the next section explains, a high FPS mixed with 4K video quality might be a drawback.
The Flaws With 4K Smart Doorbells
The concept of high FPS, high-resolution video is fantastic: you can see people’s faces and license plate numbers even if they’re sprinting (or driving) by.
However, keep in mind that smart cameras include smart functions, such as only getting motion alerts if it detects a person. Alternatively, you can get notifications if motion is detected in a certain camera zone (such as a path or walkway).
All of this requires on-device computing power to function properly. However, the more frames in a video (i.e., the higher the FPS), the more needed processing power. This is also true for pixels: the more pixels there are, the more necessary processing.
On the off chance that you had a full HD 15 fps video (say, from Ring) and compared it to a 4K 30 fps video (say, from a DIY smart doorbell), you’d need 8x the processing power to monitor the video stream effectively and send out the required messages.
Ouch. This isn’t ideal, especially because it will inevitably cost more money because more powerful gear will be required.
Second, this needs additional storage space. In the event that you store the video cuts locally, your NAS should be multiple times the size of a full HD NAS to hold a 4K video.
If you keep the recorded video in the cloud, you will still need to pay for more storage space – and you may need to update your internet connection as well because the needed upload rates will be 4x faster!
The third fault with a 4K smart doorbell consumes significantly more electricity, whether plugged in or battery-powered. This is due to the additional processing needs of 4K footage than full HD video.
Finally, 4K smart doorbells are not widely available! Yes, the Feels doorbell is interesting, but it’s currently a very low-production device that won’t be widely available for a couple of years (if it does enter mainstream production at all, that is). So what’s the other option?
Suitable Alternatives to 4K Smart Doorbells
If you want higher than full HD recording quality (which I do!), there are two popular options: the Ring Doorbell Pro 2 and the Eufy 2K doorbell.
The Eufy 2K doorbell records in a resolution of – you guessed it – 2K. Uh oh, another buzzword! This is better than full HD but poorer than 4K, with a 2560 x 1920.
The Ring Doorbell Pro 2 has a resolution of 1,536p (1536 pixels tall). However, the width is unknown at the time of writing.
Finally, the Nest Hello records at a resolution of 1600 x 1200p. While this implies a narrower vision (1600p vs. 1920p for full HD), it also means a somewhat taller perspective (1200p vs. 1080p for full HD), which helps you see more people while they’re standing by your doorbell.
Best Seller List of 4K Smart Doorbells:
- See the Whole Picture in 2K Resolution: With 166°wide viewing angle, 4:3 aspect ratio, you could see a person from head to toe or the package on the ground See the Whole Picture in 2K Resolution.
- No Subscription Required: aosu video doorbell includes 8G Micro SD card, supports 2 months secure local storage, no monthly fee.
- Get Accurate Alerts with Smart Human Detection: Adopted latest AI algorithms to identify humans in the video, reducing false alarms caused by moving objects like animals .
- More Stable Signal: aosu video doorbell is equipped with a signal-enhanced base station repeater to maintain a more stable 2.4G Wi-Fi signal connection.
- Quick Reply & Voice Changer: When a visitor rings the bell, you can answer/hang up the video call directly or select a preset quick voice reply, also can use voice changer to protect your privacy.
- 1080p HD wired video doorbell with two-way talk, advanced motion detection, standard 2.4 GHz connectivity and customizable privacy settings.
- Get real-time notifications sent straight to your phone. To hear audio notifications in your home, pair with a Ring Chime, compatible Alexa device, or select the Video Doorbell Wired + Chime bundle. Note: the doorbell will not sound your existing chime.
- Advanced motion detection helps you know when someone’s at your front door before they ring your doorbell.
- Night vision with sharp contrast ensures you’ll never miss a detail – even in the dark.
- Hardwire Video Doorbell Wired using your existing doorbell wiring and the included tool kit for around-the-clock power and peace of mind.
- 【3MP 2K HD】See who's at your door with crystal clear 3MP/2K crisp high resolution video, capturing every detail even when you zoom in. Easily identify faces with no worries of grainy images, and enjoy a 160° diagonal field of view showing you everything you need to see outside your door.Controller Type:Android;Amazon Alexa;Google Assistant.Connectivity protocol:Wi-Fi.Power source type:Corded Electric.Controller type :Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa
- 【Instant Notifications & Modular Chime】Get instant push notifications when the doorbell button is pressed or adjust the volume for select times. The modular Chime design allows you to conveniently place your chime where you want, choose from several different tones, and adjust the volume directly on the device. Never miss another delivery or wake your family with an unexpected guest.
- 【2-Way Audio】Kasa Smart home video doorbell gives you the ability to answer your door even when you're not home. Watch live from anywhere, anytime on your phone or favorite supported device, and carry on a crystal-clear 2-way conversation with a single tap on the Kasa app.
- 【Alexa & Google Assistant Compatible】Fully compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, the KD110 can also play video on your favorite supported display with Amazon Echo Show or Google Chrome Cast. Easily get your home security footage up on a larger display such as your TV.
- 【Night or Day, Rain or Shine】With IP64 weatherproofing, the KD110 is ready for harsh particles and rain. Thanks to the built-in IR sensor, see what's there even in the dark up to 30 ft. away. Whether it's night or day, you'll clearly see the visitors, delivery personnel or possible intruders that come to your home.
- 【Enhanced Battery & Wi-Fi Connection】Dzees wireless doorbell camera is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, ensuring long-lasting performance. The super durable battery maintains its power even in winter. With its strong Wi-Fi connectivity, this video doorbell outperforms similar products.
- 【Clear Video & Infrared Night Vision】Featuring high-quality pixels and infrared night vision, Dzees wireless video doorbell captures clear video day or night. Enjoy superb night vision even in dim environments, ensuring your home's security around the clock.
- 【Advanced Detection & Sharing】Get accurate and timely alerts with Dzees doorbell camera's advanced AI detection and activity zones. Share access devices with family members and Customizeize recording times (10s, 15s, or 20s) in the app for a tailored Wi-Fi doorbell experience.
- 【Telephone Notification & Two-Way Audio】Stay connected with your visitors using Dzees wireless video doorbell's phone notifications and two-way intercom. Enjoy smooth and effective live video through the Dzess app. Say goodbye to long loading times and delayed responses.
- 【Encrypted Storage & 100% Satisfaction】Dzees wireless doorbell camera provides encrypted local and cloud storage, plus excellent after-sales support. Get a 3-day free cloud circle storage, 2-year warranty, and US-based phone customized service for a premium experience.
- Easy guided install: Neutral wire is required, standard wall plate size. No need to understand complex switch wiring or master vs auxiliary switch configurations; The Kasa app guides you through easy step by step installation. Need 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection
- Control from anywhere: Monitor your light status. Turn electronics on and off from anywhere with your smartphone using the Kasa app, whether you are at home, in the office or on vacation
- Voice control: Enjoy the hands-free convenience of controlling the lights in your home with your voice via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant; perfect for times when your hands are full or entering a dark room
- Scheduling: Use timer or countdown schedules to set your smart switch to automatically turn on and off while you're home or away. Enable ‘away mode’ to randomly switch on and off to trick potential intruders
- Trusted and reliable: Designed and developed in silicon valley, Kasa is trusted by over 4 million users. UL certified for safety use. Dimensions without panel 4.13*1.71*1.74 in. (105*43.5*44.21 mm)
- No Subscription & Privacy Protection: Bothered by endless monthly fees？ It's time to try Mubview camera doorbell wireless no subscription！ Unlike other brands that only offer a 30-day free trial, our front door camera offers a lifetime of free AES encrypted cloud storage(a 7-day free loop recording) for seamless reviewing and sharing of videos. Plus, local storage supports a 128G Micro SD card( not included) to offer unparalleled peace of mind for your home security needs.
- Long-lasting Battery & Stable Connection: MUBVIEW wireless doorbell camera offers a built-in large-capacity battery with low power consumption, ensuring 90 days of power per charge. The wireless doorbell with camera is 100% wire-free and only compatible with 2.4GHz WiFi (Not support 5G). The 2023's newly upgraded chip in our WiFi video doorbell camera ensures a smooth network connection with fewer disconnections You never miss a visitor and have seamless real-time interaction wherever you are.
- Enhanced Detection & Instant Alerts: Get real-time alerts, interact with visitors, deter thieve with a siren and know package delivery right on the mobile device when our video doorbell wireless for apartment detects motion at your doorstep. With AI human detection and adjustable sensitivity, this camera doorbell wireless minimizes false alarms and unnecessary notifications. Set customizable motion zones and schedule alert time easily with our user-friendly app for a tailored doorbell experience
- Two-way Audio & Crystal-clear Video: See and speak to visitors and couriers through 1080P camera and 120°wide angle. The smart doorbell camera features a voice changer for privacy protection and a pre-recorded voice message for quick replies. Always see clearly in darkness with 33ft night vision. Place wireless doorbell chimes battery-powered anywhere like the dining room, kitchen, or back yard without missing any visitors. One wireless video doorbell can be paired with multiple indoor chimes.
- Easy Installation & Premium Support: You can also share the door camera with your family, giving them convenient access to view videos and monitor activities simultaneously through the mobile app. Installing our IP65 weatherproof wireless doorbell is a breeze, taking only a few minutes with the included screws or adhesive tapes. Providing a 2-year warranty, lifetime service, and responsive local customer service, we are committed to addressing any inquiries or concerns you may have.
- EXTENDED WIRELESS COVERAGE: Adds Wi-Fi range coverage up to 1000 sq ft, and connects up to 15 devices such as laptops, smartphones, speakers, IP cameras, tablets, IoT devices, and more..Connectivity protocol:Ethernet,Wi-Fi
- AC750 WI-FI SPEED: Provides up to 750Mbps performance using dual-band and patented FastLane(TM) technology.
- UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY: Works with any wireless router, gateway, or cable modem with Wi-Fi.
- WIRED ETHERNET PORT: Simply plug in game consoles, streaming players, or other nearby wired devices using the one 10/100M port for maximum speed.
- SAFE & SECURE: Supports WEP and WPA/WPA2 wireless security protocols.
- 【High Definition Video & Enhanced Night Vision】 The CPVAN Video Doorbell captures crisp 1080P HD resolution footage and features a wide-angle lens to ensure no detail is missed. Experience clear and detailed images even in low-light conditions with its advanced IR night vision capabilities. The doorbell seamlessly switches to night vision mode based on lighting changes.
- 【Direct Video Calls & Multi-User Sharing】 With the CPVAN doorbell camera, you can engage in HD two-way audio calls from anywhere, anytime. When a visitor rings the bell, you'll receive a direct video call on your smartphone through the Vicohome app, allowing you to communicate with them in real-time. Share the security camera access with your family members, enabling them to view the live feed simultaneously.
- 【Rechargeable Battery & Intelligent Motion Detection】 Enjoy the convenience of a 100% wireless connection with the rechargeable battery-powered CPVAN WiFi doorbell camera. Its built-in PIR motion sensor enables smart motion detection, instantly notifying you via the app whenever any movement is detected. Keep your home protected around the clock with CPVAN's smart video doorbell camera.
- 【Easy Setup & Free Chime Included】 Setting up your CPVAN wireless security doorbell is a breeze. Simply connect it to your WiFi network using the app and mount it in your desired location. The package also includes a free CPVAN Chime, offering 16 fun and holiday-themed ring tones with adjustable volume levels. Enjoy the convenience of wireless functionality by pairing the doorbell with your mobile phone and chime. (Note: Supports 2.4G WiFi network only, not compatible with 5Ghz WiFi)
- 【Weatherproof Design & Cloud Storage】 The CPVAN wireless security doorbell is IP65 waterproof, ensuring reliable performance in various weather conditions. It can withstand the elements and continue functioning optimally. Store all your recorded videos either in the included SD card or in the cloud storage, accessible through the Vicohome app. (SD card not included in the package)
- This bundle includes a Fire TV Stick 4K Max and Luna Controller – a high-performance controller made for Luna, Amazon's cloud gaming service. (Luna subscriptions sold separately.)
- Games on Fire TV - All things gaming, all in one place. Cloud gaming from Amazon Luna, pick-up-and-play games from the AppStore, and Luna gameplay broadcasts on Twitch.
- Our most powerful streaming stick - 40% more powerful than Fire TV Stick 4K, with faster app starts and more fluid navigation.
- With our most powerful 4K streaming media stick, watch favorites from Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+, HBO Max, and more, and play games from Luna’s growing library including Control, Sonic Mania Plus, and Metro Exodus.
- Support for next-gen Wi-Fi 6 - Enjoy smoother 4K streaming across multiple Wi-Fi 6 devices.
Last update on 2023-10-02
