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:
- Revolutionary 4K Ultra HD Video Quality: Experience groundbreaking video quality with our market-leading doorbell, featuring the first-ever 4K Ultra HD capability. Capture unparalleled detail in every frame, setting a new standard for home security
- Fusion Compatibility for Enhanced Performance: This doorbell is Fusion Compatible, ensuring seamless integration with cutting-edge technology for enhanced performance. Stay ahead of the curve with a security system that adapts to the latest innovations
- Color Night Vision for Brighter Visibility: Stand out with Color Night Vision, providing superior video clarity even in low-light conditions. Enjoy better and brighter video in the dark, requiring only ambient lighting to deliver impressive results for round-the-clock surveillance
- Smart Alerts with Comprehensive Detection: Stay informed with Smart Alerts that go beyond the basics. Receive notifications for arrivals, package deliveries, and even if a package is removed—all without any additional fees. Benefit from Person, Vehicle, Animal, and Package detection for a fully comprehensive security solution
- Instant Communication with 2-Way Talk and Quick Response: Answer your door instantly from anywhere with 2-Way Talk functionality. Engage in real-time communication with visitors, or use Quick Response messages if you're occupied. Take control of your property's security with seamless interaction at your fingertips
- 2K HDR Video: Zoom in with this doorbell camera to clearly see important details like eye color, license plates, and labels.
- Security in the Palm of Your Hand: Perfect for home security, receive notifications when motion is detected and watch live streaming video from your smartphone or tablet.
- More Ways to Answer: See and speak to visitors with clear 2-Way Audio, or respond with pre-recorded quick reply messages when you’re busy. Receive a video call when your video doorbell is pressed and never miss a visitor.
- Arlo Secure plan trial included: After trial, a paid plan is required to keep premium features like 30-day video cloud storage, People, Package, Vehicle Detection, 24/7 Emergency Response, and more.
- Night Vision: Improves your home security system by being able to see who’s at your door at night, even without a light.
- 【Wide Viewing HD Video】: Enjoy clear and detailed video of your front door with this smart doorbell. It has a 65° viewing angle range that captures every detail, making it reliable and practical for home security.
- 【Wireless Connectivity & Two-Way Intercom】: Stay connected at your doorstep with convenient WiFi connectivity. Two-way intercom between the doorbell and mobile phone can be achieved without wires. Receive real-time notifications, one-way calls, take photos and even record videos to keep your family safe. Please note that this doorbell just supports 2.4G WiFi and does not support 5G WiFi.
- 【Long Battery Life and Easy Charging】: This doorbell has a built-in 800mAh large-capacity battery, which can be used normally for more than 5 months. When the battery is low, your phone will receive a low battery alert. Charging is fast and convenient, and the charging time is fast, need 1-2 hours.
- 【Notification & Video Call】: When someone rings the doorbell, you will receive a push notification on your phone through the app. This allows you to video call visitors and view your doorstep remotely. Access your doorbell information anytime, anywhere, giving you mind and letting the whole family watch your home.
- 【Easy to Install and Portable】: Installing this smart doorbell is easy. Just download the app and connect it to your doorbell. No wires or cables required. With its portable size and lightweight design, installation and removal are easy.
- Answer your door no matter where you are from your smartphone with 1080p HD day and infrared night video and two-way audio.
- Experience long-lasting battery life, custom alerts, privacy settings, and more.
- Get alerts when motion is detected or someone presses Video Doorbell. Connect to existing doorbell wiring or pair with a Sync Module (sold separately) to engage live view and two-way audio on demand.
- Choose to save and share clips in the cloud with a free 30-day trial of the Blink Subscription Plan or locally with the Sync Module 2 and USB drive (each sold separately).
- Designed for every home, go wire-free or connect to doorbell wiring to also sound your existing in-home chime. Without wiring, you can use your Blink Mini camera (sold separately) as an indoor plug-in chime.
- 【2K+/5MP Live View】Always know what happens in front of your door through the Tapo app. With the starlight sensor and 2K 5MP resolution, check all the fine details captured even in low-light environments.
- 【Color Night Vision】With the embedded spotlight and starlight sensor, Tapo D230S1 reveals high-fidelity details and color at night.
- 【Head-to-Toe View】With the camera’s ultra-wide FOV(160° Diagonal), Tapo 4:3 live view ensures users can check visitors from head-to-toe as close as 1m, which shows more vertical details than other 16:9 doorbells'.
- 【Longer Battery Life】The rechargeable and removable battery with a low-power protocol extends your usage.
- 【Smart AI Detection and Notification】Smart AI algorithms identify people and cars, and notify users as needed.
- 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.
- ✅【Night Vision HD Clear Video with 60° Viewing Angle】 Wireless doorbell equipped infrared night vision, door camera wireless automatically open at night. High definition clear video with 60° viewing angle, door bell display the details in front of your door, ring doorbell reliable and practical.
- ✅【WIFI Connection & Two Way Intercoms】 WIFI connection, no wire needs, achieve a two way intercoms between the doorbell and mobile phone. Real-time mobile phone, wireless doorbell kit support two way calls, photos, recording, caring for your family makes you more secure, support 2.4G WIFI (Not support 5G Wifi).
- ✅【Two Way Audio】 Door bell ringer wireless communicate with visitors through two way audio,With noise cancellation microphone. It is weather ,You can monitor your front door by watching real time video.
- ✅【Controlled by APP & Intelligent Portable】 The doorbell can be controlled by APP, automatical work model, intelligent and portable wireless doorbell camera. Portable in size and weight, wireless ring doorbell convenient to install, Battery not include, need to install battery for use (Support 2.4G WIFI,NOT support 5G WIFI).
- ✅【Easy Installation】 Download the APP and connect it to the wireless doorbell chime. No wires and cables are required. No matter where you are, You can the information. There are no restrictions on using a smartphone to enter the doorbell.So you can let the whole family supervise your home.
- WIFI connection, no wire needs, achieve a two way intercoms between the doorbell and mobile phone.Real-time mobile phone, support two way calls, photos, recording, caring for your family makes you more secure，support 2.4G WIFI (Not support 5G Wifi)
- There are no restrictions on using a smartphone to enter the doorbell.So you can let the whole family supervise your home.The doorbell can be controlled by APP, automatical work model, intelligent and portable.Portable in size and weight, convenient to install
- The doorbell can be controlled by APP, automatical work model, intelligent and portable.Portable in size and weight, convenient to install, Battery not include, need to install battery for use (Support 2.4G WIFI,NOT support 5G WIFI)
- Equipped infrared night vision, automatically open at night.Two way audio: communicate with visitors through two way audio,With noise cancellation microphone. It is weather ,You can monitor your front door by watching real time video. High definition clear video with 60° viewing angle, display the details in front of your door,reliable and practical.
- Easy installation: download the APP and connect it to the doorbell. No wires and cables are required.No matter where you are, You can the information
- 🌐【100% Wireless & Quick Installation】ieGeek Doorbell Camera Wireless is powered by a large-capacity battery and connects to the network via WiFi. No need to deal with any sockets or messy wires, it only takes 3 minutes to complete the connection and installation wherever you need it! (Only works with 2.4 GHz WiFi & works with Alexa)
- 🌓【2K HD Image Quality and 130° Wide Angle】ieGeek Wireless Doorbell has been upgraded with 2K HD image quality and 130° monitoring angle. You can see the visitor's face and the package beside the door clearly, which reduces the possibility of package loss. Built-in infrared light automatically senses ambient light and switches to night vision mode, allowing you to capture clear picture details outside the door even at night, giving you peace of mind.
- 💬【2-Way Audio & Voice Changer】2-way audio of the wifi doorbell allows you to communicate with visitors at your door wherever you are. When someone is at the door, you can use the voice change to disguise your gender and age, or choose pre-recorded voice messages(up to 3) to quickly reply, which can better protect your privacy. Ideal gift and protection for the elderly, children and women living alone.
- 🏃【PIR Motion Detection & Real-time Alert】The ieGeek smart doorbell with camera features a patented motion detector with a monitoring range of up to 20 feet. It will send a notification to your phone and start recording video when detects human motion. The wireless video doorbell can intelligently distinguish between human and other objects. 10-level sensitivity adjustment and customizable monitoring areas can reduce unnecessary interruptions and focus only on important matters.
- ☁【SD Card/Cloud Storage & Anti-Theft Lock & 100% After-Sales Satisfaction】 ieGeek video doorbell wireless supports cloud storage (7-day free loop) and SD card storage (Max 128Gb, no subscription required). To protect the safety of the Micro SD card, it comes with an anti-theft bracket. Please do not remove it by force (refer to the instruction manual and use the included tools). Advanced encryption technology protects your privacy.
- Get the Full Picture: See who’s there & what’s on the ground with head-to-toe view. Thanks to an ultra-wide 165° viewing angle & 1:1 aspect ratio you can see the activity other cameras miss.
- Talk to Visitors: Use the microphone & speaker to talk with people near the camera. Scare off intruders or ask the delivery person to hide the package somewhere safe.
- Flexibility First: You can operate 100% wire-free with the rechargeable battery or connect to your existing doorbell wiring. It’s built tough to withstand the elements, with an IP56 rating
- You’ll Never Be in the Dark: The SwannBuddy4K can even see up to 16ft (5m) in the dark, with powerful infrared night vision that automatically kicks in as night falls!
- Local & Cloud Storage: Set & forget with free recording of clips to local memory (32GB micro SD included) or the cloud.
Last update on 2024-04-25
