However, since this IP camera is also a PoE (Power of Ethernet) device, it’s not exactly similar to lots of other modern IP cameras in the market today. For its price, however, it can be a great choice if you’re ready to master its intricacies.
Pros
- Brimming with lots of great features
- Very reasonably priced
- Solid and durable construction
- All-weather performance
- Color night vision video
- 4k video resolution
- Wide field of view
- Automatic updates
- Stable internet connection
Cons
- Installation can be slightly more complicated than other IP cameras
- Motion sensors are not as sensitive as some would like
- Not ready for smart home integration
- No audio
As the saying goes, ‘don’t judge the book by its cover’. This rings true for the Lorex Security Camera LNB8921BW as this product may look old school but its features are great. Its traditional bullet style might not exactly spell out how modern its technology is but since it’s the inside that counts, it can change your mind once you get to know it better.
It might not look like it at first glance but this device is actually a 4k resolution camera. So if you’re trying to stay away from anything that provides grainy footage, this item would be a solid choice for you.
Interested in what this product can offer? Check out our review for it below.
Lorex 4K IP Bullet Security Camera (LNB8921BW) Detailed Review
Design and Features
One look at the Lorex LNB8921BW and you’ll automatically know that it’s a surveillance camera. It sports the classic bullet-style design, complete with an adjustable sun visor, letting everyone know what it is exactly. Colored black, it has a utilitarian appeal to it which also further emphasizes what kind of gadget it is.
Made for the outdoors, this device has its lens sealed inside an aerospace-grade aluminum housing. It can withstand temperatures from -22°F to 140°F. As it also has an IP67 water rating, you don’t have to worry about leaving this item outside all year long.
Like other bullet cameras, this item is meant to be mounted on a wall or the ceiling. Because of this, it’s designed with a custom video orientation feature so you don’t have to worry about installing it right side up. There’s no such thing which is why it’s simpler to install.
Setup and Usage
While the Lorex LNB8921BW is an IP camera, it’s also a PoE device so its set up is a bit different from other wireless IP cameras in the market today. It’s not harder to install since you’ll only need to work with just one cable to power and transmit its recordings but it will require some tech-savvy to get this device running. Once you get the hang of working with an NVR, however, you’ll find it to be an inconsequential addition to your set up. It can even be advantageous if you’re planning on adding more cameras to your security system.
In the simplest of terms, you first need to attach this camera to a compatible NVR unit to power it up and get the installation process started. Once the NVR is connected to your router, you will then need to download the app, then, add the device to your app by scanning its QR code. Once the NVR is on your app, you’re pretty much ready to go. Just tweak the settings of the camera on the app and you can soon start recording surveillance clips. You can also connect your NVR to a computer and access the camera straight from the computer.
Video Quality
The video quality of this Lorex nocturnal camera is its key feature that draws most people in. Why not when it offers 4k resolution? That’s 4 times better than the 1080p most IP cameras in this price point offers. So if you want to get footage in the highest resolution, this can be a good pick for you.
What gives this product such a high-quality definition is its use of amazing components. Equipped with an 8.51 MP Sony Exmor R™ CMOS sensor, 30FPS recording rate, mechanical lens filter, as well as 3D-DNR, eShutter™, enhanced HDR, and back-illuminated pixel technologies among many others, it’s certainly designed to capture the highest quality images.
With the camera’s capacity, you can also count on its night vision mode to give you good results. Its enhanced DNR makes it work perfectly in low-light situations so combined with its actual IR night vision, you can expect better results. In fact, it can provide you colored night time footage and see up to 250 ft, allowing you to have a better view even in the dark.
If you’re worried about the sizes of the files of your recordings, you don’t really have to. The Lorex LNB8921BW comes with the H.265 compression HEVC (high-efficiency video codec) so it effectively compresses its clips up to 40% more than previous compression technologies offer without losing quality. So even at smaller file sizes, you can still enjoy high-resolution clips with this camera. This will then make backing up and storing footage faster and more economical.
Track and Zoom
While it doesn’t have a tracking feature, this item comes with a whopping 10x digital zoom. Combined with its very high video resolution, you can be guaranteed that you’ll be able to zoom in without losing picture quality.
Motion and Sound Detection
Like other IP cameras, this Lorex Security Camera is also equipped with motion sensors that are added to trigger the recording process of the camera and send the homeowner an alert that the sensor has been tripped. The one in this Lorex product is quite responsive, so it will automatically react when it gets tripped.
To minimize false alerts, however, you can tweak its sensitivity and Motion Zones through the NVR. You can set how much movement is required and where the movement should be before the camera starts recording or sends you a notification.
Cloud Storage Costs
Before the recent changes in the cloud network of Lorex, there are several subscription plans that you can choose from in order to use the cloud service of the said brand. As they regroup, they are currently offering free cloud services to all of their clients.
Smart Home Compatibility
The smart home compatibility of Lorex cameras depends more on the particular NVR model you choose to use with your system. Some are compatible with Alexa while others can work with Google Assistant. So if you want to add this camera to your smart home environment, make sure to get the right NVR model.
Mobile Apps and Web Portals
As mentioned before, there are actually 3 Lorex apps that you can use with your Lorex products. This can be a bit confusing at first but fret not. You don’t necessarily need to install all of them because your NVR will dictate which one you’re supposed to get. In most cases, you’ll likely end up using the Lorex Home or the Lorex Cloud app. The Lorex Home app offers more functionality and control over devices, however.
FAQs
Does this product support audio?
No, the Lorex nocturnal camera doesn’t support audio.
Can you access this camera on a mobile app?
Yes. Lorex actually has 3 apps that you can use to access cameras from the said brand. They’re also very easy to set up so you can access your camera anywhere you are.
How can I connect my Lorex Security Camera system to the mobile app?
Connecting your camera to the app is very simple. You just need to download the application on your phone then scan the QR code on the NVR and your camera will already show up in the app, allowing you to access its feed instantly.
Do I need to subscribe to a cloud service to use this device?
You will need to subscribe to the cloud service if you want to access your live feed and clips. The subscription is currently free, as the old program has been discontinued. With the new cloud, you just need to register your device and you can already access your recordings with great ease.
Conclusion
With how the Lorex Security Camera LNB8921BW is designed, it can feel a bit daunting to get. However, once you put things into perspective, it’s actually just the same as other IP cameras that require a base hub. It can even be a better option since it has a very high video resolution.