Heres the deal. I installed these on a rental house where Im having tenant issues. For that purpose they work. They are inexpensive and I had access to my own hard disks.
The Good:
Camera quality is surprisingly good in both resolution and physical durability. They do not feel cheap and light. Hopefully time will tell how waterproof they are. The seller seems to have good reviews on backing up the warranty though so again we'll see how it all turns out. Its also nice the system can go up to 8 channels, so there is room to add more. The resolution is very good as well and it gives the choice of standard or high res when viewing the app depending on how fast you want the buffer to run depending on your connection. High res is extremely nice.
The Bad:
Software just sucks. Its a PITA to get working. Ive hooked up numerous systems, even my own SWANN system (which is very nice when you get it up and running) but this one just does NOT want to cooperate. First it makes you create a random account for password retrieval, which is odd because there is no reason to ever retrieve a password since logging on the system requires the "LOCAL" account password. For that you can simply reset the system. Being that this is a VERY foreign (Chinese) system, it sort of makes you wonder. Secondly getting the system just to start working with the app was insanely difficult and the instructions are HORRIBLE. I will explain below in my tips for setting up.
Also the android app (which I use) is pretty bad. It works on my phone (pixel 2), its works on my tenants phone (samsung) but is not compatible with my pixel C? Also it does require some odd permissions. Go in and turn off all the access in android that the app doesnt need like phone, microphone and any others. Im going to try one by one turning them all off until it just doesnt work. I dont like it wants local storage access (which might be for playback), location or camera either.
I would like to install this on my pixel c tablet but it is not compatible. Also On the samsung phone you can get a 4 window view but for some reason on my pixel 2 Im only able to view one camera at a time. Have NOT figured this out.
Now for some tips on setting up which I plan on possibly making a video for so others dont get frustrated:
No matter HOW MANY times I tried to set this up using the ip/domain settings it would not take. I personally prefer that method for trouble shooting and control. No matter what ports I forwarded in the router and brain unit it just WOULD NOT work. I decided to try the QR scan method. That got me no where for 2 different days at about an hour each. I FINALLY figured out when scanning the QR the app was placing about 20 random invisible digits after the QR serial. Once I noticed that I removed those and entered the LOCAL password and it finally connected. Again you set up a random account when you install the app but thats all its for, its very suspicious honestly.
Once the app was setup and connected though I got nothing but black screens on everything, all four cameras black. I then realized in the back I had connected the 4 cameras to slot 5-8 and not 1-4. Why this mattered to the unit is beyond me. Why the app just blacked out 5-8 even though it showed connected is strange. I placed the cameras on 1-4 and all of a sudden the app worked. On the actual unit all the cameras were viewing fine but the app is just really picky.
Tech support is ONLY in China apparently but when emailing through amazon I did get some form of support back from someone who emailed back some image requests. Be SURE to blot out any personal IP info if you do send this tech support images.
I next have to figure out how to utilize the record and playback plus setup an email account for image forwarding.
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! so the tips are !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
use LOCAL pass to login, NOT account pass!!!
Make SURE cameras are in the port in order or it will NOT work!!!
be SURE the app is not putting empty spaces after the QR serial when scanning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Fix the app and you have a VERY solid affordable camera system
Update - 5/31/19
I had to get a replacement system as the one I had continuously locked up and rebooted. It would also not keep the correct time, and this was an issue since installation but I figured it was a glitch and just memorized the difference. Also on every lock up it would reset the time if I changed it.
Anyway getting a replacement was easy but upon install I was again having trouble. I just couldnt get the thing to work with the app. Apparently theres a new app called ZosiSmart in the android store and though its the same DVR (I think anyway), I need to use the new app because the serials have changed. It gave me a little trouble and took a couple DVR reboots but it finally caught the signal and connected. Seems to work fine, thought the new app appears to catch and run a bit slower than the old. Either way, I have my camera system back up and running on my units and let me tell you, thank god I did this as it got me out of a couple jams in just the one year it was up. Im able to position the systems cameras to see all 3 houses and their parking, plus watch the street (which I already told the police in the area I have the system in case they ever need footage. I work very well with the department in my area and its very well reciprocated. If you own any rentals or a business its a really good idea to build a working relationship with whatever law enforcement covers your neighborhoods.
I want to especially thank Emma from ZOSI, who helped me through the process via email.
| Brand | ZOSI |
|---|---|
| Connectivity Technology | Wired |
| Video Capture Resolution | 1080p |
| Special Feature | App Control |
| Number of Channels | 8 |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 2000 GB |
| Color | 8 Cam |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Item dimensions L x W x H | 17.9 x 12 x 11.8 inches |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Indoor,Outdoor |
| Compatible Devices | Smartphones, Personal Computers, Tablets, Cameras |
| Signal Format | Analog |
| Other camera features | Front |
| Low light technology | Night Color |
| Manufacturer | ZOSI |
| Part Number | 8BM-2522X4182W-00-US |
| Item Weight | 15.57 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 17.9 x 12 x 11.8 inches |
| Item model number | FBA_LYSB01KHIMUQQ-ELECTRNCS |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Size | 8CH-8 Cam-0TB |
| Style | TVI System |
| Material | plastic |
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Item Package Quantity | 1 |
| Mounting Type | Ceiling Mount |
| Special Features | App Control |
| Included Components | 1 x 8CH H.265+ 5MP LIte DVR 8 x 1080p Camera 8 x 60FT BNC+DC CCTV cable for camera This is not Wireless Camera System, but we offer 60FT CABLE for each camera. 3 x 12V/2000mA Power Supply 1 x Mouse 2 x 1 to 4 Power Splitter 8 x Mounting Screw Bag 1 x User Manual NO Hard drive included & Not support any external hard driveHDD Compatible with our DVR: Internal SATA 3.5"Consumer Electronics HDD |
| Batteries Included? | No |
| Batteries Required? | No |
| Battery Cell Type | Lithium Ion |
| Warranty Description | Guaranteed for 2-year warranty & Free life-time Tech Support & 90-day money back guarantee |
