Pros:
1. Easy to assemble. Cables plug into their obvious spots, you plug it into a monitor, and that was it. Cameras self-registered, and I had video and recording going within several minutes.
2. Cost isn’t that bad. A replacement, or additional camera is only $40. Pretty cost efficient, if you want to expand the system.
3. Playback seems pretty solid, so far. Controls could be FAR better, but they’re not impossible.
4. When they work right, cameras do actually seem to give about 100ft of night vision. And daytime isn’t bad. But read more below.
Cons:
1. When you start up, it mentions a startup wizard. No such wizard actually launches, meaning there’s zero instruction whatsoever in how to navigate the clunky software.
2. Clunky software. There are multiple different menus that all relate to camera settings. Why not have it all in one section? Camera Settings. Then sub menus for graphics, recording, etc. Nope, each requires different paths to get there.
3. Faulty software. Some of the features don’t even work. For example, recording resolutions and FPS. YouTube videos will show that you can adjust these settings. In the menu, there’s an option to change all the settings to a different preset. None of this works. Reached out to customer service, and they told me that the settings were fixed, and to not attempt to change them. I doubt it’s just me, but when I see a setting marked as “Higher,” I expect a “low,” “medium,” “high”, etc. “-er” at the end of the word is to create a compartive degree between at least two words. So there should be at least a “default” or “normal.” There isn’t.
4. Camera hardware is cheap and easily broken. There are small machine screws that must be loosened, in order to adjust camera angles. Stripped one screw simply by loosening it. Another broke as I attempted to change the camera angle. A third fell out, and is lost to nature. Why are these not capture bolts, so they don’t fall out? Why not thumbscrews, so you don’t have to mess with a tiny machining screw? Corners were cut, and it shows.
5. Camera image is hit or miss. As shown in my images. Both cameras were from this Zosi package. One image is totally blown out, while the other mostly appears as it should. However, when the wind picks up, the image becomes extremely pixelated.
6. Camera software is weak. First, while there are settings to change contrast, brightness, etc…they don’t actually correlate to what those words mean in photography. Also, there is no way to adjust field of view, dynamic range, white balance, etc. Also, according to customer support, this system will only accept ONE MODEL of camera. No cameras from other companies, but not even other cameras from their own company. Which tells me again, the software designers took the quick way out, and didn’t bother with any expansion options.
7. Customer service is pretty poor. Examples:
1. I asked how to change the settings, where it says I can change the settings. Response was that I can’t, and I shouldn’t try.
2. I stated there is no start up wizard. They sent me a PDF of the “instructions” which cover about 10% of the menus in the software, and basically just tells you to install the app.
3. I stated that one of the cameras was showing poor imagery, and that I had already ensured there was no obstruction, clean lens, etc. Response was a link providing instructions to clean the lens and ensure no obstructions.
4. Stated that the image was grainy/pixelated. Response was to ensure that the cameras were only “5-8.3 feet from the monitor.” This system has 60 and 100ft cables. Why would they need to be 5-8.3 feet away? That makes ZERO SENSE. I was also told to ensure wifi connection was reset. This is a wired system. Wifi has nothing to do with it.
Edit: 8. Cameras don’t auto recognize. They did on first start up, but if I turn off the system and back on, or plug in a new camera, the system doesn’t attempt to register the new feed. You have to go in, tell it to search, then “Auto Add.” Except, it’s not an “auto add,” if you have to manually push the button, is it?
So, 1 star for now. might upgrade it if I get a partial refund, or better answers from Zosi.
Zosi/Amazon, if you are reading this: DO NOT respond with telling me to contact your customer service. I’ve already done that. Several times. You have my email address, and you can contact me through Amazon. If you respond and say “We’re sorry to hear the problems you’ve been having, please reach out to us at blahblahblah” you will only prove the point that your representatives don’t READ.
Report