Update September 2016, I gave up on these cameras, instead buying a couple of Foscam cameras and a couple of Amcrest cameras – I’ll write a review of them in a few months.
After my recent purchase of a Synology NAS, I determined I was going to get the most out of it so as well as using it as a Media Server for my home, I wanted to use its excellent Surveillance Station app to record the feed from a few cameras around my home.
To that end I purchased a couple of Szsinocam IP cameras, my pre-requisites were:
- Infra-Red for Night Surveillance
- Wifi Enabled so I didn’t have to cable back to the router
- POE in case I *did* want to power from a distant power point
- 720p Minimum Resolution
- Flexible Mount
The Szsinocam IPC-5503 seemed to tick all these boxes so off I went.
The Usual
Unfortunately as I’ve come to expect from cheap camera equipment, while the video quality is perfectly good, the support is non-existent, there’s no obvious route for firmware updates and the instructions are laughable.
Having plugged the camera in to my network via a network cable and prepared to setup the camera to work with my Synology NAS.
The supplied software on the CDs doesn’t run at all on my Windows 10 or Windows 7 systems so I’m assuming it is something leftover from the days when people still used CDs and Windows 98 was all the rage.
I used a network/LAN scanner on my phone (‘Fing‘) to to identify the various devices on my network and spotted one I didn’t recognize. Upon browsing to this, I confirmed it was the camera by typing in its IP address in to Google Chrome to access the web-based admin. Unfortunately I was presented with a login page that wouldn’t do anything:
I tried a different browser (‘Edge’) and had the same problem.
It turns out that even to use the admin panel (not to watch the camera feed) you have to have a browser capable (or willing) load and run the ActiveX control. This is going to be a real problem for some people (tablet users, Mac users, etc).
There are two download links for installers for apps for iPhone and Android but note these are not links to approved apps on iTunes or Google Playm they are direct links to the apps to load them on your device.
Download and install unapproved apps from a Chinese manufacturer on to my phone and tablet? I think not!
Fortunately, Firefox for PC still runs ActiveX controls and trying this last, I was able to finally get in and configure the device. When this stops working, I’ll have a real problem configuring the cameras!
Besides of the webbrowsers, you can also use NVclient to configure the camera’s.
Hi Wim,
That’s true and thanks for reminding me – for those looking for it you can download the NVclient from SZ Sinocam’s website here: http://www.szsinocam.net/index.php?case=archive&act=show&aid=214. Note that the client is for Windows only (no Mac, Linux, Android or OSX version).
Bonjour
Il n’y a rien de plus simple j’en est 4 cela fonctionne a merveille .
ps: [email protected]
Bonjour,
avec un synology?
et comment as tu paramétré SS ?
moi je patauge et image en noir et blanc en direct
Bonjour,
Oui, j’utilise un Synology avec ces caméras. Qu’avez-vous besoin de savoir?
I have tried for months to set my camera up and on all apps it say incorrect Id or camera does not exist although it switched on connected to my router and activates on movement.
I’m sick of trying now, I don’t understand it.
Any ideas?
Hi Tracey,
I’d always try and access it via a web browser first, not via an app. Do you know how to find out the IP address the camera is on? If not, download the Fing mobile app – this will scan your network and tell you the IP addresses of all devices.
Bob
Hello,
I’ve seen that you set up such a wonderful camera of Sinocam. I’m near to tears because software is so horrible 😀
Can you please tell me what you have written in your NAS Setup? I can do what I want. It doesn’t work. Which path is the right one to type in? Have you tried to use a USB stick at the router as NAS?
I typed in the IP-Adress of the “Server” and then “\Drive_A1” because my router named the stick like that. But every try using “/” instead of “\” and adding IP-adress didn’t work.
Can you please help?
Thank you in advance!
Best regards
Sebastian
Sebastion network drives are like this:
\\192.168.xxx.xxx\Drive_A1
Double slash \\IP\SHARENAME
Sebastion use slashes
\\IPADDRESS\SHARENAME
Thank you!
I tried but this cheap shit doesn’t work.
Well I got a full refund, so I can live with that.
Can this et up be done all on a iPad or iphone5? We don’t have a pic or laptop?
Hi Andrea,
No I don’t think you can I’m afraid
Bob
Did you get this working with your Synology.?
Hi Richard,
Yes I did – the camera feeds aren’t bad really and I used them for several months outside over wifi, then hard-wired and finally brought them inside. You having some trouble? The biggest issue I had is every time they were power-cycled the date/time reset and it wouldn’t pick up the date despite numerous attempts at configuring the NTP. In the end I powered them centrally from my network cabinet and installed a UPS there to keep the Synology, cameras, switch and modem all online in the event of a power cut.
Hi Bob..
Thanks for the reply.. I’m actually considering buying a set.. I have a Synology 215 so might just get one to start with..
Is the camera setup Web based.? I have a Mac and no access to a windows PC…
Hi Richard,
If you haven’t bought one yet then I’d advice against it. As per the blog entry, the only way to access the cameras is via a browser that supports the plugin, of which currently only Firefox remains (all other browsers have killed off support for this type of plugin). I could understand if the plugin was required to view the camera feed but its required even to just login so configuration is not possible without it. The issue I’ve found with all budget cameras is that of support and firmware – if you can stretch your budget to spend a little more and get something like an Amcrest or Foscam model, I think you’d have an easier time of it.
Thanks Bob… I’ll have a shop around for another brand…
No worries at all – let me know how you get on! Useful info for all Synology owners! 🙂
OK… So looking at my options I could probably just as easily go with a wired setup…
Is there any reason to go not the settings other than to configure the wifi.? I’l be using the Synology Surveillance Station…
I also note that they just updated their iOS app “CamViews” in the Apple App store…
Hi Richard,
Not sure what you mean by ‘to go not the settings’? If you have the choice of wifi or wired, always go wired – less latency and bigger bandwidth. If you’re using the Synology Surveillance Station (as I do), I’d recommend the DS-CAM app because you can view multiple camera feeds on it (aggregate by the Synology NAS).
Sorry, auto correct got me….
Is there any reason to go into the setting other than to configure the wifi with these ip cameras.? I’m figuring they could be a good bet otherwise.?
Ah – now it makes sense! There’s a number of options you’ll probably want to configure. Out of the box they don’t have the correct timestamp, default/weak password and run in the lowest resolution. Also, the Synology talks to them via IP address (not MAC address or host name) so if you can’t login, you can’t set a static IP address meaning every time you restart you router, there’s an excellent chance they’ll pick up a different IP address and stop working with the Synology. Unless of course your router is advanced enough to allow you to set DHCP reservations by MAC address.
Hi, Can you help me?
I have the Szsonicambarrel cctv camera model IPC 5030BSW-UK which I need help with.
So far I can login via Firefox to the camera with either USB or wi-fi.
I can take snap shots and do timed photo’s, I can also do manual video recording to the HDD.
What I cannot do is timer video recording to the HDD
In Settings/ Storage Manage/Record Manage, I can select the time period I need. I select Motion detection/Timing and the day.
I then click apply and O.K. And close down. Recording does not happen.
Can try and help me with this problem
Re last reply.
Sorted. Decided to manual video record 24/7.
Just for your information: Firefox isn’t the “last remaining” browser that supports ActiveX-Plugins. So does Internet Explorer 11 – and although Edge is Windows 10’s standard browser, Win 10 does ship with IE11. Just click on the Start button and type “Internet Explorer”.
I have also bought two camerastore but have problem to change the password for the camera. It is still admin admin.
I’m worried this will be an open back door to the network.
Anyone able? I tried in both wifi and wired mode.
Hello.
I have the same camera working. Storage to local disk (c;d) and sending email works fine.
But no access to nts and ftp.
My nas protocoll:
ftp login and logout but upload und download 0 Bytes.
It seems that the connection to ftp works, but no file upload. With filezilla its is possible to upload files on this ftp server synology nas.
Any special ftp server settings necessary?
Regards
Bernd
i bought model sn-ipc-4024csw but i cant connect in it with dyndns.org in ipad I put user name and pass and need ocx to install in ipad May i have your help?
Hello,
I bought a Szsinocam 2.0MP IP camera, Model: SN-IPC-5031CSW. Does anyone know if there is a way to tell if it’s even on? Anything light up? I checked the power supply and it reads 12v. I downloaded the SmartHS P2p app, and scanned the camera code, but nothing happens. I just want to use this with my Android phone.
Thanks.
I did notice that the infrared leds will light up, so the unit is getting power. Still can’t get it to link with my phone
Hi Dave,
If you can’t tell the default IP address from the documentation (or by default its set to use DHCP) then plug the device in to your modem or router with a network cable and then download the free ‘Fing’ app for your mobile phone, you can then scan your network for all devices and spot the unknown one!
Regards
Bob
I found that I can use the excellent android app ONVIFER with my 2.0MP Szinocam by choosing TCP protocol and forwarding ports 80 and 554. However, I’ve disabled it now as I’m not convinced that its secure (I have the same password issue reported by Tom on 30th January). It defies belief that this company can produce what seems to be a really excellent camera at a very low price but throw away any chance of gaining credibility by offering documentation and software that are a disgrace.
il faut telecharger Smart HD P2P
Thanks Bob. I am using the recommended app called SmartHD P2P. This what I get when I scan the barcode thing. 799D1D.dvripc.net The messages I get from the app either says “Pasing domain fail’ or “Get channel Failure”. Ant ideas?
The device says the IP address is 192.168.1.100, but I don’t know how to use that info to get the thing to work with my phone.
Hi Dave,
I’m not sure what level of technical expertise you have but this really depends on if you want to view the camera from inside or outside of your wifi. If inside, you can enter that IP address in to your app. If you want to view it from outside of the location (for example so you can view the camera on your phone when you’re travelling) then you’ll need to setup port forwarding on the firewall (probably your ADSL router) to this internal IP address, you then use the public IP address of your network on the viewing app. There is a very important caveat though, if you are on a home internet connection, you probably don’t have a ‘static IP’ from your ISP – this means that your public IP address can change, breaking the connection. There are ways around this but it all starts getting a bit complicated. If you’re not comfortable with this, I’d probably recommend going for something like an Amcrest camera where they handle the recording destination and view for you: http://bobmckay.com/i-t-support-networking/surveillance/amcrest-ip-security-camera-review/
Thanks, Bob. I’m just going to send it back.
Hi Dave,
I don’t blame you to be honest – mine are working but I’m still replacing them with Amcrest ones, I wrote a review of those here: http://bobmckay.com/i-t-support-networking/surveillance/amcrest-ip-security-camera-review/
Hey Bob. I’ve been running a SnsinoCam with my Synology just fine for a while, but I noticed earlier today that it’s uploading a fair amount of data to the internet. It’s got a sustained 300-400kbps or so upload. Obviously I’ve turned it off until I lock down the outbound rules on my firewall. You may want to check yours.
il faut telecharger Smart HD P2P
Hi bob, apologies, if you have answered this already….. I have bought one of these cameras and I can’t get it to work with on my iPhone!! It doesn’t recognise the password as admin!!
Is there a specific app you would recommend to download for an iPhone???
Tengo la camara Ip 5033
Pero no puedo conectar 2 ala misma pantalla.
Lo siento Daniel, no comprendo. Puede dar me mas informacion? Queries ver dos camara’s en uno pantalla?
I found following solution.
On a LAN open VLC and CTRL+N (open network stream). Now enter following url:
rtsp://@192.168.1.132:554/12
If you need it via WAN than reroute local IP and ports 80 plus 554 in to something else. I done mine 80 on to 22090, plus 554 on to port 12090.
On a WAN side open VLC and CTRL+N (open network stream) and enter following url: rtsp://@33.105.204.18:12090/12 (WAN IP:your rerouted 554 port/12)
VLC will play it without any passwords…