D-Link DCS-2332L Outdoor HD Wireless Cloud Camera Review

Introduction

Over the past few years, I have slowly began to build my own private surveillance system. Thanks to the emergence of this market, we now have many vendors that offer competing solutions, driving prices down, and options up. Over the past few years, D-Link has filled their portfolio with a solution for every need, from baby monitoring cameras, to full HD outdoor day/night cameras.

Today, we have the unique opportunity to bring you a new release from D-Link, in the form of the DCS-2332L Outdoor Day/Night HD Network Camera. Features of this camera include an IP65 certified casing which is ready to handle dust, water, and extreme temperatures from -13 to 113 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, we have a maximum resolution of 1280 x 800, with H.264 MPEG, and MJPEG compression with motion detection recording and alerts; of course we have night vision capabilities as well.

Hardware Specifications and Pricing

Taking a quick look at the specifications, we find the 2332L featuring a 0.25" Megapixel CMOS sensor, with a 5 meter PIR sensor for night illumination. Additionally, we have a built-in microphone speaker.

The housing of the camera is IP65 compliant, allowing superior dust and water protection. Configurable resolutions range from 1280 x 800 in 16:9 format, to 1024 x 768 in the 4:3 format, with H.264 MPEG4, and MJPEG encoding.

Pricing of the DCS-2332L at this time is set at $174.99, with a one-year warranty.

D-Link DCS-2332L Network Cloud Camera

The packaging for the DCS-2332L carries a number of features listed on the front of the box. Through a clear window, you get a peek at the camera itself.

The scope of delivery for the 2332L includes mounting hardware for the camera, along with an Ethernet cable, wireless antenna, and reading materials.

The back of the camera houses the speaker to the left, and under the panel at the bottom, a microSD slot. The power cord is also sealed into the unit.

Here, we have the wireless antenna connection.

Taking a look at the camera, we find the lens is protected by glass. The motion sensor is below that, with IR LED to the right.

Moving back to the rear of the camera, we have an Ethernet port that is covered by a rubber grommet.

Looking at the camera from the side, you can see it carries a slim profile, which makes it easier to install in tight areas.

D-Link Web Configuration

The landing for the DCS-2332L carries two wizards to get you through the initial setup, and the motion detection setup.

After beginning the Internet connection setup, the web GUI lays out the setup steps.

The first step is to choose whether you want to use a static address, or DHCP.

Moving on, we have the option of using DDNS. You can obtain a free DDNS address from DLink, if you so choose, or enter your settings from several other services.

Moving onto the motion detection setup, again, we have the steps laid out for us.

Here, you can drag across the screen with your mouse to setup the motion detection area. Choose to enable video motion, and take photo snapshots, or video clips.

Moving on, the option to enable scheduled motion detection is available. This is a great option if you want to record motion while you're away doing your daily activities.

Additionally, DLink allows users to receive email notifications on motion.

Continuing on, we land at the image settings tab. Here, you can enable options such as anti-flicker, mirror, as well as flipping the image on the camera.

The audio and video settings allow you setup which codec you would like to use when recording. You can also adjust the resolution from here.

In the advanced tab, you can setup how you would like the IR to operate.

The administration tab allows you to setup user accounts and passwords, and also change the workgroup name of the camera.

MyDLink Setup

Launching the MyDLink software, and choosing your preferred language, allows us to continue to the next step.

The first step we have from here is to connect the camera to our router via the included Ethernet cable.

Next, the software will search out, and locate, cameras on the network.

After the initial setup through the wired connection, the option to use wireless is made available by selecting your preferred network, and entering the password.

After setup, we have the option of setting up MyDLink for the camera. This service allows you to view your camera anywhere in the world via your iOS, or Android device.

MyDLink with iOS

Here we have enabled MyDLink on the camera itself. After downloading the app, which rather surprisingly costs $1.99 on the Apple Store, we can login to the service.

Immediately, the software found and allowed me to view the camera. For users with multiple cameras, they will be listed in the left pane.

Here, I have setup the DCS-2332L to watch the front door. Above, we have a shot from the camera at night with the IR LED set to automatic.

Within the application, there is the option to view multiple cameras at once.

Lastly, the app carries a news feed from DLink, to keep you updated on the latest changes.

Final Thoughts

Setting up your very own personal surveillance system is something I find to be a luxury in this day and age, especially when we have the ability to utilize wireless technology. Over the years, I have had the real pleasure of using many DLink IP cameras, from the 932L to the 5020L, and now this DCS-2332L. With the first two being great products as well, it's good to see DLink adding to their lineup with high-end features like HD recording and playback, and of course the IP65 casing for all weather conditions.

The build quality of the DLink DCS-2332L is quite good, mainly due to the IP65 casing we talked about in the article. The onboard recording feature is a great addition to the lineup, though it was unable to recognize my 64GB SanDisk Extreme microSD card. Maybe future firmware will unlock higher storage capacity options?

Performance of the camera was exceptional in daylight conditions, while low light situations leave a little to be wanted; especially when I have used the 5020L that did very well in low light. The wireless capabilities of the camera allowed great throughput with the included 802.11n capabilities. I was able to install the camera 60ft away in my garage, and still stream video without any pauses, or skips.

Pricing for the DLink DCS-2332L sits at $174.99, with a one-year warranty from DLink.