Imou DB61i Smart Video Doorbell Reviews

A great video doorbell that is good value for money. I bought this model as I didn't want the hassle of charging a battery, and for the fact I can connect the video stream over wi-fi to my NAS and don't have to subscribe to cloud storage to access my recordings. Was simple to install and set up.

Excellent quality picture. would like to see it bundled with the chime as it is necessary to after purchase one. (DS21). I've set it up to record on my QNAP (nas server) and on an internal 128gb micro sd. I used the IMOU cloud for the free trial but i've not renewed after the free contract as i'm using my own server. A great alternative to the ring doorbell and now with no monthly costs.

IF you manage to get it working, the image quality and functionality are pretty good BUT....

The DB61i is NOT compatible with existing UK doorbells!! The advertising suggests it will work with existing doorbell chimes and transformers. This may be the case in the USA where they use 16-24v transformers/chimes but this is not true in the UK. Almost all UK doorbells run on 8V transformers.

When I tried to fit it to my existing system the camera would not boot correctly and the 'chime kit' included in the package made the existing chime buzz and go off randomly.

I then tried to source a wifi chime that should be compatible (IMOU DS21 at @£31) only to find they are end of life with no feasible alternative.

My only solution was to buy a 12v transformer and fit a 10ohm resistor across the existing chime. This seems to give the camera enough power and the resistor stops the existing chime chattering. All now works OK but the IMOU tech support were no help whatsoever.

I would not recommend this product to anyone without a degree in electronics and infinite patience.

On the plus side... now that it's working, the person detection works well, recordings and app work fine and I can access the video stream to record to my own NVR to avoid having to pay subscriptions (something many other doorbell cameras don't support).

While researching it appears this camera is of Chinese origin and is an offshoot of Dahua . There are security concerns over Chinese cameras with back-door access so I suggest you review how and where you install these on sensitive networks.