Sonoff Cam Slim Gen2
Sonoff has released the second version of its Wi-Fi camera – the Cam Slim Gen 2.
Like the previous version, it features a minimalist and discreet design, allowing it to be placed anywhere in the house without compromising aesthetics.
Inside the box
Wi-Fi Camera Gen 2
USB-C power cable
Wall mounting screws
User manual
Features
Unfortunately, Sonoff has yet to introduce a camera with a resolution higher than 1080p. While the image quality isn’t bad, in 2024, we could at least expect 2K resolution. However, the image is clear and serves its purpose, even if it’s not exceptional.
In addition to 1080p, there is also the option to lower the resolution to 720p, which can be useful in situations where internet speed is limited.
Most of the features in this version are also present in the Cam Slim Gen 1, such as:
Alarm: Allows emitting a sound signal whenever desired. This can function as a small alarm siren if motion is detected.
Album: A gallery where stored photos and videos are saved.
Save Events: You can set the camera to save a video clip whenever motion is detected. This feature requires an SD card or a premium plan subscription.
Motion Detection: When this feature is enabled, you can receive notifications whenever the camera detects movement. You can even use this function in an automation, just like a traditional motion sensor.
Night Vision: Allows you to view live images captured by the camera in night vision mode. In my opinion, it’s not the clearest possible, but it does the job.
Two-Way Audio: Enables communication through the camera, allowing you to listen and speak in real-time.
Now, the standout new features of this version:
Human Motion Detection: This feature notifies you whenever the camera detects a person. It allows for much more advanced and customized automations. It’s especially useful for pet owners, as enabling this option ensures that only people are detected, preventing lights from turning on every time the cat walks down the hallway.
Detection Zone: You can define specific detection areas directly on the camera, ensuring it only detects motion within the selected area while ignoring the surrounding space.
Standby Mode (Privacy Mode): When enabled, this option stops the camera from capturing images. This is great for use in more private areas where you don’t want recordings. A useful automation is to activate privacy mode when you're at home and deactivate it when you're away to start capturing footage.
Custom Privacy Zones: This feature allows you to define specific privacy zones, ensuring that only those areas are ignored when capturing images.
Compatibility
In this aspect, the camera once again meets the minimum requirements of what we call a smart camera. It is compatible with Amazon Alexa (Echo Show) and Google Nest.
This means you can stream live footage directly on the screens of these devices.
The camera also supports the RTSP protocol, allowing live streaming on Home Assistant or Sonoff’s iHost. This is a notable and positive feature.
Pros
Human Motion Detection
Creation of Restricted Areas (for motion and privacy)
Price/Quality Ratio
Cons
Only supports 1080p resolution.