4MP Full Time Color PoE IP Camera - 24/7 Color Night View

In this review of the 4MP Full Time Color PoE IP Camera, the bottom line is simple: this turret camera is built for users who need reliable color imaging around the clock without complicated setup. The reviewer found the strongest reason to buy is its persistent color performance in very low light thanks to a 1/1.8" sensor and an F1.0 lens that deliver visible color down to near-zero lux. For homeowners, small businesses or property managers who prioritize clear identification at night, this camera's blend of 4MP resolution, H.265+ compression and built-in analytics makes it a practical, cost-effective choice.

Key Features

• Full time color imaging: The 1/1.8" progressive CMOS sensor and F1.0 lens capture usable color in extremely low light so details remain visible at night.
• Advanced compression: H.265+ reduces bit rate and storage needs by up to about 70% compared with older codecs, making long retention feasible on limited storage.
• Smart detection (VCA): Built-in video analytics like face detection, line crossing and intrusion alerts reduce false alarms and focus attention on relevant events.
• High resolution video: 4MP (2688 x 1520) at up to 30 fps provides a sharper image for identifying faces and license plates than standard 1080p cameras.
• Long visible range: Approximately 100 ft of visible light range from soft supplemental lighting maintains color detail at distance.
• Easy mobile access: The camera can be added to a phone app for live preview, enabling remote monitoring from anywhere.

Who It's For

This camera suits homeowners, small business owners and facility managers who need continuous color surveillance day and night and who plan to integrate the unit into an IP network with PoE. Its combination of 24/7 color capability and video analytics works well where identification and event filtering are priorities.

It is less ideal for installers who require ultra-compact form factors or those who need thermal imaging or very long optical zoom; for those applications a specialized long-range or PTZ unit would be more appropriate.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Consistent color imaging in near-zero light thanks to a fast F1.0 lens and improved sensor sensitivity.
• Efficient H.265+ encoding that lowers storage and bandwidth requirements for 4MP streams.
• Integrated VCA analytics provide targeted alerts such as face and intrusion detection to cut down on manual review.

Cons

• Supplemental visible lighting is required for full-color performance at the maximum advertised range, so pure passive night imaging still depends on the camera's onboard light.
• No integrated PTZ or optical zoom, so field of view is fixed by the 2.8mm lens.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The 4MP Full Time Color PoE IP Camera is a strong value for anyone who needs dependable color detail in low light plus smart event detection. It delivers sharper video than 1080p units, efficient H.265+ storage and practical VCA analytics, making it a sensible pick for homes and small businesses that want round-the-clock color monitoring without managing large video archives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this camera record in full color at night?
Yes. The camera uses a large 1/1.8" sensor and an F1.0 lens with soft supplemental lighting to provide full time color imaging down to very low lux levels.

Does it support remote viewing on a phone?
Yes. The camera can be added to a mobile app for live preview and remote monitoring wherever you are.

What video compression does it use?
It supports H.265+ as well as H.264+ and MJPEG to reduce bandwidth and storage requirements.