In today’s review, we’re diving into a rather unique product—one that combines surveillance with a rather clever disguise. Inside the neatly packaged parcel I received, I found a box labeled “Come Duck.” It’s a name that’s a bit puzzling, but after some inspection, I realized the “Cam” part clearly refers to “camera,” and “Duck” might be a nod to the phrase “Duck and Cover,” which makes sense given that this company specializes in making security cameras disguised as everyday objects.
In this case, the object of choice is a smoke detector. But before you get too excited, it’s important to note that while this camera looks like a smoke detector, it does not function as one. This product is purely for surveillance, and it’s designed to blend into your home or office environment without attracting attention.
What’s Inside the Box?
Opening the box reveals a detailed instruction booklet, two USB cables (both USB 2.0 with Type-C connectors), a USB card reader for micro SD cards, and some mounting screws and dowels. The inclusion of two cables seems like an oversight, as one would have sufficed, but it’s a nice gesture nonetheless.
The camera is powered through a micro USB port, which connects to the included USB cables. There is no direct connection for transferring files to a computer, as the camera stores footage directly on a micro SD card, which is not included. You’ll need to insert your own SD card into the device for it to function properly.
Mounting the Camera
The camera is designed to be mounted on your ceiling like a traditional smoke detector. It’s easy to install: the base bracket stays fixed to the ceiling, and the camera itself can be detached and reattached when necessary. However, one major drawback here is that this camera doesn’t double as a smoke detector, so it’s not a two-in-one solution. While the disguise is clever, the camera does not serve a dual purpose like some would expect.
Powering the Camera
There are three ways to power the camera: USB power, battery power, and mains power.
USB Power: The camera can be powered using a USB adapter plugged into a wall socket. However, the USB connector protrudes from the top of the device, meaning you’ll need to drill a hole in your ceiling for the cable to pass through.
Battery Power: The camera has a built-in rechargeable 18650 lithium-ion battery. While the battery provides backup power, it only lasts about six hours when fully charged. For continuous operation, you’ll likely want to keep the camera plugged in to a power source.
Mains Power: The camera can also be connected to your home’s electrical mains for power. This would be the most convenient option, especially if you’re replacing an old smoke detector. It supports a wide range of voltages, making it compatible globally.
The Downsides of the Design
Despite its cleverly disguised exterior, the camera does have some design flaws. The red indicator light that glows when the device is charging can be a dead giveaway. Even if mounted on your ceiling, the light may shine through the white plastic casing, revealing that it’s not actually a smoke detector.
Another issue is that the camera doesn’t perform well in low-light conditions. Unlike many security cameras, it lacks an infrared filter, meaning it can’t record in the dark without an additional light source. So, if you’re looking for a camera to monitor your home at night, this might not be the best choice.
App and Remote Viewing
The camera supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi networks, and you can control the device via an app. The app connects directly to the camera’s Wi-Fi, allowing you to set it up, change camera settings, and view live footage. It also lets you control the camera’s PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) capabilities, so you can rotate the camera 360° remotely, though there’s a noticeable noise when doing so.
The app allows you to record footage or take screenshots, but videos stored on your smartphone aren’t of the highest quality, even if you select 4K resolution. Videos stored on the camera’s SD card are in 1080p resolution, using the older H.264 codec. This results in video footage that’s far from the 4K quality the manufacturer promises.
Hidden Camera for Specific Uses
So, who is this camera really for? It’s clearly not the best option for general home security due to its lack of night vision and mediocre image quality. However, if you need a discreet surveillance solution for monitoring activities in your home or office, this might fit the bill.
Its primary use case seems to be for those looking to discreetly monitor household help, like babysitters or housekeepers. It could also be used by Airbnb hosts who want to keep an eye on their tenants. However, this raises significant ethical and legal concerns. In some regions, it’s illegal to secretly record people without their knowledge, and using hidden cameras in private spaces can lead to serious consequences.
Conclusion
The “Come Duck” hidden camera in the guise of a smoke detector is a unique and clever piece of tech, but it’s not without its flaws. While the design is discreet and could be useful for certain surveillance needs, the camera’s image quality, limited functionality, and inability to perform well in low-light conditions may leave some users disappointed.
For those looking for a low-key, temporary solution for monitoring specific individuals, this camera might be worth considering. But if you’re in the market for a more reliable, feature-packed security camera, you may want to look elsewhere. Always be mindful of the legal and ethical implications of using hidden surveillance devices, especially in private spaces.