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Xiaomi Yi Home Security 720P Night Vision Wi-Fi IP Camera USD $28.99 (~AU $38.88) @ Everbuying

540
rawm5

As many of you are aware, this Xiaomi camera is highly regarded on OzBargain and those who know their WiFi cameras!

I was able to negotiate an excellent price (lowest I can find) for this unit with Becky from everbuying. Getting this for under AUD$39 is a great deal!

Eg:

Currently

$47.85 on eBay
$41.26 on dealsmachine
$38.87 from our 'friends' at GearBest

$36.97 based on PayPal conversion calculator (PayPal login required)
36.97 AUD PayPal exchange rate:1 USD = 1.27554 AUD (So hopefully you pay even less!)

My 5th Bargain! Enter the promo code 'rawm5' at the checkout! Proof here :)

Full Video review here

Some other helpful information here and here

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closed Comments

  • +8

    the review nearly turned into a porn movie in the middle, and at the end turned into some drama show.

    • Err .. Yep!

  • How do people use this as a security camera?

  • +2

    Is this the international or China only version.

    • +3

      I bought this from the previous everbuying promo. It was Chinese version. Voice was all in Chinese and you could only use the Chinese app not the international one.

      • +1

        Too bad, have been looking to buy an international version. Anyone know where can buy the international model?

        • -1

          I don't speak Chinese and it's wasn't an issue at all, the main parts of the app that you need to read are all in English. I've never got stuck or not understood something I've needed because of it. The instructions and APK download etc is all in English.

        • -1

          I don't think you would find an international version on any of the chinese website. Chinese version works well, the app is in English. You wouldn't even know you are using a Chinese version other than when setting it up.

      • If you get the chinese version it won't setup outside China.
        But there's an easy fix you pop an old version of the firmware onto a SD card, do a hard reset and it'll install a firmware which doesn't check your location.

        I found 1.8.5.1L to work
        http://xiaoyi.querex.be

        I haven't played with it, but there's also versions to enable RTSP streaming too.

  • +5

    Extra 2% off on mobile site = USD$28.41

  • Can this use as a Baby monitor? cheers

    • +1

      Yes.

    • +1

      certainly can. Even better with the mobile app you can even view it over the internet….put the bub to sleep, head on down to the pub, the app will alert you when there's movement, you can check in so see if they're actually awake, if they aren't or they are & happy playing, you've got another few beers to enjoy!

      Those worried about security.

  • +1

    Yes baby monitor is bety good can record.
    Anyways my MIHOME app keeps crashing after the update. Anyoneav Ing this problem.. Cant access the app no more even after delete n redownload on ios

    • As for me, my account was locked after trying to log in on a second device. 'account irregularity'. Since then I've left the camera untouched. Maybe I should just create a new account.

  • App-only? No browser access?

    • App only I believe (unless someone knows some trick that I don't)

      • yes, use their mobile site via http://m.everbuying.net/ then you can get both cashback and mobile only discount.

      • i use iSpy - to access this model from my laptop.. works really well

    • Browser access (as well as storage to NAS) is possible if you downgrade the firmware. Pretty easy to do if you follow instructions. Just google "Xiaomi Yi RTSP".

    • with stock firmware it's app only

      you can install modifed firmware from here
      http://xiaoyi.querex.be

      you can then connect via rtsp (I believe you can connect via desktop browsers & some apps, such as TinyCam

  • +26

    You get free 24 hour monitoring for 12 months by the Chinese government

    • +1

      Well, ain't we all get 24/7 monitored by google, gmail, yahoo, icloud etc….

      • tru

      • -1

        Not to mention via you ISP/Telco thanks to the data retention laws.

        But just send them 50yuan every few months & ask them to keep an eye on my house. It seems to have worked as I haven't been burg'd

      • +2

        Not by video though. There are counts of reports that Chinese manufacturers are keeping a backdoor on the electronic devices like this or mobiles.

  • +1

    So many issues from reading this thread….

  • +2

    Nearly got one of these a while back but was turned off by the fact that you can only access the video via their app

    • +2

      Not true. I don't have the link handy but Google it. You'll find simple instructions on the right firmware/config that allows access from third party apps

      • +5

        Would this involve installing third party firmware written by a group of friendly Russians?

      • @supabrudda:

        Looks like third party firmware to me. Call me paranoid (many do) but it all sounds just a little bit not quite right to be sticking in my kids' bedrooms. Camera has great specs for the price in a small, easy to mount package but there are some things I'm not willing to cheap out on.

        • of course it's your call.

          But personally I found the security much better then other broadcast baby cameras (which cost a lot more). AT least on this one, only one a/c can view the camera (you need physical access to the camera to attach it to your Xiaomi a/c. Then no one else (except if there's back doors of course) can view footage. But the footage goes out via Xiaomi's servers.
          Other more expensive internet baby monitors poke holes in your firewall so you can look in, but it also means others with a bit of knowledge can also view the footage.

          The third party firmware is just a mod of the config files. you can manually do it yourself to the official firmware. I didn't do it as it means others could possibly access the camera (if they can get onto the same wifi network, they can view it). It also means you can't view it from the internet, unless you can say VPN into your home network.

          For me if the Chinese Govt want to watch my kids sleep, I don't think it's that big of a deal. Certainly perferable to someone close by who isn't quite right in the head.

        • @supabrudda:

          I apologise in advance for selectively quoting your response but it's starting to get late and you're summed up my concerns quite well

          Then no one else (except if there's back doors of course) can view footage. But the footage goes out via Xiaomi's servers.

          I'm far from an expert in the area but I'd prefer to rely on known protocols than send all footage of my kids' bedroom through the manufacturer's servers for them to do with it as they will

          I didn't do it as it means others could possibly access the camera (if they can get onto the same wifi network, they can view it).

          Maybe a problem, maybe not.

          For me if the Chinese Govt want to watch my kids sleep, I don't think it's that big of a deal.

          I wouldn't care so much if the cam was only on while the kids are sleeping. While that's realistically the only time we'll be accessing the footage the reality is that unless I flick it on and off as required the stream is going out 24/7.

  • +6

    I got one from these guys last month and nows its bricked.

    The latest update shuts the camera down and voice says "camera not supposed to be used outside of China" when you plug it in and keeps repeating.

    You have to roll back firmware, which I not done yet but super annoying.

    Anyway I asked for refund saying they didnt tell me camera not supposed use outside china….they offered partial refund of 10usd

    • Try my suggestion below.

    • +3

      agree, if you make the mistake of updating the firmware on the China version, which it will ask you every so often…it will brick itself…then you need to google how to fix it…lots of trial and error…after 2 hours of working on this…I finally fixed it…unless you are willing to spend extra time of this issue..i would look for the international version instead….

      • Totally agree! I spent 4 hours setup 4 of these cameras and they are not easy. Require lots of patience and perhaps someone who knows Chinese to setup these cameras. After so many tries, they are all working now and no problem running these cameras 24/7 for the last 6 months. It needs to use the Chinese version of the app (a Chinese friend helped me) to setup, and the app can change to display English when operating.

        • Really u got it to display english…how u do that?

          Lots of options but everything on app in Chinese

  • Yeah I had to roll back firmware but working fine now. Use it as baby monitor. So impressed I've ordered the xiaomi smart home kit and another camera to use as a video doorbell.

    • Where from?

      • The smart home kit? From Fasttech.

        • Thanks

  • with one (or more) chinese security firm free home security bundle?

  • Really tempted to get one..

    Since its detachable, you could take it off and put it in inconspicuous places. But i really dont have much need for one…

  • Glad I didn't update the firmware when it popped up. Mine is working all good except email alerts.

  • Anyone know an easy way or directions to move off the Chinese app situation? I have one but haven't set it up as I got turned off after I heard that you need to get a Chinese iTunes app etc

    • +1

      I just downloaded the app and it allows you to select your country. Everything is in english. It pays to try the app even though you don't have a camera yet.

  • +2

    To those having issue with the App and pairing the camera, take a look at this website: Why can’t I pair my Yi Home Camera?

    I followed the instructions and my camera is working fine now.

    To those that asked whether this can be used as baby monitor, the answer is YES! I am using mine as baby monitor.

  • For the Night Vision, is it clear?

    • Yes, night vision is clear.

    • night vision was surprisingly clear, I did not expect it to be….

  • Price has gone up :(

  • +1

    I see. Thanks mate.

  • +1

    I know this is much more expensive, but if you want a (potentially, after reading the issues people are having) more reliable fully English version then I recommend the SwinnOne indoor camera that is on sale at the moment in Dick Smith, $200 down to $120. App and browser streaming.

    • does the swannone support free local recording?

      • No. You need to pay a monthly subscription per SwannOne camera to store the video "on the cloud".

        Currently, you cannot plug a HDD into the SwannOne hub.

  • how long does it last without a charge? and how is it charged?

    • According to the website runs off a power cable? :/

    • +1

      there's a micro usb port (& cable) you plug it into any USB power plug (I used an old Blackberry 700mAh plug & it works fine.

      In theory you could use a powerbank too.

  • Is this a standard version or a mini version?

    The title said mini but the they are using the standard version description…. and the specification is using mini version?????

    If it's a mini version then I will be better off go with the standard because of the quality of the night vision…..

    • +1

      Seems like standard according to website description.

      • -1

        Hi bigmez,

        FYI,it is Night Vision

    • Hi Torres,

      As confirmed,It is the Night Vision

      • Re-read his question, his asking if mini or standard version of camera.

        • I only find standard version and night version on xiaomi official site http://www.mi.com/xiaoyi/param/ ,
          not sure what the mini and standard version means,the xiaomi site show as their body sizes all is 54mm diameter

  • +1

    If you buy this version (CN) you will never be able to upgrade the firmware as it is geo blocked outside of China.

  • +1

    Any one can recommend where to get international english version?

    I want email alerts, motion detection and ability to record…..just dont know how to do any of that on this Chinease version which only allows Chinease app and old firmware with no upgrade allowed outside of China.

    • The chinese one works fine.
      I use the YI Home app. apart from the splash screen, the rest is in english.
      But you need the app to view, get alerts, etc there's no alert email function (except to email snapshots from the app)

  • +1

    impulse buy…not sure why…have my night vision pi…that i dont you'se guys

  • +1

    FARK!! What a night.

    I bought this a month ago and I just got it From Gearbest.

    if you are in AUSTRALIA. DO NOT UPDATE!!! when it ask if you want to do a update!

    I spent about 4hours trying to roll back to older (CN) version.

    when it works it works well but setting up can be hard if you do not speak the language.

    but there are several guides online.

    my 2 cents

  • +1

    I have one… Need to use the Chinese apps but does work as advertised. Ok for the money.

  • I have these which aren't even plugged in anymore. I guess it was an impulse purchase…I mean what do you guys use it for?

    I originally had it set in the lounge with motion detection but it keeps going off (phone notifications) which got annoying so I've disconnected it ever since. lol.

    • just turn off notificatons/alert on the app.

      • I really hoped that it could be set based on a time like while I'm sleeping or something. Guess I will just have it off.

        • Something like 'tasker' app should be able to achieve that quite easily.

  • Is/Has anyone had issues changing iTunes store to China, then back to Aus?
    I have credit on my iTunes account and you seem to have use it before you change countries… so I called Apple and they tell me even if I use/request credit removal, then try change countries I still won't be able to get the app for this camera (or any) as I would need a chinese billing address and chinese credit card.
    Can someone validate this? Or is it bogus?

  • Does anyone have this working with surveillance station on their Synology box?

  • +1

    I bought it before but could never get it to work. The official yi website says it will not work outside china. I am preety techie but could never get it to work. I spent over 2 hrs with it. But failed. I think its not worth. And u will need to be a little geeky and have the time to try different (plenty) apks available online. I did not find it worth so sent it back. There are plenty of other options online avaiable that work out of the box.

  • +1

    also found this which may help those with issues https://yicamera.wordpress.com/2015/12/01/why-cant-i-pair-my…

  • Also can anyone confirm that these can be mounted upside down?

    • +2

      Yes. The black camera component can easy detach from white stand/frame, and then re-attach camera component upside down. However, there is no nail mounting holes on the white stand, so you may need to do some DIY if you are planning to mount it on ceiling.

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