The makings of a winner: D-Link's success in the IP Camera space

Every year, the HWZ team sifts through the industry’s best and most innovative offerings in the HWZ Tech Awards, and as one might expect from the ever-evolving tech sphere, the competition is becoming increasingly intense as more and more brands fight for a piece of the pie. 

This is especially evident in our Readers' Choice category with over 40 award categories where over 13,000 of our readers contributed, and today, we’re highlighting what you guys have voted as the Best IP Camera Brand. So, first and foremost, our heartiest congratulations to D-Link!

With a nearly 20% stronghold in this hotly contested sector, D-Link has once again emerged as the people's choice. Naturally, one might then ask how D-Link managed to set itself apart from the competition. Well, there are not one, not two, but three reasons for this. But before we dive in D-Link's Director of Products has a few words to share and thank the consumers:-

We are honoured to be voted by HardwareZone Readers' Choice as the Best IP Camera Brand for 6 consecutive years! As Tech Awards is helmed by HWZ, the strongest tech media in Singapore, this form of recognition and confidence that no other brand can have proves that customers trust us, our feature-rich IP cameras, and our emphasis on advanced security & privacy protection. We are proud to announce that we, D-Link, have done it again! -- Jonathan Quek, Product Director at D-Link.

The Secret Sauce

First, the company sports the widest range of IP cameras for both indoor and outdoor purposes. Users will always have the right option for any situation, and size does indeed matter - D-Link’s range includes everything from pint-sized mini cameras all the way to large outdoor cameras with Spotlight features.  

Second, D-Link products come equipped with Smart Motion Sensing to auto-track movement whenever it's detected. Building on that, it's also equipped with unique features such as “Geofencing” where it can detect whether the user is away, or home and it swaps automatically between HOME and AWAY modes depending on the proximity of the user’s phone.

Third, all devices come with a rich (but flexible) suite of notification settings. They not only feed you important information and alerts in real time, but you can adjust them to suit your needs with the push of a button. This works flawlessly in tandem with the MyDLink mobile app, allowing you to react to notifications, address unwanted login attempts or call a preset number without having to go through a lengthy login process. For added security, it even offers both biometric and two-factor authentication protocols too.

Best-selling models in 2021

With all these plus points in mind, let’s take a look at some of D-Link’s top performers from the past year.

First up on the list is the DCS-6501LH, which offers a wide array of features including auto-object tracking and two-way communication between devices. The former makes up one-half of a combo with the handy pan and tilt functions for wider coverage, while the latter is delivered via a built-in speaker on the camera. At just under S$50 during sale pricing (like it is currently) for full pan and title functionality in addition to smart features, it's no wonder the DCS-6501LH is such a sought-after and reliable IP camera option.

Second is the DCS-6101LH, which is an excellent choice for users in search of something that’s lightweight and compact, yet capable of getting the job done. It offers Full HD video capabilities, and even comes with sound and motion detection features too. It’s a simple but effective IP camera, as it were for under S$30 that anyone can consider covering any blind spots without batting an eyelid.

Third, we have the DCS-8635LH. This IP camera, though a little bulkier than the other two, sports high-quality video feeds at 2K QHD 1440p, as well as motion and glass break detection features. It’s also IP65-certified, meaning it’s perfectly usable outdoors, too. These enhanced capabilities also mean it goes for a premium, but it's still a reasonable price point at S$189.

Most innovative D-Link IP Camera

But market movers and affordable price points aren't the only reasons D-Link came up ahead as the preferred brand by our voters. The degree of innovation within their products is also a major contributing factor why D-Link gets voted ahead of the rest, such as the functionality (secret sauce) that cuts across a wide range of their IP cameras.

Among them, the brand’s most innovative device so far is undoubtedly the DCS-8350LH. It might be somewhat small and diminutive in its appearance, but it checks all the usual boxes users might expect from an IP Camera. On top of that, it can pick up the alert sound from a smoke and carbon monoxide(CO) detector and notify users, even if they are not within the premises to let users know about potential fires or gas leaks as soon as they are detected. Available for S$119, this is probably the most advanced indoor model you can get your hands on.

What's next for D-Link

As for what D-Link intends to expand on next, the company appears to be looking into a new line of "whole-home" networking solution devices classified under the “Eagle Pro” umbrella. A key focus for the Eagle Pro line-up is intelligently managing your home Wi-Fi connectivity to always keep you connected to the best network channel, automatic mesh setup and self-healing when a weak connection is detected, all through the power of AI.

Fully embracing Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) features, the Eagle Pro AI family features AI smart routers, AI mesh routers and AI range extenders to keep everyone connected, no matter the activity at hand. Stay tuned to HardwareZone as we bring you more updates on what's next from D-Link.

Read Next...

• Tech Awards 2022 Editor's Choice Winners List
• Tech Awards 2022 Readers' Choice Winners List
• Detailed results: Editor’s Choice - Best of Home, Mobile, Work and Gaming, Reader's Choice Results.

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