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Xiaomi XiaoFang 1080p Smart Wi-Fi IP Camera US $17.99 (~AU $23.69) Delivered @ LightInTheBox

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Fantastic price on this very popular camera, $2-$3 less than recent GearBest/Geekbuying deals. Not sure how long it's available for

Camera Info
Runs via the "Mi Home" from Apple Store or Google Play. More info/links etc. in the listing. Also thanks to clear: Includes 1080p FHD resolution, night vision, 8x zoom, two-way audio, motion/sound detection and a magnetic mount. It uses micro USB for power and can be used with a power bank. The camera can be controlled using the Mi Home app and the content can be stored locally on a Micro SD card. It's also possible to achieve 180° view by linking two cameras together.

Paying
Free postage, allow ~4-6 weeks. As always, pay in USD on the site US $17.99 = ~AU $23.69 using today's Mastercard rates as LITB's exchange rates are way off. Pay in USD on Paypal via your fee free (preferably) credit card as Paypal exchange rates are weaker (~AU $24.70). At checkout when you select your card/bank account press 'View currency conversation options', then click 'Final amount determined by your card provider.'

Edit: It appears that you can only order 1 unit to receive free shipping.

5/7 5pm: Available again - 500pcs see here

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closed Comments

  • Showing $25.73 for me - sorry need to convert the currency to USD

    $100.09 $25.73 (74% off)
    15030134
    Earn additional 1% cash rewards on all orders

  • Same as Lachlan1… are we missing a code?

    • You need to set currency to USD as mentioned by lachlan1 and the OP. Don't pay in AUD on the site their exchange rates are way off.

  • Damn just bought from gearbest. Must be a huge clear out of stock.

  • +2

    Seen it many times here.. this time, bought one… now, what can I use it for?

    • I can't figure out a justifiable use either, but heck, its called XiaoFang!
      That is one heck of a powerful name. A powerful name.

  • +1

    I don't think I'll be seeing this go any lower so I'll have to jump on it.

    • Are they going to stop making these ones? as im thinking of buying a few for security purposes

      • +1

        No talk of them being discontinued in the channels. I know of at least 3 revisions so far.

      • +1

        Just note, if the camera is stolen then you've lost the footage - so hide it a bit .

        • +2

          But … it's a WiFi IP camera. Can't you set it up to store streams to an location on the internet (i.e. FTP)?

        • @mattyman: It stores to a local SD card if you have one. There is an option to store to the Mi Cloud - but the app only works in Chinese mode, so I don't know how to enable it. Even still, if the camera is offline then you wouldn't be able to access the recordings gallery anyway (through the app).

          There are hacks for it that might enable remote storage - I haven't tried them.

        • @macrocephalic:

          I don't have an SD card in mine, it records automatically to the cloud with motion detection mode turned on.

        • +2

          @Bullion Baron: note that if the camera is stolen or damaged or lost (i.e outside security use) then you lose all cloud images/video. Camera must be online in app to access cloud data

        • @Bullion Baron: Call me paranoid, but I find that very creepy.

  • Just ordered (with Paypal - the 80 cents price difference is worth the buyer protection and free return delivery they offer at the moment if there is a problem). I don't need this but I am a sucker for pretty toys at constant discounts.

    • +8

      For future reference, you can still pay with PayPal in USD at checkout, it just means you use bank exchange rates instead of PayPal's weaker rates. Your bank may charge you a international transaction fee however (if you don't have a fee free card 28 degrees etc.). At checkout when you select your card/bank account press 'View currency conversation options' and then select 'Final amount determined by your card provider.'

      It's unfortunately very confusing to explain and Paypal make it difficult to find/do, as I'm sure they earn a lot that way.

      • +2

        Yeah you have to click a link under the AUD amount then select your card exchange rate. Works a treat with my FX fee free Macquarie Debit Mastercard.

        Got mine down to USD 17.43 after using my reward$ from the previous mi box 3 sale.

      • Thanks, I had forgotten that there was a hidden button there

  • +3

    And I am still waiting for my order from SS =(

    • They 'lost' track of them despite apparently arriving in Australia 2 weeks ago. Put in a refund dispute, see the link for tips as SS try and play dodgy games: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/comment/4777815/redir

    • mine's gone missing as well. just about to open a paypal dispute.

    • For what it is worth, mine arrived today in Sydney metro from the SS order.

    • Same, mine was never delivered but just to provide a counter argument I've found SS to be very accommodating as far as sending out a replacement. Their customer service team have so far been very courteous and my messages have been responded to quickly. They've already organised a replacement and have sent me shipping confirmation so I'm happy with how they've handled it. Hopefully the new unit will be delivered without issue.

      • +1

        If I have waited for 1.5 months for an item that never arrived and see stories for the same, no matter how accomodating these people on emails and messages - its my time wasted. Would I wait for the same item to be replaced - hell no.

    • I put in the dispute yesterday - got the refund back. might now buy this..

      • Did they ask you to reply to the "Gentleman's agreement"? They are trying it with me now.

        • Lol.. no. What is that?
          Initially they asked me to wait another week. After that week.. I asked eBay to step in. And done.

        • @superm86:
          They first asked to sign some form. I said - no. Then they said - just reply to the message that I agree to send back the camera or pay them back, should the camera arrives at a later date. They say it is "gentleman's agreement" and I cannot hold to it. I do understand it and agree that I should do that, should it arrive. But if it arrives 2-3 weeks later and I bought it elsewhere, why would I pay me own money to send it back?

        • +1

          @SergeyAU: Counter that agreement with a ozbargainers agreement..

        • @superm86:
          Let's see what they say =)

    • Me too.

  • Thanks op, bought my first one.
    Been hesitant up til now, cause unsure if the apps are safe. But at this price, can't resist.

  • +1

    Cheers OP, CashRewards has 9% cashback btw

    • 9%!? Mine says 8%

  • +4

    If I was a hacker, or played one on TV, I'd launch a new TV Show:

    "Chinese IP Camera Funniest Hacked Videos!"

    (Not that I'm implying these have gaping security issues, or anything.)

    .
    

    (But they totally do. At least change the default passwords as soon as you set it up)

    • haha, changing the password won't stop it. Ones I have used in the past have root locked out with some random password (if you were to telnet to it). Even if you reset the password it doesn't clear the root pw. I guess just don't put these in your bedroom or bathroom unless you want random pics of you on some Chinese website lol.

      • +3

        The price seems good though. Perhaps I'd go full nudist just to pity the poor Chinese secret service employees forced to sit through hours of footage of my flabby body!

        In all seriousness, I've been wondering about getting a video camera for Youtube and the like. Maybe I should just get a new smartphone instead of a dedicated camera.

        I'm guessing these models are being dumped for the next generation 4K models. I don't have a 4K TV, mind you but for posterity and all…

    • +2

      As has been mentioned literally every single time these cameras are advertised, the first thing you do with these cameras is hack them so that they no longer direct your traffic via China.

      http://www.gadgetvictims.com/2017/04/rtsp-hack-for-xiaomi-mi…

      • +1

        One thing to note is that you lose all functionality, including motion detect, constant recording, remote access etc.

        All you get after the hack (by default) is RTSP server, so you'll need to figure out how to record from RTSP and motion detection isn't that easy to setup with RTSP either (especially for Linux).

        I opted to run the hack and have set up a modified version of "motion" that supports RTSP, works OK running on my NAS.

  • +2

    can you restrict the cam to only to use internal NVR system? I don't want to use use this MI app.

  • Does anyone know whether the "smoke alarm detection" functionality can be used to send a notification if your home security alarm goes off? (it should be a similar sound, right?)

    • +1

      This YouTube reviewer suggests you can, from the 4:10 time mark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4qergUJAmE

      • Thanks but still not 100% convinced at this stage - the video just states that if it hears a smoke alarm, it will send a notification (which I already knew).

        It's just odd that they advertise that it will notify on smoke alarm and CO alarm, but not home security alarm. You'd think that if it could, they would state it as a feature… since its a pretty big one IMO.

        • +1

          A good argument. I really have no idea how these units work as I've looked for reviews of it on YouTube right after I came across this deal.

    • +1

      I tested mine but unfortunately it didn't give me a notification when I deliberately set off my security alarm. I turned on the option in the Mi App setting. The camera was about 6m away from the alarm. I didn't test it with my smoke alarm.

      • Thanks for the feedback - pretty disappointing that it didn't trigger the alarm, especially when you consider that it would most likely be able to done via software.

  • +1

    Hamza, what about if my PayPal is linked to my Commbank issued Debit Mastercard? Am I better off to pay in AUD (not sure if I can convert the currency or not), or create an account for this seller and pay straight with my debit card instead of with PayPal?

    • +4

      Always pay through PayPal. If something goes wrong or you need to return the item you'll have protection. You have to pay international transaction fee through CBA regardless of if you pay through PayPal or direct to merchant.

      It's just a question of if you pay in USD or AUD on PayPal, if you have a fee free card then always pay USD.

      CBA charge 3% for international transactions, so if you paid in USD on PayPal CBA will be about $24.64 after the 3% fee. If you pay in AUD on PayPal they charge $24.82. So you'll only save $0.18 or so.

      TLDR: Just pay in USD on PayPal, if you have a fee free card/bank account (28 degrees, citibank something etc.) use it, otherwise use what you got should still be slightly less.

      Edit: To do so: "At checkout when you select your card/bank account press 'View currency conversation options' and then select 'Final amount determined by your card provider.'"

      • +1

        Thanks for the detailed response. Yeah, I always prefer paying with PayPal for the convenience and hassle-free experience of it. I just thought that converting the currency with debit Mastercard on PayPal might be cheaper, as you explained in OP, but 8 cents aren't worth all that trouble. Thanks again, mate.

  • +1

    Bought one in Feb from LightInTheBox, it doesn't connect to my wifi (tried 2 modems). I am still waiting for my full refund. Good luck guys

    • +3

      Tried setting the region to Mainland China in the app? Fixes WiFi connection issues with Xiaomi products 99% of the time. Also make sure it's being connected to a 2.4G network.

      • Confirm. Mine only works if you set the app location to Mainland China.

    • I had WiFi problems, had to uninstall app, then reinstall from play store, then it worked.

    • It failed to set up on two Android tabs, a Lenovo K3, an ipad 2 and finally worked on an old Huawei mobile. Once set up though, it talked to the devices.

  • +1

    I have two of these and only use them when going away for extended periods.

    The motion sensing is so sensitive it creates so many false positives.

    • Is there not a way to turn down the motion detection sensitivity?

      • Yes, it has three sensitivity settings. I haven't tried it though.

      • +22

        I have it on the lowest setting and quick changes in light, or specs of dust at night trigger alerts.

        As a silver lining to that, I used it as a baby monitor when away at the beach. Whenever my son woke, it let me and the Chinese government know.

        Very handy.

        • +1

          The last park cracks me up. Thank for making me laugh

        • +1

          lol you are genius

        • Is it possible to put a strip of opaque sticky tape across the lens - or in front of the lens a few mm's so not to leave residue when removed.. Definitely only for times when you want to use it in "obvious intruder-type sensor" mode? The view won't be clear at all of course, but you'll damn as well know if someone/something big is nearby and an alert comes through!

    • Are you using them on inside or outside of the house?

      • Inside as they aren't rated for exterior use.

    • Open the App - Camera - Settings - Sensitivity to Low

      • +1

        Even on low, I find it triggers heaps of false positives.

  • So this or $1000 for a Netgear Arlo with 3 cameras. Something tells me to stick to the Arlo.

    • +1

      I'm sure the Chinese can also watch you via Arlos… Russians too, no doubt! :-)

      • +1

        I like Russians and Chinese.

        • +2

          Well considering one is a budget, indoor, powered camera… and the other is a top of the line, extremely expensive, battery operated, outdoor camera…. I'd seriously hope the Arlo performs better considering you could literally buy over 40 of these cameras for the price of an Arlo kit.

          But with that said, I'm not even sure it DOES perform that much better.
          I've heard terrible reviews from the Arlo with shit battery life and constant battery replacements.

          These cheap cameras can be run off of a powerbank, so you could, in theory, setup a solar panel to charge the powerbank and run your Xiaofang for free.

        • @Deviner:

          Does this xiaomi's run off ac power not batteries then??

        • @SaberX: Yea it runs off AC.

  • +2

    bought from Shoppingsquare 6 weeks nothing received yet

  • I purchased 2 last time, and I'd like to think I'm not a complete idiot (I have a wife who may differ on this point), but I found the learning curve pretty steep and time-consuming on this one.

    Needless to say, I have 2 for sale if anyone's interested… (actually I'll give it another go)

    GC

  • I am getting the postage charge. am I missing anything here?

    • It defaults to the more expensive postage option if I remember correctly, choose the postage option that is $0.

      • Not able to select $0 postage option as it is hidden.

        • Mine was doing the same but if you go checkout with PayPal from the first screen it'll give you the option after for free postage.

        • @davislukes: You need to make sure there is only one item in your trolley. I had another item, with free shipping and $0.00 shipping wasn't available. As soon as I removed the free shipping item, I could select free postage.

  • +1

    Got it . When I try to order 2 then it adds postage charge.

    • +2

      Ah! I see. You'd have to make 2 orders then.

    • well i wanted 4 so i could use code LITB5USIRJUN for $US5.00 off. but the postage increased! so i just bought separately.

  • Damn it.. it keeps on getting cheaper.. cant really order it everytime to reduce the loss!

  • -7
  • +1

    $100 RRP!?

  • are they easy to hide?
    asking for a friend

    • They have a magnetic mount. You could lightly sand and paint them.

      Other than that, they're not designed to be screwed in place as they have a pivot stand.

    • +2

      even if you were asking for yourself, we wouldnt mind..

  • +2

    is anyone getting emails from lightinthebox ?

    I just purchased 2… (2 orders) never got a sign up email or a confirmed order email.. but its showing as processing and also received my cashrewards track email.

    But can't seem to either verify the added email on signup after multiple emails/accounts or resends.

    • +1

      hi dear, any thing i can help?

    • "is anyone getting emails from lightinthebox ?"

      I tried to sign up a couple of hours ago and got the same thing. Still no confirmation email for sign-up. So I haven't placed any order now.

      • please check your black list and garbage box in your mail box, if not working please pm me your email and i will let the IT guys check it

        • "please check your black list and garbage box in your mail box, if not working please pm me your email and i will let the IT guys check it"

          I checked my junk mail and there is none. I think it is likely a problem with your email system. Doesn't matter for me though because I am quite concerned about what I have just been reading here.

          Thanks anyway.

        • @jdr: I've never had a problem with my many orders at LightInTheBox.

        • @bananabendera:

          Good to know, thanks. Maybe if I try to join again I might get confirmation emails this time.

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