Do not let the monitor size shy you away from this security system. Due to the monitor size and lower pixels, this security system displays very clear images and can communicate up to 450 feet, unlike the larger monitors and higher pixel ratings at 100 feet if lucky. The monitor size is actually perfect for us. We have used this security camera outdoors for several years now with no issues. Super low false alarms, usually rain drops or spider webs only. We have tested several other security cameras with monitors and the Defender is our best experience. Limited to four cameras is not really a problem because the two monitors can cover two specific areas. Individual cameras are hard to find, good idea to order a 2, 3, or 4 camera package. You will save money on the cost of individual cameras... and if not absolutely satisfied with your purchase (or too many cameras), the entire unit can be returned for a full refund. We highly recommend the Defender PhoenixM2 Security System Indoor and Outdoor Wireless Security System Camera. Do try this security camera, you won't be sorry!

Cams (4)work great, have had for several years. However monitor fails over time. You cannot get just a new monitor. Must purchase at least two cameras to get a new monitor. No more purchases from us, will.look elsewhere.

It did not come with any instructions (bad), however it was extremely easy to set up. The images are surprisingly good for the price. The monitor is easy to use. The motion sensor on the cameras work great as well. Very happy with the purchase.

I have been using the Defender system for around 6 months and I am totally satisfied with the product. It has functioned right out of the box - literally plug-and-play and continues to function flawlessly. It comes with 2 cameras, which is all I needed, but you can expand it with 2 more cameras purchased separately.

I literally spent days researching all security camera offerings on Amazon and other online shopping vendors. Almost all of the offerings were for security cameras which relied on the "cloud" to store the recordings and a cell phone app to access them. Most also required a monthly service fee of one kind or another to get at your own recordings.

I checked into fake security cameras - no wiring needed - I recommend that no one go that route - pointless - crooks can tell the difference.

The Defender met all of my requirements: camera communicated via WIFI to a standalone mini computer - all the cameras need is a power source. I simply drilled a small hole through a wall and plugged in the power cord. The power cord has 2 sections so that you do not have to drill a hole as large as the wall plug. I use a simple appliance surge protector for each camera and the mini computer. The cameras are weather resistant - not water proof - they have not been affected by rain or snow as the roof eaves give partial protection - I may add a simple aluminum shield at a later date.

The cameras have both day and night infrared optics. The cameras have a motion sensor with a wider range than the camera so that it starts recording even before the moving target enters the camera range. The mini computer analyzes the pixels and will begin recording if there is enough pixel changes to activate a motion hit - you can control the sensitivity. On the highest sensitivity, it will pick up bushes moving in a light breeze. The sensitivity settings are camera specific. They pick up small animals moving in the yard and the images are clear and crisp.

The cameras also have a mic to pic up sound - so you can hear any conversation trespasser has. You also have an option to speak to someone outside via a speaker built into the camera.

It comes with a SD memory card that is totally adequate but I ordered an additional memory card in case I had to turn over one to the police for evidence. If you use the continuous recording option, you might want to consider getting a larger SD memory card. I review any recordings daily and delete them if they show nothing worth keeping. The SD card holds 8GB or 700 minutes.

The WIFI is good for 150 feet and was unaffected by walls, floors and ceilings. I was able to locate the mini computer anywhere in my 3 story with basement 5,000 sq ft house.

You can record based on motion detection, scheduled recording periods, constant recording (it overwrites oldest recordings automatically - option), or on demand (press a REC button). You can control how long it will record from 15 seconds to 1 min for the motion detection recording. You can schedule each camera separately with selections by day (Monday), date (1-5th) and time ranges.

You can individually turn cameras on and off, adjust brightness and adjust resolution. You can monitor cameras individually, with split screen or by rotation. You also have a SLEEP mode which will turn on the display only if it goes into recording mode.

The recordings file screen appears as a calendar with days with recordings marked in blue - you can filter the calendar by all cameras or just one and search prior months. When you pick a day, all recordings for that day appear in a list for you to select and view and/or delete.

This system is extremely well designed with all the features anyone could want and they are easy to understand and use.

Used at a church, we had a break-in, and one of the cameras actually caught the burglar, who was subsequently arrested. I do wish cameras would automatically turn back on after a power outage. Our outdoor cameras pick up birds in mid-air flight, and spiders building web. (love these!) Indoor cameras will record cob webs as well - need to keep the lens dusted. Overall, the non-wifi feature made it simple to use for our needs.