Annke CPT500 security cam review: Built for business, but useful at home

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By the look of it, the Annke CPT500 3K Mini PT Speed Dome PoE Security Camera is primarily intended for commercial applications, such as monitoring parking lots, warehouses, and other large spaces. Annke uses the word “dome” in this camera’s name, but the CPT500 doesn’t really look like the typical enterprise-style camera that has the camera housed inside a glass or plastic dome for protection from vandals. That being said, its small size would be ideal for homeowners who need to monitor wide spaces or locations where you’d want to track a person or vehicle moving around in it; say, a driveway, walkway, or porch, for instance.

If you’re willing to embrace the Annke CPT500’s industrial aesthetic, you’ll get a range of features that make it an equally compelling option for residential use. Its smooth pan and tilt functionality, Power over Ethernet (PoE) connectivity, and AI-powered motion tracking deliver extensive coverage and smart monitoring, all without the bulk or complexity of traditional dome cameras.the Annke CPT500 delivered sharp, detailed video during the day, with accurate colors and clear definition. At night, a smart dual-light system uses infrared light to detect targets in the dark.

Design and features

The CPT500’s mini-dome structure allows for flexible installation. Whether mounted on a wall, fence, or ceiling, its small footprint makes it a discreet but effective surveillance tool. Despite its compact size, the camera has a sturdy build and an IP66 weather rating, which according to our IP code-decoder story means it’s impervious to and can withstand powerful water jets coming from any direction.

With 3K resolution, the CPT500 delivers sharp and highly detailed images. This increased clarity allows it to capture finer details, such as facial features and license plate numbers. The camera can pan 345 degrees horizontally and tilt over an 80-degree vertical arc, virtually eliminating blind spots. While you can control pan-and-tilt manually, the camera’ include’s AI-powered auto-tracking feature can automatically detect and follow people moving within its field of view. A built-in microphone and speaker for real-time interaction with visitors (or intruders, as the case may be) and dual night vision (monochrome and color) round out its feature set. But there is a tradeoff for that high resolution: Video is captured at 20 frames per second (30 frames per second is ideal for a high-end security camera).

This review is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best home security cameras.

Annke

Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) connectivity simplifies installation by delivering both data and electrical power over a simple ethernet cable. This type of system is commonly used with NVRs (network video recorders), which combine a network server, mass storage, and a power supply for several cameras in a single box. NVRs are common to in enterprise security networks. Annke offers several PoE NVR models, with pre-installed hard drives or you can bring your own.

The CPT500 can also function as a standalone camera without an NVR. You can connect it directly to a PoE switch or, with the addition of a PoE injector, to a standard router. That makes it a viable option for both home and small-business use. Alternatively, the CPT500 can be powered using a DC 12V adapter, but that’s an added-cost option and you’ll then need to bring two cables to the camera (ethernet and a power cord). In either of these setups, and in the absence of an NVR, you’ll need to purchase a microSD so the camera can record. Cards with capacities up to 512GB are supported; none is provided.

Setup and performance

To test the camera’s PoE capabilities, I used a PoE switch, connecting the CPT500 to the switch and the switch to my router. From there, I mounted the camera using the supplied screws and mounting template.

Once mounted and connected, the camera integrated quickly with the Annke Vision app, allowing me to configure settings and adjust monitoring preferences with minimal effort. The app provides an intuitive interface, making navigation easy even if you’re unfamiliar with security systems. From adjusting pan and tilt angles to enabling motion tracking, the controls are intuitive and responsive.

Michael Ansaldo/Foundry

In my tests, the Annke CPT500 delivered sharp, detailed video during the day, with accurate colors and clear definition. At night, a smart dual-light system uses infrared light to detect targets in the dark. When motion is detected, the camera activates an LED spotlight and turns the infrared light off to record in full color. You can also choose between full infrared mode for discreet surveillance or full white light mode for enhanced brightness. The infrared and spotlight both offer range of up 30 meters, ensuring bright and detailed imaging in low-light conditions.

The camera’s pan-and-tilt motion is smooth, covering wide areas with minimal lag. The smart auto-tracking works as advertised, locking onto moving objects and following them without excessive jitter or delay. While occasional false alerts occurred, the tracking system generally did a good job distinguishing between relevant motion and background activity.

Should you buy the Annke CPT500?

Annke’s suggested retail price for the CPT500 3K Mini PT Speed Dome PoE Security Camera is $109.99, but at press time, it was selling the camera on its own website for $69.99 (with free shipping). It was available at Amazon $71.99 after clipping a coupon.. Those prices make this camera a strong value, given its feature set, NVR (and PoE) compatibility.

When all is said and done, however, this camera’s industrial design just won’t be everyone’s cup of tea.