May 19, 2012. Paul Hixon
Defender is know for its stellar reputation in the security camera system market, and the PHOENIX1 goes even further to cement their reputation. Combining everything from an ultra portable form factor all the way up to rock solid audio functionality, it’s hard to argue with the quality to price ratio here.
The PHOENIX1 monitoring unit sports an understated chassis with easy to grip sides and a small antenna. During my test, I found the small monitor to be a joy to use despite its size, so don’t be put off by what is actually a lot of power in a tiny package. I found the build quality of both the monitor and the camera itself to be more than satisfactory, an important factor when you’re the kind of person who likes to carry the monitor around the house with you. Sometimes accidents happen, but I don’t think this unit would be phased at all if it were dropped on a hardwood floor.
Like any other Defender security camera, the setup for this little system is snap. Without even consulting the manual, I was up and running in about 5 minutes. Defender also provides expansion cameras for this system, and of course there is a corresponding button to flip through any camera feed at any time while you’re out and about in the yard or basement.
If I had any complaint about this system, it would be the somewhat finnicky wireless antenna range. While they advertise a nearly infinite range provided you have good line of sight, I found the system to be idea within about 50 yards. This shouldn’t be a problem for people who live in small to medium sized homes, but if you’re looking to secure a larger area then you might want a heavier duty system.
Whether you’re a mom who wants to keep an eye on a young child or someone who spends a lot of time in their back yard, it’s nice to know that your home or business is secure. A little, inexpensive system like the PHOENIX1 can provide just this experience without emptying your wallet!
Updated May 19, 2012. Published February 23, 2011. Paul Hixon
