With the rise in popularity of smart home devices, many people are looking for convenient ways to add security cameras to their homes. The Facebook Portal is primarily designed as a video calling device, but some of its features lend themselves well to also being used as a security camera. In this article, we’ll look at whether or not the Facebook Portal can effectively function as a surveillance camera for home security purposes.
What is the Facebook Portal?
The Facebook Portal is a smart display developed by Facebook. It has an integrated camera, speakers and microphone that are optimized for video calling through Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp. The Portal has an AI-powered camera that automatically pans and zooms to keep you in frame during video calls. There are currently three Portal models available:
- Portal Mini – the smallest model with an 8″ display
- Portal – the mid-sized model with a 10″ display
- Portal+ – the largest model with a 15.6″ display
In addition to video calling, the Portal can also display photos, stream videos, play music, podcasts and more. It has an integrated Alexa assistant that allows you to control smart home devices and get information hands-free.
Key factors to consider
When determining if the Facebook Portal can work as a security camera, there are several important factors to consider:
Camera capabilities
The Portal has a wide-angle smart camera with 12MP sensors. It has 140° horizontal and 114° vertical field of view. This camera is optimized for video conferencing and tracks motion well. It performs decently in lower light conditions too. Overall, it has reasonably good specs for capturing video footage that a security camera would need.
Audio capabilities
All Portal models have an array of 4 microphones that use noise cancellation for clear audio during calls. This allows the microphone to pick up sound from up to 15 feet away. Having good audio capabilities is important for a security camera to pick up important sounds like glass breaking or alarms.
Power and connectivity
The Portal needs to stay continually powered on to function as a security camera. It’s meant to be used indoors and plugged into a wall outlet. The Portal connects via WiFi and does not have an Ethernet port option. Having a strong WiFi signal would be imperative for placing it in potential security camera spots.
Mounting options
The Portal is designed to sit on a flat surface like a table or desk. To use it as a security camera, you would need to get creative with mounting it on a wall or ceiling. There are no ports on the back for standard camera mounts. It does not come with any official mounting accessories.
Cloud storage and live streaming
Video recordings are not stored locally on the Portal device. Any recordings would be saved using your Facebook or Messenger accounts. It only allows live streaming through Messenger or WhatsApp calls. There is no option for continuously streaming footage or integrating with a storage service.
Can the Facebook Portal work as a security camera?
Taking all of these factors into consideration, the Facebook Portal has some functionality that would lend itself useful as a security camera, but ultimately has limitations that would prevent it from being ideal for dedicated surveillance usage.
Pros of using the Portal as a security camera
- Good quality video and audio
- Motion tracking camera
- Alexa capabilities allow voice controls and integration with other smart devices
- Can access live views through Messenger video calls
Cons of using the Portal as a security camera
- No local storage options – recordings must be saved to the cloud
- Limited mounting options
- No standalone streaming capabilities outside of calls
- WiFi-only connectivity without wired options
- Interface not designed for security monitoring
Best practices for using the Portal as a security camera
If you already own a Portal and want to try using it for added security, here are some tips to get the most out of it:
- Mount it securely – Use sturdy brackets or stands to give the Portal a clear unobstructed view of the area you want to monitor.
- Optimize WiFi connection – Position the Portal close to your router and use 5GHz band for smoother streaming.
- Adjust motion tracking settings – Customize the auto-panning and motion tracking settings to focus on key areas.
- Use two-way audio – Take advantage of the Portal’s microphones and speakers to hear and communicate through the device.
- Connect smart lighting – Use Alexa and IFTTT to automate lights turning on if motion is detected.
- Manage notifications – Set up alerts through the Facebook Portal Companion App when motion or sound is detected.
- Back up recordings – Download any activity captured through Messenger to store securely offline.
Positioning the Portal high in a corner gives it a wide vantage point for monitoring a room. Using an articulating wall mount makes it easy to adjust the viewing angle. While you won’t get the full functionality of a standalone security camera system, it can provide some helpful peace of mind.
Other options for DIY home security cameras
If the Facebook Portal’s limitations don’t meet your needs for home surveillance, consider one of these alternative DIY camera options:
Smart security cameras
Brands like Ring, Nest, Arlo, Eufy, and SimpliSafe all offer compact indoor/outdoor security cameras that connect via WiFi. Features like motion detection, night vision, cloud storage, and smart home integration provide robust security capabilities.
IP cameras
Wired IP cameras connect directly to your home network and allow more placement flexibility and stability than WiFi cameras. Footage can be recorded to local network attached storage (NAS) devices.
Old smartphones
Converting an old smartphone into a security camera is a clever DIY method. You can install a security camera app and connect to power outlet near your surveillance area. Enable motion detection alerts and remote viewing for basic monitoring.
Nanny cams
Discreet nanny cams hidden in everyday household objects like alarm clocks, photo frames and bookshelves are inexpensive options for keeping an eye on things when you’re away. Features are basic but they get the job done.
Conclusion
The Facebook Portal has strong capabilities when it comes to video chatting and smart home integration. However, lack of continuous recording options, limited WiFi-only connectivity, no native mounting solutions, and the need for consistent power supply ultimately make the Portal insufficient as a standalone security camera for protecting your home. It can provide some peace of mind when used in conjunction with other smart home devices, but dedicated security cameras or DIY options would be better for full-scale home surveillance. If you’re looking to add cameras for improved home security, compare top providers to find the right system to meet your specific monitoring needs and budget.