Swann SWDVK-41501B - A Security-Video Recording Kit

We tests an easy-to-use security camera and video recorder you can control from your mobile device

The Swann SWDVK- 41501B is a security-video recording kit made up of a DVR4-1500 digital video recorder and a Pro-510 camera. The kit lets you record up to four channels of video to the built-in 320GB hard drive, so you can view it whenever you like using the DVR4- 1500’s main interface, on a computer or a mobile device such as an iPad or Android smartphone.

The recorder and camera are easy to set up. You connect the two with a BNC connector that twists and locks into place like a bayonet light bulb This means you don’t have to worry about losing a video feed because the connector has pulled loose. The wall-mountable Pro-510 is a static camera, so once you’ve set it up you can’t pan or tilt it remotely.

Swann SWDVK-41501B

Because the recorder connects directly to a monitor or TV, you don’t need a computer to configure it. The DVR4-1500 has a low- resolution mouse-controlled interface (a mouse is included in the box) that looks quaint in this age of Full HD video, but it's fast and responsive with menus that appear at the click of a mouse button. You can set the system to record video all the time or only when triggered by motion.

The Pro-510 camera has a maximum resolution of 648 x 488 pixels. Image quality is good compared to some standalone IP cameras we’ve seen, and the video quality is smooth, but there are signs of compression and the edges of objects look jagged. The night vision, however, is superb and kicks in almost instantly. We could easily see objects and make out writing on boxes, in even the darkest corner of our lab with the lights off. That said, people and faces could only be seen clearly up to around 280 centimeters from the camera when in night mode.

The night vision is superb and kicks in almost instantly

The free iOS and Android apps are fast, responsive and great for reviewing video and monitoring locations, although you get little on-screen help on how to use them, which makes them initially confusing. The included PC software goes further and lets you configure the device remotely across your network. Thanks to these software options, you can keep the DRV4-1500 hidden and use a mobile device or computer to access it.

This excellent security kit provides an easy-to-use interface to record smooth video, with the flexibility to add more cameras if you need them. It's one of the best security systems we’ve used and at $298.5, it's great value.

It's great value at $298.5

Our verdict

The SWDVK-41501B is a great kit that records good-quality video. It’s easy to set up and extend with additional cameras, if you wish. The video recorder’s main interface is low- resolution by modern standards, but it’s fast and responsive. The automatic can also configure the system to send you alerts by email. It’s ideal for doorways or locations that need constant protection, and is good value.

The SWDVK-41501B is a great kit that records good-quality video