Sricam Missing Features? An Explanatory Guide
It can be disappointing to set up your new Sricam camera only to find that a feature you were expecting—such as auto-tracking, 5GHz Wi-Fi, or colour night vision—is not available. Often, this is not a fault with the camera but a misunderstanding based on the wide variety of models Sricam produces.
This guide will help you understand why your camera might be missing certain features and how to verify the true capabilities of your device.
Why Features Vary Between Sricam Models
Sricam manufactures a vast range of IP cameras at different price points. It is very common for them to use a similar or even identical physical casing for multiple models that have very different internal components and capabilities.
- Hardware Differences: Features like optical zoom, pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ), auto-tracking, and colour night vision depend on specific physical hardware.
- Auto-tracking requires motors and software to follow movement.
- Optical zoom needs a specialised lens assembly.
- Colour night vision requires a more sensitive sensor and sometimes supplementary white LEDs.
- If the hardware is not present, the feature cannot be enabled.
- Firmware and Chipsets: The internal processor and firmware determine a camera's software capabilities. This includes which Wi-Fi bands it supports (2.4GHz only vs. dual-band), whether it has AI-based human detection, and its compatibility with third-party systems.
- Product Listings: Sometimes, online product listings can be confusing, bundling details for multiple variations of a product onto a single page. It is crucial to check the exact model number you purchased.
Common "Missing" Features Explained
Let's look at some of the features users often expect but may not have on their specific model.
Missing Feature: Connection to NVR / Blue Iris / Third-Party Apps
Many users want to add their Sricam camera to a central recording system like a Network Video Recorder (NVR) or software like Blue Iris.
- The Cause: This requires support for industry-standard protocols, specifically ONVIF or RTSP. The vast majority of consumer-grade Sricam cameras do not support these protocols. They are designed as standalone devices to be used exclusively with the official Sricam or SriHome mobile app.
- The Solution: If you require NVR compatibility, you must specifically purchase a Sricam model that lists "ONVIF Support" as a key feature. These are often marketed towards business users and may be slightly more expensive.
Missing Feature: 5GHz Wi-Fi Support
You may find your camera will not connect to your modern 5GHz Wi-Fi network.
- The Cause: Most affordable smart home devices, including many Sricam cameras, are equipped with 2.4GHz Wi-Fi radios only. The 2.4GHz frequency offers a better range than 5GHz, which is often more suitable for security cameras placed far from the router.
- The Solution: You must connect the camera to the 2.4GHz band broadcast by your router. There is no way to enable 5GHz support if the hardware is not built for it.
How to Verify Your Camera's Actual Features
- Check the Model Number: Find the exact model number on the camera itself or its original packaging. Search online for the official specification sheet for that specific model.
- Consult the Manual: The user manual that came with your camera is the most reliable source of information about its features.
- Explore the App: Go through every setting and sub-menu for your camera in the SriHome app. Sometimes a feature is present but not enabled by default.
- Update the Firmware: Ensure your camera has the latest firmware installed via the app. Updates can sometimes fix bugs or improve existing features, but they will not add new hardware-dependent capabilities.