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It is round at 10cm across and 12cm tall. There is just one connection a micro USB lead that fits in the back near the base.

Like almost all recent cameras it is controlled by an App either iOS or Android. Download the App register and then find the best place to place your camera, as part of the setup routine it will move through 360 degrees and produce an image of what it sees so you can select the area to cover.

For free it stores your videos in the cloud for 24 hours, after that there is a range of fees.

Like most of these recent cameras it works in daylight - without any indication that you are being videoed - at night or in low light there are four infra red sensors visible.

It is possible to have a conversation so for a pet you tell it to get off the sofa, not exactly sure what you would say to an intruder. It also has sound detection so in a totally empty property it can hear say breaking glass so you may even be notified before the intruder gets in.

See also: Security

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I found the images clear and when viewing on a mobile it can be viewed landscape to take full use of the screen and the ability to pan and zoom the camera is in your hands.

The video is 720p – some other units are HD – but the quality was excellent even in near total darkness.

It is possible to insert a micro SD card so data can be stored on the camera.

One feature that I am less sure about is ‘privacy mode’ where you can flip a cover over the lens. This might be a hit with teenage children!

The output from the camera can be shown using Alexa or Google if you link your camera into a Smart Home.

I only used it indoors but it could detect movement outside and can also link to other D-Link devices.

If you setup ‘push’ notifications it is possible to speak with a delivery driver asking them to return on another day or leave with a neighbour but that would mean the camera being outside.

A nice idea but then the USB lead would need power so it would probably mean drilling a hole through a wall or window frame.

D-Link have other options that may be better for external use.

The D-Link DCS-8515LH is available from Amazon for £112.99 and more details are available from the European D-Link web site.