Amcrest IP8M-2493EB User manual

Amcrest IP8M-2493EW / IP8M-2493EB
8MP UltraHD Vandal Dome POE Camera
User Manual
Version 1.0.2
Revised April 3rd, 2019

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Contents
Welcome ...........................................................................................................................................................................3
Important Security Warning..............................................................................................................................................3
Important Safeguards and Warnings.................................................................................................................................3
1 Features and Specifications............................................................................................................................................4
1.1 Overview...................................................................................................................................................................4
1.2 Features ....................................................................................................................................................................4
2 Device Overview.............................................................................................................................................................5
3 Connection & Installation...............................................................................................................................................6
3.1 Connection Guide .....................................................................................................................................................6
3.2 Installation Guide......................................................................................................................................................6
3.3 MicroSD Card Installation Guide...............................................................................................................................7
3.4 Basic Wiring Overview ..............................................................................................................................................7
4 Camera Access Setup......................................................................................................................................................8
4.1 Default Username and Password .............................................................................................................................8
4.2 How to Setup the Camera.........................................................................................................................................8
4.3 App Setup .................................................................................................................................................................9
4.4 Desktop Access Setup .............................................................................................................................................13
4.5 Amcrest Cloud Desktop Setup ................................................................................................................................67
4.6 Web Access Setup (AmcrestView.com) ..................................................................................................................67
5 Operation and Interface ...............................................................................................................................................67
5.1. Live.........................................................................................................................................................................69
5.2 Playback..................................................................................................................................................................70
5.4 Setup.......................................................................................................................................................................72
5.5 Alarm ....................................................................................................................................................................114
6. FAQs/Troubleshooting ..............................................................................................................................................115
Glossary of Terms..........................................................................................................................................................116
FCC Statement...............................................................................................................................................................117
IC Warning Statement ...................................................................................................................................................118
Appendix A: Toxic or Hazardous Materials or Elements ...............................................................................................119

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Welcome
Thank you for purchasing an Amcrest camera!
Here you can find information about your camera’s features and functions, as well as information to aid in
troubleshooting.
Many of the setup and installation sections below have corresponding videos on YouTube
To access the setup videos, please go to http://amcrest.com/videos
For access to the quick start guide and other support information, go to http://amcrest.com/support
To contact Amcrest support, please do one of the following:
Visit http://amcrest.com/contacts and use the email form.
Call Amcrest Support using one of the following numbers:
Toll Free: [phone]
International Callers (Outside of US): [phone]
USA: [phone]
Canada: 437-888-0177
UK: 203-769-2757
Email Amcrest Customer Support [email protected]m
Important Security Warning
To keep your Amcrest camera secure and prevent unauthorized access, please make
sure to follow the steps below:
•Always make sure that your camera has the latest firmware as listed on
www.amcrest.com/firmware
•Never use the default password for your camera. Always ensure that your
password is at least 810 characters long and contains a combination of
lowercase characters, uppercase characters as well as numbers.
Important Safeguards and Warnings
1．Electrical Safety
All installation and operation should conform to your local electrical safety codes.
The product must be grounded to reduce the risk of electric shock.
We assume no liability or responsibility for any fires or electrical shock caused by improper handling or installation.
2．Transportation Security
Heavy stress, violent vibrations, and excess moisture should not occur during transportation, storage, and installation
of the device.
3．Installation
Handle the device with care. Keep the device right side up.
Do not apply power to the camera before completing installation.
Do not place objects on top of the camera.

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4．Repair Professionals
All the examination and repair work should be done by qualified service engineers.
We are not liable for any problems caused by unauthorized modifications or user-attempted repair.
5．Environment
The camera should be kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, flammable materials, explosive substances,
etc.
This product should be transported, stored, and used only in the specified environments as stated above. Do not aim
the camera at a strong light source, as it may cause overexposure of the picture, and may affect the longevity of the
camera’s sensors.
Ensure that the camera is in a well-ventilated area to prevent overheating.
6. Operation and Maintenance
Do not touch the camera sensor or lens directly.
To clean dust or dirt from the lens, use an air blower or a microfiber cloth.
7. Accessories
Be sure to use only the accessories recommended by manufacturer.
Before installation, please open the package and check to ensure that all the components are present. Contact the
retailer that you purchased from, or Amcrest directly if anything is broken or missing in the package.
1 Features and Specifications
1.1 Overview
Amcrest provides an excellent digital surveillance product that can be useful to a wide variety of users. The camera
connects to any router and uses an internet connection to allow the user to access all of its functionality from many
internet connected devices. It’s easy to use and can be set up in a relatively small amount of time. It has various
functions such as recording, playback, and monitoring functionality and it synchronizes audio and video by default.
This camera adopts a high-quality design to achieve high levels of reliability and security. It can be configured to work
locally, as well as on a network. The camera works using a POE connection and interfaces with most networks through
the Ethernet port of your router.
1.2 Features
This camera has the following features:
•Network Access
This camera connects to a wide variety of routers to connect to the internet. Once setup, the camera can be accessed
remotely from a wide variety of internet connected devices, including PCs, iPhones, iPads, Android tablets, and
Android phones.
•Cloud Storage Functionality
This camera can record video and audio streams to the Amcrest Cloud service to enable long-term storage for
recordings. Amcrest Cloud also allows the user to easily find and download recorded video for playback from any
internet connected PC or Mac computer.
•Auxiliary Functions

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This camera has the ability to connect an external microphone as well as an external speaker. Each external device is
sold separately. The connections for these devices can be found on the dongle wire piece attached to the camera. For
more information on these features, please refer to section 3.4 Basic Wiring Overview.
•Advanced Network Protocol Support
This camera is UPnP compatible, and includes functionality for use with PPPoE, DDNS, and other protocols to allow
remote and local connection with a large variety of network hardware.
Note: There may be slight differences in functionality due to the existence of different product series.
IMPORTANT: Due to specific hardware limitations within your camera it is important to note that these devices will
not be able to automatically pan/tilt or pivot in either the app or via the web UI on a computer. For this reason, it is
imperative to make sure to mount the cameras properly and position them as efficiently as you can to the areas you
wish to monitor. All positioning actions to the camera will have to be performed manually.
2 Device Overview
The image below shows the structure of the camera:
The images below show the dimensions for the camera. The measurements are in millimeters (mm):
To access the reset button and to adjust the camera angle, use a Torx/Hex wrench to open the camera assembly by
removing the 3 screws.
For reference, a Torx/Hex screwdriver tip looks like this:

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3 Connection & Installation
This section provides information about the connection and installation of your camera.
3.1 Connection Guide
The camera initially should be connected via the following method:
Once connected to a PC or mobile device you will be able to configure the device to your network. For more
information.
3.2 Installation Guide
To install the camera on a ceiling or wall, please reference the below diagram as well as the steps:
Note: Prior to installation, please ensure that the installation environment can support at least 3x the weight of the
camera + bracket.
Note: Due to specific hardware limitations within your camera it is important to note that these devices will not be
able to automatically pan/tilt or pivot in either the app or via the web UI on a computer. For this reason, it is
imperative to make sure to mount the cameras properly and position them as efficiently as you can to the areas you
wish to monitor. All positioning actions to the camera will have to be performed manually.
To install the camera onto a wall, follow the steps below:

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1. Use a Torx/Hex wrench (included) to open the dome enclosure by unfastening the three inner hex screws on
enclosure.
2. Place the installation sticker on the wall or ceiling surface that you wish to mount your camera.
3. Using the X’s on the installation sticker, drill 3 holes to allow for the insertion of the included expansion bolts.
4. If the camera’s cable will be exiting through the wall or ceiling surface, please be sure to drill an exit hole and pull the
cable through.
5. If the camera’s cable will be exiting through the side of the camera, route the cable through the U-shaped channel on
the side of the enclosure.
6. Align the camera with the installation sticker, then line up the 3 screw holes in the camera pedestal to the three
plastic expansion bolts on the installation surface. Put the three included screws through the camera then insert them
into the expansion bolts firmly.
7. Adjust the camera in the position that you want it to be in, then reattach the dome body to the base of the camera.
Note: Range of lens: vertical (0°～+65°), horizontal (0°～+355°). When adjusting the camera into position, please
ensure that the camera’s enclosure does not block the image or cause reflection of
IR light.
3.3 MicroSD Card Installation Guide
To Install a microSD card into your camera, please refer to the step by step guide below:
Note: You will need to access the camera’s motherboard to insert the microSD card.
1. Remove the lens cover for the camera with the supplied wrench tool to access the motherboard.
2. Locate the provided microSD card slot on the motherboard and slide the clasp back to open.
3. Place the microSD card, into the provided microSD card slot gold pins down and close the clasp.
4. Slide the clasp forward to secure the microSD card to the pins and secure the clasp.
3.4 Basic Wiring Overview
On your device you will notice a pre-attached wire pigtail containing 5 wiring connections. These connections contain
a power adapter connection, an Ethernet connection, audio wires (I/O), and alarm wiring. This device comes equipped
with audio capabilities, the audio wiring is featured in the wire pigtail attached to this device. There are no built-in
speakers or microphones on this device. All audio for this device will be provided using external third-party devices
such as microphones and speakers.

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Power
The camera will require a basic 12V DC power adapter. This wire also has an optional
grounding (EARTH) wire for additional grounding of the unit.
Ethernet Port
This connection is used to transmit data from the router to the device via an Ethernet cable.
AUDIO IN
This connection allows for the connection of a single channel, external RCA microphone to be
utilized for this device. This can also be useful when setting up two-way audio for your
system.
AUDIO OUT
This connection allows for the utilization of a single channel, RCA speaker.
ALARM
This connection provides alarm in and alarm out features to an external alarm or security
system. The basic overview of these wires are as follows: 1Yellow: ALARM_IN1, 2Orange
ALARM_OUT1, 3Gray Alarm_GND (Ground)
4 Camera Access Setup
This section of the guide will provide the user with information on how to setup access to the camera through any of
the following methods.
4.1 Default Username and Password
To login to the system for the first time, use one of the following default username/password combinations. Once
you’ve successfully logged in, it is highly recommended to change the password for security reasons.
Username: admin
Password: admin
Note: Logging in for the first time will prompt the user to change the password to the admin account.
4.2 How to Setup the Camera
To make your experience with your Amcrest camera easy and simple, we've provided multiple ways to set up, view,
and operate your camera depending on your needs. Please follow the instructions on this page to set up your camera
in the way that works best for you.
4.2.1 Setting up Your Camera for the First Time
If you are setting up your camera for the first time, or you are setting up your camera for mobile viewing, please follow
the instructions as outlined on section 4.3. Using the Amcrest Cloud app or Amcrest View app on your smartphone or

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tablet, you can view your camera live from anywhere, and access features such as taking snapshots, creating
recordings, and more.
4.2.1 For Configuring Advanced Settings on Your Camera
If you would like to configure your camera to enable advanced features such as motion direction, e-mail alerts, FTP,
image adjustments, scheduling and more, please follow the instructions as outlined on section 4.4 (Desktop Access).
4.2.3 For Cloud Storage and Playback
Amcrest Cloud is our optional cloud storage and playback service which allows you to access recorded footage from
any device. We offer 4 hours of free storage for your first camera. Please follow the instructions as outlined on section
4.5 (Cloud Access) to sign up for our Amcrest Cloud service and get 4 hours of free storage.
4.2.4 For Quick Web Access to Your Cameras
AmcrestView.com is a web portal that allows you to view your cameras and recordings quickly and easily from
anywhere in the world using a web browser. Use AmcrestView.com if you need to simply check-in at a moment's
notice. If you would like to use AmcrestView.com, please follow the instructions outlined on section 4.6 (Web Access).
4.3 App Setup
Amcrest cameras can be used on your mobile device using the following apps:
•Amcrest Cloud
•Amcrest View Pro
Both apps are free and available in the App Store and Google Play store. Please note, each app requires an iOS 6.0 or
later version. Android will require a 3.0 or later version OS to run these apps.
For purposes of this guide, we will use iOS, though both apps. The App Interface may differ slightly from the
screenshots below as updates are released. Below, you'll find instructions on how to set up your camera up on the
Amcrest cloud app as well as the Amcrest View Pro app.
4.3.1. Amcrest Cloud App Setup
Amcrest Cloud allows you to access your device from anywhere in the world. Please note, you will need an Amcrest
Cloud account to proceed with Amcrest Cloud app setup. You can register for a cloud account in the Amcrest Cloud
app or from the Amcrest Cloud website at amcrestcloud.com
•Please make sure your camera is plugged into a power source and your Ethernet cable is connected from the camera
to your router.
•Make sure your camera and mobile device are on the same network during setup.
•To ensure the camera connects to the cloud, a reboot of your camera is recommended.
To add your camera onto the Amcrest Cloud app, follow these steps:
1. Download and open the Amcrest Cloud app from the App Store or Play Store.
Note: Connect your mobile device to the same network that your camera is on.
2. Register for an Amcrest Cloud account. To register click on Sign Up and fill out the form to complete registration.

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3. Tap on Add Camera
4. Give your camera a name (Ex. Garage, Living Room,
Kitchen, etc.) and tap Next to continue.
5. Scan the QR code on the back/side/bottom of
the camera or manually enter the camera’s serial
number into the Enter camera S/N (serial number)
field. Press Next to continue.
6. If you are adding a new camera that does not have a
set password the app will automatically detect that a
new camera is being added. Tap OK to proceed.

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7. Set a new password for your camera. The password
must be between 8 to 32 characters long and contain
only letters and numbers. When you have finished
setting the password for your camera, enter the
password again in the Confirm Camera Password
section. Tap Next to continue.
8. Confirm and adjust any needed settings for your
camera. When all settings have been confirmed, tap
Finish.
For more information about the Amcrest Cloud app and its features, visit amcrest.com/support
4.3.2. Amcrest View Pro Setup
To add your PoE camera to the Amcrest View Pro app follow these steps:
•Make sure your camera is plugged into a power source and your Ethernet cable is connected from the camera to your
router.
•Make sure your camera and mobile device are on the same network during setup.
1. Download and open the Amcrest View Pro app from the App Store or Play Store.

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2. Open the app and tap on the + symbol in the
middle of the screen to begin adding your PoE
device.
3. Tap on Add Device to add a new device to your
app.
4. Tap on PoE Camera
5. Next, select a connection type. Since we will be
setting up a basic P2P connection with the device,
tap on "P2P Connection" to continue.

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6. Scan the QR code on the back/side/bottom of
the camera or manually enter the camera’s serial
number into the Enter camera S/N (serial number)
field. Press Next to continue.
7. Give the camera a name (e.g. Garage, Kitchen,
Living Room, etc.) and provide the username and
password for your camera. The default username and
will be admin. Tap Start Live View to continue.
Note: You can tap on the icon to verify the
password.
Note: Android users, tap on Scan QR Code to access the QR code reader.
8. The app will prompt you to change the password.
Enter a password between 8 and 32 characters and
confirm the password. Press OK to continue.
9. Your camera is now set up and ready for use on the
Amcrest View Pro app. For more information about
Amcrest View Pro and its functionalities visit
amcrest.com/support
For more information about Amcrest View Pro and its functionalities visit amcrest.com/support
4.4 Desktop Access Setup
NPAPI plugins have been recently depreciated by most mainstream web browsers such as Google Chrome, Outlook,
and Firefox. Amcrest is pushing forward to create new and diverse ways for you to more easily access your devices

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from anywhere at any time. This document was created to provide a general overview and understanding on how to
best access your device from your computer.
4.4.1. Amcrest Surveillance Pro
Amcrest Surveillance Pro is an abbreviation for Professional Surveillance System. This software the most stable and
recommended method of accessing your devices from your computer. It is a free software provided by Amcrest that
can provide a means of accessing all your devices in one central location without the use of a plugin or web browser.
Note: Mac users, Amcrest Surveillance Pro currently functions as a 32-bit platform and may not be compatible with
certain 64-bit Mac operating systems.
Installation
To install the Amcrest Surveillance Pro software on your computer, please visit amcrest.com/downloads In the All
Downloads page you will notice separate sections for Mac OS and PC/Windows downloads for the free Amcrest
Surveillance Pro software. Click on the option that applies to your computer’s operating system to begin installing the
software.
To install the software, double click the Amcrest_Surveillance_Pro_Setup.exe to begin the installation.
Click Next to continue. Please read the End-User License Agreement (“EULA”) carefully and click the Accept radio
button when finished to agree. Once accepted, click the Next button to continue.

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Select the functions that you want to install with the software. You can choose to bundle the PC-NVR function with
the software. PC-NVR turns your computer into an NVR and will utilize your hard drive (HDD) on your PC to store and
access recorded video. To proceed with the installation, click Next.
Select the destination folder in which you would like recorded files to be retained. To choose a folder, click on the
Browse button and select the folder. Once a folder has been selected, click the Install button to begin installing the
software on your computer.

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Once the software has finished installing you will see a few options. You will have the options to view the release note
and run the Amcrest Surveillance Pro software. To view the release notes after pressing Finish select the Release note
checkbox. To begin running the software directly after pressing finish, select the Run Amcrest Surveillance Pro
checkbox. When complete, click the Finish button to proceed.

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Setting a Password
After the installation of the Amcrest Surveillance Pro software you will need to set an administrator password. This
password will be set password for the admin account on the software. When a valid password has been entered,
confirm the password in the Confirm Password field and click OK to continue.
Type the created password into the Password field on the next screen and click Login to log into the software. If you
do not wish to have to retype your password every time you log into the system, click on the Remember Password
checkbox. If you wish to exit the software, click Exit.
Main Interface Overview
When you first log into the software you will be taken to the main interface of the software.
Below is a description of the items listed in this menu.

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Menu
In this section you can view the home page icons and any currently open functions in the
software. Click the Add button to add a function icon to the top pane.
Settings Menu
This menu allows you to Search, Add, Delete, or Import, and Export settings of devices
connected to your network.
All Devices
This menu allows you to view all added devices associated with the software.
Adding Devices into Amcrest Surveillance Pro
To provide the highest efficiency and security when adding a device into the Amcrest Surveillance Pro software it is
highly recommended to add the device using a direct IP address as opposed to using a P2P connection. Using a direct
IP provides a direct connection to your device without the use of utilizing a P2P server.
Direct IP Connection
To begin adding a camera, you will need the IP address of the device. To obtain the IP address for your device, it is
recommended to download the Amcrest IP Config tool. To get the Amcrest IP Config tool, go to
amcrest.com/downloads and click on the IP Config software link for either PC/Windows or Mac OS. Launch the IP
Config tool and locate the IP address for your device. The IP address will be listed in the IP field of the software.
After locating the IP address in the Amcrest IP Config tool for the device, return to the Amcrest Surveillance Pro
software and click on the Add button.
In the add menu, enter a name you would like to assign to your device. In this example, we are using “Front Door
Camera”. Next, in the Method to add menu, use the default setting “IP/Domain”, then enter the IP address and port
number of the device being added. As a reminder, the IP and port number of the device can be located in the IP
Config software. The group name will then be applied as Default Group, then enter the user name and password for
your device. If this is the first time using your device, the default username and password will be admin. Click the
Save and Continue or Add buttons to proceed.

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Once the device has been properly added the added device will appear in the Device menu.
If the device is properly connected in the software, you will notice a icon in the Online Status field. If the
device is not connected properly, click on the online status will be red. To modify settings for your device, click on the
icon located in the Operation menu. This menu allows to rename the camera as well as change the port number,
username, and password. To update the password, remove the default password and type the new password in this
field. When done, click on Save to save the information for the device.

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Setting a Device to a Static IP
For security purposes it is highly recommended to set the camera to a static IP address. Setting your device to a static
IP will ensure the stability and the efficiency of your device while operating it in the Amcrest Surveillance Pro
software. To set your device to a static IP, click on the Home Page icon and navigate to the Device Config menu.
In the Organizations menu on the far left, click on the device you wish to modify. Then In the device configuration
menu, under General click on the Network icon to access the network settings for your device.
In the Network Settings menu, in the Mode section click on the Static radio button to set your device to a static IP.
Click Save and Apply to apply the network settings to your device.