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If you are looking to spruce up the security of your castle, without breaking the bank, look to Toucan. Enjoy various mounting options, a sleek/attractive design, wireless setup, a 6500 mAh rechargeable battery, and intuitive App integration. Personalize the setup and place the device where you want. Talk through two-way communication, emergency call 911, use a few prerecorded statements, and monitor your world.

After experiencing a driveway car break-in early in my adult life, I knew that I wanted more eyes on my property.  As I got married, started to have children, grew into my family, and worked long hours away from home, I wanted options to monitor and interact with my kids/wife.  Some may opt for a hub-based monitored system or perhaps a wired system, while some may want a do-it-yourself, modular system like the options from Toucan.  Luckily Toucan has several monitoring options to protect your home, office, rental, or even a vacation home

The Toucan Wireless Outdoor Camera arrived in a 6 1/2 inches wide by 4 3/4 inches tall by 2 1/2 inches thick retail package.  The cover panel showcased a large slightly raised, glossy image of the camera upon a blurred green foliage background.  The company name/logo was displayed at the top left of the panel and provided a nice contrast against the background. 

I was impressed with the design of the cover, the company logo, and the layout of the information.  The lower edge of the panel provided the generic “Wireless Outdoor Camera” name, and a raised glossy image of a smartphone using the Toucan App, while six product defining tabs were present along the left edge of the panel: 1. Magnetic Mount for Easy Adjustment, 1080P Full HD video, Built-in Rechargeable Battery, Easy Wire Free Setup, Videos Encrypted for Privacy, Free 24 Hr Video History.  

The right side panel provided the company name/logo at the top of the panel, a labeled image of the phone App (wide angle live feed, pre-recorded messages, two-way talk, siren alarm, call emergency services, photo capture, video capture), and dual QR codes linking to the iOS or Google Play Store. 

The rear emergency-cone orange-colored panel provided the company name/logo along the top of the panel, twelve product icons (IP56 waterproof, PIR motion detection, night vision, instant notification, instant live feed, two-way talk, siren alarm, wireless connection, call emergency, no hub required, pre-recorded messages, access anywhere), and a pictorial representation of the three-step setup process (attach, pair, connect).

Lastly, the white-colored top panel provided the company name/logo, while the dark gray bottom panel provided information about the limited warranty, manufacturing labels, SKU barcodes, and a list of the packaging contents (Toucan wireless outdoor camera, screw, and anchors, magnetic mount, charging cable, quick start guide and adhesive tape).  Overall, I was pleased with the packaging experience, with the photo-quality imagery, the labeled diagrams, and the lists of product features.

I slid the inner white box out of the outer packaging, lifted the lid, and removed the Toucan surveillance placard/customer support package, a plastic-wrapped black surgical mask, the half-pill-shaped camera, and an accessory box.  The 7.9-ounce Toucan camera, measured 3 1/4 inches long by 2-3/4 inches tall by 2-inches wide and had the Toucan name/logo printed in grey font onto each side of the camera.

The top panel had a 1 1/8 inches wide by 1/2 inches tall grey-rubber access port, while the bottom panel had a 5/8 inches wide by 5/16 inches tall grey-rubber micro-USB access port.  The accessory box housed a 1.4-ounce, 1 13/16 inches wide by 2 3/16 inches tall by 7/8 inches thick white/grey-colored magnetic attachment bracket, a sheet of 3M tape, a 20 inches long USB-A to USB-micro cable,  and a zipper style bag with wall attachment hardware (#2 grey wall anchors, #1 green wall anchor, #2 7/8 inches long by 1/16 inches wide flat-head screws, and #1 3/4 inches long by 3/32 inches wide round head screw).  

I plugged the micro-USB cable between the bottom of the camera and a standard 5V/2.4A output adapter and immediately noted a flashing red LED at the front of the camera.  After about five seconds, the light flashed blue, while the camera vocalized “The device is initializing” in a deep robotic female voice.  The light returned to a deep red color and resumed charging. 

As the device charged, I opened the instruction manual bag, removed the two orange/white octagonal Toucan stickers, the limited warranty page (full of legalese), and reviewed the Thank You Card with web address information and QR code links to Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, App/Play Store, and chat, and then perused the Quick Start Guide. 

I liked that the panel matched the color scheme of the outer packaging and that the product started with a brief display of the package contents.  The second panel provided a helpful “Get to know” panel that displayed the magnetic base mount, the features of the camera (camera lens, microphone, light sensor, motion sensor, LED indicator), the contents of the included ports (set/power upper port and USB-micro lower charging port).  

The subsequent panels provided a helpful setup and installation step-by-step display.  I scanned the QR code, linked it to the App Store, downloaded the 4.5* Toucan Smart Home App, and followed the step-by-step setup process.  After about thirty seconds, the App was ready to open. 

During that time, I applied the 3M adhesive to the back of the magnetic base. I cleaned the surface of the vinyl siding with a damp washcloth (70%water/30% white vinegar), let the surface dry, and then affixed the magnetic base to the surface.  I loved that they included three different mechanisms for installation.  If attaching the device to drywall, flat wood, vinyl, or door frames, you can use the included 3M tape.  If needed, you can choose to use the rear picture style hanger or the dual plug-accessible mounting points. 

I made sure the vinyl was dry, affixed the mounting bracket, waited 24 hours, and then applied the camera to the base.  Interestingly, I found a bonus method of attachment that was not mentioned.  Thanks to the strong magnetic base, you can mount your camera to a metallic surface like a door or a toolbox.  The camera’s rounded, metallic back plate encompassed approximately 1/3 of the entire device. The mount was affixed securely to the metallic plate and provided a robust, posable experience.  If the mounting bracket will not work for your given project/location, you can use the 1/4 inches diameter screw with a standard camera or GoPro Mounts.  

The App setup process proved to be rather simple.  I provided the App with permission for notifications, selected North America as the requested region, and then clicked “Proceed.” I tapped “Create A New Account,” entered my demographics, and password confirmed the password, and then clicked the register button.  The App sent an email to my chosen location, I confirmed the email, returned to the App, and then re-entered my email/password.

Each of these steps proved to be rather intuitive and required little in the realm of tech knowledge.  The subsequent grey screen recommended reading the installation guide prior to adding the device and linking to the page online.  I selected the large “+” to add the new device and found a few options to choose from amongst Wireless Outdoor Camera, Security Light Camera, Wireless Doorbell, Sconce Light, or Light Bar. 

I selected the Wireless Outdoor Camera, chose a name for the device (Front Porch, Driveway, Backyard, or Custom), allowed location only when using the App, activated Bluetooth, and then set up the network.  When I attempted this step with my WiFI turned off, the setup failed.  I believe that was the only step that may cause some hiccups for users.  The App did not warn me that my WiFi was turned off until the process failed.  There were a few tidbits of information after they fail that will help others to return to the setup process and should help with pairing.  

I activated my phone WiFi, entered the network Password, selected “Next,” and the App took me to another panel. I opened the top access panel, pressed the setup button for 3 seconds, and the device again announced that it was initialized, followed by “Set up is in progress.” 

After approximately ten seconds, the camera noted “connection succeeded, you can use your device now.”  I was impressed with the speed of the connection and with the easy setup process. I closed the camera’s top access port, attached the camera to the magnetic base, and then noted that the App requested a  firmware update from 0.02.070 to 0.02.073.  After waiting through the five-minute update, I opened the app, allowed access to the microphone, to photos, and then walked through the tutorial panels.  

The main app panel showed the clock at the top left, the LTE/5G/WiFi/battery, then a “?” App tutorial icon, a link to download/buy the Pro setup ($2.99/month/$29.99 per year), the Toucan Name, an envelope/mail icon, and “+” icon to add devices.  Beneath the row of buttons, you will find the list of cameras with active displays for those that are online. 

Along the bottom of the panel, you will find a generic watermark house image and three icons: Dashboard, Events, and Settings.  To access the camera, tap the large image on the screen. The camera link will open and provide a large active view at the top 1/2 of your phone/tablet screen.  You can tap the four corner icon at the bottom of the picture to turn to landscape and back to regular view or press the microphone button to mute the speaker.  The camera will provide options for 2 way communication, and the speaker output was rather loud.  I did not find a way to decrease or adjust the volume of the speaker output throughout the testing process. 

The lower segment of the app had five small buttons and one large mute microphone button.  From left to right, you can tap the thought bubble to select one of four preset phrases (Hello, who is it?, How can I help you?, No soliciting, thank you, Dog Barking), a record button, a snapshot button, an SOS button (call 911), and an alarm button.  I was impressed with the App, with the layout, the buttons, and the camera/app integration. 

At first, I did not think that I would like the preset phrases, but I found that I was disappointed that there were so few options to choose from.  Instead of giving your own voice, you can tap the preset and the robot voice will interact with the camera target.  If you tap the cog icon at the top of the panel, you can adjust the settings, change the name, toggle do not disturb (motion notifications) mode, toggle schedule mode, adjust the time zone, toggle video date/time stamp, change night vision (auto, always on, always off), adjust motion detection (max, high, med, low), turn on/off motion sensor with snooze schedule, turn on/off the camera LED, adjust motion zones, activate/reactive emergency call, evaluate network settings, and activate/reactive auto greeting. 

I was impressed with the size, shape, design, and features of the ~$100 Toucan camera and the integration with the Toucan App.  The free App provided a majority of the features, which should be perfect for most users.  If you want unlimited video downloads, an adjustable siren duration, extended recording video duration, custom event recording times, more users, video in the video, and holiday auto greetings, the $2.99 pro or the $9.99 Elite plans may be worth it to you.  The highlight of the review had to be the magnetic base and the various installation methods (3M, anchor/screw), and the bonus ability to stick to metallic doors, craftsman toolboxes, or to my car. 

I added a segment of soft Velcro to the back of the base and was able to install several hook segments to move the base to various locations.  I used the camera as a baby monitor while my daughter was sleeping, then stuck the camera to my metallic front door to monitor for motion on the stairs.  I stuck the base to my Craftsman toolbox to monitor the kids playing in the garage and used it on the basement door to watch for visitors/motion. Interestingly, the magnet was strong enough to attach to my metal door with the single strand of Velcro strip attached to the base.   

The Toucan camera came with a 6500mAh built-in rechargeable battery and was built to survive the outdoor elements.  The wireless setup meant that I did not have to drill holes, did not have to position the device close to an outlet, and allowed for a greater degree of personalization.  Some may find the need to charge the device an annoyance, however, I found that I only needed to charge the device once weekly.  

The notifications provided updates as the motion was detected, I was able to communicate through two-way-chat and could activate the loud alarm, or call 911 through the App. The convenient magnetic base allowed for a nearly infinite level of customized positioning.  To continue the praise for the device, the two-way communication, quality night mode imagery, emergency contact, and siren/signals proved to be quite impressive. 

The Toucan camera proved to be more than a simple outdoor camera, and the name limited the scope of its abilities. Despite all of the positive features mentioned above, the only complaint that I found was that they only included a single base.  

For more information, visit toucansolution.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

I am a father of 4, a full-time physician, movie-fan, Cub Scout Leader, part-time gamer and I have a touch of the prepper. I absolutely love science and tech. My goal is to ensure I get the best product and price. My kids and I love games on our Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Oculus Quest, Pokemon GO and anything superhero.

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