Chime Doorbell Camera: Features, Benefits, and Best Models

The upsurge in popularity of doorbell cameras that work with chimes is largely due to their enhancement of security and convenience at home.

Other reasons people choose these chime camera doorbells include instant alerts, real-time monitoring, customizable alerts, and integration with other smart home devices. This article will give an overview of the chime doorbell camera, its selection criteria, ways to connect it to your existing chime, product recommendations, and frequently asked questions.

Overview of Chime Doorbell Camera

A wireless video doorbell camera with chime can be used with an existing wired doorbell and chime box. This has a camera, motion sensors, and a wireless transmitter in the doorbell button.

Once its button is pressed, it sets off to receive an impulse, which causes the chime to ring within the box. At the same time, it starts recording videos as well as sending alerts to your phone. Some models allow you to see a live video feed and talk to visitors via two-way audio.

The WiFi connection between your home’s router and chime doorbell cameras allows you to monitor them from anywhere. They are easy to install because no rewiring is needed. This device should replace your existing doorbell button, but it uses your internal wiring and the chime box.

Why Use Doorbell Camera with Chime?

There are several key reasons homeowners choose to install a video doorbell camera chime that works with their existing chime:

• Real-time monitoring - See who is at your door anytime through the live wireless doorbell camera with chime via your smartphone. This allows you to monitor deliveries, guests, or suspicious activity.
• Instant notifications - Get instant alerts when someone presses your doorbell so you never miss a visitor or package delivery.
• Customizable alerts - Set up motion zones and customize alerts so you’re only notified when needed.
• Smart home integration - View your doorbell camera feed on smart displays, sync with other security cameras, and unlock doors remotely.

What to Consider When Choosing a Doorbell Camera That Works with Existing Chime

When selecting a doorbell camera with chime to pair with your current wired chime, keep the following features in mind:

Video Quality

Look for 1080p HD resolution or higher for the best video quality. This will provide clear facial details so you can easily identify visitors, even at night or in low-light conditions. A wide field of view is also important to see packages fully on the ground.

Two-way Audio

Models with two-way audio allow you to speak to visitors. This is useful for answering the door remotely, speaking to delivery drivers, or warding off unwanted guests.

Look for clear audio without static or echoes. Noise cancellation features also help ensure smooth audio conversations.

Chime Types

First, determine if you have a mechanical or electronic chime. Mechanical chimes have a physical striker and bell, while electronic chimes use a speaker. Doorbell cameras are compatible with one or both types.

Matching the chime type ensures proper functioning. Also, consider the style and volume of the chime and whether the doorbell camera allows you to customize or mute the ringer.

Motion Detection

Choose customizable motion detection, so you only get alerts when needed. The Ring wireless doorbell camera with chime should be able to detect people and filter out other motions from passing cars or animals.

Alerts should be instant and go to all your devices. Intelligent alerts that detect packages, vehicles, and people are even more useful.

Sound Quality and Volume Control

The speaker and microphone quality should be clear, loud, and distortion-free for seamless audio interactions. Volume control allows you to adjust the doorbell ring and speaker as needed.

Installation and Setup

Look for DIY installation without rewiring or electrical work. The doorbell camera should connect directly to your WiFi network and allow easy mounting at your desired height. Simple in-app instructions make installation and setup quick and easy.

How to Connect Video Doorbell with Chime

Follow these steps to integrate your new camera doorbell with chime with an existing wired chime:

1. Turn off the power to your existing doorbell at the breaker.
2. Remove your old doorbell button and disconnect the wires.
3. Connect the chime wires from your doorbell to the doorbell camera mounting bracket terminals. Refer to the installation guide for correct wiring.
4. Mount your doorbell camera using the provided screws or adhesive. Position it at an optimal height and angle.
5. Restore power at the breaker and connect the doorbell camera to your WiFi network using the app.
6. Open the app to ensure you get a live video feed and hear the doorbell ring through the chime when pressed.
7. Adjust the app’s final settings, such as motion zones and alert tones. Your chime doorbell camera is now fully connected!

Best Wireless Doorbell Camera with Chime

When selecting the wireless doorbell camera with chime, there is no subscription that works with your existing chime, so the Reolink Video Doorbell WiFi (Smart 2K+) is an excellent option. This wireless camera doorbell with chime camera delivers crystal clear 2K+ 5MP video resolution for stunning image quality.

It has a wide 180°diagonal field of view to see the entire entryway, doorstep, and packages on the ground. An accurate person detection algorithm helps filter out false alerts from cars or animals. You can customize motion zones to target notifications to specific areas.

Two-way audio with noise cancellation allows clear conversations with visitors. The Reolink Smart 2K+ provides easy wiring to connect with the existing doorbell chime. Its IP65 weatherproof rating allows it to withstand heat, cold, rain, and dust. The Reolink app provides instant alerts, and you can choose between battery or wired power.

Reolink Video Doorbell (WiFi)

Smart 5MP Video Doorbell with Chime

5MP Super HD Day & Night, Person Detection, 2.4/5 GHz Dual-Band WiFi, 180° Diagonal Viewing Angle, Two-Way Audio, Rich Notification.

Learn More about Reolink Video Doorbell (WiFi)

FAQs

Will a doorbell camera work with an existing chime?

Most wireless doorbell cameras are designed to work with your existing doorbell wiring and chime. As long as the camera supports your chime type, you can connect it without replacing the chime.

What is a chime in a doorbell?

A doorbell chime is a device that sounds a tone when the doorbell button is pressed. Mechanical chimes use metal strikers and a bell, while electronic chimes use a speaker. The chime is wired to the internal doorbell wiring and is activated when the button completes the circuit.

What is the difference between a doorbell and a doorbell with chime?

A regular doorbell produces only a doorbell sound when pressed. A doorbell paired with a chime utilizes your existing internal wiring to activate an external chime device and the doorbell sound. The chime allows the doorbell ring to be heard in more distant areas of the home.

Conclusion

Doorbell cameras integrate with your preexisting wired chime and provide both convenience and safety. When choosing one, consider the quality of the video it records and smart features that make it function better.

The Reolink Video Doorbell model has HD video and smart notifications integrated into your chime. There are many choices, so you can find just the right doorbell camera to improve your home security.