Synology CC400W – The New Wireless Security Camera in Practice

The Synology CC400W is the latest addition to Synology’s own line of security cameras. In this review, we take a close look at the camera, focusing especially on its integration with Synology Surveillance Station, hardware, AI features, and practical usability.

First Impressions and Unboxing

The CC400W is Synology’s third camera and the first with WiFi support. While previous models (BC500 and TC500) were mainly aimed at outdoor use and robustness, the CC400W offers more flexibility. The camera is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use (IP65 rating), comes with a 5-watt USB-C power adapter, and has a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels at 30 fps. The field of view is 125°, and the night vision range is up to 10 meters—slightly less than previous models, but fitting for its compact design.

In the box, you’ll find the camera, a quick start guide, mounting hardware, and a compact USB-C power adapter. Notably, Synology does not include an SD card, even though the camera has an SD slot for edge recording.

License Policy and Integration with Surveillance Station

Synology NAS systems come standard with two free camera licenses for Surveillance Station. For additional cameras, you need to purchase separate licenses. An important advantage of the CC400W (and other Synology cameras) is that you do not need a separate license for these models. This makes it attractive to use multiple Synology cameras, especially if you already own a Synology NAS.

Installation and pairing with Surveillance Station are exceptionally smooth. The camera is fully integrated: features like edge recording, dual recording to the cloud (Synology C2 Surveillance), and advanced notifications work optimally within the Synology ecosystem.

CC400W Hardware & Ease of Use

The build quality of the CC400W is solid and feels premium. The camera is easy to install thanks to a magnetic mounting system, though it is still recommended to secure it with screws. The USB-C power supply allows you to use the camera even with a suitable power bank or solar panel, which adds to its flexibility.

The camera supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz WiFi. An Ethernet port is missing, which may be a drawback for some users, but given the target audience and intended use, the wireless setup is logical.

AI Functionality and Image Quality

The CC400W features AI functions such as person and vehicle detection, area detection, and motion analysis. This ‘edge AI’ runs directly on the camera and is mainly intended for quick detections and notifications. For more advanced analysis, such as facial recognition or license plate detection, a Synology DVA device is required.

Image quality is good, but not exceptional. Compared to other cameras in this price range, the image is slightly better than average, mainly thanks to the good lens and solid night vision. The live stream via the browser is a bit less sharp due to compression, but the recorded footage is of higher quality.

Edge Recording and Practical Test

A strong point is the edge recording function: in the event of a network outage, the camera saves footage locally on the SD card and syncs it as soon as the connection is restored. In practice, this works reliably, making the CC400W suitable for situations where network stability is not always guaranteed.

Security and Certifications

The camera supports WPA3 and meets important American security standards (NDAA/TAA). This is especially relevant for business users who must comply with strict regulations.

Conclusion

The Synology CC400W is a reliable, user-friendly WiFi security camera that stands out for its seamless integration with the Synology ecosystem. Installation is easy, the AI functionality is practical, and edge recording works as promised. For existing Synology users who want to expand their security system without hassle with licenses, this is an excellent choice. However, if you are looking for the very highest image quality or advanced PTZ features, there are alternatives to consider.

Pros:

• Seamless integration with Synology Surveillance Station
• No extra license required
• Solid build quality and flexible placement
• Reliable edge recording
• Low power consumption (suitable for power banks/solar panels)

Cons:

• No SD card included
• Image quality ‘above average’, but not top-tier
• Only 2 years warranty

All in all, the CC400W is especially interesting for those already in the Synology ecosystem who value convenience and reliability. Contact Innocam about Synology CC400W pricing and availability.