Quick answer
A bulb camera screws into an ordinary E27 bulb holder, takes power from the light fitting, and connects to your Wi-Fi so you can view and talk through a phone app (often V380). Most pan and tilt and record to a microSD card. They're cheap and quick to fit indoors, but the light switch must stay on, they rely on Wi-Fi, and they aren't weatherproof or as reliable as a wired system.
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Shop all camera products →Key takeaways
- Fits a standard E27 bulb holder.
- Needs the switch left ON and Wi-Fi coverage.
- Records to microSD; some offer cloud.
- Good for indoor rooms, shops and stores.
- Not a replacement for outdoor wired CCTV.
01Pros and cons
Pros
Cheap
No wiring
Pan, tilt and two-way audio
Phone viewing
Cons
Switch must stay on
Wi-Fi dependent
Indoor or sheltered only
Basic security of cheap apps
02Setting one up
- 01Fit a microSD cardBefore screwing it in.
- 02Screw into a bulb holderLeave the switch on; label it so nobody switches it off.
- 03Install the appUsually V380 Pro; follow the QR or hotspot pairing.
- 04Connect to 2.4 GHz Wi-FiMost bulb cameras don't support 5 GHz.
- 05Change the default passwordSet a strong device password in the app.
Step by step: V380 camera setup.
03Use it lawfully
WarningDon't place cameras in bathrooms, bedrooms of others, changing areas or pointing into a neighbour's property. See hidden cameras and the law in Kenya.
For outdoor and business use, a wired system is the better buy. See best CCTV cameras in Kenya.
04Frequently asked questions
Does a bulb camera give light too?
Many models include a lamp; check whether it's a real light or just night-vision LEDs.
Does a bulb camera work without Wi-Fi?
It can record to the memory card, but you can't view it on your phone without Wi-Fi.
Can I use it outside?
Only in a sheltered spot; most aren't weatherproof.
