I own two HC-801LTE cameras and one HC-810LTE camera. Like the name indicates, all these cameras are LTE cellular cameras using the Quectel EC25 series LTE Cat 4 module. Quectel EC25 delivers maximum data rates up to 150Mbps downlink and 50Mbps uplink. These are some of the most budget-friendly LTE cellular cameras out there. I paid about 100 EUR per camera.
HC-801LTE (left) and HC-810LTE (right)
The cameras are identical in size and the only thing that looks different is the front side.
The basic configuration can be done from the camera. LTE configuration is best to do from PC application and then copy the configuration to SD-card.
Both of these models have quite similar specs.
HC-801LTE - http://www.cnsuntek.com/en/p_details.aspx?code=07&id=94
HC-810LTE - http://www.cnsuntek.com/en/p_details.aspx?code=07&id=101
Although HC-810LTE specs claim a 9V external battery, I’m running all three cameras with 12V external batteries.
Problems
They have stopped sending pictures after some time and the only way to get them send again is to restart them.
The IR LEDs do not cover the whole frame during nighttime.
I noticed fog inside the lens on one of the cameras.
Cameras do not update their date and time from the cellular network.
SMS commands
Both cameras support SMS commands.
*530* - Camera Start Start Working
*531* - Camera Sleep Stop Working
*500* - Camera takes a picture, then sends it to configured phone or email
*520* - Get Pic information. The camera sends a text with a picture number, SD card capacity, battery level.
Sample gallery
HC-801LTE sample pictures
HC-810LTE sample pictures
Conclusion
The daytime pictures are good. Nighttime pictures could be better. The IR LEDs do not cover the whole frame and the edges are dark. I have considered covering up the edge motion sensors and use only a center (60 degrees) motion sensor so the animal would be more in the middle when the camera is triggered. The camera is also capable to send up to 30-second video via email. The video quality is good.
Would I buy more of these cameras? No. The point for LTE cellular cameras is that they can be deployed to remote locations for months. If these cameras need a restart every once in a while it would defeat the purpose of the cellular camera. Maybe this will be fixed in the future with a firmware update. But in general, I’m keeping eye on Suntek cameras as most offer very good value. Their non-cellular model cost as low as 40 euros. I have some of their non-cellular models also - HC-801A, HC-801B, and HC-810A.