Using the Yi Action camera as an indoor live camera

The Yi Action cameras size and affordability makes it a useful indoor camera in-between vacations or adventure trips. Since the cameras functions are managed using the Android/iOS app, you can use ChromeOS, Linux, or a virtual machine of Android for x86 to perform tasks from your laptop to make time lapse videos or periodic snapshots of a specific location.

Note: Im aware that there are custom software written by enthusiasts that not only improve video capture ability and functionality of the Yi. Moreover, the same software available for setting up the Raspberry Pi as a remote camera (a fork or modified version of Raspbian) can be used for managing Yi Action cameras. If youre interested in trying them out, there are plenty of sites that offer excellent tutorials regarding implementing this route.

However, even if you dont have the time or interest in configuring an advanced set up for the Yi, you can still set the device up as a simple camera to record events in a limited space. The product isnt a long-term solution if you have specific security requirements, but the hardware is more than adequate for quick drop-in situations.

The following are a few considerations for performing this task:

1. The startup guide explicitly adds that the battery must be removed before using the Yi Action camera as a car dashboard camera, and the same applies if you will use it as an indoor live camera. Although the Yi Action camera is solidly built, it does become warm when the product is on for an extended amount of time.

Remove the battery and plug the Yi to a power source using a micro USB cable. The rear LED remains on when the micro USB is the main power source.

2. The Yi cameras included micro USB cable is short for a reason. Its not designed for data, but charging the device. You can use a slightly longer micro USB cable, particularly if youre mounting your camera in an inconspicuous location. Its not recommended that you use extremely long micro USB cables to power the Yi camera however. Moreover, ensure that the cable fits firmly into the micro USB port at the back of the camera to prevent it from popping out due to any vibration or movement.

3. The Yi has wide-angle lense so positioning the camera to encompass as much of the space is important. Moreover, make sure its in a place free from moisture or any gas that might cause the lens to fog up over time.

Propped up on a window sill, the Yi Action camera recorded a time lapse of my old work area during my brief trip to the toilet.

4. Although you can certainly put the Yi on top of a table or flat surface as it takes snapshots, a tripod or bendable tripod is recommended since its size makes it easy to fall off or vulnerable to vibrations from motors, engines, and refrigerator coils.

5. If you are using the Yi app for recording time lapse, videos, or photos, take note of the limitations regarding recording time, image size, and file size. You are limited to the size of the micro SD card and the settings on the app for configuring capture ope rations. Also, even without a battery inside the product, the device still follows power saving options configured from the app. The device will power off as defined by the app. Change the settings as needed.

For additional details regarding using the Yi app, refer to the article Yi Action Camera in Practice.