The Mintion Beagle V2 Camera is an upgrade of the first-gen Beagle camera released before this one. It has been improved with new features that 3D printing enthusiasts will definitely appreciate.
This will be a simple review of the Mintion Beaglecam V2. We will be going through its features, specifications, unboxing, and assembly process, benefits, downsides, and more. So stay tuned to figure out whether this device is the one for you.
Check out the video below I made of the Beaglecam V2 in action.
Let’s start with the features.
Features of the Mintion Beagle V2 Camera
Adjustable Manual Focus
Dual-Band WiFi connectivity
Easy to Setup and Use
Remote Control and Monitoring
Various Timelapse modes
Night Vision with Color
Upgraded RAM
Wide Range of Compatibility
Improved Design
Tripod
Adjustable Manual Focus
One of the key features added to the Beagle camera is the ability to manually focus on an object. The Beagle camera comes with an adjustable lens that allows you to focus on your subject, allowing you to get the best out of the 1080p resolution.
With this, you can rest assured that you get crisp pictures and high-quality timelapse videos from the camera. This feature also allows you to use digital zoom to inspect the print’s details remotely to ensure the print is going as planned.
Dual-Band WiFi Connectivity
Another key feature added to the Beagle V2 camera is the dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity. This means that it can function on both the 2.4 and 5GHz frequency levels, unlike the first-gen Beagle camera that only works on the 2.4GHz frequency level.
As a result, you can easily harness the benefits that a dual-band router will offer like higher internet speeds and robust internet connection.
One thing to note is that most devices make use of the 2.4GHz bandwidth which can lead to oversaturation or congestion on the network. However, since the Beagle V2 camera has dual-band connectivity, you can easily make use of the 5GHz bandwidth to ensure less interference from other devices.
Easy to Set Up and Use
The Beagle V2 camera is very easy to set up and use. Once you have unboxed its contents, you only need to connect the camera to power and your 3D printer. You don’t need to take apart your 3D printer to install, unlike other 3D printer cameras like OctoPrint and Raspberry Pi.
Upon setting up, you have the option of controlling the camera either with its app or from your browser. It has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for anyone to operate, even if you have never used one before.
Remote Control and Monitoring
This camera not only allows you to view your prints in real-time from any location, but it also grants you control over your 3D printer.
You can view your prints using your phone by downloading the app or copying the camera’s IP address onto your home computer or tablet to monitor your prints.
Also, you can easily check for other information during printing like the number of layers completed, the temperature of your printbed and hotend, etc. Once your print is completed, Beagleprint will send a notification to alert you.
Aside from the monitoring, you can also perform certain actions remotely on your 3D printer. The beagle camera allows you to upload your G-Code directly from your local or cloud storage and print.
You can also perform various tasks which include heating your printbed and hotend, pausing prints, controlling the XYZ axis and extruder, adjusting printing parameters, and changing fan speed during printing from the Beagleprint app.
Various Timelapse Modes
It also has various timelapse modes that you can toggle between to get your preferred shot. There are four different modes which include:
Clean Timelapse Video
Normal Timelapse Video
Beagle UV Timelapse
Timer Timelapse Video
In the Clean Timelapse Video Mode, your camera records your print automatically in layers. It does this by stopping the print after each layer to take a quick picture. While taking the picture, it moves the hotend out of view to capture only the model.
This allows the printer to compile the images and create a video of the model being built layer by layer. However, this mode causes the model to print for longer periods than normal.
For Normal Timelapse Video Mode, the camera will capture the image when one layer is finished, but won’t move the hot end and hotbed. It will show the hot end in timelapse video, unlike in clean timelapse video mode.
The Beagle UV Timelapse Mode is created just for resin prints. Here the camera needs to work with a UV sensor to make the video. With a UV sensor, the camera will capture the image when getting the signal from the UV sensor.
If you just want to make timelapse videos without connecting the printer, you can switch to the Timer Timelapse Video Mode. Here, you can just set the timing to capture as a camera to make a timelapse video. This is useful for 3D printers that can’t connect to the camera, or for making timelapses outside of 3D printing such as a starry sky or a garden.
Night Vision with Color
Just like the first Mintion Beagle camera, the V2 camera also comes with a night vision mode. It means you can monitor and create a time-lapse video in black and white.
The video is also very sharp in black and white, but Beagle went a step further, and you can also view your video in a dark room with colors. The camera does this by concentrating small lights in the print’s direction to light up the area.
This feature can help you save on light bills by switching them off when not present.
Upgraded RAM
For a better working experience, the camera’s RAM has been upgraded. The new Beagle V2 camera now comes with 1GB RAM as opposed to the 512MB present in the first-generation Beagle camera.
This ensures that the camera can work much smoothly without any issues. As a result, It should be able to handle simultaneous tasks much easier. For example, remotely managing multiple 3D printers in the app at the same time.
Wide Range of Compatibility
It’s compatible with most Marlin firmware 3D printers. While the Beagle camera was already compatible with a host of 3D printers, the number of 3D printers compatible with the Beagle V2 camera is much higher.
Mintion updates its firmware regularly, sometimes as often as once every two weeks. The updates don’t only solve bugs but also update the printers that work with the Beagle camera automatically.
After connecting the camera to your 3D printer, you need to choose your 3D printer’s model from the list of available printers. Selecting the right 3D printer is very important so that your printer does not run into problems when trying to control or monitor your 3D printer.
Also, you can customize your print settings on the application if your printer isn’t on the list.
Improved Design
There is an improved design that definitely stands out. Its new design boasts a refined and more compact design, making it even more portable and versatile for various applications. Its sleek profile enhances both aesthetics and functionality, unlike the first gen Beagle camera which is much chunky.
Tripod
The Beagle V2 camera comes with a portable tripod that helps improve the quality of videos taken. This simple accessory included in the box helps to ensure the camera’s stability and provides support for the camera.
It allows you to take steady shots by keeping your camera securely in place, eliminating accidental movement. It also prevents wobbles caused by vibrations along the printer’s axes if it were to be mounted on the printer’s body.
With this tripod, you can set up the camera to the specific height you want whilst also being able to adjust the focus. This ensures consistent composition, ensuring that every shot is done just as you imagined, especially when capturing long exposure shots or creating time-lapse videos.
Specifications of the Mintion Beagle V2 Camera
Video Resolution: 1080p
Video Compression: H.264/MJPEG
Auto-Time-Lapse: Yes
Frame Rate: Up to 25fps
Chipset: V300
RAM: 1GB
RJ45 Extension: Yes
Night Vision: Yes
Wi-Fi: 2.4/5GHz
Compatibility: Marlin 3D Printers and Slicers
Operation: Application, Browser
Connection To Printer: USB cable
Files Storage: Micro SD card (32 Gigabytes)
3D Printer Files: G-Code
3D Printer Temperature Monitoring: Yes
Power Source: DC 5V 1A
Camera Box Size: 18×9.5×16.5cm
Temperature Monitor: Yes
Gross Weight: 500g
Benefits of the Mintion Beagle V2 Camera
Very easy to set up. You can go from unboxing to taking time-lapse videos in no time.
Remote control and monitoring on your devices from any location in the world using the BeaglePrint app or from your browser.
Compatibility with a wide range of 3D printers.
Upgraded RAM for a smoother working experience.
Increased video stability due to the tripod included in the box.
The adjustable lens helps to properly focus on the model being printed to ensure that you can see if the print is going as planned.
Dual-band WiFi connectivity for better network connectivity when streaming your prints remotely.
Downsides of the Mintion Beagle V2 Camera
The camera doesn’t know how to handle power loss during printing.
It’s slightly expensive.
Firmware updates are buggy and can cause issues.
It cannot be remotely turned off.
Customer Reviews of the Mintion Beagle V2 Camera
Many users who have gotten the Mintion Beagle V2 camera have been quite pleased with the way it has performed so far.
One user stated that he was hesitant to switch to the Beagle V2 since he already had another camera he had been using that gave him issues during printing. After he switched he was thoroughly impressed with the connection and control with the Beagle V2.
He absolutely loved it and recommends the Beagle V2 to prospective buyers. However, he stated that the only change he would like to see is remote power off for the printer.
Another user stated that the Beagle V2 camera is a vast improvement over the version 1. He said it’s super easy to set up and had it up and running in less than 20 minutes. It made viewing and controlling his printers remotely so easy, highly recommend it.
This user who got the Mintion Beagle V2 loved it very much. He said that the video quality is excellent and was able to make some very nice timelapse videos.
Although, he encountered some problems with print quality, but most of them were resolved after following the instructions. Also, he said that the support team is very responsive, and he got prompt replies to every question he asked. Excellent value for money.
Check out Ricky Impey’s review video on the Mintion Beagle V2 camera.
Unboxing and Assembly of the Mintion Beagle V2 Camera
The unboxing and assembly process was relatively straightforward. It comes in a well-packaged box weighing about 500g, thanks to the new accessories added in the box.
On opening the box, you’re greeted with some stickers and the manual which tells you everything you need to know to get the camera running. After taking out the stickers and the manual, you can now take out the camera and other accessories included in the box.
I recommend taking out the individual pieces and laying them on the table to ensure all the parts are available. Upon emptying the contents of the box, you should have the following:
Beagle V2 Camera
Power Cable and Adapter
Tripod
Micro SD card
Operating Manual
USB cable for connection to the Printer
Stickers
Unlike the first-generation Beagle camera that comes with a separate reset pin, the V2 has its reset button on the side of the camera. So, be careful not to touch it except when necessary.
Steps to Setup the Beagle V2 Camera
The next step is to set up the camera, which is relatively easy. You can take the following steps to set up your Beagle V2 camera:
Plug the power into the camera; it will take several minutes to connect. You will get a voice prompt telling you it’s ready for connection.
Once you hear the tone, use the camera to scan the QR code in the manual for the device (Android, iOS) to download it.
Create a user profile by signing up with your username and password.
After creating your user profile, launch the app.
Click on the “add device” icon on your device and then click on the “QR scan connection” option. Wait for the voice notification that says “Camera is ready for voice connection”.
On the screen, check the box “Yes, I heard the voice” and select next
Input your Wi-Fi name and password, then connect to either the “2.4GHz or 5GHz Wi-Fi network” and click on next.
A QR code will appear on your screen. Place the camera in front of your device and wait for a beep. Once you hear the beep, you are ready to connect. Click on “I heard the beep prompt sound” and click next.
After a few seconds, you should get a voice notification that says “Successfully connected to the WiFi”.
You can now connect your 3D printer to the camera using the USB cable provided or any other cable that will work.
At this point, your Beagle V2 camera is ready to create stunning timelapse videos and provide real-time monitoring for your prints.
Also, you will need to mount the camera on the tripod provided, adjust the lens, and find the best position to place the tripod to get great shots.
Check out this video from Mintion Official for a more detailed guide on how to set up the Beagle V2 camera.
Verdict – Worth Buying or Not
The Beagle V2 camera is a wonderful 3D printing accessory that I would recommend for both 3D printing newbies and experienced hobbyists. Its blend of basic and advanced features sets it as great value for money, especially when you compare it with other cameras in the market.
Michael Dwamena is the founder of 3D Printerly, a platform dedicated to simplifying 3D printing for hobbyists and professionals alike. Owns over 20 3D printers (filament and resin) and has plenty experience 3D printing. Michael has authored over 900 articles, helping millions navigate the exciting world of 3D printing.
Reading Time: 11 minutes 
