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It’s true that back in the day, things were a lot simpler. Doorbells were just doorbells and floodlights were just floodlights. However, with the advances in technology that we have reached, it’s just natural for us to explore new ways to make stuff more useful. And with the reception of the Ring doorbells, it shows that a lot of people welcome the change.

In addition to their smart and multi functional doorbells, Ring also introduced their upgraded version of a security device. Half floodlight, half surveillance camera, and a whole home protection device, the Ring Floodlight Camera promises to add another layer of safety, convenience, and functionality to your property.

If you’re interested in knowing more about this item, read our in depth review below.

A Detailed Review of the Ring Floodlight Camera

Design and Features

True to Ring’s branding, the Ring Floodlight Camera looks exactly like what it is: a floodlight with a camera. It has two bulbs on each upper hand corner with a rectangular camera in the bottom middle on a circular base.

It will remind you somewhat of the classic emergency lights of old, except this one has a more modern silhouette. The camera also looks like a contemporary camera that reminds us of small loudspeakers, so it’s still pretty easy to tell that it’s not your regular floodlight.

Available in black and white bodies, you can choose which one will suit your property’s exteriors and architecture better. Lots of folks choose black to be less conspicuous while others like the white option as they look clean and maybe even have a decorative purpose in some modern homes.

Setup and Usage

What makes this product a hit is its simple installation. Like other IP home security cameras, you can set up the Ring Floodlight Cam within minutes even if you are not tech-savvy. You just need to download the app, power on the camera, connect it to the app, and then connect the device to your wireless network. Its app prompts will guide you in taking the steps to get everything done, making the installation a breeze.

However, since this is a wired device, you will need to connect it to a power source to keep it running. Doing this will most likely be trickier so some experts recommend hiring professionals to do the installing and electrical wiring if you’re not adept at such a task.

The usage of the camera itself is simple, too. Once it’s set in place, you don’t really have to do a lot with the main unit as its functionalities are accessed through the app. Because of this, it’s important to get the position properly the first time around so you don’t have to move it around anymore.

Video Quality

The images this camera records are of great quality. They’re sharp and clear but can have some distortion on the outer edges of the shot. With a 140-degree field of view, however, you can already cover a fantastic amount of coverage so you won’t really lose much in your footage.

Track and Zoom

Despite its price, this product doesn’t have a tracking feature so you can’t count on that. It has 6x digital zoom, however, so you can still get to see up close at the details of the scenes your camera has recorded.

Audio Quality

The quality of the Floodlight camera’s audio is also reliable. You can use it to record voices and sounds alongside your videos or for a clear two-way talk. It works like an intercom, so if you need something like such, this can be a solid pick.

To help guests and visitors feel more secure about their privacy, Ring recently rolled out its Audio Off Toggle feature which will let you manually turn the audio recording on. As a result, your guests don’t have to worry about having their conversations recorded.

The 110 dB siren is also noteworthy. It’s loud enough to distract and scare off intruders and to alert neighbors and residents about them.

Motion Detection

As the key component of the Ring Floodlight Camera, you can expect this item’s motion sensor to be top-notch. It is as it responds very quickly to getting woken up and will immediately notify you, start recording, and turn on the light (if you set it up as such).

To get accurate alerts and minimize false alarms, you can effectively tweak its settings. You can set it to only go off when humans are present and not animals, vehicles, or insects. You can also adjust its sensitivity level so it won’t get easily tripped by every moving thing within its range.

It also has motion zones that you can access and set in the app. With this feature, you can select a certain portion of the screen and limit the alerts to movements made in the specified area. By choosing an area that intruders will easily pass through, you will have better odds tho reduce the number of false alerts.

Floodlights

The 3000° Kelvin LED lights are also worth noting as they contribute to the overall performance of this device. You can configure them to be motion or manually triggered, so they’re rather versatile. They’re also pretty bright so you can be sure to effectively illuminate a space and throw off intruders from their plan. They’re also designed to help enhance the night vision mode of the camera unit, so you can be sure that it won’t have a negative impact on your footage.

Unfortunately, the bulbs of these LED lights are not replaceable. While they are said to be capable of lasting up to a decade, it can still be quite wasteful to need to replace the entire unit just because the lights burned out.

Cloud Storage Costs

Unfortunately, like other Ring products, you will be required to pay for a cloud subscription. It doesn’t have local storage so you can’t access or store your clips without having to pay for it.

How much do they cost? The service is initially free as the product comes with a 30-day free trial. After the trial period, you should have already decided whether to subscribe or not.

For plan upgrades, be ready to spend $3 monthly or $30 annually for the Basic plan and $10 monthly or $100 annually for the Plus plan. Without such services, you won’t be able to access all of the camera’s features and will only be limited to view the live feed. The subscription plans have great coverage and inclusions, however, that lots of people find them worth spending good money on.

Smart Home Compatibility

Being a Ring product, you can expect this device to be fully compatible with the Ring ecosystem. With this, you can use the other connected devices to help you make use of the camera with more ease. As for other smart home environments, the device isn’t compatible yet for integration.

Mobile Apps and Web Portals

For your utmost convenience, you can access the Floodlight Camera controls through the Ring app and web portal. You can use either to tweak the settings, watch the live stream, and do more with your device without a hitch. Both are easy to use so you shouldn’t have a hard time using them.

FAQs

How does the Ring Floodlight Camera work?

The Ring Floodlight Camera is just like other home security cameras today. Its video recording and floodlight are motion-triggered which helps save power, data, and cloud storage space.

Are the Ring Floodlight bulbs replaceable?

No, the floodlight bulbs are not replaceable. The manufacturer says that they will last for up to 10 years, however, so there’s a chance that you’ve already replaced your camera by the time the lights burn out.

Does Ring work without a subscription?

Like the Nest cameras, Ring products do not record when you’re not subscribed to their cloud service.

Does the Ring Floodlight Cam record continuously?

No, this specific model doesn’t record continuously. Other wired products by Ring are slated to have such functionality through a cloud subscription, however.

Can I keep the floodlights on?

Yes, you can manually switch the floodlights on and off. You can also schedule when it turns on and off.

Conclusion

Equipped with the full range of the functionalities of a floodlight and a home security camera, the Ring Floodlight Camera can really be a convenient pick if you want to protect your property better. With just a single device you can already do a lot, so even with its relatively steep price tag, it can still be worth the investment for many.

Home safety is something lots of people are willing to spend a good deal of money on. This is why most of us want to live in a good neighborhood and are thinking of investing in a security system.

If you’re after the best home security camera that will offer you great convenience, top-notch performance, and the most advanced functionalities, you have to check out the Nest Cam IQ Outdoor. Hailed as one of the best outdoor cams by tech experts, there’s a very good chance that this item will tickle your fancy. It’s loaded with lots of useful features that it easily stands out in the saturated IP camera market.

Interested in learning more about it? Here’s our review of the Nest Cam IQ Outdoor.

Product Review: A Closer Look at the Google Nest Cam IQ Outdoor 4100US

Design and Features

From the first time we saw the Nest Cam IQ Outdoor, we knew that it’s a different kind of security camera. Why? For starters, it looks interesting. With its convex shape, it doesn’t really look like a traditional camera. In fact, some might even mistake it for an odd light fixture as its head resembles that of a lamp.

Even its base and wall mount doesn’t look like a regular camera base. The sleek design of the camera hides the joint that allows the camera to move in all directions. As a result, it has a stationary look to it which is very different from what most surveillance cameras look like.

However, with its black faceplate, status light, and prominent lens, anyone who sees it will soon realize that it’s a camera. As it’s also quite big in size, it’s rather eye-catching and you won’t have a hard time catching its details.

Another notable thing about its design is the fact that it’s more weatherproof than the other outdoor camera from Nest. The IQ Outdoor is IP66-rated and can operate from -40F to 113F, making it suitable for outdoor use.

Setup and Usage

Like other Nest cams, the IQ Outdoor is simple to get up and running. Setting it up to start recording is as simple as connecting it to your wi-fi network, and adding it to your Nest app account.

What might take you longer, however, are its settings, mounting, and wiring. This device is highly customizable so you can tweak it according to your preferences and needs. As it’s also a plug-in device, you will need to do some electrical work to complete its installation.

The great news is, unlike the Nest Indoor Cam, its power cord is designed to be concealed. This promises a cleaner look and better durability.

Video Quality

Nest cams are widely known for their video camera so you can expect the IQ Outdoor to have clear and crisp images. Aside from being capable of recording clips in 1080p, its 4k sensor, intelligent imaging, and daytime HDR promise a “supersight”. You’ll certainly be able to see and tell what’s happening in front of the IQ Outdoor camera.

Even its night mode is impressive. It has 4 infrared LEDs so your night vision clips are clear and sharp. You’ll be able to see clearly faces that are up to about 10 ft away. However, it still has some difficulty in balancing the exposure between the illuminated areas and very dark backgrounds so expect some blurring and overexposure when viewing something that is close to the camera lens in the dark.

Combined with a 130-degree field of view, you can certainly get a good view of your property with the help of this camera. The clips recorded in the cloud retain this field of vision so you can easily zoom in and out of the areas your camera covers. You can turn off this feature, however, using the app.

Track and Zoom

As expected from products in its price range, the IQ Outdoor also has tracking capability. Once its motion sensor has been tripped by what the device has determined as human movement, it will track the motion so you can better monitor it from behind your screen. The actual device doesn’t move but the lens does, making it a rather inconspicuous pick.

This camera is also equipped with a 12x digital zoom with enhance functionality. Thanks to its 4k sensor, you don’t have to worry about losing picture quality if you want to take a closer look at certain areas in your clip.

Aside from tracking and zooming, this item also has a facial recognition tech, so your camera can detect who it is that you’re looking at. It’s a really nice touch but the tech itself is still being perfected, so don’t expect it to not have some issues.

Audio Quality

Aside from its HD video, the IQ Outdoor is also equipped with HD audio. It will record and stream the sounds its three mics pick up and it does this well. It also has a built-in speaker, so you can use the camera as an intercom of sorts or for deterring intruders.

Motion and Sound Detection

Another handy feature that the IQ Outdoor shares with other Nest cams are motion and sound detection. It has sound and motion sensors that will alert you using the Nest app about the movement or sound.

Its motion detection is more intelligent than others’, however. For starters, its sensitivity doesn’t need to be adjusted anymore as its 4k sensor does a great job in differentiating movements. It won’t be set off by blowing winds, moving shadows, or small animals.

With this, you can also count on its Person Alerts to perform better. Combined with its facial recognition feature, the IQ Outdoor really gets to do a reliable job in limiting false alerts. Compared to other cameras, it also does a better job of identifying the faces added to its database.

To help you further reduce the occurrence of false alerts, you can also set up activity zones. This way, only the movements in the areas you’ve selected will set off the IQ Outdoor’s alarms.

Cloud Storage Costs

Like other Nest Cams, the IQ Outdoor also doesn’t have local storage and records continuously. It also requires a subscription to the Nest Aware service so you can use all of the features of the device. Without it, you’ll only be able to access your camera’s live feed, its 3-hour history, and optional email alerts.

How much do you need to pay for a Nest Aware subscription? The 10-day rollover plan costs $10 per month or $100 annually. If you have more than 1 camera, you’ll need to pay an extra $5 for each camera per month or $50 annually. For a 30-day rollover plan, you’ll be billed $30 monthly or $300 annually with an added $15 monthly for each additional camera or $150 annually for each cam.

Smart Home Compatibility

Since it’s a part of the Nest Home collection, you can easily integrate the IQ Outdoor to a Nest environment. It’s also supported by Google Home, IFTTT, and Alexa.

Mobile Apps and Web Portals

Another strong point of the IQ Outdoor (and Nest products in general) is its user-friendly app and web portal. Both are beautifully designed with the users’ ease in mind, so you don’t have to worry about it. Even if you’re not a tech expert, you’ll be able to navigate the app and web portal without too much fuss.

FAQs

What is the main difference between the Nest Cam IQ Outdoor and the Nest Cam Outdoor?

The Nest Cam Outdoor can only withstand water spray while the Nest Cam IQ can handle low-pressure water jets. This means that the IQ can be placed somewhere that it can get rained on moderately while the Nest Cam Outdoor can only get wet very lightly.

Can I use the Nest IQ without a subscription?

Yes, your Nest IQ Cam will still work even after your initial Nest Aware free trial has expired. However, you’ll have very limited access to its features so you won’t be able to get full use of its capabilities.

Conclusion

With everything said above, it’s not hard to see that the Nest Cam IQ Outdoor is one of the most feature-packed and impressive options in the market today. With its range of functionality and superb performance, it might just be worth the splurge for many homeowners.

There are quite a number of non-negotiable features when people look for an outdoor security camera. They should be well-built, weatherproof and takes great quality images so they can be of any use at all. Since they’ll be placed outside, they have to be better, so it’s best if you don’t settle for a less than stellar pick.

When it comes to the most impressive DIY security cameras, however, the Nest Cam Outdoor Security Camera is always among the top contenders. With its design and range of features, it’s always one of the most highly recommended options out there. While it’s not perfect, it has everything you need in a reliable outdoor camera.

Thinking of getting one? Learn more about this product in our review.

Detailed Nest Cam Outdoor Review

Design and Features

So let’s start off with how the Nest Cam Outdoor looks. The camera looks good with its white color and convex shape that makes it look like a teacup. It’s minimalist and unobtrusive so it can easily blend in with most contemporary home’s style and architecture. As it’s also relatively small, it won’t exactly stick out like a sore thumb in many setups.

Despite its modern design, it’s still pretty easy to tell that this item is a camera and not just an oddly placed light fixture. With its black faceplate, large lens and pulsing status light, those who’ll see it will know that you’re watching them through the camera.

Its sleek design, however, is somewhat disrupted by its power cord. While it’s not as striking as the other Nest Cam’s, it’s still out in the open. Because of this, some aren’t too confident with the weatherproofing of the Nest Cam Outdoor. What you should know about it, though, is that the power cord are nicely designed for effective weatherproofing. It has a waterproof junction so even if it gets rained on, water and moisture won’t easily get into its interiors.

One issue about its design, however, is its magnetic attachment to its base. It’s not meant to lock into the base so it can be easily pulled off from its mount. If you’re going to put it outside your home, there’s a chance that it can get taken away if not well mounted.

Setup and Usage

Nest cams became a hit for its very simple installation and setup so you can expect the same from their outdoor model. It comes with everything that you need in mounting the camera outside from the screws to the cables and base.

Due to the placement of its power cable, you also don’t have to drill big holes into your wall like you would with the cameras that come with concealed cables. They can run along your walls since they’re heavy-duty anyway, saving you from the hassle of a major wiring project.

As for it’s mounting, the hardest part would be to place it way out of easy reach. Since the camera isn’t locked on the base, it can be plucked right out of its base with general ease so make things a bit harder for thieves by placing it high up on your wall.

Getting the camera up and running is perfectly simple. You just need to power it up, connect it to your wireless network and smartphone app, tweak its settings, and that’s pretty much it.

Video Quality

Next to its ease of use, the Nest Cam Outdoor’s video quality also wins lots of people over. It offers true 1080p resolution as it doesn’t just have a high-caliber lens but as it also has an all-glass lens, so you won’t lose image quality. As a result, its pictures are sharp and clean.

With the addition of 850nm infrared LEDs, you can also get high-quality pictures from this camera in its night vision mode. You can clearly make out the stuff it’s recorded in the dark, especially when it’s just a few feet away from the camera.

Paired with a 130-degree field of view, you’ll also get great coverage with this camera.

Track and Zoom

While it doesn’t have a tracking feature, this device has an 8x digital zoom which will let you see every detail in your footage.

Audio Quality

The sound capabilities of this camera are also impressive. The mic can pick up subtle sounds so you’ll be able to hear them in your live streams and recordings. It’s also clear enough for two-way talk, allowing you to understand what the person in front of the camera is saying in case you need to exchange some words with them. The speaker is also good as it provides clear two-way talk.

Motion and Sound Detection

Like other IP cameras, the Nest Cam Outdoor is also equipped with both sound and motion sensors. Its motion sensors are actually quite sensitive. Luckily, it’s quite smart that it’s capable of distinguishing the difference between random movements and people. While it doesn’t always recognize people, it’s still pretty smart as it always confirms that it detected motion before sending an alert through the app.

Aside from motion detection, it also detects sounds. If it hears a loud bang that it things you should be aware of, it will send you a notification with a snapshot as well.

True to the Nest cam tradition, however, this item also doesn’t just start recording upon getting its motion sensors tripped. It continuously records instead, so you can always log in to the app or web portal to monitor your property.

If you don’t want it to continuously record, however, you can use its Home/Away feature which will let you record nonstop when you’re not home and then stop recording altogether when it detects your phone to be within the vicinity.

Cloud Storage Costs

Based on lots of people’s feedback, the main drawback of the Nest cams is its cloud storage requirement. Without subscribing, you’ll only be allowed to access the basic features of the camera like its 24/7 stream, 2-way audio, Home/Away Assist, and Zoom and Enhance. You’ll also be limited to accessing only the most recent 3 hours worth of snapshots without a Nest Aware subscription.

If you’re going to shell out extra cash on the cloud service, how much do you need to spend? For a 30-day rollover history, you’ll need to pay $6 monthly or $60 annually. For a 60-day plan, you’ll be billed $12 monthly or $120 annually with additional rates if you’ll add more cameras to your network. These are actually the latest rates Google rolled out just in October 2019, in an effort to make their services’ pricing friendlier to the general public.

Smart Home Compatibility

Since Nest is a line made to make your home smarter, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Nest Cam Outdoor is ready to be integrated into a smart home environment. It’s certainly compatible with other Nest smart products. It’s also compatible with Amazon Alexa and IFTTT.

Mobile Apps and Web Portals

Last but not least, Nest’s app and web portal are very easy to work with, so if you’re after something that’s easy to operate and use, the Nest Cam Outdoor will surely appeal to you. The intuitive user interface of its website and smartphone app makes highly preferred by many.

FAQs

Is the Nest Outdoor Camera waterproof?

Yes, the Nest Outdoor Camera is waterproof with its IP65 rating. However, the power connection of this camera is not entirely covered, so some folks aren’t too confident about leaving it exposed to the elements. Some even go as far as saying that it’s only ideal for light sprays of water and nothing more.

Does the Nest Cam Outdoor have night vision?

Yes, it has a clear and bright night vision mode.

What is the length of the power cable provided with the Nest Outdoor Cam?

The power cord of the Nest Outdoor Cam measures 25 ft in total. It has two parts, however, the first is the part that you connect to the unit which is 10 ft long. You can then connect it to a power brick or to a weatherproof extension cable that adds 15 ft more to its length.

Conclusion

With its solid set of features and its outstanding performance, the Nest Cam Outdoor Security Camera really makes a solid case for itself. And now that Google made its Nest Aware plans friendlier, it just became a more attractive option for many.