Outdoor Camera SETUP

What Are Outdoor Cameras?

Outdoor cameras are security devices that can capture and record criminal activity around your home. These devices can usually withstand extreme temperatures, and they often come with two-way talk, night vision, and HD resolution. You’ll find both wireless and wired outdoor camera models.

Our hands-on experience with scores of outdoor security cameras taught us that these devices were not only valuable for recording crime. They also prevented it! With built-in features such as motion-activated floodlights and sirens, these cameras easily scared trespassers away. Furthermore, the best security cameras made crisp recordings in any light; most had infrared night vision. Below we reviewed five top-rated brands. Which one stood out as the outdoor security champion of 2023? Keep reading to find out!

Note: You must have WiFi upload speeds of at least 2 Mbps in order to use your B-link cameras (megabits per second). Check out our detailed instructions on how to test your WiFi speed to see how fast your connection is anywhere on your property.

Blink Outdoor - Most Affordable Outdoor Cameras

Blink sells dependable security cameras for as low as $34.99 and up and outdoor cameras (named Blink Outdoor) for as low as $99.99. Its cameras include mobile alerts and a bit of local storage via the Sync Module 2 without monthly fees, helping the brand and the Blink Outdoor take credit for being the most affordable outdoor camera option.

Cameras by Blink weren’t feature-rich but were good value for DIY video security. They were easy to install, had motion detection with customizable zones, and recorded with infrared vision at night.

Features To Look For

Power Source: Outdoor security cameras varied in terms of power sources. The main choices were plug-in power, battery power, and solar power. Each of our top choice brands had models we could set up wire-free. Cordless outdoor cameras were generally powered by long-lasting rechargeable batteries. One company we mentioned, Arlo, offered solar-powered cameras. If a camera used mains power, it also likely had a cord. The best outdoor cams with cords had protected cords to help defeat vandals plus they had battery backup.
Continuous Video Recording: Some outdoor security cameras only recorded audio and video when triggered by trespassers. Others could record continuously. Continuous video recording was sometimes advertised as CVR.
Resolution: Resolution on leading cameras ranged from 720p to 4K. The most common was 1080p, which meant video that was 1080 pixels tall and 1920 pixels wide.
Two-Way Voice: Our selections for best outdoor security cameras captured exceptionally clear audio. Ideally, they’d have all had echo cancellation and other advanced audio features. Some also had two-way voice, which let us holler at potential criminals or stay in touch with family members around our property.

Recording Cost: Each brand below had smartphone or desktop apps. Apps let us view live camera footage for free. However, generally, a paid plan was needed in order to save video clips or record continuously. One exception was Blink XT, a budget security camera brand. Blink gave us very minimal cloud storage for free. Many paid plans for home security combined video storage with professional monitoring of our system. Professional monitoring alerted emergency dispatchers of potential trouble. This way, they could send the police even when we couldn’t call 911. Most alarm monitoring companies could also dispatch firefighters and paramedics.
Doorbell Video Camera: A wide-angle doorbell camera guarded our doorstep and provided us with a long-range view. A smart-motion detector ignored running squirrels and swaying trees and alerted us of a person’s presence, even if they didn’t ring the bell. A smartphone app let us use two-way talk and gave the impression that we were at home, no matter where we were. Additionally, some doorbell security cameras, such as the Nest video doorbell, recognized familiar faces and played pre-recorded messages for expected visitors.

How To Power Outdoor Security Cameras

Outdoor security cameras are typically wireless, powered by either batteries or solar panels. However, there are plug-in outdoor cameras available to those with nearby outdoor outlets. To power outdoor security cameras, either recharge your camera in the home, replace the batteries, plug it into an outlet or attach a solar panel.

If your system came with a Sync Module, you should set it up now. This small device connects your Smart cameras, improves their battery life, and lets you record video to a USB drive. You will need a Sync Module if you have a Smart Outdoor camera or you want to set up multiple Smart cameras.

How To Set Up The Smart App

Open the Smart Home Monitor app, and then tap the plus symbol to configure a Sync Module. Then choose Smart Wireless Camera System, scan the QR code with your device using the back of it, and adhere to the on-screen directions.

Note: You can skip to the following section if your system didn’t come with a Sync Module or you’re configuring a Mini smart camera.

1 . Open the Smart Home Monitor app and tap the plus sign. You will see this in the top-right corner of the home page. If you don’t see this, tap the home icon in the bottom-left corner.

Note: If you are continuing from the previous steps, you can immediately skip to the next step.

2. Then tap Smart Wireless Camera System.

3. Next, scan the QR code of the back of the Sync Module. You can also tap Enter Serial Manually and type the serial number at the top of your device.

4. Then name your Smart system. When you’re done, click Next.

5. The Sync Module should now be plugged into a wall socket. The sync module can be connected to the included power adapter via the USB cord. The larger USB-A port is used to record video onto a thumb drive while the smaller micro-USB port is utilised for power.

6. Then wait for the green light to turn on and the blue light to start blinking.The bottom light should be solid green, while the top light should flash blue – just like you see in the app.

Note: If you don’t see the lights blinking properly, use a paperclip to press the reset button on the side of the Sync Module above the USB-A port.

7. Next, tap Discover Device.

8. Then tap Join. You will see your device trying to connect to a network named BLINK-XXXX.

9. Next, choose your WiFi network, enter your password, and click Join.

10 . Wait for your device to update. Do not unplug the Sync Module while it is updating.

11. Finally, tap Done.

Once you have set up your Sync Module, you can then set up your Blink cameras.

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Blink Outdoor

Our weather-resistant security camera goes where wires can’t to help you protect your home day or night, rain or shine. With up to two years of battery life*, day and night HD video, motion detection, two-way audio, and more, Outdoor helps you monitor your home with ease.

Blink Subscription Plan Features

Extended Live View

This feature provides live views up to 90 minutes at a time, without user intervention, for the Blink Wired Floodlight (US only) and Mini cameras.

Unlimited video recordings

All motion detection and live view recordings are stored in the cloud. Clips stay viewable until they’re manually deleted or automatically when 60 days old (30 days in the EU/UK).

Auto local storage backup

With a Sync Module 2 and USB drive inserted, copies of any new clips in cloud storage will be backed up to your USB drive every 24 hours.

Rapid video access

Allows you to instantly watch your videos as soon as they’re recorded. Videos can be accessed with reduced-loading times from the cloud, compared to clips viewed from local storage.

Photo Capture

Allows your camera to take a photo every hour while your system is armed, which display in your clip list.

Person Detection

Available for the Blink Wired Floodlight Camera (US only). This feature uses computer vision to detect people.

10% off Blink devices

Your discount on Blink hardware and accessories is automatically applied at time of checkout when you shop

Extended warranty coverage
(US and Canada)

When you subscribe to a Blink Plus Plan, the extended warranty coverage applies to all of your Blink devices when they’re within their original warranty period.

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