Google Nest Cam with Floodlight Review
Illuminating Security
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Updated Dec 14, 2023
By Eric Patterson
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4.2/5
Smart Home by Design’s Verdict - The Google Nest Cam Wired with Floodlight stands out for its seamless integration into the home security ecosystem, delivering crisp HD video and a comprehensive floodlight system. This device leverages advanced motion sensing and intelligent alerts to keep your outdoor spaces monitored with precision. Its floodlights not only deter potential intruders but also illuminate the area for clear, visible security footage.
PROS
✅ Intelligent Motion Detection: Utilizes machine learning to differentiate between people, animals, and vehicles.
✅ HDR Video Quality: Ensures detailed footage, day and night, with HDR capabilities.
✅ Familiar Face Alerts: Recognizes known faces with a subscription, reducing false alarms.
✅ Wi-Fi Connectivity: Supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz for stable connections.
✅ Google Assistant Integration: Works seamlessly with Google Assistant for voice commands.
✅ Energy-Efficient Lighting: High-efficiency LEDs for bright, yet energy-conscious illumination.
CONS
❌ Subscription for Full Features: Requires a Nest Aware subscription for face recognition and continuous video history.
❌ Installation Complexity: May require professional installation for optimal setup.
❌ Limited Third-Party Compatibility: Primarily designed to integrate with Google Home ecosystem, limiting its use with other smart platforms.
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◦ Dual Floodlights: Equipped with two bright, motion-activated floodlights that illuminate the area, enhancing video clarity at night and deterring potential intruders.
◦ 1080p HD Video with HDR: Delivers high-definition video quality with HDR (High Dynamic Range), ensuring detailed and clear footage both day and night.
◦ Intelligent Alerts: Offers customizable alerts for detecting people, animals, and vehicles, reducing unnecessary notifications and focusing on what matters most.
◦ 24/7 Live View and History: Provides around-the-clock live streaming and the option to review past footage with a Nest Aware subscription, ensuring you never miss important events.
◦ Two-Way Talk: Features built-in speakers and microphone, allowing for clear communication with visitors or intruders from anywhere via the Google Home app.
◦ Activity Zones: Lets you highlight specific areas in your camera's view for which you want to receive motion alerts, enabling more precise monitoring.
◦ Weather Resistant: Designed to withstand the elements, making it suitable for outdoor installation in various weather conditions.
◦ Google Home Integration: Seamlessly works with the Google Home ecosystem, enabling voice control and interactions with other smart home devices for a more connected experience.
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◦ Perimeter Security: Ideal for homeowners looking to monitor and protect the perimeter of their property, including driveways, backyards, and side entrances.
◦ Deterrence of Unwanted Visitors: The motion-activated floodlights serve as an effective deterrent against potential intruders, making it suitable for enhancing home security.
◦ Property Monitoring: Perfect for keeping an eye on outdoor spaces, such as pools, gardens, and garages, ensuring safety and security around the clock.
◦ Enhanced Night Vision: With its floodlights and HD video, it’s particularly useful for improving visibility and recording quality during nighttime.
◦ Smart Home Enthusiasts: For individuals invested in creating a comprehensive smart home setup, this camera integrates well with other Google Home devices, offering enhanced automation and control.
◦ Safety Measures: Offers an additional layer of safety by illuminating pathways and entry points, reducing the risk of accidents during the night.
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How do the floodlights enhance security at night compared to the camera's night vision alone?
The floodlights provide bright illumination that not only improves video quality at night by providing clearer, color footage but also acts as a deterrent to potential intruders by suddenly lighting up dark areas when motion is detected.
Can I control when the floodlights turn on, or are they strictly motion-activated?
The floodlights are primarily motion-activated but can be controlled manually via the Google Home app. You can also set schedules or link them to other smart home actions for automatic activation under specific conditions.
Is the Google Nest Cam Wired with Floodlight difficult to install? Do I need an electrician?
Installation complexity may vary based on your comfort with DIY projects and electrical work. It's hardwired, which might require an electrician or professional installation for those unfamiliar with wiring and outdoor electrical systems.
Can the motion detection differentiate between animals, people, and vehicles? How accurate is it?
Yes, the camera utilizes machine learning to distinguish between different types of motion, such as animals, people, and vehicles, to provide more relevant alerts. The accuracy improves over time as the system learns from its environment.
How does the familiar face alerts feature work, and is a subscription required?
The familiar face alerts feature uses advanced facial recognition technology to identify known faces and notify you accordingly. This feature requires a Nest Aware subscription to activate and use.
What are the benefits of having Wi-Fi connectivity that supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands?
Dual-band Wi-Fi support allows the camera to connect to either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz networks, offering greater flexibility and potentially more stable and faster internet connections, which is crucial for high-quality video streaming and reliable performance.
Can I integrate the Google Nest Cam Wired with Floodlight with non-Google smart home systems?
While primarily designed to integrate seamlessly with the Google Home ecosystem, integration with other smart home systems may be limited. However, some level of interoperability may be possible through third-party platforms or if those systems support Google Assistant.
What kind of maintenance does the Google Nest Cam Wired with Floodlight require?
Maintenance is minimal but includes checking the Wi-Fi connection, cleaning the camera lens and floodlights for clear video and optimal lighting, and ensuring the device's software is updated for the best performance and security.
Are the LED floodlights replaceable, and how long do they typically last?
The LED floodlights are built for energy efficiency and longevity, designed to last for many years without replacement. If an issue arises, contacting Google support for repair or replacement options is recommended.
What is the field of view for the camera, and can it be adjusted?
The camera has a 130° diagonal field of view. While the camera's physical direction can be adjusted for optimal coverage, the field of view itself is fixed and cannot be changed through software.
Does the floodlight camera have any features to ensure privacy for neighbors or passing vehicles?
Yes, you can customize activity zones and sensitivity settings to minimize unnecessary recordings and alerts, focusing on specific areas of your property. This helps maintain privacy for neighbors and reduces alerts from passing vehicles.
In case of a power outage, will the camera and floodlights still function?
Being hardwired, the camera and floodlights will not function during a power outage. Considerations for backup power solutions, like a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply), may provide short-term operation during outages.
Specifications
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Video Resolution |
1080p HD Video with HDR |
Motion Detection Technology
|
Intelligent motion detection with customizable zones |
Field of View |
130° diagonal |
Audio | High-quality speaker and microphone with noise cancellation |
Night Vision |
Clear, detailed night vision |
Wi-Fi Connectivity | 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz Wi-Fi |
Power Source | Hardwired |
Weather Resistance | Weather-resistant design |
Smart Home Compatibility | Google Assistant |
Lighting | Dual high-efficiency LED floodlights |
Installation Requirements | May require professional installation |
Warranty | 1-year limited warranty |
Included Accessories | Installation kit, user manual |
Come back later for our comprehensive review.
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I'm Eric, the founder of Smart Home by Design. Coming from a strong leadership background at GameStop, I discovered my true calling in bridging the gap between technology and everyday convenience, sparking my venture into the smart home industry. These experiences ignited my passion for smart technology and led me to create a company that focuses on enhancing people's lives through innovative smart home solutions. At Smart Home by Design, we do more than just install devices; we integrate technology into homes in ways that are meaningful and user-friendly, making your home smarter and your life easier.
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Email me: eric@smarthomebydesign.com