Review of the Blink Outdoor 4: The Ultimate Wire-Free Smart Security Camera System
In the ever-evolving world of smart home technology, the Blink Outdoor 4 has emerged as a remarkable option in the realm of wire-free security cameras. With its sleek design and advanced features, this fourth-generation model not only aims to enhance your home security but also provides a user-friendly experience. This review will delve into its specifications, performance, ease of use, and overall value.
Overview of Key Features
1. Camera Specifications
- Field of View: 143° diagonal
- Camera Resolution: 1080p HD video
- Photo Resolution: 640 x 360 pixels
- Frame Rate: Up to 30 fps
- Size: 2.8 x 2.8 x 1.6 inches (70 x 70 x 41 mm)
- Weight: 5.0 oz (141 g)
The Blink Outdoor 4 boasts a wide field of view, allowing you to capture more of your surroundings. The 1080p HD video ensures clarity, while the frame rate of up to 30 fps delivers smooth motion capture.
2. Power and Battery Life
The camera operates on two AA 1.5V lithium metal batteries, providing an impressive battery life of up to two years based on default settings. This feature is essential for those who don’t want the hassle of frequent battery replacements.
3. Advanced Motion Detection
The enhanced dual-zone motion detection alerts you to movement faster and allows for personalized activity zones, making it easier to monitor specific areas of your property. The person detection feature (available with an optional Blink Subscription Plan) ensures that you are notified only when a human is detected, reducing unnecessary alerts.
4. Two-Way Audio and Live View
One of the standout features of the Blink Outdoor 4 is its two-way audio, which allows you to communicate directly through the camera via the Blink app. This is particularly useful for greeting visitors or deterring potential intruders.
5. Night Vision
Although some users have noted that the night view isn’t the best, it still effectively provides visibility in low-light conditions. The infrared night vision ensures that your property remains monitored around the clock.
6. Cloud Storage and Subscription Plans
The camera offers a free 30-day trial of the Blink Subscription Plan, enabling cloud storage for videos up to 60 days. If you wish to keep footage beyond this period, it’s possible to download it directly to your mobile device or use the included Sync Module 2 for local storage.
7. Compatibility and Connectivity
The Blink Outdoor 4 is designed to work with Alexa, allowing for voice commands to engage live view, arm/disarm the system, and more. It requires a stable Wi-Fi connection of 2.4 GHz 802.11b/g/n for optimal performance. Users have reported positive experiences with various internet providers, including Verizon 5G.
8. Included Components
The package includes five Outdoor 4 cameras, one Sync Module 2, ten AA lithium metal batteries, five mounting kits, one USB cable, and one power adapter. The inclusion of all necessary components makes setup straightforward.
User Experience
Ease of Installation
The Blink Outdoor 4 is remarkably easy to install. Many users have praised its user-friendly setup process, often completing the installation in mere minutes. Mounting kits are included, and the camera can be placed in various locations around your home.
One user noted, “The value for the ease of use and install is phenomenal. I tested one as far as 100 ft from my house, and it worked well.” This speaks volumes about the camera’s connectivity and range.
Performance
While the daytime video quality is impressive, some users have highlighted that night vision could be enhanced. One reviewer commented on how the overall camera feels sturdier and provides better activity zone customization than previous models. The ability to enforce inactive zones was also a welcomed improvement.
Connectivity Issues
It’s essential to note that the performance of the Blink Outdoor 4 is heavily reliant on your Wi-Fi signal strength. Users in areas with poor connectivity have reported issues with live view disconnections. One user mentioned, “You can only live view for 5 minutes at the most… disconnect and try to reconnect for an ungodly amount of time.” This emphasizes the importance of ensuring optimal router placement.
Conclusion
The Blink Outdoor 4 is an excellent option for those seeking a reliable, wire-free smart security camera system. With a combination of impressive specifications, ease of use, and a user-friendly app, it’s a great choice for homeowners looking to enhance their security without breaking the bank.
Pros:
- Excellent battery life (up to 2 years)
- High-quality 1080p HD video
- Easy installation and setup
- Good two-way audio capabilities
- Enhanced motion detection and customization
- Compatibility with Alexa
Cons:
- Night vision quality could be improved
- Performance is dependent on Wi-Fi signal strength
- Live view duration limited to 5 minutes
Rating: 4.5/5
In conclusion, the Blink Outdoor 4 is a solid investment for anyone looking to fortify their home security. Its affordability, combined with its robust features, makes it a standout choice in the smart security camera market.
Squid –
We have been using the Blink Outdoor 3 outside our garage for a couple of years. Since our driveway faces a different street than our front door, I found it frustrating not being able to keep an eye on the kids when they were playing or during school bus pick-up and drop-off. The system does have its drawbacks, primarily its reliance on internet connectivity. Unfortunately, that corner of our house acts like a dead zone for electronics. The garage has no WiFi access, and the laundry room often struggles with Bluetooth connectivity. While I could consider a mesh system, I haven’t felt motivated to pursue that option.
Due to these connectivity issues and my frequent use of live view for bus pick-ups in the mornings, the outdoor camera has been particularly frustrating. The live view feature only lasts for a maximum of five minutes before the camera disconnects and struggles to reconnect for an extended period—often just when the kids are about to board the bus. By the time I regain the feed, the kids and the bus are long gone. Additionally, I receive constant alerts about high device usage, which is irritating, especially since I change the batteries every 2-3 months due to the way we use that camera. Living in Minnesota, it’s worth noting that the cameras don’t function in subzero temperatures, likely due to the lithium batteries. Be prepared to replace your batteries if it gets cold enough.
I purchased the Blink 3 outdoor camera bundle (along with a Blink Mini) during October’s Prime Day to replace the garage camera and add two more on the back and side of the house. I was pleasantly surprised to find it came with a Sync Module 2, which I hadn’t anticipated. My original Blink system predates Amazon’s acquisition of the company, so we have the original Sync Module, allowing us to avoid any monthly storage fees. This is the primary reason we stick with Blink, even though we’ve considered other brands.
That said, the Outdoor 4 is a significant upgrade. The camera offers a wider and clearer angle, and I appreciate the durable exterior. While I still have it housed in outdoor plastic, it’s nice to know that it’s not necessary. However, the Outdoor 4 is noticeably thicker than the 3, so if you previously bought plastic housing for the 3, you’ll need to upgrade. Most current housing options work for both the 3 and 4, but those designed specifically for the 3 will be too thin for the 4.
We all LOVE the new person detection alerts instead of generic notifications (for example, “a person is at your garage”). I’m not sure if this is due to a camera upgrade, Sync Module 2 enhancements, or software improvements, but it’s incredibly helpful. With three outdoor cameras and a doorbell, it’s convenient not to have to check recordings immediately unless a person triggers an alert. I look forward to the upcoming Sync Module, which promises to enhance WiFi range for the Outdoor 4 and introduce scheduling capabilities. Currently, you can only schedule for the entire system, so it would be great to set individual schedules for each camera.
654321 –
I just received my new camera today, and I can already see a noticeable improvement in quality. It feels sturdier and has a more robust appearance. The updated activity zones allow for more squares to select from compared to previous camera versions, which I appreciate for fine-tuning my desired areas. Additionally, the inactive zones I set up seem to be effectively enforced, unlike with older models.
Tip: If you’re experiencing issues with Wi-Fi signal strength, you might need to adjust your router settings to boost the signal. If your router is placed between walls or behind furniture, you may experience degraded performance and responsiveness in live view. I have a gaming router placed on a high shelf, which works best. My outdoor cameras have no issues with Wi-Fi strength and respond well during live view.
The field of view has significantly improved, and there’s a clear difference between this camera and previous versions. It’s also great that the mounts from older cameras are compatible with this one. The new mount has a flat base rather than a cone shape, which is an improvement.
I’m currently testing the person detection feature with this camera and will provide updates on its performance. So far, the person detection trial has been excellent! It has greatly reduced unwanted notifications from wind, car headlights, and animals. I believe this feature can help save battery life, even with higher sensitivity settings. While receiving too many notifications can be annoying, Blink is clearly working to make these cameras a game changer while keeping setup simple.
The price is a bit steep, but I opted for the monthly payment option.
28 August 2023: I’ve found that taking night photos with this camera (without night vision) in a well-lit area produces sharper images than any previous version. I haven’t tested the night vision alone yet, but I’m confident it will have similar sharpness.
29 August 2023: The Motion Recording Types include Person Detection and All Motion. I have one camera set to Person Detection with sensitivity at level 8, but it didn’t detect me driving in and out of the garage. It seems that when it’s set to Person Detection, it only captures people, so you won’t get both types of detection unless you choose All Motion. It may sound trivial, but I wanted to mention it. Update: On a few occasions, the camera did detect my car entering and exiting the garage. My initial thoughts have changed, and I believe ongoing firmware updates will enhance its accuracy.
1 September 2023: One camera became unresponsive. I suspect it may be due to firmware updates or low temperatures (around 60°F). My home network and camera signal strength are fine, so I’ll keep monitoring and troubleshooting. I removed the batteries, checked them (they still had a full charge), and reinserting them brought the camera back online.
4 September 2023: One of my cameras with Person Detection set to sensitivity 8 alerted me of a person on a windy day, which happened a few times (under five instances). It’s not a major concern, but I assume its accuracy will improve as the firmware continues to develop.
8 September 2023: I set up a third camera in a low-light area. Due to security, I can’t share images. I took a Live Photo with the IR intensity set to LOW, which had some haziness, but the area was better lit than previous Blink cameras. When increasing the IR sensitivity to HIGH, the sharpness improved significantly, reducing glare and fuzziness. I added solar floodlights nearby, and with low IR sensitivity, the video capture was much sharper than previous versions. I’m currently impressed with the BO4!
28 September 2023: Another camera went offline around 11 PM. The last occurrence was due to a firmware update, so this might be the same issue.
1 October 2023: I installed my fourth BO4 camera. While observing the live view, everything appears elongated; my driveway looks over 20 feet longer than it actually is compared to previous models. I understand other reviews’ concerns about range detection, as I’ve noticed it sometimes misses movement, especially if I’m moving slowly or based on how the camera is positioned. However, at sensitivity levels of 8-9, I expect it to catch movement from a greater distance. I’ll keep monitoring the BO4’s performance.
6 October 2023: One camera aimed at the road at max sensitivity is no longer detecting passing cars. It seems that firmware version 13.34 has impacted its range, despite any setting changes. It’s not a major concern yet, but I hope future updates will resolve these sensitivity issues. Update: The camera seems to be capturing movement again at a lower sensitivity of 6-7. It could be a change in traffic flow in the area, so I’ll continue to observe the BO4’s performance.
4 November 2023: I installed another BO4 camera and upgraded one camera with a battery expansion kit designed specifically for BO4 models. The expansion adds weight, but the mounts from both the new and older models support it without drooping. I’m not a fan of the extra bulk, and the battery expansion doesn’t utilize the camera’s battery slots, instead using four additional batteries. I would’ve preferred a design that kept the onboard batteries along with two for the expansion. Despite this, the BO4 cameras have been fantastic, with overall improved quality and sharpness. I hope future updates enhance motion detection and range. These cameras are definitely worth upgrading from older versions.
15 November 2023: I’ve noticed that sometimes the BO4 notifies me of motion or a person but doesn’t record the event. This happens sporadically, which is a slight concern, but it won’t stop me from purchasing another BO4. I expect the overall effectiveness to improve with more updates.
6 December 2023: The BO4 has been a solid upgrade for my system. There are still rare occasions when I receive a movement notification without a recording. With the update to version 13.41, this is happening less frequently. However, one camera set to sensitivity 9 towards the road doesn’t always catch cars passing by. While this isn’t a deal-breaker, I can see how range detection could be an issue for others. With recent Blink app updates, you can now adjust video recording lengths, which is a great customization feature. I wish the same flexibility applied to sensitivity settings (0-99 instead of 1-9). Overall, the BO4 has performed well with Person Detection, and the Blink Plus subscription at $10/month offers excellent value for expanding features.
27 January 2024: The BO4 has been functioning exceptionally well. I still have the Blink Plus subscription for the Person Detection feature, which is accurate. However, there were instances where the cameras didn’t record movement, such as when my neighbor was chopping down a tree. Connectivity issues at that time left gaps in my recordings, which is concerning for security purposes. Range still affects detection, so I hope future updates will improve this. Upgrading to this camera has definitely been worthwhile, and I recommend waiting for sales to get a better price.
16 February 2024: I upgraded my Blink Sync Module to the second generation and noticed a delay when live streaming my cameras. I rebooted the sync module several times, but the slight delay persisted. One camera positioned further away is not viewable live, despite strong Wi-Fi and sync module connectivity. I’ll need to troubleshoot further, as this is the first time connecting after the firmware update. Overall, the cameras are working as expected!
18 February 2024: I found that the issue was not with the Sync Module 2 but rather my internet connection. After rebooting the modem, router, and network switch, the camera responsiveness improved significantly. Weather conditions at the time may have contributed to the issues. Since then, the Blink cameras have been functioning as intended!
22 April 2024: I upgraded to the yearly Blink Plus subscription because the Person Detection feature has been fantastic! It reduces unnecessary notifications from wind, shadows, and other movements, saving battery life. Occasionally, I receive notifications of movement that don’t result in recordings. I’m unsure if this is a lingering bug or delayed notifications from previous captures, but it doesn’t impact my overall rating. I wish the detection sensitivity could be improved for more timely event captures.
Overall, I’m very satisfied with the Blink Outdoor 4 cameras.
654321 –
The ease of use and installation are outstanding—definitely a 10/10. I purchased it on Black Friday along with the doorbell, and I was pleased to connect all the cameras to the same sync module that came with the outdoor cameras. I was initially concerned about compatibility, but it worked perfectly with my Verizon 5G internet—no issues at all. I tested one camera as far as 100 feet from my house, and it performed well.
The night view isn’t perfect, but it meets my needs. Installation and connection were incredibly straightforward. Compared to other brands, I saved hundreds of dollars. The daytime view is impressive, and I can quickly monitor my home from multiple angles.
The sound quality is adequate, and the microphone functions effectively. I tested it with my husband, and even at 100 feet away, we could hear each other clearly, although there was some delay. If having no delay is crucial for you, that might be a concern.