Google Nest Cam Review: A Weatherproof Outdoor Security Camera

Is the Nest Cam a good purchase? Find out how it works, what it can do, and more before purchasing one. Must Read Before Buying!

Is your home or office in need of a security camera that can stand up to the outdoor elements? If so, you may want to consider purchasing the Google Nest Cam. This weatherproof security camera is perfect for keeping an eye on things both indoors and outdoors! In this article, we will provide an in-depth review of the Google Nest Cam, including its features and benefits. We will also discuss some of the pros and cons of this camera so that you can make an informed decision before purchasing it.

The Nest Cam is an outdoor security camera that can withstand tough conditions. It’s weatherproof, captures crisp 1080p video even when faced with harsh sunlight or sudden drops in temperature, and detects movement caused by humans as well as animals, so you’ll always know what’s going on around your home. But you must have a subscription to Nest Aware to see recorded footage older than three hours and to utilize face detection.

Nest’s acquisition of Dropcam in 2014 led them to become one of the best home security companies. They have made many different types of cameras, such as their Nest Cam Outdoor, which provides high-quality video with easy access through third-party devices like smartphones and tablets!
Nest announced last year that they were canceling their line of Nest Cam Outdoor cameras. However, some people are still selling these products, and you can find them at physical stores or online retailers that aren’t part of the company’s business model. So my question for this article is whether it would be worth buying one in 2022?

A New, Improved Version of the Popular Home Security Camera that You’ll Actually Enjoy Using with a Versatile Design

The Nest Cam is a new, improved version of the popular home security camera. This time around, it’s been designed with weather protection in mind and can withstand IP54 ratings that will allow you to place them outside without worrying about damaging your device or risking loss due to sudden changes from rainstorms! The magnetic base on this model also makes moving around easy for wherever there might be needed coverage while still providing strong grip strength, so nothing slips out unexpectedly when trying to move back onto its original position after taking pictures alongside window sills during the early morning hours before sunrise.

The Nest Cam is an elegant and high-tech security camera. It captures 1080p video at 30fps and features a 130-degree diagonal field view that can detect motion with six infrared LEDs or night vision in black and white using just one LED (which also has increased brightness). The speaker built into this device makes it perfect for alerting parents if something’s wrong while they’re away!

It can be controlled with Google Assistant voice commands and seen through an app, which makes using this product easier without having to worry about setting up another system or platform like Alexa Voice Remote (which would also require purchasing additional hardware). 

The video feed from cams installed in various areas is all viewable within one hub–although you’ll need more than one if there are multiple locations because each camera streams its own footage independently, so they don’t always sync together automatically when playing back remotely via smartphone app or an internet browser tab since it doesn’t support IFTTT applets.

When motion is detected, the camera will begin recording footage and provide intelligent warnings that identify if the observed motion was activated by humans, animals, cars, or other sources. If it detects the sound of a smoke/CO alarm going off or glass shattering, it will also transmit an alert. Videos less than three hours old may be seen without a Nest Aware subscription. However, older videos and the Familiar Faces feature are paid upgrades. The Nest Aware plan comes with 30 days of video history, while the Nest Aware Plus plan provides 60 days of video recording history. 

The Nest Doorbell, like the Nest Cam, can be accessed using the Google Home mobile app (via Android and iOS). When you open the camera by tapping its icon, you’ll get a screen that lists your camera’s name and battery level and has buttons for your camera’s history, live video, etc. When you hit the Live Video button, a live stream with a microphone button will allow for two-way audio. Flip your phone horizontally to experience full screen. Use the History button to open a screen with a timeline that shows recorded motion events. Use the Full History button to get a list of recordings with thumbnails. The More button turns the camera off and on. 

The camera settings are located in a tab on the top right corner of your phone that can be opened by clicking the gear icon. From here you will find options for motion alerts, night vision settings, audio notifications, and battery life as well as managing Familiar Faces library quality!

The Google Nest Cam Outdoor is the perfect solution for your home security needs. With its HD video and two-way audio, it will give you peace of mind while watching over everything from indoors or out! You can also tell this camera what time zone we’re in so that all events occur at their proper occurred time–including night vision capabilities which allow users to see clearly even after dark.

PROS

It has night vision, two-way audio, and integrations with Alexa, Google Assistant, and more. It also has a highly-rated app for Android. The installation is easy, and the camera is weatherproof. Additionally, it features intelligent alerts that can notify you of activity happening in your home. The camera also has dual-band Wi-Fi which allows it to work with Google Assistant. Finally, it also has face recognition. 

CONS

One downside of the Nest Cam Outdoor is that it does not have local storage. Additionally, some features require a subscription. Another downside is that the camera is expensive.

How to Install the Google Nest Cam Outdoor

Nest Cam Outdoor’s magnetic mount makes installation straightforward but could be somewhat of an issue.

The Google Nest Cam Outdoor attaches to many exterior surfaces of your house. It includes a magnetic base that can be mounted to a flat metal surface or can be screwed into a wall.

It is not necessary to connect the camera to an ethernet cable because it is basically wireless technology. However, it still needs an indoor wall outlet so make time to drill a hole or if possible, carefully pass it through a door without causing damage to the cord.

Installation Tools for Google Nest Cam Outdoor

You will need a camera wall plate, an adapter wall plate, screws, wall anchors, and cable clips.
After the mounting plate is securely installed, the powerful magnetic base of the Nest Cam pops right on. Pulling it back off will take some effort.

Google Nest Cam Outdoor or Indoor Specifications

Connectivity	Bluetooth, Wi-Fi
Integrations	Google Assistant
Field of View	130 degrees
Resolution	1080p
Battery or Wired	Wired
Storage	Cloud
Local storage	No
Zoom	8x digital zoom
24/7 recording	Yes
Two-Way Audio	Yes
Mechanical Pan/Tilt	No
Night Vision	Yes
Alarm	No

The Nest Cam Outdoor has many of the qualities that we look for in a surveillance camera, including the following:

• 1080p HD video:  Nest Cam Outdoor has the industry standard in video display.
• Integrations with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa: vocal commands and some  home automation features.
• Artificial intelligence capabilities: Nest Aware provides person detection for the Nest Cam Outdoor, as well as cloud storage.

The Nest Cam is a weatherproof camera that can withstand harsh conditions and exposure. It has an IP (Ingress Protection) rating of 65, which means it’s dust-resistant as well! You’ll never need to replace your batteries either; the cord will keep you charged up while outdoors or if there are any accidents on site where water comes into contact with this device. Just don’t hit it with a more powerful water stream or submerge it in water.

Nest Cam Outdoor 1080p HD Video Camera – The Best Quality for Your Money

It’s no wonder that, with the advancement of technology, today’s cameras are equipped to provide a better viewing experience. The Nest Cam Outdoor 1080p HD Video Camera provides high-quality footage and images thanks to its wide-angle lens, which captures more room on each side for an expanded field view – this means you’ll get all those important details when watching back!

Initially, we should discuss video quality. Nest Cam Outdoor offers 1080p HD video, an 8-X zoom, and a 130-degree field of view. These numbers are certainly excellent, but not so much, when Nest Cam Outdoor was first introduced in 2016. This is not enough when compared to today’s standards for security cameras, as there are now 2K or 4K models available that offer two times more pixel resolution than what was available back in 2016 when this feature first came out! 

However, a lower-resolution 1080p HD may offer further benefits. This is because they use less data. 1080p HD cameras don’t burden Wi-Fi networks as much as 4K or 2K cameras. Furthermore, 1080p cameras are more dependable. Live streaming and cloud recording are quicker and nearly lag-free. If your network can accommodate additional 4K security cameras and you want high-quality surveillance footage, you should opt for the 4K. A 1080p camera like the Nest Cam Outdoor can catch details effectively without sacrificing so much bandwidth. You have to decide what is best for you.

The Importance of Infrared Night Vision for Security Cameras

This is one of my favorite topics because it deals with helping you make proactive choices that can further protect you, your family, and your property. The Nest Cam Outdoor offers infrared night vision with eight LED sensors. Infrared night vision is stealthier than color night vision because it uses white light. Infrared sensors are less obtrusive than a glaring white light in the dark of the night. A security camera is not meant to be easily detectable, so I don’t want to alert anybody that I may be capturing something or someone in the area. The new Nest Cam features floodlight and night vision, which can be seen in color. When the camera senses activity or motion, flood lights come on immediately, which helps deter vandals, burglars, intruders, etc. This can help limit nefarious activities at the scene before things get out of hand. This is quite possibly the greatest reason to have the Nest Cam with Floodlight in place. What a great item for enhanced security and safety. There is one thing my father always told me in so many words, and that is, “Thieves and prowlers hate the floodlight(s) and are more likely to run away because they are being exposed.” This is especially true since the floodlight is going to help provide a great video recording of them as they scurry away, and you may very well need it later.

The Nest Cam Outdoor Offers Superior Audio Quality for Home Security

The Nest Cam Outdoor offers two-way audio, so you can even talk to whoever your camera is pointed at. In the past, surveillance cameras only had microphones, without speakers. You could record audio but were not able to speak through it. With two-way audio, you can warn intruders to leave if they’re on your property, riding a bike in your driveway, letting their dog do his business on your beautiful lawn, etc. So many benefits!    

Nest Cam Outdoor: 3-Hour-Old Snapshots vs. Subscription Pricing and Features

For obvious reasons, you would have to get a subscription for cloud video storage because Nest Cam Outdoor has no local storage and only offers free cloud storage of three-hour-old snapshots. We’ll discuss Nest camera subscription pricing and other features below.

Works with the Most Popular AI Assistants

Since Google owns Nest, the camera will work with Google Assistant and Chromecast, and it is further surprising that it also works with Amazon Alexa and Fire TV. You can control the cameras using your voice and live stream video on a big screen. You can also connect the cameras to other devices in your home for easy automation.

Nest Cam Outdoor vs. Nest Cam IQ Outdoor: What’s the Difference? – Artificial Intelligence

Nest Cam Outdoor does not have any built-in AI. However, it can sense motion and you can see certain zones without a subscription. With a Nest Aware subscription, you will get person detection. This means the camera can tell the difference between a person and something else (like a car). You will also get notifications when your dog barks or when someone speaks. This makes the alerts more relevant to you. For example, the Nest Cam Outdoor can notify you that it can hear your dog barking or that somebody is at your door instead of just detecting movement.

Nest Cam Outdoor doesn’t have face recognition, which means it can’t determine who it identifies. Instead, it can only determine that it’s a human. There are two outdoor Nest cameras that have face recognition: the battery-powered indoor/outdoor Nest Cam and the Nest Cam with Floodlight. 

There is also the Nest Cam Indoor, which also offers facial recognition. However, all these cameras need a subscription to Nest Aware to unlock facial recognition.

How to Mount and Connect Your Camera

First, install your Nest Cam Outdoor. To do this, scan the QR code in the Nest app. This will connect the camera to Wi-Fi. If you don’t have a magnetic surface to place it on, screw it to the wall. The camera’s 10-foot cord plus a 15-foot extension cord means it must be within 25 feet of an outlet. If you have other Nest devices, using Nest Cam Outdoor will be straightforward for you.

Nest Cam Outdoor is Worth the Extra Money

The Nest Cam Outdoor’s features, durability, temperature range, smart platform connections, and video quality give you a lot more for your money. It’s enough to outweigh the expensive storage and AI via Nest Aware, so the Nest Cam Outdoor is a pretty good deal.

Nest Aware: AI and Activity Zones for Your Outdoor Camera

Nest Aware offers cloud storage, AI, and activity zones. This is especially important for outdoor cameras, which may also cover the street. You can tell the camera what to focus on and what to ignore, so you get more personalized alerts.

There are two different options for the cost of using Nest cameras. The first option is called Nest Aware. You can use all your Nest cameras and have access to all the features we mentioned earlier, like cloud storage that saves event videos for 30 days. The more expensive option is called Nest Aware Plus. You get twice as much cloud storage (60 days) and 10 days of continuous video storage, even if there are no events detected.

Install the Nest Cam Outdoor in minutes and view live footage of your home from anywhere

The Nest app lets you control your camera, see what is stored in the cloud, get notifications, and live stream. The app has been given more than 4 stars by users of both the iOS and Android versions. The app is designed with the user experience in mind.

The Nest Cam Outdoor is easy to install, but you will have to find a way to hide the power cord.

Once you have decided where to place the camera, install it using the screws that come in the box. Nest also provides wall anchors, but you may need your own drill or screwdriver to complete the installation.

How to Install the Nest Cam in Less Than Five Minutes

Installing the Nest Cam is easy. Download Google Home and create an account and a home. Tap the + symbol in the top left corner, then Set Up Device and select your home. Tap Cameras, then pick Nest Cam (battery). Scan the lens cover for the QR code, then once again, pick Nest Cam (battery). After consenting to several usage agreements, there will be a prompt to remove (and save) the lens cover sticker and plug in the camera. Once you choose an indoor or outdoor location, the app connects the camera to your phone’s Wi-Fi network. Once connected, name your camera and put in your address to start using it right away.

The Nest Cam is easy to install, particularly if you use batteries. Attach the mounting plate to your desired location using the provided screws, then twist the magnetic camera base onto the plate to secure it in place.

The Nest Cam has great video quality. Rich, vivid colors lacked barrel or pincushion distortion. The black and white night video footage has good contrast and is sharp up to about 20 feet.

The camera’s motion detection functions well. The camera worked perfectly when differentiating between people, vehicles, or animals. Facial recognition operated perfectly. The Google Assistant voice commands to activate video viewing from the camera had no problems working with the Nest Hub.

How to Keep Your Nest Cam Outdoor Secure: A Pro Tip

The Nest Cam Outdoor’s mounting plate also has a magnetic feature. This is so you can place it on any flat metal surface outdoors if needed. It might be a good idea to screw it into the desired location instead of risking it sliding off and falling on a hard surface.

Keep in mind that the AC adapter is not weatherproof, so be careful to protect it and be sure not to get it wet, even though the camera and cord are both weatherized. The Nest Cam Outdoor has a power cord that must be plugged into an indoor outlet.

A concern: the magnetic base’s ability to stay in place

The Nest Cam Outdoor’s magnetic base makes it easier for thieves to steal the camera. So why risk it? Upgrade to the Nest Cam IQ Outdoor if you are concerned about that. The Nest Cam IQ Outdoor is better than the Nest Cam Outdoor because it has a security screwdriver. This will stop thieves from easily running off with it. 

Get Alerts for What Matters with Nest’s Activity Zones

Take Control of Your Home’s Security

The Google Nest app lets you tweak camera settings, monitor live streams, and review recordings. You may define customized activity zones to monitor just the areas that matter to you and receive email alerts and push notifications.

Some cameras include activity zones in blocks that you may activate. You may receive more notifications for one region than for another.

Nest allows you to design customized activity zones to tailor which alerts you need. You may color-code and label zones to obtain particular notifications. This makes it simple to prioritize your alerts. You must subscribe to a monthly Nest Aware plan to take advantage of Nest’s coolest features, including activity zones.

Google Nest Cameras: The Best Quality You Can Get on a Budget

Because of the superior technology provided by Google Nest products, you need to be aware of the cost-benefit for your particular budget.

The Google Nest Nest Cam Outdoor is an older model, so it costs less than the new and improved Nest Cam Outdoor IQ. However, the older Nest Cam Outdoor, for those with budget constraints, is a good way to save money on a high-quality Google Nest camera with a reasonable price tag.

A Nest Aware subscription is required for familiar face identification, 24/7 recording, and activity zones. Without Nest Aware, you get 3 hours of motion-activated clips. Nest Aware unlocks Nest’s best features, but it costs extra.

Features that require Nest Aware: 

• Recording your home 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Timelapses are videos that show how a place changes over time
• Zones for specific activities
• AI features, such as familiar face detection, can automatically identify people
• Notifications are sent to your phone or another device that help you stay informed about what is happening in your home.
• Multi-day cloud storage is a feature that allows you to store your data for more than one day

The Ability to Customize the Settings on Your Nest Cam Outdoor

The Google Nest app is simple and easy to use. You can customize the settings of your Nest Cam Outdoor. This will help you adjust the alerts you get, like for events that are not important, like the wind blowing things around or vehicles passing by.

The Nest app has good reviews on Google Play and the Apple App Store. People who have Google Play say it is a great app with over four stars. The ones with the Apple App Store say it is even better, with almost five stars. The app has been simplified so you can use it very quickly in minutes, not hours.

Outdoor camera quality Records in 1080p with 8x Zoom

The Nest Cam Outdoor records in 1080p and has an 8x digital zoom. 1080p is a good resolution now and provides clear pictures. With the 8x zoom feature, you can zoom in on anything that comes into view and see details that might be helpful to you (like license plates or someone approaching your property).

Nest Cam IQ Outdoor 1080p Resolution Offers Excellent Image Quality

In addition to its 4K image sensor and 12x digital zoom, the Nest Cam IQ Outdoor also supports a full HD 1080p resolution. Despite the camera’s 1080p resolution, the 4K image sensor allows for very clear magnification of the captured image. Supersight is also a great feature with its automatic zoom function and can actually track people in motion. It is also included.

High-definition video recording requires a lot of bandwidth, so bear that in mind. Prior to recording with Nest’s 24/7 HD, be sure your internet connection can handle it. The Nest app allows you to change the resolution if it’s too high for your internet speed or data plan.

Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa Compatible

Both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa may be used with the Nest Cam Outdoor. Additionally, it is compatible with the Google Assistant app, allowing you to link compatible devices such as smart light bulbs and other Nest devices. It will also work with your Nest Secure home security system or a Nest Hello video doorbell.

Nest Cam Outdoor Alternatives

If you’re not sure if the Nest Cam Outdoor is right for you, check out some other outdoor security cameras such as the Arlo Ultra.

The Best 4K Wire-Free Cameras – Arlo Ultra is a good option

If you’re looking for the best 4K wire-free cameras, the Arlo Ultra is your best bet. It features cutting-edge 4K resolution, color night vision, and an in-built spotlight. In comparison to the New Cam Outdoor, it improves upon every aspect, making it a better option for those who want the latest and greatest technology. However, it does come with a higher price tag than the Nest Cam Outdoor.

For those who want the best tech available, 4K, Wire-free cameras, and Google Nest Cam IQ Outdoor, the Arlo Ultra fits the bill. The Arlo Ultra is the pinnacle of surveillance cameras due to its cutting-edge 4K resolution, color night vision, and in-built spotlight. 

In comparison to the new Nest Cam Outdoor, the Google Nest Cam IQ Outdoor improves upon every aspect of its predecessor.  You will have a wider field of vision and a longer detection range, a built-in LED ring light, and a higher resolution 4K sensor. It’s a better option if you want the latest and greatest technology, but it costs twice as much as the Nest Cam Outdoor.

The Nest Cam IQ Outdoor is best for folks who prefer the Nest Cam Outdoor but want an even better version with enhanced image quality when zooming in.

A Security Camera that Installs Quickly and Easily with a Variety of Capabilities

If you want a security camera that installs quickly and has a variety of capabilities, put the Nest Cam near the top of your list of choices to consider, especially if you are currently using Google Assistant and other Nest devices. It’s simple to install and produces bright, colorful HD video with alerts for animals, and vehicles, as well as precise face detection for people. There are some limitations to using third-party integrations, but they work well with Google Assistant and the Nest Hub. However, if you want to keep videos for more than three hours, you will have to pay. Otherwise, for a few more dollars, you may want to get the Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera, which offers 2K video, color night vision, and includes a spotlight and a built-in siren.

The Nest Cam Outdoor has superb integration and excellent features and is a great choice for an outdoor security camera. You can see clearly day or night, watch your property, and speak through two-way audio. (i.e. visitors welcome or not)

Google Nest Cam Review: A Bargain for Home Security

• With its lower price tag, the Google Nest Cam with its battery-powered indoor/outdoor home security camera is simple to install and delivers intelligent alerts and sharp HD video.
• You can save money if you buy a Nest Cam Outdoor that has 1080p HD video, Alexa and Google Assistant connectivity, and person recognition.
• The Nest Cam Outdoor is a great camera because it meets or exceeds industry standards in video quality, night vision, and two-way audio.
• The Nest Cam Outdoor is a great camera because it will work with devices that are in the Google or Amazon ecosystems.
• However, you will not be able to have the footage automatically uploaded to a micro-SD card if you do not have local storage.
• Even though the Nest Cam Outdoor has artificial intelligence capabilities, you have to pay a minimum of $6 a month to get them.
• Google is no longer selling the Nest Cam Outdoor. You can only buy it from third-party sellers.

So, should you buy the Nest Cam Outdoor? We think so! It’s a great quality camera with versatile features that will make your home security easier than ever. Plus, it works with many of the most popular AI assistants to give you even more control over your home security. If you want to be able to keep an eye on things while you’re away, or just check in on your pets during the day, then the Nest Cam Outdoor is definitely a purchase worth considering.

If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line outdoor security camera that offers features like AI and activity zones, Nest Cam is the way to go. You can get cheaper cameras, but they won’t have the same quality or features as Nest. Plus, with Nest Aware, you can really customize what you’re alerted about and create activity zones so that you only get notifications about events that matter to you. Installation is a breeze and it’s easy to monitor footage from anywhere in the world. So far, we’ve been very impressed with Google’s newest addition to their smart home line-up!