Summary
Outdoor security cameras provide a cost-effective means of monitoring one’s property, and the Floodlight Cam manufactured by Ring is particularly appealing due to its dual functionality as both an outdoor security camera and a floodlight. The Floodlight Cam offers a multitude of functions in a single device, including LED lights for property illumination, night vision capabilities, two-way conversation, and motion detection.
The most recent version of the Ring Floodlight Cam, known as the Wired Pro, has a wider range of capabilities and innovations in comparison to its predecessors. What are the features and benefits of the Floodlight Cam Wired Pro? Is the investment justified? To ascertain, I conducted a test on the Floodlight Cam Wired Pro.
Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro review: Create
For this review, I examined the black color option of the Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro, which is available in both black and white. The dimensions of the object are 12.82 by 7.77 by 8.5 inches, while the diameter of the spherical base is around 5 inches. The camera and floodlight are affixed to the base, and the whole equipment is resistant to weather conditions, capable of functioning in temperatures ranging from -5 degrees to 118 degrees Fahrenheit. The use of a foam backing on the mounting plate serves to enhance the airtightness of the seal between the floodlight and the outer wall. This serves to inhibit the ingress of moisture and mitigate any potential disruption to the electrical connections. The floodlight that I substituted for the original light lacked the foam backing on its mounting plate. Instead, the builder of my residence had applied caulk around the fixture’s base to mitigate the ingress of moisture. I found the foam backing on the mounting plate to be advantageous, as it eliminated the need for me to apply caulk around the Floodlight.
The base is equipped with a swiveling camera and two floodlights that emit 2,000 lumens and have a temperature of 3,000 degrees Kelvin. These floodlights may be adjusted vertically or rotated according to your preference. The conventional method of mounting the Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro involves positioning the camera component at the lower end and the lighting elements at the upper end. However, it is possible to modify this arrangement by inverting the device, so enhancing its compatibility with ceiling or low-level setups.
Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro review: Setup
The Floodlight Wired Pro may be successfully installed if one has the capability to set up a rudimentary light fixture or light switch. The device requires the connection of three wires: a ground wire (green), a current or hot wire (black), and a neutral wire (white). The Floodlight Pro package has all the necessary components for the replacement of an external light fixture. The item includes a metal mounting bracket, a plastic mounting plate, a sufficient number of screws to accommodate various configurations, and twist wire connections. The light is equipped with a hang strap, eliminating the need for you to continuously extend your arms while connecting all the cables.
In order to replace a fixture, it is necessary to deactivate the electrical supply at the breaker corresponding to the affected area. Subsequently, the fixture should be detached, followed by the attachment of a new metal bracket. The wires should then be threaded through the aperture in the plastic mounting plate. The mounting plate should then be affixed to the metal bracket, and the wires should be connected. Finally, the Floodlight should be positioned using the two bolts. Once the Floodlight Pro has been suspended, it may be linked to the Ring application by means of scanning a QR code provided in the quick start instructions.
The Floodlight Pro is equipped with dual-band Wi-Fi capabilities, enabling connectivity to both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz wifi networks. After establishing a connection, the Ring application will guide you through other configuration procedures, such as configuring motion zones and establishing Amazon Sidewalk.
The process of installation lasted for a total of 1 hour and 15 minutes, including the removal of my previous light, the placement of the Floodlight Pro, and its integration with the Ring application. If you want to install the Floodlight Pro in an area without an existing light or without the required wiring, it is advisable to get guidance from an electrician. Nevertheless, the majority of individuals will have the capability to substitute an outside light with the Floodlight Pro throughout the afternoon.
Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro review: Quality of video and audio
The Ring Floodlight Pro’s video quality was commendable. The camera has 1080p HD resolution with HDR, a horizontal field of vision of 140 degrees, and a vertical field of view of 80 degrees. The video exhibits a high level of clarity and brightness, enabling me to effectively differentiate between faces and automobiles even at considerable distances. I positioned the Floodlight Pro next to the garage entrance on the side of my home, which is one of the few places without security camera surveillance. I saw vehicles entering from that particular side of the street, since that is the predominant access point for automobiles to enter. When someone is strolling past my house, I can readily distinguish between a neighbor and an unfamiliar individual. In some instances, I possess the capability to visually see the driver of a vehicle as they approach my residence, and I consistently observe significant attributes such as license plate numbers.
The Floodlight Pro is equipped with a functionality known as 3D motion detection, which use radar technology to ascertain the spatial and angular dimensions of objects, hence enhancing the accuracy of motion notifications. Additionally, this functionality enables the implementation of a feature known as “Bird’s Eye View,” which offers an aerial representation and displays a dot trajectory that individuals traverse when visiting your establishment.
However, I had difficulties with the Bird’s Eye View functionality. I reside in a recently constructed residential complex that was developed within the last 12 to 18 months. The bird’s eye view map is dependent on satellite data, and it is evident that my residence is not shown on the satellite map, since it appears as an empty plot of land. Despite my attempts to input my address into some GPS programs, the app is unable to locate it due to its recent nonexistence. Due to the outdated satellite data in the satellite map used by Ring, and the fact that my neighbor’s home was the only house constructed during that period, the application continuously shifted the bird’s-eye perspective to my neighbor’s house. The feature is established, but, it simulates motion as if it is happening from the viewpoint of my neighbor’s home rather than mine. When I go outside, it perceives that I am situated on my neighbor’s rooftop rather as inside my own yard. If you reside in a recently constructed residential complex, you may come into a similar problem. Nevertheless, the majority of individuals should find the feature to be functioning flawlessly.
In contrast, the two-way conversation functionality demonstrates exceptional efficacy, including audio enhancements such as noise cancellation. The audio is very loud, ensuring that guests can easily hear you when you communicate with them using the Floodlight Pro. Additionally, a siren with a decibel level of 110 may be remotely activated to serve as a deterrent against potential intruders or undesirable guests. The siren is sufficiently loud to effectively perform its intended function, and it may be easily activated via the application.
Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro review: Nocturnal vision
The night vision of the Pro is sufficiently clear to illuminate my property and a few yards into the street. However, the night vision picture does not exhibit the same level of clarity as the daytime image. Color night vision is a phenomenon that use ambient light to generate simulated color, but with limited visibility, since it mostly displays faint accents of color within the surrounding backdrop.
Disabling the color night vision function enhanced the visibility of the overall image, yet it is still advantageous to have the color night vision option accessible.
Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro review: Additional characteristics
The Floodlight Pro, like to other Ring devices, is compatible with Alexa devices, particularly Echo Show devices. When someone approaches the Floodlight Cam Pro, I have the ability to see and verbally communicate with them using my Echo Show. The Floodlight Pro offers a range of additional functionalities, including the ability to specify 30-foot motion zones, configure motion zone settings for the lights, alter brightness levels, and schedule LED lights.
To prevent receiving motion alerts at certain times, you have the ability to modify the motion sensitivity and establish schedules. Similar to the majority of Ring products, the acquisition of a subscription to Ring Protect gives users access to additional capabilities. The membership offers supplementary advantages such as a 60-day video history, video storage and sharing capabilities, a people-only mode, snapshot capture functionality, and comprehensive alerts.
Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro review: Our perspective
The Floodlight Cam Pro by Ring is very intuitive, including convenient features such as a foam-backed mounting plate and a strap for securely holding the light while connecting the cables. The gadget has a high degree of customizability without excessive complexity, making it very probable to be used extensively.
Does a superior alternative exist?
Both the Eufy Floodlight Cam and Floodlight Cam 2k provide a wide range of features, such as an intelligent siren, bidirectional communication, high-intensity motion-activated floodlights, high-resolution live and recorded video capabilities, and local storage capabilities, eliminating the need for a subscription. The Floodlight Cam and Cam 2k are priced at $200 and $220, respectively, which is comparatively more cost-effective than the retail price of $250 for the Ring Floodlight Pro. For those who prioritize the avoidance of membership fees and the availability of local storage, Eufy’s Floodlight series may be a suitable choice. Nevertheless, for those seeking a high level of integration with Alexa, a comprehensive application with several capabilities, and advanced functionalities such as 3D motion detection, the Ring Floodlight Pro is likely to be the preferred choice. The Ring Floodlight Pro is particularly advantageous for those who own other goods within the Ring line.
An additional option available is Ring’s proprietary Floodlight Cam Plus. Despite the absence of some capabilities, such as dual-band Wi-Fi and the Bird’s Eye View function, the older model remains a cost-effective alternative ($180) that gives a comparable user experience.
What is the duration of its lifespan?
The Ring Floodlight Pro is constructed with high quality and is resistant to weather conditions. The bulbs have a long lifespan, however they cannot be replaced. The gadget’s lifetime is somewhat constrained by this factor; yet, if the bulbs have a lifespan of 10 years, it may be considered a decently extended lifespan for the equipment. The Wired Pro model of the Ring Floodlight Cam is accompanied by a guarantee of one year for both components and theft prevention.
Is it advisable to purchase it?
Indeed. The Ring Floodlight Pro is a suitable option for anyone seeking to include an outdoor security camera/floodlight combo that provides advanced features like as aerial views and Amazon sidewalk, while maintaining user-friendly functionality.
Review of the Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Pro: Enhanced aerial perspective for your residence
The Floodlight Pro is equipped with a functionality known as 3D motion detection, which utilizes radar technology to ascertain the distance and angles of objects, hence enhancing the effectiveness of motion alerts. Additionally, the device offers a bird’s-eye view, which presents an overhead map and illustrates the trajectory of individuals as they traverse your premises.
Pros
- Adjustable mounting
- Has color night vision
- Has 3D motion detection
- Loud two-way talk with noise cancellation
- Customizable motion zones
Cons
- Needs subscription for full features
- No local storage
- Lights are not replaceable