Nest Outdoor Security Camera Review

When your home is your castle, you do everything you can to make it feel like a safe nest where you can retreat in peace.

Nest understands our need for security and has developed several appliances to aid us in this quest. With their new Nest Outdoor Security Camera, they’ve taken another step in giving their costumers some deserved peace of mind.

And if you’re going to offer security measures, there’s a lot of homework to be done. Nest has made sure to aim for top scores on their assignments with the results to back them up.

Their outdoor camera is easy to install, fairly easy on the eyes, and is both dust and waterproof.

As long as you have a decent Wi-Fi connection, there are no problems in getting all the data from the camera to your phone or computer.

Speaking of the data, no effort has been spared in getting the best video quality.

But is this the camera you want guarding your front door? There are a lot of features to consider, so let’s take the time to zoom in.

Nest Outdoor Security Camera: The Details

Specs

• Product Dimensions: 3.5 x 2.8 x 2.8 inches
• Product Weight: 0.69 pounds
• Product Type: Outdoor security camera
• Compatible with Amazon Alexa? Yes, as well as with IFTTT.
• Camera Quality: Up to 1080p HD
• Video Memory: Depending on your subscription, you can have access to the past three hours of footage, up to the last month.

How Does it Work

Security systems have been around for as long as we can remember.

The dawn of video cameras have added new possibilities, and while state of the art camera security used to be a thing reserved for big companies who could afford such systems, the technology has reached a point where the public at large can benefit from it too.

The Nest Outdoor Security Camera comes with a few clear guidelines, but we’ll give you a quick explanation. Better to be prepared than taken by surprise after all.

First of all, you need to choose where to place your camera. The best spot should be about 2-3 meters high, within the range of your home Wi-Fi network and with access to a power plug. And of course you have to be able to see your front door, or other area you want to keep an eye on.

Setting up the camera requires Wi-Fi and the Nest app. If it’s your first Nest device, you’ll need to fill out a few details, and then all you need to do is scan your camera’s QR code, plug it in, and proceed to set-up.

After that, all you need to do is install it. It even comes with magnets to save you the hassle with DIY.

Once this installation is complete, you can check the camera feed from your cell or PC.

With the Nest Aware Service, this also includes the possibility to rewind up to 30 days in your camera feed, as well as the possibility to designate ‘safe’ zones.

An extra, cool feature is the microphone which lets you talk to the visitors at your front door. Transforming your standard security cam into a smart security camera has never been easier.

Nest: The Brand

Nest has specialized in making our homes more secure. This service is not limited to camera security either.

They have secured their reputation with smoke alarms, CO+ alarms, thermostats, and doorbells.

The company was founded in 2010 by former Apple engineers Tony Fadell and Matt Rogers. With an impressive background like that, it’s not surprising all of their products are technologically sound and have been tested to perform their best no matter what the circumstances.

While the company prefers to focus on smart home technology, the market is still adjusting itself to the idea of using these devices in their homes. But slowly homeowners are getting used to the idea of making their house smarter.

And Nest is making sure to deliver top-notch devices for those who are taking the plunge into the future.

Nest Outdoor Security Camera Review

The Positives

Smart Design

No matter from which angle you look at them, most security cameras seem unwieldy or imposing to everyone.

Nest has taken the futuristic yet friendly design approach, making the camera seem non-threatening. For those who don’t look closely, it might just resemble a spotlight.

What’s even better, you won’t have to worry about your front door looking like the entrance to a prison.

Durable

The difference between Nest’s outdoor and indoor camera is in how durable the outdoor version is.

Dust has no chance of messing with the inside of your camera, and it has been designed to withstand waterspouts.

Both the cable and the adapter are also waterproof so you can rest assured that your Nest Security Camera will keep working against the elements.

Easy Installation

Installation was meant to be easy, and the intention has become reality.

Thanks to the magnets, there’s no need to take out the drill and punch holes in the wall; all you need is something to clip onto.

You can just watch the feed from your cell phone instead of reserving a screen in your home solely to watch the proceedings on.

This is great news for those who are looking to add smart devices to their home but have held off in fear of complicated technology.

Here’s a video showing how to install the Nest Outdoor Camera.

One App Fits All

Nest does need you to use their app for any product they have manufactured, but they make sure the same app can support all products.

No need to install three different apps if you have three devices. It’s easy to keep track of every camera, sensor, or thermostat, and adjust settings as needed while you’re on the go.

You can have all your gadgets in one place, creating a ‘smart-hub’ for your home, and leaving your life a little less confusing.

Smart Camera

With the subscription, you can task the camera with keeping track of sounds, ignoring certain areas, or even shutting down at times when you know someone will be home.

If you don’t necessarily want to sit and watch your camera all day, the Nest Security Camera will also send alerts and snapshots to your phone if activity is detected on the camera. If you’re working from the office, it can also send you emails.

The two-way sound system lets you talk to someone ringing the doorbell.

Even adjusting the video quality is a breeze, so it may just be time to get a bit geeky.

Nighttime Ready

You won’t have to worry about not being able to make out the figure at the door at 10 p.m.

The Nest Outdoor Camera has night vision that lights up the area evenly so there will be no second guessing.

This is also handy in stormy weather, foggy weather, or conditions where visibility is iffy.

Sharing Capabilities

While the Nest Camera isn’t set up to take watch over a whole neighbourhood, there’s no reason your neighbourhood can’t help each other.

With the Nest Camera, you’re able to share your live-stream with whoever you want with a password.

This means, if you’re away from home for a weekend or more without access to your camera, you can get a close friend or neighbour to take over and “house sit” from afar.

Create a Fortress

Nest designs their products to be able to communicate and work with each other. Why run your own home when Nest can?

The Nest Outdoor Security Camera can work with your smart bulbs, smart locks, and other selected smart devices in your home so you can feel even more secure.

For example, your smart bulbs can work with your camera to make it look like you’re home if your camera notices someone approaching.

Or, you smart locks can work with your camera to lock the doors if an intruder is close.

If you have more than a couple smart devices connected to your home, try using them together to keep intruders away and keep you and your family safe.

The Negatives

Pricey Subscription

Though the camera works well without a Nest Safe Subscription, some of the features can only be accessed when you’re subscribed.

And if you’re installing multiple cameras, the subscription price tag will go up accordingly.

We advise using the free month to decide whether or not it is worth it to you.

Need Broadband Bandwidth

Constant access to the video feed eats up your broadband connection like crazy.

While lowering the video quality and other settings might help with this, a good connection is a prerequisite for getting the most out of your camera.

Easily Spotted

Though the design is tasteful, a white casing might not have been the smartest design choice.

Good placing or a bit of creativity will go a long way in dealing with this.

Overall Verdict

The Nest Outdoor Security Camera is, considering all the benefits it offers, easily the best outdoor security camera on the market.

With its durable design, many customizable options and easy installation, it is a dream protecting your home.

Coming from a company that specializes in smart living, it is guaranteed to perform well even under hard circumstances.

We recommend this product to those who are living in riskier areas or those who feel like they would rather be safe than sorry.

It is important to keep in mind that the subscription needed to get the most out of this camera will be a recurring cost, which might drive some buyers to consider cheaper cameras with fewer features.

Keep in mind that even without a subscription, this is still a camera with many features and a good reputation.

Where to Buy the Nest Outdoor Security Camera

Nest has really made an impact on the tech world by creating products that make home life a little easier with the help of technology and smart devices.

These products have quickly grown in popularity and Nest products can easily be found in-store and online.

To start, check out the following online retailers.

• Best Buy (from $199)
• Target (from $199)
• Nest (from $199)

Of course, it’s also available for purchase on Amazon.

That’s it for our Nest Outdoor Security Camera review. Curious to give it a try?