Blink - Outdoor 2K+ Wireless Smart Security Camera, 2K video, Two-way audio w/ noise cancellation, Smart detection - 5CAM - Black

The Blink Outdoor 2K+ with Sync Module Core is a sensible wireless security system for someone looking for an entry level camera system that is easy to set up and use, and doesn’t mind having a subscription plan. Setting up the Blink Outdoor 2K+ is simple and quick. Download the Blink Home Monitor app, create an account, and then follow the instructions to add the Sync Module Core and the Outdoor 2K+ camera. Within the app, features such as video quality, video recording length, motion detection zones, arm/disarm scheduling, and cloud video viewing can be performed. I own the previous Blink outdoor 4 1080p camera, and the latest Blink 2K+ camera is definitely much sharper, crisper, and shows greater detail than the Blink 4. I notice that the two way audio communication is also improved as background noises are effectively screened out with the noise cancellation technology. The Blink 2K+ is advertised with “Color Night Vision” that allows the camera to continue to provide color video even in low light. In my testing, I did not notice any difference when compared with the Blink Outdoor 4. The Blink Outdoor 2+ seems to change to black and white video as soon as the light levels dim just like my Outdoor 4. The Blink Outdoor 2K+ is powered with two AA lithium batteries with a claim that the batteries will last up to 2 years. Of course this will depend on a number of factors such as the video settings and how often the camera is running. I like that AA lithium batteries are used in the camera since they are easy to replace. The Blink Outdoor 2K+ is shipped with the Sync Module Core which does not have a local storage option. It comes with a 30 day trial of Plus Plan which is the full featured subscription plan that allows for person and vehicle detection, live recording, and cloud recording. With no subscription plan, the system only has motion activated notifications and allows viewing of a live video feed with no ability to record. It is evident that the camera system is only effective if one purchases the subscription plan. Although the Sync Module Core is shipped with the Blink 2K+ camera, the camera will work fine with the Sync Module 2 and the Sync Module XR, both of which allow local storage, which is a better option for those who want this additional basic feature. Do I recommend the Blink Outdoor 2K+ with Sync Module Core? The video quality of the camera is a noticeable improvement over the previous generations, and because of this single improvement, I think the 2K+ camera is a worthy purchase. For those that want a no hassle plug and play system, and are okay paying for a monthly subscription plan, this is a good entry level security system. This is a solid 4 out of 5 star system. I am taking off one star only because the security system packaged with the Sync Module Core is almost useless without the subscription plan.

Blink - Outdoor 2K+ 2K video resolution, Color night vision, 2-way audio. I’m new to the Blink security camera family, and I’m impressed with the ease of setup and the complete suite of features that result in an expansive home or business monitoring system. As my test photos show, the management of the video clips is convenient, and the video clips are very detailed. It’s important to follow the setup guidance and read the hints. For example, the color night video feature requires a non-intuitive choice of settings to ensure the infrared lighting is disabled and only ambient light is illuminating the protected area. A porch light is usually sufficient to see those color images. Details and observations follow, but I can share here that I find the signal strength at greater than usual distances, the quality of the video clips, and the feature set will serve my needs very nicely. SETUP: This Blink package includes both the very discrete, all-black 2K camera and a Sync Module Core which effectively extends the camera’s range, enabling the camera to be truly wireless. It can accept 10 additional cameras (or other Blink devices) as a system. Start the Blink camera system process by installing the Blink App from either the Apple iOS or Google Play stores on your phone. Plug in the Synch Module from the package, which includes cable and power brick. From within the app, ADD “+” the Synch Module. Then ADD the camera, which requires installing the included Lithium Batteries. Blink includes a 30-day trial of its Subscription plan, although it offers a number of its features with no subscription required and Live View is always available. The important feature you do lose is storage of video clips. Because of the Trial Subscription, I’m not confident about how these advanced features might work if I don’t continue the subscription. [Blink still offers the older Synch Module 2 with a USB drive and/or the Synch Module XR with a MicroSD card for local recoding.] PERFORMANCE and SUMMARY: The Blink Outdoor 2k+ camera is an improved version, with higher resolution, low-light color images, noise cancellation for improved 2-way communications with a visitor or intruder, a 4x zoom feature, smart detection (requires a subscription), and superior severe weather protection. The settings are comprehensive, allowing for every setting to be modified, every audio or video sensitivity to be adjusted to maximize battery life or improve performance. The 2-way communication is truly useful because background noise is controlled and lag time is short. Keeping the Synch Module and camera distances short seems to help improve lag times and image quality, which can be quite sharp and detailed. Subscription plan packages are reasonably priced, especially for larger systems with the Blink Plus Plan. It includes unlimited cloud storage (up to 60 days) and adds an unlimited number of devices supported. This plan extends your ability to stream video from the standard 5 minutes out to 90 continuous minutes. The two features which contribute most to my positive recommendation are the remarkable, up to 2-year, promised battery life using lithium batteries (non-rechargeable) in the camera, and the true, wireless camera design of this very small, discrete camera that is built for bad weather.

This is a great camera kit from Blink. It’s clear that they’ve learned from their prior products and this one just feels right - from the design of both the camera and sync module, to a great image quality and features, to the minimal and well-organized packaging… and of course, the price. I’ve been consistently happy with the quality of Blink’s cameras ever since they released the Blink 4 model that introduced their modernized design language. Wireless connections have been stable... and with an even greater image quality, I really like this 2k model. __ Design and Features __ With the exception of the lens area, this model looks nearly identical to the Blink 4. It still takes 2 lithium AA batteries and lasts a long time, giving you more flexibility for placement location without a lot of maintenance. They’re weatherproof and can take a hard rain better than a lot of other cameras on the market too. The Blink 4 was already a clear pick for me when it was released, but this model improves upon that by recording a more crisp, detailed image. At night, you also gain what Blink calls ‘color vision in low light’ in addition other normal night vision, which is in black and white. This seems to work buy amplifying very low light conditions to present an image that appears bright and well lit. In my testing, light leaking out of my windows was enough to keep recording in color outside, even when it appeared pitch black. Once those lights were turned off, the camera went into normal night vision. It’s a great feature, making this the only camera we own that records in color well into the evening. The included sync module gets plugged inside and works great. I’ve always had a solid connection with the camera and setup was a breeze. A quality wall mount is included too. __ Blink Service __ Blink feels like a no-nonsense brand. Their camera’s are affordable and perform well, while their app is simple but has also improved over time. Accessing clips from this camera is simple, along with the added benefit of notifications when people and vehicles are detected if preferred (through their affordable subscription) __ Summary __ Blink really nailed it here. The camera improves on the already great Blink 4 with greater image quality and color night vision, while the included sync module gets any new Blink owner up and running with an easy setup and everything they need. Their comparable affordability rounds out a great package. These are great cameras for clip-based recording and perfect for simple security, live viewing, and notifications for things happening around your home.

This Blink Camera is really easy to setup and useful. I have another camera that I have been using for a few months and this system has a night vision option that my other setup does not have. Everything was included in the box, along with lithium batteries. I felt the manual could have been expanded, but I found some videos online that really helped me with both the installation and the app. I have dual wifi (2.4 GHz/5 GHz) and found the 2.4 GHz made for a seamless setup process. For this reason, I didn’t even try the 5 GHz. Once I was able to get everything connected and hooked up outside, the Blink device works. The 2K picture looks great, and the night vision has been helpful for evening deliveries. The weather has been freezing, sunny, and rainy but no issues. The 2 way talk feature is clear on both sides. I have also found the app to be amazing and simple. I love that I can go about my day, and review the notifications when they pop up. For problems, I can click into the app, but I have only needed that once -- still, very easy to do. In the end, I just like that it all works as that’s all I ever really want in my devices.

Blink 2k outdoor - No memory card option - Smaller sync module - 2 AA lithium batteries work great - Better detection than blink 4 Coming from a user of the Blink 4 Outdoor cameras, I was looking forward to see what this newer model would bring and I honestly was not that impressed with the 4. The motion detection settings worked poorly, minimal stream time before you get bombarded with “Continue” prompts, and okay video quality. One of the main reasons I invested in the cameras was to monitor critters in my attic, since the past couple of months they’ve been making a home in there. The older Blink cameras would not catch anything in the dark in my attic, I could randomly jump on the video feed and the night vision was good and I could see mice running around as I’m looking, but no detection! This 2k model though, only been up there for a couple of days and I have received an alert, so its already an improvement over the last generation. The picture quality has improved, which is obvious by the “2k” resolution of the camera. Unfortunately my attic is pitch black which does not support the nighttime color vision. I also do like how these cameras use replaceable AA batteries, this means the camera isn’t worthless when the rechargeable battery life drops too low. Simply buy some new AA lithium batteries and your camera works like new! I haven’t noticed a big difference in available settings between the different generations, so it seems like any improvements are mostly hardware related. My one disappointment seems like it does not take a memory card. If you have a prior sync module that supports it, I believe you can use it, but if you don’t you are stuck with a subscription-only option for recordings with the provided sync module, which I’m not a fan of. I’m still on the 30 day free trial of the subscription service, and I hope I still get motion alerts with clips of footage without a subscriptoin, but if I don’t this will be a deal breaker for me. In general the camera is a decent value camera, backed by a big company, and I’m sure will be supported for some time. If you don’t mind subscriptions, this could be a good product for you, but if you prefer advanced video/recording features and your own personal storage, this may not be as big of a draw for you. I have attached a motion detection short video clip of my attic in pitch dark (too dark for the night time color) for you to see the quality of the camera in the dark…and to see this pesky mouse if you’re interested, the quality is good for complete darkness.