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

Really like the cameras they work well not a big fan of the color but that’s a preference choice. They come in white as well but they’re a good option.

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 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.

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.

I’ve been using Blink camera system for many years, and it has been a reliable and effective solution for home camera security system. It includes the Sync Module that integrates my existing Blink camera as well as the newer models. The camera is designed for outdoor placement wirelessly and is able to perform for long period of time without needing to change the batteries. Blink rated the battery life at up to two years for 1080P resolution with typical use. In my past experiences, battery life is great and can last up to one year. With the 2K performance of the new camera system, I would expect the battery to last more than 6 months if not the whole year. Installation: Easy to install and perform initial setup. I used my iPhone to do it and already had the Blink app ready to add the new device. All that it took was scanning some QR codes on the devices. The kit includes an outdoor camera mount, and it was easy to install. I just needed to drill two holes to secure the mount on the wall. Camera System Performance Car and human detection work great and every time there’s an event, it will push notification to user’s phone. Users can customize the length of the clip. Video and audio quality are great. Both videos and audio are clear. There’s a 4x zoom capabilities, which work well. Although there's no built-in light, I use a motion sensor light, so it's not a problem for me. Subscription and Alexa Integration Subscription services are standard for home camera systems these days. Blink subscription model offers good value with options for one camera or more. Without subscription the camera can still push notification and provide live view to user’s phone and Amazon devices, but it will not record the video and audio feed. Of course, Alexa integration works great. I can tell Alexa to show live feed from my camera and zooming in on the live feed. App performance The iPhone app works great. However, while it works great with my iPhone and Alexa device, it does not work well with Galaxy Fold 7. There’s a glitch in which the newly added camera did not appear on the device list. So, I re-added the camera to the app and the app says device added but the new camera still does not show up on the device list. It’s not major issue for me since the iPhone app works fine but if I only use an Android phone, that may be a big problem. This issue is unlikely for most Android users but may affect those with existing Blink camera system using the same phone model as mine. I can still access the clips from my Android phone, but I can’t access live feed. Final Thoughts This is a solid camera system, which integrates well with the Alexa/ Amazon ecosystem. The subscription system offers good value. Battery life and camera performance are great, however, it may not work that well with a specific Android phone model. Pros: Easy to setup and install Battery life Video and audio quality Alexa/ Amazon integration Cons: Does not work well with Samsung Galaxy Fold 7