Can I Use A Blink Xt Two Camera System On A Pc
By now, you might take heard the story of Blink,1 the affordable camera brand Amazon bought in 2017 that ushered in a new era of smarter, cheaper domicile security technology. With their line of easy-to-employ, minimalistic DIY cameras, Blink has become a darling of the industry, peculiarly appealing to apartment dwellers and folks on a budget.
Blink Cameras
While not exactly a budget brand, Glimmer offers a well-rounded option for folks who want to monitor their homes themselves and without a lot of fuss. We recently tested and reviewed Blink cameras easily-on, and while we tin't say we were blown away past ultra Hd video quality or groundbreaking motion detection, we even so came away with a feeling of security and peace of mind, not to mention relief that we didn't have to plunk down big bucks to build a Glimmer system. For constructive apartment security, nosotros can come across why many renters pick Blink.
Pivoting away from the features and tech, today we're looking deeper into Glimmer the brand, and their equipment costs, plans, packages, and deals.
To get-go things off, let's lay out some of our favorite Blink features:
- Fully Wireless Cameras
- Easy DIY Installation
- Lightweight, Minimalist Blueprint
- Up to 1080p HD Video Resolution
- 2-Style Talk
- Infrared Nighttime Vision
- Low-Cost Cloud Storage
- Local Video Storage
- Smart Abode Integration with Alexa
A Look at Blink Pricing
Blink Mini Mounted
While there's no one-size-fits-all security photographic camera, Blink comes relatively close with their latest lineup2 of 3 cameras: the Glimmer Indoor, Blink Outdoor, and Glimmer Mini. Each camera brings its own set of bones merely effective features, allowing us to check off all of the boxes of home security we're looking for: An accurate motion sensor, easy everyday use, articulate audio, a overnice picture, durable equipment, and convenient storage.
We likewise similar that Glimmer keeps their inventory pretty small. When comparing cameras within the brand, information technology's important to note that Blink cameras really aren't that different from one another – Blink Outdoor is just Blink Indoor in a weatherproof housing, for example – and so if yous know how to use 1 Glimmer photographic camera, you pretty much know how to use them all.
Blink Indoor Equipment
Of form, if you're leaning toward a brand with more selection, nosotros'd invite you to bank check out our review of Reolink cameras, with prices ranging from $35 for a simple indoor device to $269 for a feature-heavy pan-and-tilt number. Those would all make a great alternative, or you could try Wyze Cams, another DIY make with cameras even cheaper than Blink (just with a few minor drawbacks).
In our view, this makes Glimmer – with equipment priced from $34.99 for the Mini to $99.99 for Glimmer Outdoor – a worthwhile purchase for DIY dwelling house security.
Simply is Glimmer the brand for y'all? Let'south suspension for a few quick stats on these cams:
Glimmer Photographic camera Features
| All-time Asset | Affordability |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
| No. of Cameras | 3 |
| Price | $34.99+ |
| Days Tested | xxx |
Now, we'll dig into each camera a piffling more than, starting with the pint-sized Glimmer Mini.
Blink Camera Options
Glimmer Mini
Blink Mini on Tabular array
For $35, Blink'due south pint-sized camera is not going to knock your socks off in video resolution. But in our Glimmer Mini review, nosotros noticed that it already has one thing over its bigger, bolder siblings – it doesn't need a sync module. Blink Mini just works direct off our Wi-Fi, which is always a nice perk in the installation stage.
With this unassuming device, standing less than two inches top to bottom (not including the stand up), we got clear 1080p video,3 two-way audio, motion zones, infrared night vision, and great customization via the Blink Home Monitoring app. And, storing video history with Blink is a breeze, with affordable monthly subscription plans (which we'll embrace in simply a moment).
The only drawback to Mini is that it's wired – it doesn't contain batteries, so yous'll accept that pesky power cord to reckon with. We tend to employ cameras like this on a fireplace mantel, or a loftier bookshelf, to get a sweeping view of our space without having to drill any holes in our wall, and with a little wiggle room to obstruct the ability string from view.
This way, wired cameras wait less messy in our home. But if you'd rather not bargain with wires at all, we suggest taking a look at Arlo'due south cameras and systems, many of which are wire-free and use rechargeable batteries.
Blink Indoor
Blink Indoor
Blink Indoor, the sleek, comfortably cube-shaped camera released in 2020 as an upgrade to Glimmer XT2, reminded us why we've been consistent fans of Blink cameras: they include extended-life batteries for up to ii years of average use. In our hands-on review of the Glimmer Indoor security camera, we noted the benefits to this wire-free configuration, namely in terms of installation; we really similar being able to set up the camera and walk away, free to focus on other matters, without having to change out those batteries for two whole years.
For a photographic camera under $80, it feels like a luxury to have wire-free functionality. But continue in listen that it's not the simply wire-gratuitous photographic camera out at that place that's considered upkeep-friendly. Nosotros got a firsthand look at this setup when we tested Ring Stick Up Cam, an impressive wire-free photographic camera for just under $100. It's also worth noting that Ring and Blink offering identical cloud storage plans with their cameras, merely we'll dig deeper into that in a few.
FYI: To really explore Band's range of cameras and packages, we recommend checking out our Ring camera pricing guide, where we go into nitty-gritty detail on what to look when it comes to camera costs, deject storage fees, and bundling options for Band security cameras.
Blink Outdoor
Glimmer Outdoor
Equally the priciest of Blink cameras, Glimmer Outdoor offers a decent bundle for only under $100 for the photographic camera and sync module. It pulls together several central upgrades over previous models, including some handy ways to customize the camera'south motion sensor. We paid item attention in our review of Blink Outdoor to all the ways nosotros could tinker with the photographic camera's features to get a better picture, like adding or removing activeness zones, adjusting video resolution and sensitivity, and setting warning schedules.
We practise want to notation that Glimmer Outdoor couldn't quite match the competition in nighttime vision, which is important in outdoor cameras; in our tests of this feature, the photographic camera delivered a decent picture in blackness and white, but not nearly the quality nosotros saw when nosotros tried out Nest for our Nest Cam review, Google's original security camera.
But beyond all that, you lot're nevertheless looking at a pretty reasonably priced camera when it comes to upfront costs. If you need more than proof, consider that the aforementioned Nest Cam is double the price of Blink Outdoor. Just something to consider every bit you narrow down your options.
Blink'southward Latest Pricing Overview
| Blink Model | Cost | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Blink Indoor | $79.99 |
|
| Blink Outdoor | $99.99 |
|
| Blink Mini | $34.99 |
|
Blink Video Storage Options
Blink Outdoor – Installed
Until recently, every Glimmer photographic camera came with a bones cloud-based storage plan, so nosotros could store some of our video history at no extra charge. Now, Blink is no longer offering that plan, to the chagrin of some users. But they did make a small merely significant upgrade to their sync module, which appears to exist a sufficient compromise. That is, instead of relying on the cloud to store video clips, y'all can now attach your own storage device.
Blink Sync Module
With the Basic and Plus plans, yous tin can tape and save all video clips and photos to the deject and view them in the Blink app anytime and from anywhere. Also note that going with the Plus programme gets you a ten% discount on all time to come purchases of Blink devices and an extended warranty.
FYI: Choosing to store video clips through Blink's cloud has other advantages, too. Namely, we learned you'll pay the same corporeality every bit Ring users pay for their cloud storage. Check out our side-by-side Band vs. Glimmer comparison for lots more on the ii Amazon-backed brands.
Equally yous can see, despite the loss of gratis cloud storage, Blink even so presents a feasible option for a decent amount of storage without a huge financial commitment. See below for our breakdown of Blink's cloud storage plans.
Blink Cloud Subscriptions
| Blink Plans | Bones | Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Motion-Activated Alerts | Yes | Yes |
| Live Streaming | Aye | Yes |
| Video History | 60 Days | 60 Days |
| Two-Style Talk | Yes | Yes |
| x% off Blink Products | No | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 year | As long equally subscription is active |
| Number of Cameras | 1 | Unlimited |
| Cost | $iii per month | $ten per calendar month |
Blink Cameras: Standout Features and Tech
In the last couple of years, we've seen a shift in camera design trendsiv to a more minimalistic style and abroad from bulky, heavy builds. With its unassuming look and lightweight structure, we see why Blink cameras are a big hit with flat dwellers. Afterward all, if you lot really don't accept the actress space for bulky gadgets and all the extras and add-ons needed to power them, Glimmer presents a viable selection.
Did You Know: For a look at how Glimmer cameras stack up against a more than comprehensive security brand, check out our SimpliSafe vs. Blink comparison. While Blink provides home security on a much smaller calibration than SimpliSafe, we found some surprising similarities, as well. That said, if you're looking for intrusion protection plus video, we recommend checking out our SimpliSafe review.
Breakdown of Blink Camera Features and Tech
| 1080p HD Resolution | Every Blink camera supports video upwards to 1080p resolution, the standard for Hard disk drive. Simply it's of import to remember that these are Wi-Fi cameras, so the photographic camera's technology allows it to dip downwards into lower resolutions so it will run smoother and avoid connection interruptions. |
| Wire-Gratuitous Installation | With the exception of the Blink Mini, all Glimmer cameras run on two AA batteries, making them wire-gratis for easy, flexible installation. This means that, with average use, we can get upward to ii years without having to alter the batteries in our Glimmer cameras. |
| Smart Abode Integration | Since they have the same parent company, Glimmer makes information technology like shooting fish in a barrel to use their cameras as function of a smart dwelling setup, but just if that setup happens to exist Amazon. The brand still hasn't added this feature for non-Amazon devices, like Google Home and Nest Hub. |
| Two-Fashion Talk | 2-way talk is a great tool for spooking criminals, which is why we think it'southward as well an essential tool in any security camera. Blink cameras take both a built-in speaker and microphone, allowing us to speak to whomever is at the other end – possibly breaking up a crime in progress. |
| Weatherproof Hardware | Blink Outdoor, with an official IP65 weather rating, gets high marks for durability from us. In the peak of Ohio winters, temperatures tin dip dangerously low, only our Blink Outdoor camera held up through it all. This means a groovy deal to usa, as we like to utilize a couple of cameras outside the perimeter of our home to bank check for errant critters or porch pirates. |
| Night Vision | Blink cameras have infrared night vision, which records video in blackness and white. In our tests, information technology did a good job detecting activity in dimly lit areas and sending us prompt alerts, just we didn't see the fine-tuned details of our space that we'd get in a color night vision photographic camera. |
Electric current Deals on Blink Cameras
This might sound obvious, simply we thought it was pretty neat that buying Glimmer cameras is literally every bit easy as ownership any random product on Amazon. Which is, you know, the easiest way to buy anything ever. (We see yous, Prime members.)
That said, Blink offers discounted packages that include 2, iii, or 5 cameras and a Sync Module two, with prices starting at $139.99 and going all the manner up to $379.99. We always await for packages like this when researching a brand, equally information technology tin can be helpful in saving money on ownership multiple cameras at once. For more than tips on buying Blink cameras, check out our guide to Blink'south deals, discounts, and sales.
Did You Know: azon typically offers some nifty savings on Glimmer during Amazon Prime number Day. To notice out more, see our total roundup of Blink Camera Prime Mean solar day Deals and Discounts.
Final Thoughts on Blink Cameras
Whether you're looking to fill an entire abode with wireless security cameras5 or just purchase i or two as add together-ons, finding the perfect fit can be quite challenging. Glimmer'south cameras offering a truly hassle-gratis option, right downwards to the 2 AA extended-life batteries that let these cameras run for up to two years.
Every bit far as value, we go on to score Glimmer high. We're not talking almost rock-bottom prices here; nosotros'd put Glimmer cameras in or around the mid-range category in terms of pricing. But for what these cameras gave u.s.a. – a truly hassle-free experience – we wholeheartedly recommend adding Blink cameras to your habitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Blink photographic camera batteries last?
With the extended-life batteries included in every Blink photographic camera (except Blink Mini), yous'll get about two years of bombardment life with typical utilize. From what I've seen, that's a whole lot of battery life in 1 charge.
Do Blink cameras automate with smart habitation devices?
Since they're endemic by the same company, Blink and Alexa play well together. You lot can set upwardly your Glimmer cameras to utilize voice commands through an Amazon Echo. It does non work as smoothly with Google Assistant, though.
Does Glimmer take color night vision?
No. Blink cameras use standard infrared nighttime vision that is not colorized, so you'll get a pretty grainy picture at dark.
Tin I plug in a Blink camera?
Yes. The cameras have USB ports, and a power cord is included in the box, in case you'd rather wire the cameras for continuous apply.
Are Blink cameras inexpensive?
While not the cheapest camera on the marketplace, Blink is generally considered an affordable make. Their most expensive camera is $100, which isn't bad for a battery-powered camera.
How does the Blink sync module piece of work?
The Sync Module is a small, shallow box that comes with the Glimmer Indoor and Blink Outdoor cameras. The module receives information from Blink servers through your home Wi-Fi, and sends notifications to our telephone. Cameras receive information from the Sync Module, and so ship images and notifications through your Wi-Fi. You can also utilise the Sync Module to attach an external hard drive via USB.
Source: https://www.safehome.org/home-security-cameras/blink/
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