Blink Outdoor is a wireless, battery-powered security camera designed for outdoor use. It offers easy setup, high-definition video, motion detection, night vision, free cloud storage, and more. But how exactly does this innovative camera work? Let’s take a closer look.

Overview of Blink Outdoor Camera

The Blink Outdoor is a small, rectangular camera that can be mounted to a wall or placed on a flat surface using the included stand. Key features include:

• Wireless – Runs on two AA lithium batteries, so no power cords needed. Battery life is up to 2 years.
• Weatherproof – Rated IP65, so it’s built to withstand the elements. Operates in temperatures from -4°F to 113°F.
• HD Video – Records 1080p HD video with a 110° field of view. Video quality is quite good day and night.
• Motion Detection – Uses a built-in PIR sensor to detect motion up to 20 feet away. Receives alerts with clip of activity.
• Night Vision – Infrared LEDs enable night vision up to 30 feet away. Video remains full color at night when illuminated.
• Two-Way Audio – Built-in microphone and speaker allow for two-way communication through the mobile app.
• Cloud Storage – Stores video clips in the cloud for free when motion is detected (no continuous recording).
• Smartphone App – View live stream, recorded clips, adjust settings through iOS/Android app.

How the Blink Outdoor Camera Works

Now that we’ve covered the key features, let’s take a closer look at how the Blink Outdoor operates and functions.

Camera Overview

The Blink Outdoor camera has a rectangular body that houses the camera lens, motion sensor, microphone, speaker, antennas for WiFi and Bluetooth, and the battery compartment. The camera lens has a 110° field of view to capture a wide area.

On the front are infrared LEDs that enable night vision by illuminating the area with infrared light. The motion sensor detects temperature changes caused by the movement of people, animals, or objects within its range.

On the back is the speaker and battery compartment. The camera connects to your WiFi via two internal antennas. There is also a Bluetooth antenna for connecting with the Blink app on your smartphone during setup.

Wireless Connectivity

One of the key features of the Blink Outdoor is its wireless connectivity. The camera connects via WiFi to your home wireless network and the internet. This allows you to view the video feed from your smartphone, no matter where you are.

The initial setup process involves connecting the camera to the Blink app on your phone via Bluetooth. This pairs the camera to your account and allows you to enter your WiFi network credentials so the camera can connect to your local WiFi.

Once connected to WiFi, the camera can communicate with Blink’s cloud servers to enable remote access, motion-based video clip storage, and firmware updates. The WiFi connection has a range of about 100 feet line-of-sight from your wireless router or access point.

Having WiFi built-in means no Ethernet cables, power cords, or external hubs are required. The wireless design makes installation quick and easy with flexible placement options.

Power Source

Another key wireless feature of the Blink Outdoor is its use of two standard AA lithium batteries as its power source. This provides freedom from wires and outlets for placement.

The batteries slot into an enclosed compartment on the back of the camera. The company claims the batteries will last for up to two years before needing replacement. However, battery life is impacted by usage factors like motion frequency, live view usage, operating temperature, and WiFi strength. Frequent motion events will deplete the batteries faster.

Performance-wise the batteries work well for basic motion-triggered video monitoring. They may drain faster in extremely cold climates. Having batteries integrated means no separate power adapter is required. It also enables quick battery swaps when they deplete.

Motion Detection

Detecting motion is one of the primary functions of the Blink Outdoor camera. The camera has a built-in passive infrared (PIR) motion sensor that can detect temperature changes caused by people, animals, or objects moving within its range – up to 20 feet away with a 110° field of view.

The PIR sensor consists of two pyroelectric sensors that detect infrared radiation. Any change in the amount of infrared radiation hitting the sensors triggers the motion detection. This sensor technology does not depend on light and works in complete darkness.

When motion is detected, the camera sends an alert to your smartphone and records a video clip triggered by the event. Detection sensitivity can be adjusted in the app to avoid false alarms. You can set motion zones to only detect activity in certain areas of the camera’s view.

Video Recording

When the Blink Outdoor detects motion, it will record a short video clip of the event. Clips are 10-15 seconds long when triggered by motion. You can also initiate a Live View from your smartphone to record longer clips.

The camera records 1080p HD video with a frame rate of 30 fps during the day. At night, when the infrared illumination is active, the quality drops to 720p HD at 15 fps. Video quality is quite good though, with decent clarity and color reproduction.

Clips are uploaded via WiFi to Blink’s cloud servers and stored securely for free. You don’t get continuous video recording or a local storage option. But all motion-triggered clips are stored in the cloud for access anytime via the mobile app. Storage limits depend on your Blink subscription plan.

The camera has a wide 110° field of view. Digital zoom is available on the video feed within the mobile app for closer inspection. There is also built-in distortion correction to reduce the fisheye effect seen with wide-angle lenses.

Smartphone App and Cloud Storage

The Blink app for iOS and Android provides full control of your Outdoor cameras. After setup, you can view live streams, saved clips, adjust settings, enable features like motion zones, and more all through the app.

Connectivity to Blink’s cloud servers enables several key capabilities:

• Remote Access – View your camera’s live feed and recordings from anywhere in the world via the app.
• Cloud Storage – Video clips triggered by motion events are stored in the cloud (no SD card slot or local storage).
• Updates – Firmware updates are delivered wirelessly to keep features and performance up to date.
• Automation – Link your Blink cameras with other smart home devices and trigger actions based on events.

Storage limits depend on whether you have a free or paid Blink subscription plan. With the free plan, you get access to the last 7 days of recordings per camera registered to your account. Paid plans expand that to 30 or 60 days of cloud storage.

Smart Alerts

The Blink app will send alerts directly to your smartphone whenever the Outdoor camera detects motion. This allows you to see activity happening in real-time no matter where you are.

When motion is detected, the camera will record a short video clip of the event. The alert that arrives on your phone will have a thumbnail showing a still frame from the clip. Tapping on the alert will bring up the app and play back the video.

Alert sensitivity can be adjusted to reduce false alerts from things like cars, trees blowing, etc. You can select zones within the camera’s view where you want motion detection active. You can also set schedules when certain cameras should ignore motion.

The alerts can give you peace of mind that events of interest are being captured. Having motion alerts sent to your pocket makes the Blink cameras effective for areas you can’t actively monitor all the time.

Night Vision

To enable 24/7 monitoring, the Blink Outdoor includes infrared night vision with a range of about 30 feet. This allows clear video capture even in total darkness.

The night vision is produced by two infrared (IR) LEDs positioned around the camera lens. These LEDs give off infrared light, which is invisible to the naked eye. But the camera sensor can detect this light for illuminating the scene at night.

With infrared illumination, black and white night vision video is possible. The Blink Outdoor actually keeps video color at night rather than black & white, thanks to the IR LEDs used. The camera will automatically switch to night vision mode once it senses low ambient light conditions.

While the video remains full color at night, the resolution and frame rate decrease compared to daytime footage due to camera hardware limitations. The app provides a slider to adjust night vision brightness if needed. Overall the night video quality is very good for a battery-powered camera.

Two-Way Audio Communication

For enhanced monitoring capabilities, the Blink Outdoor has a built-in microphone and speaker for two-way audio communication. When in the app, you can press the button to talk through the camera’s speaker to people in front of the camera.

This allows you to hear what’s happening in the environment and respond through the camera as needed. It can function like an intercom system to deter intruders or just communicate with visitors. The speaker volume is quite loud for ensuring your message is received.

The camera’s microphone will also pick up any ambient sounds or conversations occurring around the device. The microphone has noise cancellation abilities for clearer audio capture without background chatter.

You can utilize the two-way audio for things like speaking to delivery people at your front door or warning trespassers on your property – all from the convenience of your smartphone no matter where you are. This audio capability expands the functionality beyond just a security camera.

Weather Resistance

Since it’s designed for outdoor use, the Blink Outdoor camera has a weather-resistant construction. The housing has an IP65 rating, meaning it is dust tight and can withstand high-pressure water jets from any direction.

The camera can operate in temperatures ranging from -4° Fahrenheit up to 113° Fahrenheit. So it can withstand very hot summer days and cold winter nights alike. The device will function in rain, snow, and other wet conditions.

Despite the weather sealing, the camera does not claim to be fully waterproof. It’s not intended for underwater operation. But the weather resistance does allow wall mounting outside exposed to the elements without requiring any additional housing.

For optimal performance, make sure the camera housing seal remains intact and avoid submerging the device completely in water. The wireless design also avoids any wires or cables that could fail when exposed. Overall the weatherproofing provides durability and flexibility for installation locations.

Installation and Placement

Installing the Blink Outdoor camera is designed to be quick and easy thanks to the wireless, battery-powered design. There are a few guidelines to follow for optimal placement:

• Mount the camera where it has a clear, unobstructed view of the area you want to monitor. Ideally 6 to 10 ft off the ground.
• Place the camera within range of your WiFi router or access point for reliable connectivity.
• If using the stand, ensure the base is stable and doesn’t shift to maintain the correct field of view.
• For outdoor use, mount the camera under shelter if possible to avoid direct sun and rain on the lens.
• Consider the camera’s 20 ft motion detection range when deciding placement. Position it where motion events will be within range.
• Point the camera where the PIR sensor and night vision will not be triggered by close objects like trees. Avoid sources of heat and reflected sunlight.

The included stand allows you to place the camera on any flat surface like a table or shelf. No screws or tools required. For more permanent and secure mounting, the camera has a standard tripod screw thread. So you can use any tripod or wall/ceiling mount.

Overall Blink aims to make the installation process as quick and simple as possible. Where you place the camera will depend on your specific monitoring goals. But the flexibility and wireless design enables many different positioning options both indoors and out.

Smart Home Integration

Blink cameras can integrate with other smart home ecosystems for expanded functionality through the Blink Sync Module 2. This allows you to link your Blink cameras with devices from major brands for automation and control.

For example, you could set up a rule to automatically turn on smart lights when the Outdoor camera detects motion at night. Or lock your Kwikset smart lock if motion is detected and you’re away from home.

The Sync Module connects to your main WiFi router via Ethernet and acts as a hub for your Blink devices. It enables integration with partners like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, Samsung SmartThings, and more.

This smart home integration allows things like voice commands to view your Blink cameras on an Amazon Echo Show, or custom automation rules based on Blink events. Having your security cameras tie into other systems expands the overall utility.

Subscription Plans

Blink offers free and paid subscription plans to expand the capabilities of their cameras. The basic free plan provides remote viewing, motion-based cloud recording, and basic smart alerts for up to 3 cameras.

Paid plans add more storage, support for more cameras, and advanced features. Storage goes up to 30 or 60 days of cloud recordings. Other perks include a 10-year battery life guarantee, advanced motion detection, and video sharing options.

If you have more than 3 cameras or want longer event clip storage, the paid plans may be worthwhile. But the free plan provides a solid set of core features. Overall the subscriptions add extra capabilities, but the camera remains quite functional at the basic free level.

Camera Updates

One advantage of the wireless design and cloud connectivity is that Blink can provide over-the-air firmware updates to the cameras. This allows them to deliver new features, performance improvements, and security patches remotely.

When a new firmware update is available, you’ll be notified in the Blink app. Your cameras will automatically download the update and install it. The process happens in the background without any user interaction required.

This means your Blink system improves over time with new capabilities added. The cameras don’t become outdated as quickly since they can be upgraded remotely. Updates occur frequently to squash bugs and optimize functionality.

Conclusion

The Blink Outdoor delivers robust outdoor security camera functionality in a versatile wireless package. The core technologies like motion detection, night vision, HD video, and weather resistance provide reliable monitoring day and night.

Cloud connectivity enables remote viewing from your phone and integration with other smart home devices. Battery power and WiFi eliminate wiring hassles for flexible placement indoors or out. And ongoing updates add new features over time.

Overall the innovative wireless design plus intelligent motion detection provide a powerful outdoor monitoring solution. The Blink Outdoor camera combines performance, convenience, and affordability.

Frequently Asked Questions About Blink Outdoor Cameras

Blink Outdoor security cameras are packed with useful features for monitoring your property around the clock. But you may still have some questions about the specifics of how these wireless cameras operate. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

How long does the battery last?

Blink claims its two AA lithium batteries will last for up to two years based on typical usage. Factors like operating temperature, WiFi strength, and motion frequency impact battery performance. Frequent motion events and viewing of live streams will deplete the batteries faster. Cold weather also reduces battery life. Most users get between 6 months and 2 years of battery life before needing to swap them out.

Does the Blink camera record continuously?

No, the Blink Outdoor does not record video continuously like a CCTV security camera system. Instead, it only records short clips when motion events are detected to conserve battery life and cloud storage space. There is no continuous recording capability, but all motion activations will be captured in clips.

Can the Blink camera detect people and vehicles?

The Blink Outdoor uses a passive infrared (PIR) sensor to detect motion only. It cannot distinguish between a person, vehicle, animal or other objects. Any heat signature and motion within range of the PIR sensor will trigger video recording. But the camera does not have smart object detection capabilities.

Does Blink camera work without WiFi?

No, a WiFi connection is required for the Blink Outdoor to function. The camera must connect to your home WiFi network in order to stream video for remote viewing and send clips to the cloud. Without a WiFi connection, the camera cannot be accessed at all. The WiFi range is about 100 feet line-of-sight.

Do I have to pay a monthly fee?

Blink offers free and paid subscription plans. The Basic Plan is free and supports up to 3 cameras with 7 days of saved video clips. Paid plans offer more storage and cameras but are not required. Many basic features work for free, while subscriptions add more cloud storage and advanced capabilities.

Can I view the Blink on my Echo Show or Google Home Hub?

Yes, if you have the Sync Module 2 you can view live feeds from your Blink cameras directly on compatible smart displays like the Echo Show or Nest Hub Max. Just link your Blink account in the smart display’s app. This allows hands-free viewing using voice commands.

How accurate is the motion detection?

Motion detection reliability is quite good on the Blink Outdoor camera. The passive infrared sensor capably detects movement within its 20-foot range. You can define motion zones to reduce false triggers from non-essential areas. Overall, motion detection consistency is excellent for discerning real activity in the camera’s field of view.

Does Blink camera have local storage?

No, the Blink Outdoor camera does not have a micro SD card slot or any local storage capability. Instead, video clips triggered by motion events are sent to Blink’s cloud servers for remote storage and access. There is no option for keeping video recordings solely on a memory card or local network storage device.

How do I mount the Blink Outdoor camera?

The Blink camera includes a stand for sitting on a flat surface. For more permanent placement, you can mount the camera to walls or ceilings using the standard tripod screw thread on the bottom. No special brackets or accessories are needed. The wireless design allows flexibility for positioning the camera anywhere within WiFi range.

Conclusion

The Blink Outdoor provides an easy-to-use wireless security camera packed with helpful features. Its weatherproof design, long-lasting battery, clear HD video, and intelligent motion alerts make it a versatile solution for monitoring your property around the clock. With a solid understanding of how the camera functions, you can install and configure your Blink system to serve your needs.

How to Turn on Your New Blink Outdoor Camera

You’ve just received your new Blink Outdoor wireless security camera. Congratulations!