Adding an outdoor camera to your Vivint smart home security system is a great way to enhance monitoring around your home’s exterior. Vivint offers several outdoor camera options that integrate seamlessly with the control panel and mobile app. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to add an outdoor camera to your Vivint system.
Selecting an Outdoor Camera for Vivint
Vivint provides both wireless and wired outdoor camera options. When selecting a camera, consider the following:
Wireless vs Wired
- Wireless – Completely wire-free installation using battery or solar power. Flexible mounting anywhere. Vivint’s wireless options include the Outdoor Camera Pro, Outdoor Camera Plus, and Ping Camera.
- Wired – Hardwired installation for continuous power supply. Usually mounts to soffits or walls. Vivint’s wired options include the Doorbell Camera Pro.
Image Quality
- Cameras range from 720p HD to 4K ultra HD quality. Higher resolution provides more detail.
- Features like night vision, HDR, and wide dynamic range improve visibility in low light.
- Wide angle field of view covers more area.
Smart Features
- Motion Detection – Get alerts when the camera detects movement.
- Two-Way Talk – Communicate through the camera microphone and speaker.
- Smart Sentry – Only records when needed to conserve battery.
- Package Detection – Receive alerts for delivered packages.
Weatherproofing
- Outdoor cameras should have an IP weather resistance rating and operate in a wide temperature range.
- Vivint cameras are designed to withstand the elements.
Consider your specific monitoring needs and home exterior layout when choosing a camera. Vivint professionals can help recommend the best camera options.
Adding a New Outdoor Camera
Once you’ve selected the right outdoor security camera for your home, adding it to your system involves a few simple steps:
1. Mount and Install the Camera
- For wireless cameras, select a location with a clear view of the area you want to monitor and install using the provided mounting hardware. Ensure the camera is within wireless range of the control panel.
- For wired cameras, connect the power and data cables according to the installation manual.
- Follow all safety precautions when installing the camera at height.
2. Pair the Camera to the Control Panel
- Put your control panel into pairing mode by navigating to Settings > Add Device > Add Camera.
- At the camera, press the pairing button or follow the pairing instructions in the installation manual.
- The control panel will detect the new camera and add it to the system.
3. Configure the Camera Settings
In the Vivint app or through the control panel, customize settings like:
- Position – Front door, back yard, driveway, etc.
- Activity Notifications – Turn motion detection on/off.
- Recording Options – Adjust motion clip length.
- Sentry Mode – For battery cameras, set when recording activates.
- Speaker and Microphone – For cameras with two-way audio.
- Video Resolution – Optimize for standard or high def.
- Night Vision – Turn auto IR illumination on/off.
4. Test and Verify Functionality
- Check that the camera is streaming video properly to the app.
- Walk in front of the camera to trigger motion and receive a notification.
- Make any final adjustments to the camera angle, motion sensitivity and other settings.
The new outdoor camera is now fully integrated into your Vivint system! Follow the same process to add additional cameras. Place cameras strategically around your home to eliminate blind spots and enhance outdoor monitoring. The cameras will record activity and provide alerts when the security system is armed or disarmed.
Getting the Most from Your Outdoor Security Camera
To take full advantage of your new outdoor camera, keep these tips in mind:
Adjust Motion Detection Sensitivity
Too many false alerts can be annoying. Adjust motion settings so you only get notified when needed.
Enable Package Detection
Never miss a delivery. With supported cameras, get alerts when packages are dropped off.
Position Cameras Strategically
Point cameras where you need visibility most around your home’s exterior and property.
Use Two-Way Talk
Communicate through supported cameras to ward off intruders.
Turn on Sentry Mode
For battery cameras, Sentry Mode conserves power by only recording events.
Check the Footage Regularly
Review recordings to identify blind spots, trends and security concerns.
Clean the Lens
Gently wipe the lens with a microfiber cloth to maintain image clarity.
Update the Camera Firmware
Camera software updates provide new features and fix bugs.
With the ability to see, speak and listen through your outdoor cameras, you can thoroughly enhance your home’s security and awareness of property activity. Vivint’s cameras integrate seamlessly with other system components, so you can conveniently view footage and manage cameras from the Vivint app and panel. Contact a Vivint representative for help selecting cameras and accessories best suited to your smart home and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adding Outdoor Cameras to a Vivint System
What outdoor cameras does Vivint offer?
Vivint provides both wireless and wired outdoor camera options. Wireless models include the Outdoor Camera Pro, Outdoor Camera Plus, and Ping Indoor/Outdoor camera. The Doorbell Camera Pro is a wired model. Cameras range from 720p to 4K video with features like night vision, package detection, two-way audio and more.
Do the cameras require a subscription?
Yes, a subscription to the Vivint Smart Home monitoring plan is required to access camera footage and features. Outdoor cameras will not provide video without an active subscription. Plans start at $39.99/month.
How many cameras can I add?
Vivint systems support up to 20 cameras, a mix of indoor and outdoor. You are limited by the number of available device slots on the control panel. Upgrading panels provide additional capacity.
Do cameras continue to record when the system is disarmed?
By default, cameras only record when the system is armed in Stay, Away, or Night modes. You can enable Advanced Protection Mode to allow continuous recording on cameras even when disarmed. Footage is stored in the cloud.
How do I get motion alerts?
Enable motion detection alerts for your cameras in the Vivint app or through your control panel settings. You will receive mobile alerts anytime significant motion is detected by the camera.
How is camera footage stored?
Footage is stored securely in the cloud for up to 30 days and is accessible through the mobile app. Local storage or self-monitoring options are not available. Video is not stored on the camera itself.
What kind of mounting hardware is included?
Cameras come with mounting screws and anchors. Wireless cameras also include rechargeable batteries when applicable. You may need to purchase mounts, shims, or wedges separately for best results.
Conclusion
Adding outdoor security cameras takes your Vivint Smart Home system to the next level. Select camera models that best complement your specific monitoring needs. Wireless cameras provide flexible placement, while wired cameras provide continuous power. Strategically position cameras to eliminate blind spots around your home’s exterior and property. With cameras integrated into your system, you’ll gain 24/7 visibility and receive alerts to detected activity. Outdoor cameras give you extra peace of mind knowing your property is protected.