If there is ever an outdoor smart device associated with home security, it's a floodlight camera or, as many call it, a "floodlight cam." And why is that? It's because a smart floodlight camera can bolster one's home security with features like motion sensors and HD video recording, deterring intruders and providing real-time alerts. It also comes with the ability to monitor a property remotely via smartphone apps and integrate with existing smart home systems, adding convenience and accessibility. Many floodlight cams have customizable settings that allow for tailored adjustments, ensuring optimal performance. Ultimately, these devices offer peace of mind by continuously monitoring, deterring potential threats, and illuminating dark areas for enhanced safety. And we recently tested one by Google Nest. Check out what we found while trying the Google Nest Cam with Floodlight.

What is Google Nest Cam with Floodlight?

Google Nest Cam with Floodlight (Wired) unboxed.GearBrain

The Google Nest Cam with Floodlight is a cutting-edge outdoor security camera designed to enhance the safety and security of your home. Combining intelligent surveillance technology with powerful lighting, this device is crafted to deter unwelcome visitors and provide peace of mind. Below are the key features of the Google Nest Floodlight Cam:

1. Intelligent Motion Detection: Equipped with advanced algorithms, it can distinguish between people, animals, and vehicles, sending precise alerts to your device so you can monitor what matters most.
2. Bright LED Floodlights: When motion is detected, the built-in floodlights automatically illuminate the area, deterring potential intruders and providing clear, well-lit video footage.
3. High-Definition Video: Captures crisp, clear video in 1080p HDR resolution, ensuring detailed images day or night, with a 130-degree field of view (FOV) viewing angle to cover more of your property.
4. Two-Way Audio: Features a built-in speaker and microphone, allowing you to communicate with visitors or deter trespassers directly from your smartphone.
5. Weather-Resistant Design: Engineered to withstand the elements, this camera is suitable for outdoor use, ensuring reliable operation in various weather conditions.
6. 24/7 Live View: Offers continuous live streaming via the Nest app, enabling you to check in on your home anytime from anywhere.
7. Night Vision: With enhanced night vision capabilities using six high-power 850 nm infrared LEDs, it provides clear video even in complete darkness up to 20 feet away, ensuring round-the-clock monitoring.
8. Smart Home Integration: Seamlessly integrates with other Google Nest products and can be controlled via voice commands with compatible smart home devices. (See Smart Home Integrations Section below for more information.)
9. Event History and Alerts: Records and stores video footage of detected activity for the past three hours for free, allowing you to review past events. Customizable alerts keep you informed of any activity in real time. You can also sign up for Nest Aware to store all your videos in the cloud.
10. Easy Installation: Designed for straightforward setup, it comes with all the necessary tools and instructions for DIY installation, making it simple to secure your home without needing professional help.

The Google Nest Floodlight Cam is not just a security device; it's a comprehensive home safety solution that blends innovation with functionality, offering illumination and surveillance to keep your home safe and secure.

How do you install Google Nest Cam with Floodlight?

You will need to scan the QR code on the Nest Cam to get to the installation directions in the Google Home app.GearBrain

You can install the Google Nest Cam with Floodlight in two ways. You can hire a professional to install it or do it yourself. This floodlight cam can be rather tricky to install since it needs to be installed outside your home with a good Wi-Fi connection and requires power. Remember, the power needed is 120 volts, so if you are not replacing an existing outdoor light, you will need to run a power line that requires a pro to install. Also, ensure the place is high enough on the side of your home to get a good view of the area you want to monitor. So that means getting up on a ladder. If you are comfortable working with electrical wires and not afraid of heights, then go ahead and install it yourself. But, if not, you can hire a local professional to help you install it. (Read our

For those of you going the DIY route, installing a Google Nest Cam with Floodlight is not complicated, but it involves several steps to ensure it's set up correctly and securely. Below, we've outlined the steps to help you install the Nest Cam with Floodlight. Make sure you have all the necessary tools and have chosen a suitable location for your floodlight cam before starting the installation.

Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Choose the Right Location

• If you are not replacing an existing outdoor light, select an outdoor location within your Wi-Fi range and near a power source. If no wiring is available, you must contact an electrician to install power for your Nest Cam.
• The floodlight cam should be mounted 9 feet above the ground to optimize the detection range and lighting coverage.

2. Unbox and Prepare the Device

• Carefully unbox your Google Nest Cam with Floodlight and familiarize yourself with all the components and tools provided.
• Also, if this is your first Google Nest device, you must download the Google Home app. The Google Home app is available for both iOS and Android mobile devices. If you already have the Google Home app, you can go to the Add Device section and then choose Google Nest Device, then Nest Cam with floodlight to install. The next screen will ask you to Scan the QR code on the sticker covering the Nest Cam. Once you scan the QR code, the following screens will lead you to the setup guide for the floodlight cam.

3. Turn Off the Power

• Safety first. Turn off the electrical power at the breaker box to avoid any electrical hazards while installing the device. Once the power is off, remove the old outdoor light and any old mounting bracket on top of the junction box. Note the junction box must be UL-listed. If not, you need to get one, and a licensed electrician can help install it. Your town's building department usually requires a UL-listed box. You should check with your town to make sure you are compliant.

4. Install the Mounting Bracket

First mount the mounting bracket for Google Nest Cam with Floodlight (Wired)GearBrain

• First, attach the new grounding wire to your junction box and the new mounting plate. Your Nest Cam floodlight needs to be grounded.
• Install the mounting bracket by aligning the provided screws with the junction box screw holes.
• Before securing the plate, feed the wires through the mounting plate and ensure the three arrows on the mounting plate are pointing up and level. Then loosely screw on the plate.
• The last step is to attach the mounting plate cover. You must ensure the arrows on the plate cover point up, and the G is upright. Then press the cover down, and you will hear a click sound once it's in place. Now, tighten the screws to hold the cover in place.
• If there are any spaces between the brackets and the wall, you must apply outdoor caulk to prevent any water from getting into the junction box.

5. Connect the Wires

Use the S hook to hold the Google Nest Cam with Floodlight while you attach the wires.

• Before connecting the wires, you need to get the S hook and floodlight cam. Insert the S hook into one antitheft hold at the end of the floodlight cam and the other into the mounting bracket. Then, hang the floodlight cam.
• Connect the floodlight cam’s wiring to your home’s electrical wiring. Connecting like-colored wires (black to black, white to white) and securing them with wire nuts.
• Once the wires are connected, remove the S hook and carefully push all the wires through the large opening in the center of the mounting plate.

6. Attach the Floodlight Cam to the Bracket

Snap on the Google Nest Cam with Floodlight (Wired) to the mounting bracketGearBrain

• Once the wires are secure inside your mounting bracket, mount the camera onto the bracket according to the instructions. This step can be a little tricky. You must position the floodlight cam over the mounting plate and turn it counterclockwise. Then press the floodlight cam down on the plate and turn clockwise until you hear a click. Once you hear the click, the floodlight cam is securely attached.
• Next, attach the camera to the floodlight. You will notice a strong pull when placing the camera on the floodlight. This is the magnet that holds the camera in place. Then, attach the power cable from underneath the floodlight to the camera. You must ensure the connector is fully inserted and pointing in the right direction.

7. Restore Power and Check Connectivity

• Turn the power back on at the breaker box.
• The floodlight will turn on for 30 seconds when power is turned on for the first time. You will also see the small light on the camera turn white and then pulse blue. This means it can be paired with your home Wi-Fi and the Google Home app.
• Check the final steps of the installation process on your smartphone. This would include following the app's instructions to connect the camera to your Wi-Fi network.

8. Adjust the Camera and Floodlights

• Once the camera is connected to your Google Home app and streaming live video, adjust the camera angle and the floodlights to ensure they cover the desired areas. Yocanto does this manually by loosening, adjusting, and securing the LEDs and camera.

9. Complete the Setup in the Google Home App

User Google Home app to set customized motion zones for Google Nest Cam with Floodlight (Wired)GearBrain

• Finish the setup process in the app. Name your camera, set up motion detection zones, and customize other settings according to your preferences. The camera's naming is vital if you use voice commands to access your floodlight cam.

10. Test Your Installation

• Test the floodlight and camera by walking through its field of view to ensure the motion detection and lighting work as expected. Adjust the sensitivity settings in the app if necessary.

Following these steps, you should have your Google Nest Cam with Floodlight installed and functioning to enhance your home's security and outdoor lighting.

Here are a few tips we learned while testing the Google Nest Cam with Floodlight:

• The Google Home app has easy-to-follow instructions and safety warnings. We recommend you use this if you plan to install the floodlight cam yourself. There are videos in the app that walk you through the setup process.
• Before buying any smart outdoor security camera or floodlight cam, ensure your Wi-Fi signal is strong enough at the installation site for reliable performance. Nothing is worse than buying a smart device, bringing it home, and then finding the wireless connection is too weak for operation.
• If you're uncomfortable working with electrical wiring, consider hiring a professional electrician to install the device.
• Mounting the bracket and plate can be tricky. Ensure your mounting bracket is flush against the side of the home, and there are no holes for water to seep in before you place the mounting plate on top.

Google Nest Cam with Floodlight - Outdoor Camera - Floodlight Security Camera, White, 1 Count (Pack of 1)

List Price: $279.99

New From: $248.94in Stock

Used From: $195.90in Stock

Smart Home Integration

As mentioned above, the Google Nest Cam with Floodlight works with the Google Assistant voice platform, which has a large ecosystem of smart home devices and systems it can control. For instance, Google's security system, Google Nest Secure, works with the Nest floodlight to provide centralized control and monitoring of Google Nest security devices within the home. The floodlight cam works with compatible Google Assistant-enabled devices, enabling voice control and integration with other smart home products and systems, such as Nest thermostats, smoke detectors, and doorbells, for comprehensive home automation and security.

But the Google Nest Cam with floodlight also works seamlessly with other various smart home security systems, like ADT and Abode smart home security systems. If you are tech-savvy and know how to work If This Than That (IFTTT), you can create applets to integrate your Nest floodlight cam with other smart devices. And for Apple HomeKit users, you can get creative, get a Homebridge plugin, and connect your Nest floodlight cam to Apple products like iPhone, iPad, and Mac to control your floodlight cam and set up automations with other Apple HomeKit compatible devices. Note that this is not easy to do, but it works.

Lastly, if you are a Samsung SmartThings user or have a Samsung smart TV with SmartThings, you can access your Nest floodlight cam from either the Google Assistant app if it is built-in to the TV or the SmartThings app. Google Nest cameras, video doorbells, and smart thermostats work with Samsung SmartThings. Users can enable integration with a wide range of smart home devices and create custom automation routines for enhanced security and convenience with Samsung SmartThings and Google Nest devices.

How much does the Google Nest Cam with Floodlight cost?

The Google Nest Cam with Floodlight lists for $279.99 and is available only in Snow (white). You can pick one up on Google Store, Amazon, Best Buy, The Home Depot, and other major online retailers that sell smart home devices.

Is this a reasonable price? When we look at the market of smart home floodlight cameras, we notice the prices range from as low as $75 to as high as $300. We have found the camera's features, build quality, brand reputation, and how it compares to similar products in the market drive the price. On the low end, you have floodlight cams from Eufy, Blink, Wyze, and Geeni selling for less than $100, while devices by Lorex, Arlo, Swann, and Reolink are under $200. At the top of the market is Ring Floodlight Camera Plus, as well as newer models from Lorex, Netatmo, and Amcrest. Based on the features of the floodlight cameras, the Google Nest Cam with Floodlight is priced on the high side of the market. What drives the price for the Nest floodlight cam is its advanced features, including intelligent motion detection, HD video, and vast smart home integrations, including ADT, Samsung SmartThings, and Abode Smart Home Security System. You must decide if the Nest Cam with Floodlight features meets your outdoor security needs.

Google Nest Cam with Floodlight - Outdoor Camera - Floodlight Security Camera, White, 1 Count (Pack of 1)

List Price: $279.99

New From: $248.94in Stock

Used From: $195.90in Stock

Performance from testing Google Nest Cam with Floodlight

After testing the Nest floodlight cam for several weeks, we found it to be a reliable outdoor security device. The video quality is excellent, the motion detection works very well, and the setup is relatively easy if you replace your existing outdoor light with the Nest Floodlight Cam. The sound coming out of the floodlight cam when talking with someone is average, but the sound you hear in the app is excellent. It's very sensitive and hears a lot. During our testing, we could hear the wind. You can turn the mic off in the app settings, but it will disable live audio recording, too. You can adjust the camera volume, but it's for your voice being broadcasted from the floodlight cam and not in the app.

Google Nest Cam with Floodlight (Wired) comes with excellent daytime and night time video quality.GearBrain

One feature we did like with Google Nest cameras is the familiar face detection. This is Google's facial recognition. This helps you differentiate between friends and unwanted guests. In the Google Home app, you will see Seen Events under Events. This is where you will activate the Familiar Faces features. This feature will store the faces of the people you don't want alerts. We recommend activating this feature, especially if you have kids playing in the yard or are out in the yard a lot and in view of the floodlight cam.

Another feature you should activate is the Motion Detection. It can be found in the Google Home app under Notifications. Here, you can set your motion detection and activity zones. Google Nest cameras have excellent motion detection and are easy to set up.

The best part of the Google Nest Cam with Floodlight is its compatibility with other smart devices and security systems. If you have either an ADT or an Abode security system, you can use this floodlight cam. It can integrate with these smart home security systems nicely. This is a nice integration to have today. We also like how the Nest floodlight cam can be integrated into your own DIY system if you are using Samsung SmartThings, IFTTT, and the Homebridge plugin (Apple HomeKit). Granted, these types of integrations do require some technical skills, but they are possible and not often found with other smart floodlight cams.

What we did find to be challenging with the Google Nest Floodlight Cam was the settings for the floodlights. This section is not as advanced as seen on a smart light app. You can use only three features: What turns on the floodlight, a timer, and a daylight sensor. The "What turns on the floodlight" setting is where you will select turn on the floodlight when motion is detected and the motion sensor's sensitivity. You can also activate a setting to turn the floodlight on when someone views the live video in the Google Home app. You can select the time you want your floodlight to stay on after detecting motion—all fundamental features. We were surprised there was no setting to turn your floodlight on and off or have your floodlight go on at sunset and off at sunrise. There wasn't even a setting to have the floodlight go on each day or specific days between pre-determined periods. Something to be aware of if looking for a floodlight cam that can also be used as an outdoor floodlight.

Google Nest Cam with Floodlight (Wired) comes wiith limited lighting controls.GearBrain

We were a little surprised with the low FOV. At 130 degrees, this is rather low compare to other floodligh cams. For instance, Ring Floodlight Cam has a 140 degrees FOV, Eufy's floodlight cam has 140 degrees FOV, and Arlo Pro 3 Wireless Floodlight Camera has 160 degrees FOV. And these floodlight cams cost about the same as the Nest floodlight cam. So, if you have a large area outside that you want the floodlight cam to monitor, you will most likely need to position the Nest floodlight cam higher than the recommended 9 feet on your home.

Lastly, with any security camera, you need to understand your options on where to store your videos from the camera. A majority of security cameras offer plans to store your videos in the cloud, while other cameras offer local storage via a microSD card. And some offer free cloud storage for a specific amount of time. The Google Nest Cam with Floodlight will store a rolling 3-hour lookback of videos for free. It does provide a 30 free trial for Nest Aware, which is their paid service to store your videos. They have two monthly subscription plans that start at $8 per month, Nest Aware and Nest Aware Plus. The Nest Aware plan provides a 30-day video history and intelligent alerts like familiar faces and costs $8 per month or $80 a year. The nest Aware Plus plan provides all the features in the standard Nest Aware plan but 60 days of video storage, up to 10 days of 24/7 video history, and costs $15 per month or $150 per year. Though these plans might sound costly, keep in mind the video history is for all of your Google Nest security cameras and video doorbells. So, take advantage of the free trial to see if you need to get a plan to store your videos.

Google Nest Cam with Floodlight (Wired) comes wiith a free 30 day trial of Nest AwareGearBrain

Summary

The Google Nest Cam with Floodlight is a reliable and feature-rich outdoor smart home security solution. Though the price is a little high, the FOV is not as big as other floodlight cams, and it has limited floodlight controls; it does come with several good features that you need in a smart floodlight cam. It has reliable motion detection, which can be customized for your home. It has excellent 1080p HDR video resolution, night vision up to 20 feet in the dark, facial recognition, and is compatible with major smart home security systems and the Google Assistant ecosystem.

So, who should buy this floodlight cam? The Google Nest Cam with Floodlight is perfect for any ADT or Abode smart home security system customer. This floodlight cam would be a great addition to our smart home. It would also be a good device for any smart homes that use Google Assistant or Samsung SmartThings as their smart home platform and want to add a new outdoor wired security camera or floodlight cam. The Nest floodlight cam could be a good addition to any Apple HomeKit users who are capable of using the Homebridge plugin to add a new floodlight cam to their HomeKit platform.

Overall, the Nest floodlight cam offers a comprehensive, reliable, and feature-rich solution for enhancing your smart home security system. We think it's a worthwhile investment for those prioritizing safety and peace of mind no matter the smart home ecosystem they use to run their home and keep everyone safe and sound.

Pros

• Smart Home integrations (works with ADT and Abode security systems)
• Excellent video quality
• Customizable motion detection
• Facial Recognition (Familiar Faces feature)

Cons

• Price
• Low Field of view
• Limited floodlight settings
• only 3 hours look back at video history

Check out The GearBrain, our smart home compatibility find engine. It can help you find, buy, and connect any smart device. It can even help you find other smart devices or systems that are compatible with your existing smart devices, such as Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa-enabled devices.

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