Amazon recently launched their low-cost Blink cameras in New Zealand, bringing another option to the home security market.
I can hear you already asking, “but isn’t Ring also owned by Amazon?”
Yes, this is true. Blink cameras and Sync module give users a more accessible line of security, with a smaller feature set.
But even with simpler features, Blink cameras still integrate seamlessly with Amazon’s Alexa, allowing for voice notifications on Amazon Echo smart speakers and live video streaming to Amazon Echo Show and Amazon Fire TV devices. It can also be used to trigger Alexa routines based on motion detection.
The system I received came with two cameras, the new Blink Mini 2 and the Blink Outdoor 4. I was also sent the Blink Sync Module 2, a no-subscription local storage option.
The Blink Outdoor 4 is a very small and versatile camera. It operates on two AA batteries, or you can plug the USB-C adapter and cable to power it. It can be safely used outdoors and comes with a mounting kit that allows you flexibility when positioning it. With HD video and two-way audio, it can operate up to two years on batteries.The battery compartment is locked with a single, large screw that can be opened with a coin. If noy using the USB-C cable you can use a rubber cover provided to protect the connector.
Because the Blink Outdoor 4 can run off batteries, it can be moved if not permanently mounted, making it useful for temporary use around your property or inside the house.
Another interesting feature of the Blink Outdoor 4 is its temperature sensor. You can see the current temperature from the app and set notification thresholds, but it’s not available as a routine trigger for Alexa routines.
The Blink Mini 2 is also weather resistant and can be used outdoor, but it can be only powered by its USB-C adapter and cable. It offers HD video and two-way audio, plus a small LED spotlight. It comes with a mounting kit as well. The light can be turned on automatically when motion is detected, or manually from the Blink mobile app.
Both cameras connect via Wi-Fi and can be configured via their companion mobile app. The app allows you to start live streaming from the cameras, as well as arm or disarm the security system. Motion and people notifications are only sent to the app when the system is armed.
The app also allows you to define motion zones so that the camera knows to only detect movement in certain areas it covers.
The Blink security system can be used either with a subscription or without it. The subscription enables the people detection feature and cloud recording. Live streaming is also automatically recorded to the cloud and you can see your clips trough the app.
If you don’t want to pay the subscription you can add the Blink Sync Module 2 to your system. This little box will record clips to a USB memory key when motion is detected. You lose the option for people detection and live streaming is not recorded either.
If you have a Blink Sync Module 2 and a subscription then the system will create a backup of all videos, every day, rotating the old clips if the storage is full.
Either way, you can use the app to safely eject the USB memory and read it on a computer, since it uses a format compatible with other platforms.
One important thing I found though is that you need to have the network isolation option turned off on your router, to allow the cameras access to the sync module for the video recording.
An important note if you are buying both models is that the Blink Outdoor 4 comes with a Sync Module in the box, and you only need one for every ten cameras. No need to but another separate one.
The cameras are super quick and respond well to movement. The mobile app is very similar to the the Ring mobile app, to the point that some menus are exactly the same. The Blink system doesn’t offer some of the more advanced features you find with the Ring cameras, but they are still of the same high quality and ease of use.
