Google stopped releasing the Nest camera a long time ago, but it will return to normal in 2021. So far we’ve covered the new doorbell, a basic wired camera, and the first Nest battery-powered camera. This camera is also the heart of Google’s new Floodlight Cam (technically known as Google Nest Cam with Floodlight). I couldn’t be happier with a battery-powered cam, but the addition of these bright lights and constant power make the Nest Cam with Floodlight a better unit overall. However, the app situation is still disappointing, and the $270 price tag is way too high for the competition.
Google Nest Cam with Floodlight is a great smart floodlight and handy camera.
- Solution: 1080p, HDR, 16:9, 130 degree FoV
- Connectivity: 802.11a/b/g/n (2.4GHz/5GHz) Wi-Fi
- App compatibility: Google Home (Nest app not supported)
- Night Vision: Up to 20 feet, 6 high power 850 nm infrared LEDs
- power: Wired: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz, 6000mAh battery in camera
- Operation Restrictions: IP54, -4°F to 104°F (-20°C to 40°C)
- Measurements (Camera): 3.27 inches (8.3 cm) x 3.27 inches (8.3 cm); Weight – 398 grams (14.04 oz)
- Measurements (Flood Light): 16.5 cm (6.5 inches) x 31.5 cm (12.4 inches) x 9.3 cm (3.66 inches), Weight: 1165 grams (41.09 ounces)
- Videos can be cached offline when disconnected.
- A bright, smart and easy to control flood light.
- Fully integrated with Google Home and Assistant
- 24/7 video recording support
- The $270 price tag is a bit steep.
- A Nest Aware subscription is required by default.
- The Home app is getting more complex and confusing. The camera function feels incomplete.
Design, hardware and components
When talking about the new Nest Floodlight camera, we can’t avoid talking about the Nest Cam battery. Why it is almost the same product. The camera part of the Floodlight Cam is the same hardware we’ve seen before, but it integrates with Floodlight in a few clever ways.
The standalone Nest Cam battery has a small wall-mounted disc, while the Nest Cam with Floodlight is a complete outdoor lighting rig with a similar magnetic mount that you can aim wherever you want.
Installing the lights is more complicated than a typical Nest device. It should be on top of a standard outdoor junction box and should be modified for other outdoor lighting fixtures. On the plus side, the floodlight comes with all the mounting hardware you need, including a mounting plate, wire connectors, and handy hooks for hanging your wiring out of the way. If you’ve touched on outdoor lighting before, all of this will be familiar and easy to install. If not, you may want to pay for installation.
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