Review: Ring Spotlight Cam security camera and Solar Panel
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ส.ค. 2024
- Get One: Spotlight Cam - amzn.to/2TF8TSi
Solar panel: amzn.to/36AnF1R
Read more:
www.techgadgetscanada.com
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I’ve had a Ring camera installed in my backyard for years. The camera and solar panel have been out there for years and are probably one of the original generation of outdoor cameras. Ring has upgraded its outdoor security cameras and solar panels, and I had a chance to test out a new one to see what’s different and what’s improved. I’ll tell you all about my experience.
Ring Spotlight Cam battery
What’s new with Ring?
This Ring camera has a couple of improvements over my original; for starters it’s got a spotlight in the bottom of the camera unit for added lighting and security.
This camera also has a removable rechargeable battery which you can use as your main power source (my old camera needed to be removed and brought inside to be plugged in and recharged).
You can also add the optional Ring Solar Panel, which is a great way to keep your camera operational all the time.
It might be worth noting that the older solar panel and cameras have different connections so you can’t use an older Solar Panel with a newer cameras, for example.
Enhanced bracket
The new camera comes with a much improved mounting bracket that’s easier to use and adjust. If you don’t opt for the Solar Panel, The quick-release rechargeable battery pack lets you easily charge your Cam without moving the entire device.
Wider field of view
The first thing I noticed about this camera feed is the wider field of view over my old one. This camera is HD so expect more clarity too.
HD Video & Night Vision plus Siren
The camera has 1080HD video with a built-in microphone and speaker so you can hear and even speak with anyone who’s in front of the camera.
It also has infrared night vision so you can see and record even in full dark Plus, there’s that light which will turn on when motion is detected too.
For added security, there’s a 110-decibel siren to help you scare off intruders. You have to manually turn it on inside the app.
Motion Alerts
Your Ring cameras are designed to alert you to movement on your property. You’ll get an alert to your phone whenever the camera senses motion. You can configure exactly where the alerts are detected, and you can disable the area in front of a a busy public sidewalk for example, or your dog run. You can also adjust motion sensitivity to alert you to any movement, or just major ones.
If you want, add the optional Ring Chime Pro, and it will send an audible alert through the house when it detects motion, if you want that.
What is Ring Protect?
In order to get the most from your Ring Video Doorbell and cameras, you should know you’ll probably want to enable Ring Protect.
Ring Protect is a monthly service plan that allows you to access, download and view recordings from your Ring devices on your phone. Prices for this Cloud video storage and access range from about $5 to $15/month and there’s no contract required so you can cancel it any time.
There is a free version that lets you view your camera’s live feed, but you won’t have access to recordings of previous events.
The details of the different plans can be found here:
shop.ring.com/pages/canada-pr...
Adding Alexa to Ring
One of the great options with Ring is the ability to connect the cameras and doorbells with Amazon Alexa so you can get voice control or remote viewing using an Amazon smart device with a screen.
If you have a newer Echo Show device, great news, the device will be automatically added to your account, so you can just say, “Show me the Front Door” when someone rings and the feed will pop up on screen.
If you do need to do a manual set up, you can enable Ring as a skill inside the Alexa app.
Overall review Ring Spotlight Cam Battery & Solar Panel
Overall I’m a fan of Ring devices. I will note that I had some recent troubles with the Ring app with my devices not connecting properly or falling offline, but since I’ve added the newer devices the app seems to have stabilized or been upgraded and set up and connectivity has been perfect.
Downsides? I’m having a hard time finding any. The video quality is great, the cameras are easy to set up and access and you can configure your whole home system in so many ways to give you the peace of mind you’re looking for. I know some folks are choked that without paying for Ring Protect you can’t access your videos, not even from a few days prior, but that’s the reality of most remove security systems nowadays; they all want you to pay a fee for cloud recording.
Overall I can definitely recommend Ring Spotlight Cam as a way to increase your home’s security and keep watch over your house.
Spotlight Cam sells for about $240CAD, and the Solar panel sells for about $65CAD from Best Buy. - วิทยาศาสตร์และเทคโนโลยี
I was listening to her opinions about the camera, but I was actually paying more attention to her voice, control and her facial movements while speaking. I never once saw a stutter and the voice of this lady was clear. I am impressed.
Thank you so much!
You have an amazing voice for the news!!
I used to read the news!
Erin Lawrence well Erin, amazing... pure excellence! The product review was awesome too!!! But encore. A review I can listen to. I went and bought all the equipment!
Very true
I was thinking the same thing. I was like, wow, she sounds like a news anchor.
😂😂😂
This panel can put out close to 100 watts th-cam.com/users/postUgkxOqI2yqX0XVrhR2BMJciTWrHJpG8FhJyg when positioned in the appropriate southernly direction, tilted to the optimal angle for your latitude/date, and connected to a higher capacity device than a 500. The built in kickstand angle is a fixed at 50 degrees. Up to 20% more power can be output by selecting the actual date and latitude optimal angle.The 500 will only input 3.5A maximum at 18 volts for 63 watts. Some of the excess power from the panel can be fed into a USB battery bank, charged directly from the panel while also charging a 500. This will allow you to harvest as much as 63 + 15 = 78 watts.If this panel is used to charge a larger device, such as the power station, then its full output potential can be realized.
I moved into my house thre years ago and bought all a complete Ring alarm system that has lived in the box ever since. I am finally setting it up and your 3 year old video is perfect for what I am doing now. Lol. Thank you. A well put together video that was perfectly eloquated by an incredible accent.
Your voice and editing is in the style of broadcast news. I was waiting for you to say, "From (name of city and province), I'm Erin (last name). Back to you Dave. Thanks for the excellent review of the cameras.
and that was soooo much better than all the screaming and attention whoreing of other channels. I found it refreshing and I actually wanted to hear what you had to say as a result
got to work for the news nice voice , i feel i can listen to you all day thank you
One of the best reviews I've watch. Great information, great audio and to the point.
Thanks so much Raymond!
Thanks for explanation. Good idea to have the solar panel close to cam so that I don't have to staple wire to the wall! Less headache and work!
Just set mine up! Thanks for the helpful review
Erin Thank you for your review. I honestly forgot I was watching TH-cam I thought this was watching a news feature video LOL you have that voice and clarity
Thank you so much for watching and the lovely comment!
WOW you hit every major talking point in detail in 7 minutes. FANTASTIC job :)
Glad it helped!
Thank you very very much for your time doing the video Erin your the best
I give you two thumbs up on your Ring spotlight camera and solar panel! I have had the combo for three years now and I still give it two thumbs up as well. The single battery that came with spotlight still charges 100 percent with the solar panel. Two years ago Milwaukee, Wisconsin weather dropped to minus 14 below 0 and the battery still operated, but it dropped to 50 percent charged. To be on the safe side, I removed the battery and charged it in the warm house to 100 percent, but never had a problem since and on sunny days the solar panel charges battery to 100percent daily. It only needs 2 - 3 hours of sun to fully charge to 100percent.
Thanks again for the info.
Don from Milwaukee, Wisconsin USA
Great feedback Don. Thanks for sharing
Thank you for that review, because I want to get it for our Chicago home and not sure how long the battery will hold up until our next visit. Do you suggest getting the solar panel plus leave extra battery for say five months turnaround/recharge? Thanks!
How do you like it thus far?
Debating on getting 2-4 cameras. I need one for the front and back yard. Front of house faces north, south side gets back sun exposure. However, I live in MI and it gets -30F in the winter and no sun. I have outlets outside. Suggestions on a brand or brands that would work for my concerns. No lag between movements, leaves blowing creating false alerts, sunlight making the camera unable to see. I'd prefer not drilling holes through my home or walls but ideally no batteries to change outside etc.
Thank you for your informative review about how much sun it needs each day.
Concise and to the point - great information, exactly what I needed to know. Thanks!
I’m so glad! Thank you for watching
Great job with this review Erin. Really useful. Thank you!
Thank YOU!
Great detailed review- reinforced my decision to buy. And I have to agree with everyone below you should definitely do voice overs or be on the news!
Great video, I just bought a Arlo Ultra and after a few days I am thinking about bringing it back. You’re video was very helpful, thank you !
Awesome! Thank you!
Good video, I was trying to decide if I need this Spotlight Cam or the Reolink Cam
You have a great way to express yourself! Great video! Thank you!
I appreciate that, thank you!
Excellent review, very helpful, clear and precise. Thank you 👍🏻
Glad it was helpful!
What a lovely voice. If you did like guided meditation or sleep meditation sheesh!
great video better than most other reviews
Excellent review, thanks a lot.
I have become a big fan.
I bought 1 battery stick up to try, seemed OK, so I bought another 3.
The recharge every 2 weeks was annoying. Now I have 4 solar panels.
Could not get a ring, so bought another same specs.
On one of the cameras I did run into a potential problem. This particular camera is at the rear of carport, which is 8 meters from panel at the front .
It's called volt drop . I used 18 awg cable but today I rechecked the charge and all good.
The panels I used don't come with cable, so have to make yourself.
Great honest review. Thank you.
Thank you for watching and sharing your experience!
A very well presented and informative video. Thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks very helpful!! Also, Your dog is sooo cute🐶
I'm so glad. And thank you! We love our pups! :)
I'm a big fan of Ring products. I purchased this one too. Unfortunately, it's still in the box. However, it's on my to-do list. Keep up the great job, Erin!
Get on that Wayne,
Excellent review. Thanks.
Thank you very much for the kind words
Thank you for your video. I just bought 2 of these and I'm about to set them up. Wish me luck from Chicago IL
Good luck!
@@ErinLawrenceTV I got both of them setup with the Solar Panels and 2 batteries in both! Thanks for your videos!
Good Review, its worth noting if you have the older solar panel and get a new camera, Ring does have an adapter to allow you ti use your old solar panel.
Oh! Good to know!
What an excellent review!
Thank you very much
Great illustrations.
Thanks!
I love your review so much. xo
Nice video and clear, crisp voice.
Thank you!
Dope straight to the point.
😎😀
Great video😊
Thanks to this video I bought this product and I'm happy with it.
Great to hear!
Outstanding presentation.
Thanks very much
Thank you!
Great video from Canada!! LOL!!
Do you know how well the solar panel works in shade ? I live in Los Angeles and I want to put a camera on my balcony and when the trees aren’t cut it’s a lot of shade on the balcony.
I have 2 ring stick up cams on my property both have the solar panels and they are great!!!
Good to hear!
Wish you could have shown how to get the solar panel cord plugged into the Ring Spotlight Cam.
The cord from the solar panel plugs into the back of spotlight and has a security screw to keep it attached.
Hey great review. Do I need to connect this to the outdoor electrical outlet or can I just use a solar panel ? As I don’t have any outlets outside where it’ll reach. Thank you
That’s awesome! It’s good to know they had some improvements. My downside is the plans. I don’t need those plans. I rather save in on my computer is better since computers has all wifi and Bluetooth. Thanks for sharing buddy! 👍🏻👍🏻❤️
True true Scott.
Great video, thank you🇨🇦!
Man! So many guys trolling you! Lol.. Not going there and just wanted to say great vid! I also have switched to Ring and have been VERY happy for $10 a month. It's basic but it does what it needs to do!
Thank you ;) And great feedback.
Does it have a SD card slot? How much is max memory capacity?
great review
Thanks for watching!
Came for the ring camera solar panel. Stayed for wanting to put a ring on it ❤️
Haha, thanks!
@@ErinLawrenceTV you replied ❤️
Also, I don’t see why ppl don’t just buy the panel. I did one day after noticing the battery drains very quickly. I thought it was going to last months after reviews. It’s been a week with the camera and panel, always charged up here in Los Angeles. It’s always sunny. So that’s a plus,
Nice video young lady! I found content enjoyable. Tc from Nevada
So glad you enjoyed it, thanks!
It's almost always cloudy here in New York. We probably get 2 or 3 nice days of sunshine a month. Do you think that would work for the solar panel? I want to plant one of these on a tree to keep an eye on my driveway and house. And I do have the ring doorbell now.
Great video. Thank you.
Is it beneficial to place a 2nd battery inside the spotlight so that the solar can charge twice as much...or was that just a waste to add a 2nd battery?
if you have the solar hook up, don't bother with a second battery. Unless you live somewhere super rainy and dark, it will be fine on one battery.
Thank you for that review, Erin! Your dog is so cute! I want to get the spotlight for our Chicago home and not sure how long the battery will hold up until our next visit. Do you suggest getting the solar panel plus leave extra battery for say five months turnaround/recharge? Thanks!
Thanks for the complement. She is a cutie, isn't she. ;) If you got the solar panel, it would definitely keep it charged for months and months. I never need to touch ours.
@@ErinLawrenceTV Thanks Erin, I had the same query about the solar panel keeping the battery charged. Over here in South Wales (UK), sunshine can be somewhat 'elusive' :-)
I like this product I have one question the spotlight are we able to turn that off when motion is detected so it doesn't turn on the light
hi does solar panel need direct sunlight or it can be in shaded area as well
Hi, could I know how long is the power connection cable which they provide together with the solar pannel? Thanks
Very helpful!
That's great, thanks!
How many cameras can be installed and monitor simultaneously
I got a Ring spotcam plus with a Ring solar panel(2nd gen 4w 5v DC.) and it's so hard for the solar panel to keep charging the battery. So, after about 2 months, I had to remove the battery out to plug in the wall for charging. I mounted my solar panel to a place where it has at least 5 to 9 hours direct sunlight each day but it still can't produce charge enough for the battery.
If you get the free monthly one would it still be worth buying does it still let you know some one is outside
I am still confused. I want to monitor car in backyard. Is there a ring that used solar panel, has flood light with motion sensor to turn on flood light. And with motion detector camera record crook and heat does it connect base in home so I can monitor on phone. Do I even need a base
do you have issues with gaps in between recordings? I currently have Arlo and they are the worst, sometimes they go hours without recording anything. I have them all wired and even upgraded my internet to 1000mbps and I still have issues with the gaps in recordings.
Hi Marc, that sounds very frustrating. It has been many years since I reviewed an Arlo camera, so I don’t know much about them these days. I would say Ring is possibly the best. It not only records all motion, but it will also give you pre-roll videos and it can take photos throughout the day when nothing is happening just to give you a full picture of what’s happening around your property. I think for my money right now Ring are some of the best home security cameras on the market
nice one thanks
3:31 So this camera uses a proprietary battery unlike other industry standard lithium-ion ones ?
This is very helpful, thanks! How does the camera hold up in weather (specifically direct sun all day and rain)?
Great question! It’s been outstanding in all weather types including severe cold around -35 Celsius here in Canada.
@@ErinLawrenceTV good to know, ty!
Great video. Ty for the info.
Do you know how far from the camera, distance wise, it will detect motion?
You can adjust the motion zones.
depends on how/where it's placed, and how you adjust your settings. I can get a good 30 feet out of one of mine, and then about 20 feet on another because it's set in the shade and when it's super bright outside, doesn't pick up as far of a distance unless I set it to really sensitive. And that eats up the battery quickly, so I don't.
I recently purchased the spotlight cam & solar but didn't realize that the cable was about 2ft short. Does anyone make a extension cable.
Wow I was hoping to see someone explain how to shorten a cable.. way too long for my use!
NICE!
Thanks!
is there the option to not have the spotlight turn on?
Does your spotlight camera get direct sunlight to the lens? I want to install mine over my garage facing down on my driveway. There it will get direct sunlight hitting it. What are your thoughts?
Sounds like a great spot. This gets direct sun for me about half the day and it works fine.
What happened to the bridge installation?
I wanna know how to connect solar panel to ring device?
In your video you said you did have a problem when the temperature got down to 30 degrees, is that in C or F.
Celsius. Though I think at that low temperature it's pretty close to the same no?
Debating on getting 2-4 cameras. I need one for the front and back yard. Front of house faces north, south side gets back sun exposure. However, I live in MI and it gets -30F in the winter and no sun. I have outlets outside. Suggestions on a brand or brands that would work for my concerns. No lag between movements, leaves blowing creating false alerts, sunlight making the camera unable to see. I'd prefer not drilling holes through my home or walls but ideally no batteries to change outside etc.
Ring has been great for me here in Calgary where we routinely get to -35°C in the winter. I have one of the cameras on a solar panel with a battery back up in our east facing backyard and it keeps things charged pretty well. Another solar panel charges another camera on the brighter western side, while the doorbell covers the front. I’ve been pretty happy with Ring as a security system; it’s easy to use, reliable, and gives you multiple options for power. I will say at those extreme -35° temperatures, it will sometimes knock the cameras off-line until it warms up a bit. But it hasn’t been a major issue.
@@ErinLawrenceTV Thank you for the reply. We decided to try the Blink outdoor cameras and as of now working just fine! God bless you and your family 👪 🙏 ❤️
Excellent information. Do you know how long each battery will last without the solar panel?
Depends on usage and number of events. Mine used to last three months. Now it's a few weeks or less. I suspect something is up with Ring's firmware.
Hi I have a solar panel set up in direct sunlight facing upward toward the sun and connect with the cord to the camera..but I still have to take the battery out and charge it ..could it be my solar panel doesnt work ?
Could be. Check the connections. And give the panel a wipe with a damp cloth.
The solar panel's extension chord how long is it?
I read on Amazon question/answers that it’s 13 ft.
Nice
Great review 👏
Is it OK to keep 2 batteries in the camera and will the panel charge them both?
Did you figure it out?
Has anyone figured it out
Thanks for your presentation... now show us what the area looks like at -30 degrees please!
We’ve definitely had our days of -30 temperatures. It continues to hold up just fine.
I just installed my Spotlight cameras but they are very dark at night the picture quality. Do I need to have the spotlight on?
It should still see reasonably well in the dark. The light just makes it better.
I have no internet access at home. Would that be a problem?
Yes. It won’t work without wifi.
Great little review! Question, can you disable the spot light feature? thx in advance to anyone that can tell me.
Good question... I don't actually know.
@@ErinLawrenceTV Well thx for the reply anyways. When I get mine this week I'll see what I can figure out as I set them up.
I can’t tell but is there a plastic protective film on the solar panel that needs to be peeled off?
No.
How long is the cable that connects the solar panel to the camera?
Pretty long actually
My solar panel was still in the box so I went and measured the length of the cable and it was 13 feet long. I plan to get mine installed shortly, it's been so hot I had't done it yet.
So color at night is only on when the light is on?
yep
great review, are you still happy with the camera?
Absolutely! It has been in place for a couple of years now and is very reliable and handy.
What about winter when there is no sunlight ? does it work b/c there are batteries installed ?
We get pretty long and dark winters up here in Calgary, and I’ve not had any problems. At worst when it gets below -35 things to shut down, but the solar panel works great for the majority of the season
@@ErinLawrenceTV ... Thank you ...I think I might go with that one since I dont want to wire into anything else around my property ... Thank you again ...
How long is the cord that connects the solar panel and the camera?
It's about 3 feet if I remember...
the solar panels dont keep it charged more than 2 weeks. i have two batteries in each one as well. i have 3 cameras. its summertime too and i still have to rwcharge every two weeks.
That’s not right. Something might be wrong with the power
she had me at a-boat! hehhehe
How long does the battery last till it needs to be replaced with a new one?
When the solar panel is installed, it keeps the battery fully charged. So it never needs to be replaced… Or do you mean what is the total lifespan of that battery? Mine has been in for just over two years so far and no issues
I would like the spotlight cam to have white LED lights
Can this camera be put in a remote area?
Hi Rusty, no I’m afraid not. It needs to be connected to Wi-Fi in order to capture and store video. No memory card option. And it needs power.
You Need Buy Echo 4th Generation?!?
Thank you for the video I was second guess until I watched this video please keep making this video
Cloud recording is one thing, but not even giving the option of storing locally is a big turn off. Nest and Ring both have this problem IMO. They're falling back into the home monitoring schemes of the monthly plans, where they once promised to give back control to the user. Why bother having the hassle of purchasing and installing these devices and not pay a company who actually monitors your home and will call the police if required?
Except when you have the RIng alarm system, and a bunch of cameras, you only pay $100 a year total for alarm monitoring AND all the camera recordings. Super cheap compared to my last monitoring company's charges where I was spending $600 a year for monitoring.
@@tonimp4317 ...but some of us don't want our videos up in the cloud. OK, if you are away (on vacation), you could spend your vacation time looking at your house, but I still find that a hassle. I don't social media, and I don't Alexa/home automation, so I want the videos stored locally. What are my other options to access videos, similar to a dash cam? Keep videos for evidence, or let the system overwrite the oldest video when nothing happend...I don't want to be a slave to an Alexa/Google device
The picture is so so nothing like a 4k professional camera. Rings plastic housing isn't protecting much if a vandel hits it with a stick or rock. You already know what the sun does the plastic overtime. The plastic lens they use gets blurry from temp change. It's classic planned obsolescence and recurring monthly fee scam. There's no local recording like a DVR harddrive. Professional systems don't cost anything a month to record. The Amazon monitor is crappy compared to your TV or computer monitor. Thieves can kill that thing in a second by cutting your outside internet wire or with a $10 Wi-Fi Jammer. They could just reach around the corner and take the battery out..or they can just rip it off the wall because the plastic mount so cheap especially after the Sun hits it for a while. Over three hundred bucks for this and $100 a year... That's thirteen hundred bucks over ten years and that's just for one camera... Screams please rob me and I probably have cheap Home Depot locks and Simply safe! Lmao!
Is it unlikely to capture a license plate number with this Spotlight Camera?
You're not going to get that amount of detail with the spotlight cam, and not even the floodlight cam. You'd need a PTZ camera for that.
Stick up cam video is much better. Tried both next to each other.Clear video on stick up cam. Returned spotlight - but I can tell you the solar panel is great keeps my battery at 100% and not directly in sunlight.
That's great, thank you for sharing!