Nest Cam 2021: A Comprehensive Review
Introduction
Google’s Nest division continues to innovate in the home security market with the release of the 2021 Nest Cam. This battery-powered device boasts advanced features and user-friendly software, setting a high standard for usability in the security camera industry.
Hardware Design
The 2021 Nest Cam showcases a sleek, weather-resistant design with a cup-shaped housing that magnetically adheres to a surface-mountable base. Its IP54 rating ensures protection against dust and water splashes, enabling both indoor and outdoor use.
Power and Connectivity
The Nest Cam offers both battery and AC power options. The battery provides 1.5 to 7 months of runtime depending on usage, while the magnetic AC charging cable allows for 24/7 operation. The device supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi networks for reliable connectivity.
Ease of Installation
The Nest Cam’s magnetic mounting system and wizard-based software setup process make installation a breeze. Scanning a QR code and answering a few questions connect the camera to your Wi-Fi and configure basic settings.
Video Quality and Night Vision
The Nest Cam captures 1080p resolution video with a wide 130-degree field of view. While daytime video quality is impressive, night vision performance falls short of the claimed 20 feet of visibility.
Motion Detection and Event History
Out of the box, the Nest Cam offers three hours of event-based video history stored on the cloud. This can be upgraded to 60 days with a Nest Aware subscription, or enhanced further to 10 days of 24/7 recording with Nest Aware Plus.
Event Categorization
Nest’s on-device machine learning system categorizes events as person, vehicle, animal, or unfamiliar face. However, this feature requires a subscription and may require improvement in accuracy.
Price and Subscription Costs
The Nest Cam 2021 has a premium price tag, and its subscription fees and accessory costs can add significantly to the overall expenses. The base subscription includes event-based history, while the higher tier unlocks 24/7 recording and advanced features.
Conclusion
Despite its high cost, the Nest Cam 2021 delivers an exceptional user experience with its innovative hardware design, seamless setup process, and extensive feature set. Most users will find the device worth the investment for its ease of use and robust capabilities.
Additional Considerations
- Accessories: A stand-and-charger accessory is available for tabletop installations, but it adds to the cost.
- Permanent Mounting: The magnetic mounting system is ideal for wall or ceiling placement, but it may not be suitable for temporary or bookshelf installations.
- Subscription Fees: The Nest Aware subscription fees can be substantial, especially for 24/7 recording and advanced features.
- Privacy Concerns: As with all cloud-connected devices, there are potential privacy concerns regarding the storage and use of video data.
