Is the Wyze Cam Outdoor Worth the $50 Price Tag?

TL;DR

The Wyze Cam Outdoor is a decent option for casual security at $50, providing 1080p video, free person detection, and a battery life of three to six months. However, its limitations include only 12-second recording clips and a unique, less flexible motion detection setup, making it less ideal for those seeking robust surveillance features.

Transcript

hey what's up this is reed and this is the wyzecam outdoor review i've wanted an outdoor wise camera for years and i got so desperate that i threw an indoor cam outside and it worked surprisingly well when wise recently announced their outdoor camera i ordered one right away they also sent me another one early so that i can make a review for you ri... Read More

Key Insights

• 🔒 WyzeCam outdoor offers budget-friendly outdoor security.
• ⌛ The camera has limitations on recording time and motion detection setup.
• 😥 Competitors like Arlo and Eufy offer more advanced features at a higher price point.
• 🛟 The camera's battery life and weatherproofing are highlights.
• ❓ Limited options for storage and connectivity pose challenges.
• 👤 The design and usability could be improved for better user experience.
• 🕴️ WyzeCam outdoor may suit casual security needs but falls short for advanced surveillance.

Questions & Answers

Q: Is the Wyze Cam Outdoor worth $50?

The reviewer considers its 1080p footage good for the $50 starter-kit price, which is far below the competing cameras discussed. However, the unchangeable 12-second recording limit, awkward detection-zone setup, and weak speaker make it better suited to casual security than users who need longer or more precise surveillance.

Q: How good is the Wyze Cam Outdoor's video quality?

It records in 1080p, and its daytime footage looks similar to the Wyze Cam v2 and Arlo for the most part. People can be difficult to see in dark shadows, while Eufy produced better shadow exposure and made faces easier to see.

Q: How long can the Wyze Cam Outdoor record motion events?

Motion-event footage is limited to 12 seconds, and the duration cannot be extended. The cooldown between recordings can be set to five, three, or one minute, while live footage can be watched for much longer with very little latency.

Q: How does motion detection work on the Wyze Cam Outdoor?

Its detection zone covers the bottom two-thirds of the screen and cannot be drawn within the app. You must physically reposition the camera to move the zone, although sensitivity can be adjusted and notifications can be limited to detected people.

Q: Does the Wyze Cam Outdoor have person detection?

Yes, person detection is available for free, and notifications can be limited to people. The camera may still record trees, cars, and other motion when sensitivity is high, which can drain the battery.

Q: What storage options does the Wyze Cam Outdoor support?

The camera and base station accept microSD cards up to 32GB; the reviewer's 64GB cards did not work. The base station card provides backup, while a card in the camera enables time lapses and travel mode.

Q: Can the Wyze Cam Outdoor record without internet or its base station?

Travel mode allows recording without the internet or base station when a microSD card is installed in the camera. If the internet temporarily fails during normal use, the system can save recordings to the base station's card, and it can upload cached recordings even without an inserted card.

Q: How long does the Wyze Cam Outdoor battery last, and how is it recharged?

The rechargeable battery is supposed to last about three to six months, although the reviewer had not owned the camera long enough to verify that estimate. Recharging requires removing the camera and plugging it in because the battery cannot be removed or swapped.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• WyzeCam outdoor offers 1080p footage at a budget-friendly price.

• The camera has limitations like 12-second recordings and motion detection zone setup.

• While affordable, its design and functionality have some drawbacks compared to competitors.