Skip to content 
We independently review our recommendations, and we may earn commissions from provided links. Find out more.
Product Reviews>Smart Security Cameras
Google Nest Camera with Floodlight (wired) Review
By Rashko Arnaudov/ Last Updated February 1, 2023
I am looking for a reliable outdoor security camera that’s easy to install and use. I recently tried out the Google Nest Cam with Floodlight, and I must say, I’m impressed.
This smart security camera has features, including built-in intelligence that can distinguish between people, animals, and vehicles. It also automatically turns on the lights when there’s important activity outside your home, and sends you an alert via the Google Home app.
Plus, you can view live HD video, replay video recordings, and even talk to visitors.
Pros
- Sharp 1080p video
- Option of 24/7 recording
- Battery backup
- Bright floodlight
- Supports Google Assistant commands
Cons
- Expensive
- Only compatible with Google Home
- No siren or useful sound alerts
Google Nest Camera with Floodlight Specs
| Resolution | 1080p
|
| Brightness | 2400 lumens |
| Wiring | Required |
| Starting subscription fees | $6/month |
| Field of View | 130 degrees |
| Night Vision
| |
| Integrations | Google Assistant, Nest
|
| Alarm
| |
Google Nest Cam with Floodlight - Overview
As someone who has tried several outdoor security cameras, I was excited to test out the Google Nest Cam with Floodlight. This smart camera is designed to detect important activity and differentiate between people, animals, and vehicles. When it detects something outside your home, it automatically turns on the lights and sends you an alert through the Google Home app.
One of the things I appreciated about this camera is its 1080p HDR video quality, which allowed me to check in from anywhere at any time. Additionally, the camera comes with 3 hours of free event video history, and you can always add a Nest Aware Plus subscription for 10 days of 24/7 recording and 60 days of event video history.
(Credit:Google)
Another feature I found useful was the ability to adjust the brightness of the two LED floodlights and set the lights to turn on or off at different times of day or night with customized routines. However, it’s worth noting that this camera requires a free Google Account and is not compatible with the Nest app.
Overall, I think the Google Nest Cam with Floodlight is a solid choice for anyone looking for a reliable and intelligent outdoor security camera.
Built-in Intelligence Feature
I was impressed with the built-in intelligence feature of the Google Nest Cam with Floodlight. This outdoor camera can differentiate between a person, animal, and vehicle, and send alerts directly through the Google Home app without requiring a subscription.
The 1080p HDR video with night vision allows me to check in from anywhere 24/7, and I can see what I missed with 3 hours of free event video history or add a Nest Aware Plus subscription for 10 days of 24/7 recording and 60 days of event video history.
The Nest Cam with Floodlight automatically lights up when there’s an important activity and can even detect familiar faces with a Nest Aware subscription, so I always know who’s coming and going.
If something happens, I can take action instantly by talking and listening with the built-in speaker and mic on my security camera or call my local emergency service directly from the Google Home app (Nest Aware subscription required).
I also love that I can stream my live video feed hands-free on compatible smart displays with Google Assistant and smart displays, smart TVs, and tablets with Amazon Alexa. The Google Home app allows me to adjust the brightness of the two LED floodlights and set the lights to turn on or off at different times of day or night with customized routines.
24/7 1080p HDR Video with Night Vision
I am impressed with the 24/7 1080p HDR Video with Night Vision feature of the Google Nest Cam with Floodlight. The camera’s high-definition video quality provides a clear view of everything happening outside my home, even in low light conditions. The night vision feature is also excellent, allowing me to see what’s happening even in complete darkness.
I appreciate that I can easily check in on my property at any time using the Google Home app. The app is user-friendly and provides quick access to live HD video, as well as recordings of past events. With the Nest Aware Plus subscription, I can even access up to 10 days of continuous 24/7 recording and 60 days of event video history.
(Credit: Piunikaweb)
The Nest Cam with Floodlight also has built-in intelligence that can differentiate between people, animals, and vehicles, sending alerts directly to my phone via the Google Home app. The camera can even detect familiar faces with a Nest Aware subscription, providing an added layer of security.
Overall, the 24/7 1080p HDR Video with Night Vision feature of the Google Nest Cam with Floodlight is a game-changer in home security. I highly recommend this product to anyone looking for a reliable and high-quality outdoor security camera.
Automatic Activity Detection and Alert System
I was impressed with the Nest Cam with Floodlight’s automatic activity detection and alert system. It has built-in intelligence that can distinguish between people, animals, and vehicles, and it sends alerts directly through the Google Home app without requiring a subscription.
The camera automatically turns on the lights when there’s important activity outside your home, and it can even detect familiar faces with a Nest Aware subscription. This feature is particularly useful for keeping track of who’s coming and going.
In addition, the Nest Cam with Floodlight stores up to an hour of recorded events in case of a Wi-Fi outage or power outage, so you can still see what you missed.
Overall, I found the automatic activity detection and alert system to be reliable and helpful in keeping my home secure.
Built-in Speaker and Mic
When I first heard about the built-in speaker and mic feature of the Google Nest Cam with Floodlight, I wasn’t sure how useful it would be. But after using it for a while, I have to say that it’s a game-changer.
The speaker is loud and clear, making it easy to communicate with anyone who’s near the camera. I love being able to tell delivery people where to leave packages or warn potential intruders that they’re being watched.
The mic is also impressive, picking up even quiet conversations from a distance. It’s great for eavesdropping on the neighbors (just kidding!). But seriously, it’s a useful feature for keeping an ear out for any suspicious activity.
One thing to note is that the speaker and mic do require a good Wi-Fi connection to work properly. If your connection is spotty, you may experience some delays or dropouts. Overall, I think the built-in speaker and mic feature is a huge plus for the Google Nest Cam with Floodlight, and I highly recommend it to anyone in the market for an outdoor security camera.
Nest Cam with Floodlight Installation
Installing the Nest Cam with Floodlight is relatively easy, especially if you’re replacing your old camera, but if you don’t already have external wiring, you’ll need to get a professional to do the process for you.
To start the process I downloaded the Google Home App and then set up a home. I clicked on the icon in the top left corner of the home page and selected Decise setup, choosing a ca, and era from the list, and highlighted Nest Cam with Floodlight. I then scanned the QR code and agreed to numerous privacy guidelines and agreements.
I began by first shutting off the power to my current fixture from the breaker box. Then, I uninstalled the old fixture along with the mounting bracket connected to the junction box. Subsequently, I linked the provided ground wire to the new mounting plate and the junction box, fastening the plate to the junction box using the screws provided.
(Credit: Digital Trends)
Following this, I affixed the plate cover to the mounting plate, utilized the included hook to hang the Nest fixture on the plate, and connected the house’s black and white wires to the corresponding fixture wires. I secured these connections using wire nuts, removed the hook, attached the fixture to the cover, and then plugged in the camera..
Customer Reviews
As I was researching the Google Nest Cam with Floodlight, I came across a variety of customer reviews. Some customers expressed frustration with the lack of support when their cameras malfunctioned, while others praised the reliability of the 24/7 video recording.
One common complaint was the short charge cable that came with the camera, making it difficult to install in outdoor locations. Another downside mentioned was the lack of two-way communication with someone on the camera.
Despite the mixed reviews, many customers found the Nest Cam with Floodlight to be a high-quality camera that was easy to install and connect to the home app. Overall, it seems that the Nest Cam with Floodlight is a solid choice for those looking for a reliable outdoor security camera.
Conclusion
After using the Google Nest Cam with Floodlight for a few weeks, I can confidently say that it’s a great addition to any home security system. The floodlight is bright and turns on automatically when motion is detected, which is a great deterrent for any potential intruders. The camera’s HD video quality is impressive, and I can easily view live footage and recordings from the Google Home app.
One downside is that the Nest Cam with Floodlight is not compatible with the Nest app and requires a free Google Account. Additionally, some features such as mobile notifications, remote control, video streaming, and video recording require working internet and Wi-Fi.
Overall, I highly recommend the Google Nest Cam with Floodlight for anyone looking to enhance their home security. It’s a reliable and effective product that gives me peace of mind knowing that my home is protected.
How We Tested?
We spend a lot of time testing various smart innovative technologies these days that make our daily lives easier. We conduct extensive research on the manufacturers of the various products to ensure they meet our standards.
Once we are confident in the capabilities of a product, we fit it into our home to see what it’s like to live with it every day. The reason for this is to see to what extent the product integration process is facilitated and wheather the features the product boasts are real.
From there on, we evaluate how the products perform by subjecting them to different conditions. It’s the process of rigorously testing every single feature to make sure the product adds a specific benefic to the smart home. Once we know what it’s like to live with the product, only then do we offer our recommendation.
What do you get for the money?
Despite its high cost, it’s evident that the Nest Cam with floodlight is intricately designed. Instead of a unified unit, it comprises two components. The first is the floodlight module, which is affixed to the wall and connected to the primary power source.
Positioned on either side of the central column are easily adjustable white LED floodlights, resembling antennae, while an infrared motion sensor is located underneath, directed towards the ground.
The Second part of the package contains the camera itself. This is the same Nest Cam I reviewed a few weeks ago. The camera itself to the projector magnetically and is also connected to it via a charging cable.
As with all Google Nest Cam products, you can use them without a subscription. However, in order to be able to watch videos recorded more than 3 hours ago, you need to purchase a subscription for $8 per month, which gives you 30 days of video storage.
Should floodlight be above or below camera?
For optimal functionality, security cameras perform most effectively when placed beneath light fixtures. This positioning allows the light to illuminate the camera’s field of view, enabling clear recording. Additionally, this arrangement guarantees that the fixture does not impede the camera’s sight.
How high should a floodlight be?
Selecting the appropriate elevation: The placement of the floodlight should be determined based on the area requiring illumination and the intended lighting outcome. For standard outdoor lighting, the ideal height for mounting floodlights ranges between 8 to 12 feet. However, for security purposes, they should be situated at a height of 12 to 15 feet.
How much area does a flood light cover?
| LED Wattage | Lumens | Area Covered |
|---|---|---|
| 20W | 1,500Im | 15m X 15m |
| 30W | 2,200Im | 20m X 20m |
| 50W | 4,000Im | 30m X 30m |
| 100W | 8,000Im | 50m X 50m |
How long does Nest floodlight stay on?
Choose the duration for which you’d like your floodlight to remain active following motion detection. You have the option to select a timeframe ranging from 10 seconds to 5 minutes.
