The Spotlight Cam is Ring's latest outdoor security camera

By Ed Oswald August 1, 2017

Ring Spotlight Cam — Ring

Six months after the release of its Floodlight Cam, Ring launched the Spotlight Cam on Monday, July 31, offering many of the same features as its predecessor but in a noticeably smaller package. The new device is also between $30 to $50 cheaper than the Floodlight Cam depending on the model purchased.

Ring will offer three different models: a $199 version that requires a wired connection much like the Floodlight Cam; a battery-operated version that’s also $199; and a bundled package that includes the battery-operated model plus Ring’s solar panel to charge the battery for $229. All three models are available for immediate purchase from Ring’s website, although the battery-powered models won’t ship until the fall.

The wired version of the Spotlight Cam sports many of the same features as the Ring’s original floodlight, including 1080p video and custom motion zones, which Ring has told us previously will limit the false positives that often plague the battery-powered Doorbell and Stick-Up Cam. The battery-powered model uses the same fixed-zone method as other battery powered models (which may still have those same issues), but does offer 1080p video.

That’s an attractive upgrade, and something the strong-selling original battery-powered Doorbell and Stick Up Cam cannot do. In reviews of the original Ring Doorbell, video quality is often cited as one of the device’s primary negatives. Ring has told us in the past that the reason for 720p video has much to do with conserving battery life, which seems to be the case from our own tests.

Like the other devices, the Spotlight Cam comes with two-way communication on demand through a centralized app. The new camera also comes with the 110-decibel siren that the company first debuted with the Floodlight Cam to scare off intruders, and night vision, standard with all of Ring’s products.

“With the new Spotlight Cam, we are empowering our ‘Neighbors’ (how we refer to Ring customers) with a new way to protect the entire perimeter of the home — from the front door to the backyard,” Ring’s founder and inventor Jamie Siminoff said in a written statement.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Contributor

For fifteen years, Ed has written about the latest and greatest in gadgets and technology trends. At Digital Trends, he's…

Smart Home

Blink Mini 2 vs. Ring Stick Up Cam Pro: Which is the best security camera?

The Ring Stick Up Cam Pro on display the 2023 Amazon Fall Devices and Services event.

The Blink Mini 2 is one of the cheapest security cameras you can buy. It's pretty well-rounded too. It's capable of filming in HD and offering support for outdoor use when paired with an optional accessory, making it a great choice for shoppers on a budget. That makes it wildly different from the Ring Stick Up Cam Pro, which carries a hefty price tag and supports both indoor and outdoor use right out of the box without the need to purchase a secondary accessory.

But is the Ring Stick Up Cam Pro a better investment than the affordable Blink Mini 2? From pricing and video resolution to the installation process and additional features, here's a look at the Blink Mini 2 and Ring Stick Up Cam Pro to help you decide which is the best choice for your home.
Pricing and monthly fees

Smart Home

How to save Ring Doorbell video without a subscription

Ring Doorbell mounted outside a front door.

Take a walk through any neighborhood, and you're bound to see a few Ring video doorbells installed next to front doors. The brand is increasingly popular, thanks to an ever-growing product lineup that makes it easy to find a device for all budgets and security needs. But one of the peskier features of Ring is the need for a Ring Protect Plan -- a monthly subscription service that unlocks the majority of the camera's most useful features.

One such feature locked behind a Ring Protect Plan membership is the ability to save Ring doorbell videos. Without a plan, you'll really only be allowed to view a live feed of your video doorbell. The plans are pretty generous, with the Basic plan costing $5 per month and offering video history for up to 180 days, making it a worthwhile investment for homes worried about their security.

Smart Home

Does the Pan-Tilt Mount work with the Blink Mini 2?

The Blink Mini installed in the Pan-Tilt Mount.

The Blink Mini 2 is a solid security camera that clocks in at a great price, making it the ideal option for shoppers on a budget. It takes everything people loved about the original Blink Mini and makes it even better, offering an affordable way to keep tabs on your home remotely. The Blink Mini eventually received a unique accessory known as the Blink Pan-Tilt Mount, allowing users to freely rotate the camera and see all corners of their home. And since the Blink hasn't yet released a Blink Mini 2 Pan-Tilt Mount, many folks are wondering if the original Pan-Tilt Mount works with the Blink Mini 2.

Unfortunately, the Pan-Tilt Mount does not work with the Blink Mini 2. If you're interested in learning more, here's a closer look at why that's the case, along with info as to whether Blink plans to launch a Pan-Tilt Mount for the Blink 2 in the future.
Why doesn't the Pan-Tilt Mount work with Blink Mini 2?