Review Blink Outdoor 4 Camera Security System

Blink Outdoor 4 camera security system offer by Amazon is an entry level do-it-yourself wireless residential system that requires Wi-Fi to operate. The only tool needed to install a Blink security camera is a screwdriver if mounting on a wall.

Blink on Amazon sells single interior and exterior security cameras or packages that include up to 5 or more cameras. They also offer doorbell and spotlight camera systems and accessories. Cameras start at $20.

Syncing the security camera to Wi-Fi

The Blink 4 we are reviewing is a solidly made quality product out of the box and included the required Blink Sync Module 2 to connect to Wi-Fi, 2 batteries and a wall mount. After reading the instructions and downloading the app we attempted to sync the camera with our internet connection. It took several attempts before the camera was finally recognized by the sync module.

The Sync Module 2 has a USB port for attaching
a memory stick for saving video clips from cameras. These clips are viewable in the Blink app.

Setting up the Blink 4 in the app

Once connected setting up the camera in the app was pretty straight forward options included video quality, motion detection settings, night vision, audio and more. The video quality at 1080p is a far cry from the 4K of more expensive security cameras we have used but for the price it was acceptable.

The camera also has two/way audio with adjustments for volume control in the app. The audio is lacking in clarity but performed as expected.

Notifications and recording

As for motion detection and notifications the system’s cameras and software need some upgrades. Our tests were conducted using an internet connection speed of 320mbps and motion detection sensitivity in the app was set at the highest setting. Our test resulted in the camera failing to start recording motion until a full 3 seconds after motion was detected. We made adjustments to the settings which resulted in no improvement.

The subject we used was walking down a 25 foot sidewalk towards our door and wasn’t recorded until he reached the door. Repeated tests revealed variations of this result and were unaceptable.

Notifications from the app that motion was detected took up to 7 minutes to reach our phone after several tests. While these failures were sporadic they pose a problem trusting the system. For this reason we do not recommend Blink cameras for security purposes

Pros and cons

Pros
Affordable starting around $20.
Easy to setup and mount the cameras.
Adequate video quality
Works with Alexa

Cons
Storage of videos requires subscription
Motion detection moderate to poor
App notifications during event poor
Live View takes too long to load

Blink cameras may be affordable but in our opinion they are not reliable enough for use as a security system. There is no continuous recording of video and storage of video costs $10 per month. Motion detection and notifications are sporadic at best. There are much better systems available. The Blink Outdoor 4 camera in our opinion can be used to monitor children playing in the backyard, elderly parents or pets in “Live Mode”.

By Peter Carr