Atti Abderrahim
Table of Contents
The Ring Spotlight Cam Pro brand is a major player in the surveillance camera sector. As a subsidiary of e-commerce giant Amazon, Ring has a significant commercial reach, allowing it to target a vast global user base. Despite this substantial advantage, Ring consistently updates its product lines, as evidenced by the release of the Ring Spotlight Cam Pro.
This outdoor camera is a wireless, consumer-friendly model equipped with a 1080p sensor, LED lighting system, and a new 3D motion detection system designed to spot even the slightest movement and any attempts at intrusion into your home. But does it live up to its promises?
Design and Build: An Elegant Camera for Your Exterior
Similar to the Ring Indoor Cam we recently tested, the Ring Spotlight Cam Pro boasts a sleek and tasteful design. The manufacturer offers a rectangular device with a rounded bottom housing the speaker. Once installed on the wall, the camera is not necessarily the most discreet, but users quickly get used to its presence.
The camera’s lens and microphone are centrally located, with a light indicator positioned above the video sensor. On the sides, Ring has placed two diodes that allow the camera to illuminate the covered area upon detection or simply to provide a clearer view when watching live video through the mobile app. The speaker is located at the bottom of the device.
As is often the case with Ring, the Spotlight Cam Pro is made entirely of plastic, but the finish is of high quality, and the device should withstand a drop from one or two meters without damage.
Installing the Ring Spotlight Cam Pro on the wall is straightforward, thanks to the simple mounting bracket and included screws. Another support attaches to the camera; clip the two together, and you’re done. The camera can then be oriented in any direction, though the support doesn’t offer a wide angle for pivoting. It’s advisable to make a few test adjustments before drilling to find the ideal position.
Ring also provides a sticker to place on a window or near the camera to warn guests and passersby that your home is under video surveillance and that they may be recorded upon arrival.
For power, the Ring Spotlight Cam Pro comes with a removable battery that charges via micro-USB with the included cable. The camera can also be continuously plugged in using an optional adapter not included in the package. A second slot is available if you plan to add an additional battery. The estimated battery life is about two months. In our tests, with intensive use, the camera only lost 10% of its battery after fifteen days. A setting also allows you to limit snapshot recordings to extend battery life.
Application: A Clear and Feature-Rich App
As with the Ring Indoor Cam, the American brand accompanies its new outdoor camera with the Ring mobile app, available for free on iOS and Android. Creating a user account is required to pair the camera, a process that takes just a few minutes by scanning the QR code on the packaging.
The home page provides access to the video feed. Clicking on the image launches the live stream, with a connection delay of only three seconds. The connection is quick, regardless of mobile or Wi-Fi networks, with minimal latency of about half a second.
The video viewer can be switched to full screen and offers quick commands, such as triggering the siren, taking a photo, using the built-in speaker, or turning on the LED lights for better illumination.
Ring employs a security mode system to activate the camera and detection mode, offering three modes: Disarmed, Home, and Away. Clicking the associated button activates or deactivates each mode. These modes can be customized in the app settings, although the navigation is not the most intuitive for less tech-savvy users.
The Ring Spotlight Cam Pro also offers customization options, including various notification ringtones. The app provides over a dozen melodies, including well-known ones like the Beverly Hills Cop theme, for more pleasant and recognizable alerts than the traditional smartphone ringtone.
Video and Audio: A 1080p Sensor Adequate for Home Surveillance
The 1080p Full HD sensor of the Ring Spotlight Cam Pro is not groundbreaking, but it is reliable. Color reproduction and brightness management are excellent in daylight, although the detail level suffers from some noise in both video recordings and live view. The 140° horizontal field of view provides excellent coverage while minimizing lens distortion at the edges.
The camera includes an HDR mode to enhance colors and manage light sources better, though this option can overly sharpen the image, reducing overall quality. Fortunately, this setting can be disabled.
The infrared color mode is surprisingly effective, delivering clear and detailed images even in complete darkness. The two LED lamps automatically light up to help identify the source of an alert, providing warm and non-harsh lighting. The intensity can be adjusted in the app settings.
For audio, the Ring Spotlight Cam Pro features bidirectional audio with Audio+, which effectively filters out background noise. Only significant sounds, such as conversations, are captured and transmitted for better understanding, while ambient noises like music are eliminated.
The high-quality speakers allow for clear communication, useful for responding to visitors via your smartphone. The speaker also emits the siren sound, which at 105 dB is loud enough to deter most intruders.
Features: Precise Motion Detection and Numerous Alert Customization Options
The Ring Spotlight Cam Pro includes a new 3D motion detection system using an integrated radar to track even the slightest movements. The camera’s sensitivity ensures immediate alerts for any intrusions.
The Ring app allows users to adjust notification frequency, schedule detection times, and create detection zones to prioritize specific areas. Conversely, privacy zones can be set up to exclude certain areas from being recorded.
The camera also features an “Aerial View” mode, which uses your address to provide a satellite view of your home. This mode tracks detected movements, showing the visitor’s path and departure direction.
As with other Ring products, the Spotlight Cam Pro lacks a micro SD slot or external storage support. Instead, Ring offers a subscription service at €3.99/month, storing photos and video clips for 180 days. The subscription also includes enhanced notifications, such as person alerts and photo previews in notifications, with a 30-day free trial for new users.
Conclusion
The Ring Spotlight Cam Pro is a robust and feature-rich outdoor security camera. Its 1080p sensor, LED lighting, and 3D motion detection system ensure reliable home surveillance. While it may not be the most discreet option, its high-quality design, easy installation, and comprehensive app make it a strong contender in the outdoor security camera market. With ongoing updates and a reasonable subscription service, the Ring Spotlight Cam Pro offers excellent value for enhanced home security.
