14 Oct
Blog

Google Nest Cam (Wired) Review: Watching With Confidence

Google Nest Cam Indoor Wired on the table.

Google Nest Cam (wired)

RRP $ 100.00

"This is a surveillance camera that, thanks to its intelligent functions, does not require constant babysitting."

advantages

  • Cute, compact design

  • Free three hours of video history

  • Convenient automatic arming / disarming

  • Reliable and accurate warnings

disadvantage

  • Power cord integrated in the camera

  • Limited articulation

Google's range of security cameras has recently expanded to offer more choice than ever before without compromising too much on features. In fact, the introduction of three hours of free video history without a subscription makes this range of Nest Cams much more appealing. However, Google doesn't make it easy for consumers to differentiate its new cameras – both the cordless and wired models use the Nest Cam name.

On the other hand, while the Google Nest Cam (battery) offers additional versatility as it can be used indoors and outdoors, the Nest Cam (wired) is a true indoor solution that has been improved thanks to a lower cost of $ 100. There are plenty of other indoor cameras in this price range, including models from the Ring, Arlo, and Wyze, making it an uphill battle for Google this time around.

draft

Immediately after unpacking, I am amazed at the smaller design of this camera compared to its outdoor sibling. There is one major difference to the Google Nest Cam (wired). It won't overwhelm countertops, tables, and other small corners of the house where you might want to install a security camera.

Google Nest Cam Indoor Wired on the table.John Velasco / Digital Trends

It's also smaller than the previous Google Nest Cam IQ Indoor, but maintains the same modern look that makes Google's cameras cozy and attractive. Consumers will appreciate that it is made from 45% recycled plastic and comes in four colors (snow, fog, linen, and sand). The only complaint I have is the limited posability of the camera – you really can't tilt it up that much when placed on a low surface.

Installation and setup

Similar to the battery-operated version, the Google Nest Cam (wired) only needs to be set up via the Google Home app – it is no longer tied to the dedicated Nest app. That is wonderful, because everything is controlled and accessed via an app. All of the event history is shown in a handy timeline view, but I also like how you can filter it by cameras if you have several from Google.

Once the camera is connected to my home's Wi-Fi network, the camera has very little latency when it is turned on, but it takes about five seconds before I can see the live stream. I suppose it's not that bad, but I can perfectly understand how those five seconds can get critical during an event.

Back of the wired Google Nest Cam Indoor.John Velasco / Digital Trends

Although it should rest on surfaces, there is always the option of mounting it on the wall – also thanks to its long cable. The disadvantage is that the wire cannot be removed. It's built into the camera so if the cable breaks you pretty much have to replace the entire unit.

Camera performance

As for the specification, the camera on the Google Nest Cam (wired) is lukewarm compared to the known cams in space. The 2-megapixel camera sensor records video at 30 frames per second (fps) in 1080p, but there are now cameras that record in 2K and 4K. In general, it produces some reasonable detail, but doesn't get the clarity I've seen with the Google Nest Cam IQ Indoor.

There are some artifacts that are a little distracting and become more noticeable with sudden changes in ambient light. It also tends to saturate colors a little more, making it look unrealistic at times. As night vision goes on, the footage tends to appear low in contrast, which I think is a good thing as it increases the exposure of the shadows.

While the video quality doesn't overwhelm me, I have to admit that the Google Nest Cam (wired) is spot on with detection. So far it has been the right thing to tell between people and my cats that are noted in the app.

privacy

What I really like about the latest Google Nest Cams is that they can all be turned off based on my phone's location – allowing them to turn on and off automatically for more privacy. The camera turns off automatically as soon as I get home, but turns on again when I leave the geofenced area around my apartment. There's no need to manually put the camera in Home or Away mode, so you have one less thing to worry about.

It's a simple camera that is effective in recording events.

There is also a green LED light on the camera that turns on when the camera is active. These are just a few of the privacy features I like about Google's cameras. They also come with up to three hours of free event video history and save those clips for you to review. No subscription is required, but if you want to extend the quota you must subscribe to Nest Aware, which is $ 6 a month and has 10 days of 24/7 video history and 60 days of event video history.

Close-up of the Google Nest Cam Indoor Wired camera lens.John Velasco / Digital Trends

Even if the internet goes down, you can rest assured that the Nest Cam (wired) will continue to store footage locally. Unfortunately, it can't do anything if the power goes out – which makes the battery-powered version more attractive.

Our opinion

Viewed across the product category, Google is not trying to blow the competition out of the water with its offer. It is not necessary as it is a simple camera that is effective in capturing events. At $ 100, it's not overly shoddy as it removes some of the frustrations I have with most security cameras – frequent false positives and manual arming are two of the most glaring points.

Is there a better alternative?

When it comes to indoor cameras, the Arlo Essential Indoor Camera is the closest competitor for the same $ 100 cost. I like it because it actually has a physical privacy shutter that goes over the lens to make sure no one is looking when they shouldn't, unlike Google's software-based privacy feature that turns the camera off.

Another alternative is the Wyze Cam V3, which at under $ 40 is still one of the best security camera deals you can get. With its weatherproof construction, it's designed for indoor and outdoor use, and you get the added convenience of local storage with its microSD slot.

If you're an Alexa user, the Ring Indoor Cam has similar features and performance for $ 60.

How long it will take?

Despite a body made mostly of recycled components, the Google Nest Cam (wired) feels like a well-made, solidly built camera that's well worth the price. There is a one year limited warranty that covers defects.

Should you buy it?

Yes, even if it's not the best deal Google has put on the table. While lacking the sharp clarity of other cameras, it does a wonderful job of actually providing meaningful warnings.

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05 Nov
Blog

DJI Mini 2 Review: Same Compact Size, More Confidence Flying

"Don't be fooled by its small size, the DJI Mini 2 is safe to fly and offers 4K video recording."

  • Proper 4K video recording

  • Manages windy conditions

  • Stable connection with OcuSync 2.0

  • Ridiculously compact size

  • An obstacle avoidance sensor is missing

  • Terrible performance in low light

I thought DJI was through with the announcements for the year. After the launch of the DJI Mavic Air 2 and Pocket 2, it seemed unlikely that we would hear anything else from the drone maker in 2020, but it turns out that there is one final exciting product for consumers before the holidays. And yes, it's another drone!

Drones are usually not updated annually, so the announcement of the DJI Mini 2 is surprising. The lightweight drone continues to fly under the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) radar due to its weight of 249 grams, making it ideal for beginners as no registration is required. More importantly, however, it fixes some of the shortcomings of the predecessor right away.

More freedom of movement with 4K video

At a time when 4K video recording is standard on smartphones and cameras, it was a disappointment that the Mavic Mini peaked last year at 2.7K resolution. Well, this is the first item on the Mini 2's list that has proper 4K video recording. While the frame rate at 4K is 30 frames per second (FPS), DJI has increased the bit rate from 40 Mbit / s on the Mavic Mini to 100 Mbit / s on the Mini 2.

DJI Mini 2 camera close-upJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

What is that supposed to mean? I'm particularly happy with the extra resolution as it gives me extra wiggle room in the post – for example, cropping and cropping a scene when I export it in 1080p. For those watching videos and clips on 4K screens, the 4K resolution means there is no need to upscale this time around.

Details are plentiful and clear as expected, but best results are achieved during the day and afternoon when there is ample light. Colors have an even, neutral tone – never too saturated to work in the post. However, performance crumbles as the sun goes down and often appears cloudy, dark, and unusable unless the scene contains strong light sources. This is partly because nothing changes on the sensor, a 12-megapixel 1 / 2.3-inch sensor that sits on a 3-axis gimbal.

DJI Mini 2 in the air

Dynamic range performance isn't up to the level I've got with the Mavic Air 2, but some tweaks in the post can highlight details that are otherwise lost in the shadows. Photographers will appreciate the Mini 2's performance for still image capture, but just like video, it has problems with low light and low dynamics.

OcuSync 2.0 offers security

If you've ever piloted the Mavic Mini, you know how prone to interference video transmission can be. It's annoying for sure, but also scary if it takes longer. Fortunately, the DJI Mini 2 alleviates concerns thanks to DJI's OcuSync 2.0 transmission technology. The controller is an exact facsimile of the Mavic Air 2. It's bigger, but I like the way my smartphone is held on top of the controller – as opposed to the floor on the Mavic Mini's controller.

The connectivity between the drone and the controller offers more reliability.

With OcuSync 2.0, the connectivity between drone and controller becomes more reliable. In fact, live video rarely stuttered during my flights. And even though I managed to increase the distance from my location to over 1,000 feet, DJI says it is capable of a range of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles). There's nothing worse than latency issues when piloting a drone. This ensures that OcuSync 2.0 gives me more responsive controls on the Mini 2.

DJI Mini 2 OcySync 2.0 controllerJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

One of my biggest concerns about flying the Mavic Mini is reducing its range further as it may interfere with video transmission. There is none of this in the Mini 2.

Fly against the wind

Flying in windy conditions is always risky, but it's deeper when you're dealing with a lightweight drone like the Mavic Mini. I can't tell you how many times I stopped flying due to windy conditions. There are also several videos online of owners reacting to this and floating away from their location due to high winds. Although I'm still cautious, the DJI Mini 2 can handle the wind a lot better.

On the first day of the Mini 2's flight, winds were blowing at 17 miles per hour on the Jersey Shore. Fortunately, DJI upgraded the engines in the Mini 2 to better withstand wind speeds of up to 40 km / h. I have always canceled flights with the Mavic Mini in the past when the wind hit 12 mph. In the air, it's clear that the Mini 2 worked hard to maintain stability, and while it looked like it was rattling around, the video footage stayed buttery smooth.

DJI Mini 2 in the airJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

To really test its performance, I decided to see how it handles flying against the wind. Terrifyingly, it went like a champion – even in normal mode. Switching to sport mode increases performance, making it easy to break through the wind. Its top speed still reaches a top speed of 22 km / h, but accelerating from a floating position shows that the engines are more powerful.

Are you concerned that these upgraded engines will give you a shorter flight time? You don't need to worry as the battery life has been increased to 31 minutes, which is a minute better than its predecessor. Unfortunately the Mini 2 uses a different type of battery so you cannot use existing packs of the Mavic Mini.

Some things that could be better

I must confess that the Mavic Air 2 spoiled me, especially the improved HDR recording, 4K 60 FPS recording, 8K Hyperlapse and Asteroid Quickshot mode. To be fair, the Mini 2 offers some nice footage that controls the drone autonomously for me – like drone, boomerang, and circle quickshot modes. The only area that is still severely lacking in the Mini 2 is avoiding obstacles. The Mavic Air 2 has various sensors on its body to detect obstacles so it can stop in mid-flight and try to avoid them. You don't get any of this with the Mini 2, which means I need to know my surroundings at all times – plus the line of sight distance required.

It's the ideal starter drone.

There is also no automatic tracking mode that would allow the Mini 2 to follow me. As a result, manual piloting with the controller is still the main method for capturing footage. It's not a terrible thing, but if you were pampered by the Mavic Air 2's Active Track 3.0 system, I wouldn't mind following me while cycling around a lake without the fear of it colliding with something.

There have also been a couple of times the DJI Fly app crashed on me while flying the drone. I suspect this is because it isn't the final software, but luckily I restarted it and got back to where I left off.

DJI Mini 2 Fly More ComboJohn Velasco / Digital Trends

Our opinion

There are many reasons to choose the DJI Mini 2, especially if you are a first-time drone pilot or an enthusiast. At $ 449, this is an easy recommendation over the $ 400 Mavic Mini. I would recommend buying the $ 599 Fly More Combo instead as it has some extras that make it a sound package.

Not only does it come with three batteries, a charging station, and extra propellers, but I prefer it over the Fly More Combo that included last year's Mavic Mini as it comes with a suitable carry case (including a shoulder strap) and propeller protection wraps around the drone.

Is the Mini 2 perfect? Not exactly, but it's still an amazing tiny drone that doesn't require FAA registration due to its weight of 249 grams. The addition of 4K footage makes it a competent gamer in space, but what really makes this offering superior to its predecessor is the confidence in flying – thanks to OcuSync 2.0 and the improved motors. Flying with confidence is always a good thing and the Mini 2 reassures me of this with its responsiveness.

How long it will take?

The same all-plastic construction can still be seen here, which certainly makes it feel a bit fragile. I don't expect it to handle crashes that well, so flying carefully is essential. You should also pack it extra carefully as it will feel fragile.

You can buy a DJI Care Refresh with the Mini 2 from a cos. Due to water damage and collisions, up to two replacement devices will be made available within a year.

Is there a better alternative?

For this price? Not really. However, when you're ready to spend more, you can get the DJI Mavic Air 2 is the all-round drone for all levels thanks to its safety functions, excellent photo / video performance and advanced tracking system. But at $ 799, you pay almost double to pick it up.

Should you buy it?

Yes. It's an absolute steal considering how easy it is to pilot, plus the 4K video recording, the cinematic quick-shoot options, and the compact size. In contrast to before, I have more confidence when flying thanks to OcuSync 2.0 and its improved motors. It is the ideal starter drone for those who want to improve their game beyond flying for fun.

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