Blink XT2 Security Camera Review and Blink System Long Term Review

Рет қаралды 208,977

Күн бұрын

Buy it on Amazon - lon.tv/wv1m5 (affiliate link) - Blink recently updated their low-cost subscription free cameras to include a new outdoor option that offers two way audio communication. This review will also cover the Blink System and how it's been working for me over the last two years. See more home security - lon.tv/homesecurity and subscribe! lon.tv/s
VIDEO INDEX:
0:00 - Intro
01:48 - Hardware Overview
01:51 - Original Camera
02:02 - Outdoor Camera
02:40 - Battery Life
03:43 - Sync Module
04:57 - Mounting Bracket
05:34 - App Overview
05:36 - Amazon ownership of Blink
05:56 - Viewing Sync Modules
06:18 - Taking Photographs
06:37 - Live View
07:07 - Recording
07:27 - Talking Though the Camera
07:53 - Camera Speaker Audio Quality
08:16 - Motion Detection
09:15 - Camera Settings
09:24 - Thermometer
09:53 - Activity Zones
10:32 - Retrigger Time
11:00 - Clip Length
11:41 - IR Illuminator
12:30 - Audio Control
12:36 - Recording audio test
12:44 - Video Quality
13:09 - Signal Strength
13:36 - Switching Modules
13:48 - Arming Cameras
14:41 - Reviewing Recorded Footage
15:13 - Saving Clips
16:30 - Amazon Integration
17:38 - IFTTT
19:03 - Conclusion
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Пікірлер: 155

@tedlandy 4 жыл бұрын

Great review. Have had Blink for several months and this review well and truly covers everything you need to know. Love that way Blink cameras are battery powered. Makes installation so easy.

@GryffindorSeeker 4 жыл бұрын

I’ve had my Blink XT2 since July and I’m planning on getting 1 or 2 more. They’re great for what I use them for.

@rudresh10000 4 жыл бұрын

I've been waiting for this video for a while.

@UKAirscape 4 жыл бұрын

That was really comprehensive and useful, thanks Lon

@JohannaInTheCorner 4 жыл бұрын

This video told me what I needed to know. No sales video or other review did. Thank you.

@pavel0900 4 жыл бұрын

That was a great and informative review! Thank you fo sharing!!! I really appreciate the IFTT suggestions and the basic settings. The honest review is very much appreciated 👍🏻

@tikibar4me 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for this video. I learned a few things about my new XT2!

@busco234 3 жыл бұрын

Do you know how to only detect only people

@philchristmas6818 4 жыл бұрын

Super awesome review sir. TY & Merry Christmas.

@Leenalast90 4 жыл бұрын

You are amazing , you explained thoroughly and I am subscribing now.

@Dazlidorne 4 жыл бұрын

I just got 3 echo show 5s and 3 blink xt2 cams and set them up. They worked fine when looking at them through the android app, but when trying to look at them on the echo show 5s, only 1 camera worked and it was the furthest away. I had the exact same issue as you. Audio, but no video on the echo show 5s. After much troubleshooting moving the sync module, using a wifi repeater, relocating cams... all which didn't fix the issue, I decided to delete the 2 cams from the app and start over. I took the AA batteries out and put them back in and scanned the qr codes again and added the cams back to the system and they worked! Both audio and video through the echo show 5. They have worked perfectly ever since. People that are having similar issues should try what I did.

@beardedalvinjohnsonjr7252 4 жыл бұрын

Never fear Alvin is here , I love my blink system you can also pinch and zoom in and out on live views and recorded video so you can get a good look at whats going on

@niczoom 4 жыл бұрын

Great detailed review. Thanks

@lbcitylacounty4982 4 жыл бұрын

Great review! Thanks mate! 👍

@teebellerina8783 4 жыл бұрын

Very thorough. Thanks 👍🏾

@WallyBoots 4 жыл бұрын

I have 4 Blink cameras and for the price, performance and ease of use they are the best. Not paying for cloud storage was a huge selling point. Highly recommended!

@emmanueljames3081 4 жыл бұрын

please how can I buy it I leave in Italy

@ng-iq4kx 4 жыл бұрын

@@emmanueljames3081 don't you have Amazon in Italy?

@oldfarmshow 4 жыл бұрын

very good review and more video

@HughD 4 жыл бұрын

Another really good review, Lon, especially since you've actually used them for a while. I do have a couple of comments. First, it is very desirable to have more than one sync module. I group my cameras by indoor on one and outdoor on another. Don't ever pay $50 for a module. If you're about to buy another camera, simply get the complete kit which includes a sync module and you'll find your net cost for the module to only be about $10 vs a camera alone. I've found a Blink solar panel from Amazon works quite well. It actually contains its own Lithium battery. I have one on my driveway camera which faces west and it never runs out of battery. Finally, don't be too quick to discount their value as part of a security system. The short clips are recorded and sent to the cloud really quickly so even if the burglar notices it and takes it, it's too late. A lady in our community "caught" one with her Blink and although he noticed it, it was too late and he was nailed and is still in jail now, I think. There are definite advantages to short clips that are sent to the cloud quickly.

@djlcruze 4 жыл бұрын

How long have you had the solar panel hooked up to the camera?

@nancymweasel6561 4 жыл бұрын

I have had 5 blinks for about 2 years now. 1 is the outdoor model. The ones facing street go through a lot of batteries, like you every 3-6 months. My indoor blinks are super crystal clear even in the dark. The black outdoor blink is not very good in the dark. But that is okay. I will keep using them as it is a great weapon for the roving low-life around our neighborhood.

@DaraAbasute 4 жыл бұрын

Nancy M Weasel do you get a notification when the batteries are low?

@oldfarmshow 4 жыл бұрын

I use them inside and out, I find them very useful

@mboiko 4 жыл бұрын

For the money, it's hard to beat. Paid $99 (Prime day sale) for a (2) camera Blink XT2 set and it works surprisingly well.

@scottb_02 4 жыл бұрын

Still like them? Batteries giving me pause

@schmoab 4 жыл бұрын

Been thinking about these for a while. But I already have an indoor monitor (and have cats), so I think the Nest Hello makes the most sense for my house.

@ggreeneye3450 Жыл бұрын

Great video. What I’d the distance from your house you are able to trigger notifications for your outdoor camera

@TheAmbition23 3 жыл бұрын

Love your reviews. Can we get a Eufycam 2 review?

@jakejacobs5488 4 жыл бұрын

Great review, can I set different settings per camera in one system, or is it one setting for all?

@flanners41 4 жыл бұрын

Nice review, is that a ZX81 on the shelf behind you?

@michaelfoster3441 4 жыл бұрын

Very cool product

@t.soares1125 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video. What is the approximate lag time between receiving a notification and the live event which triggered the notification?

@cloakofanonymity 4 жыл бұрын

I own 6 XT2's on a single sync module. Awesome cameras! And Blink customer service is phenomenal. I have had 2 replaced no questions asked by their tech support. And for $70-90 per cam, video AND audio quality is just as good or better than the overpriced Arlo and Nest systems.

@davidkai2694 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for that information can you tell me how to set it up with my Philips Hue lights so if it activates the motion sensor the light will come on

@mobgma 4 жыл бұрын

would love to see more POE high MP 4K camera systems. night vision and sound.

@bradmason8334 4 жыл бұрын

Have you thought about using solar panel for driveway cam, to eliminate the replacement of batteries ever 4-6 months?

@IMDABROWN 4 жыл бұрын

My BlinkXT has survived hurricane Irma and a few other big storms. My only gripe is the motion tracking isn’t as consistent as my Arlo system.

@DespicableBastard 4 жыл бұрын

Great video! I just ordered a 3x Blink system. I have a Ring video doorbell. With it being part of the Amazon family, is there any integration possible?

@Whatintheblueblazes 4 жыл бұрын

Do I absolutely need the firestick? As long as I can get the video/activity on my app, I would be fine.

@crizo23 4 жыл бұрын

These cameras are so great for the price. I don’t know why they aren’t much more popular. The only competition is Arlo and that’s a significant price increase. The only real bummer is when they (Amazon) took away API access.

@nickd7944 4 жыл бұрын

How much upload speed do you need the run the 2 cameras? I have very slow internet up in the woods of Maine. Download speeds are around 25bps uploads are 2-5bps thanks

@darreljones9470 4 жыл бұрын

Thinking of buying but why cant you use high out put lithium ion rechargeable batteries? Great video

@daveandersonangry 4 жыл бұрын

Is there any way of changing the notification tone other than the ones on the iPhone ???

@dougieinglis1181 4 жыл бұрын

Does the camera come with the sync module or is it additional? Thanks

@nigelwinnan670 4 жыл бұрын

Hi you show the cameras being armed/disarmed when phone in home or out but can't find this in blink app that you show it is after you mention itftt

@Kurt013 4 жыл бұрын

Hi, For what i saw in another yt video, it's not possible to access live view when motion sensor is triggered; we need to wait for the recording to stop. Do you confirm that? Honestly, i think there are a solution for a particular use because when we want to buy a security camera, we want the best image quality they can provide but it those cameras if you do so, you can end up spending a lot of money on batteries. If we could use rechargeable batteries it would be much better. For those reasons, i think i'll go with the EufyCam 2's. Thanks for the review.

@sianglingchua3678 4 жыл бұрын

If I have a syn module and two camera. Can I set the clip length and the retrigger time of the video separately? Understand that we can do that for the motion sensor.

@smileyblair3321 4 жыл бұрын

Would if you have lights on your front door that stay on? How would you do your setting for nighttime ?

@larrysmith2608 4 жыл бұрын

I have set these up for a few of my customers. Pretty for the price. Not like a Ring or Nest but still solid cameras.

@markh8901 4 жыл бұрын

Lon thanks for the review it has interested me to take a look at it. So as I was reading some user reviews on Amazon, there were several issues brought up, 1.The sensor for motion detect would be great from side to side, but direct head on straight would be very poor. This issue was confirmed by Blink. 2. They were saying hardly to hear audio speaker directly in front of the camera, and 2 way talk only lasts 11 sec then would be shut off? 3. Regarding the issue of IR been too bright and strong at night, what if you turn it off but using those cheap motion sensor light next to it to team up and work in conjunction with the camera instead? In fact this probably could solve/work around the 1st problem by using multiple cheap motion sensor light to help blink camera to trigger motion sensor recording? 4. In the review you mentioned Blink recommended Lithium battery, can we use 1.5v rechargeable lithium batteries? Thanks.

@denizg3199 4 жыл бұрын

Hi I was just wondering once I put this outside to the garden would I be able to watch my phone while am away on holiday would it work basically on my phone? Thanks

@DatHirschi 4 жыл бұрын

Is there a way to show up the recorded videos on the echo show?

@ng-iq4kx 4 жыл бұрын

With some technical knowledge and troubleshooting elimination they can be set up to record to a hard dive and/or dvr.

@jrbees929 4 жыл бұрын

Can you elaborate a bit or direct to a website with instructions? Thx!

@mhorgan1515 4 жыл бұрын

Great video, thank you. Question: If I have two cameras, can one of them be set to motion-detection, and the other be used for only live-viewing? I'm thinking about construction sites with one camera set at the entrance and set to motion detect, and a second camera overviewing the site and only set to live-viewing. Is this possible? Thank you.

@LonSeidman 4 жыл бұрын

Yes you can have one set for motion and the other with it off. I have that configuration working at my place.

@ronniehill8213 4 жыл бұрын

Do you know if the Microsoft app store supports the app? I have a surface pro 3 that I wanted to download the app too.

@Mr.kitty60 3 жыл бұрын

I wanted to know if there is a way to turn off and on the "ping" noise that happens when you go into live mode?

@stucutt2828 4 жыл бұрын

Just a note for anyone thinking of not buying the Blink-XT2 because it doesn't take rechargeable batteries. Firstly it does but Blink/Amazon doesn't recommend it, so you run the risk of voiding your warranty. Secondly the XT2 allows for a solar panel to be attached which takes 2 18650 batteries (which you can buy on amazon, but you'll probably have to put an extra 18650 in), and as a bonus you can leave the 2 batteries in the camera in case your 18650's run out of juice from no sun. It's designed to be plugged in and have the batteries in case of a power failure to your home, IE. scumbags cut your power, they're still on camera. I can vouch for this as its the current set-up i have at my front door, of which the information i gathered from other users in multiple forums who had spoken to Blink/amazon asking why they don't send rechargeable batteries.

@WHAT-I-LOVE 4 жыл бұрын

Can I use them inside my house facing the windows ? C currently I have two but what I notice is that it doesn’t detect the motion of someone passing by is it because of the glass window? I don’t want to have to put them outside if I can avoid it

@irontherapyapparel6030 4 жыл бұрын

while in live mode does the cameras time out after 2 minutes like ring?

@turdboman 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Lon can i make my echo dot chime when my blink doorbell is pushed ?

@Rick-tb4so 4 жыл бұрын

If the camera is out of range of the sync module can you use a repeater ??

@sandyleewhite 3 жыл бұрын

Thank Thank you so much for this review, as I have been looking for a security camera for indoor use. I would appreciate if you can answer a few questions for me, and fair warning, these are girl questions, so please limit the laughing to a minimum 😀 As crazy as this may sound, I do not own a cell phone, so would I be able to use all the functions for viewing, storage & setting up this camera, from my laptop, & how long will the battery last on a full charge, before I would have to take it down & re-charge it, & is it chargeable from my laptop? Your help would be greatly appreciated 😊 One more, sorry, Is there a specific App that people in Canada can download to our laptops, as I had a hard time finding one, or is one possibly included with the camera?

@powmendozanunez 4 жыл бұрын

can the xt2 be setup to record a full day of video non-stop, daily.

@FoToEdge 4 жыл бұрын

I have been using a XT2 Camera System and now have bought a XT3 Camera System to add to my existing setup. I can not find anything on my BLINK APP to add cameras. Is there something wrong with the APP?

@urbanition 3 жыл бұрын

Hi, you can watch all 4 live cameras at the same time?

@NintCondition 4 жыл бұрын

What if you used them wired, can you keep the batteries in as a backup in case the plug gets unplugged?

@paulpringle6441 3 жыл бұрын

Do they have a link to Apple HomeKit?

@n2daair23 4 жыл бұрын

If I’m using this with a Nighthawk M1 mobile router ( we’re out in the sticks) do you have any knowledge of the amount of data this uses when accessed?

@Polish2317 4 жыл бұрын

Iam also in deep country, no WIFI and Verizon phone works 30% of time, I got the Verizon Hotspot and have 5 Blink cameras. Not fastest in world, but over all they are amazig for money.

@1mw4tch1ng 3 жыл бұрын

Blink needs some improvement on two way communication and waterproof external power connection. Having to replace batts due to traffic can be costly. Would be nice also if they are able to link two Links as one so no need to switch between the two.

@MrKim-kv2vv 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the review. question, can these be used on more than one device (cell phone, tablet) at one time?

@jwmurrayjr 4 жыл бұрын

Yes it can.

@fozziebear7139 4 жыл бұрын

Okay, what keeps someone from just snatching the camera since it is so easy to remove from it's bracket?

@baitnwait3816 4 жыл бұрын

What the distance they can reach up too..

@scorpiojuan1966 4 жыл бұрын

So camera will not connect to WiFi without the sync module?? 1 camera to 1 module?

@shakslondon1 4 жыл бұрын

Is there any information on the likely hood of the system being hacked

@chrispistocco 4 жыл бұрын

I have 3 Arlo camera's as part of my surveillance system. They are a little pricey, but also do a fine job.

@ej425 3 жыл бұрын

If you have the module off is it still going to record?

@jenniferlterrell783 2 жыл бұрын

Do I need that for my blink doorbell

@SouthBayLA1310 4 жыл бұрын

Can you review the 2019 Roku Ultra?

@fozziebear7139 4 жыл бұрын

Also, in freezing weather, won't the AA batteries go dead quickly?

@markrush5013 4 жыл бұрын

disarm the system whenever you can to increase battery life...but replacing the batteries is no big deal but its just better not to be giving away camera location by replacing batteries more than you have to.for the money its a very good system.

@shadwell749 4 жыл бұрын

I just a set and I like it but the speaker isnt loud enough

@Vgp-rp4iu 4 жыл бұрын

Amazon needs to just rename the app "bling" and integrate both blink and ring cams in one app.

@stucutt2828 4 жыл бұрын

They're just doing what all big companies do. Buy the smaller successful companies with a good product, bring out their own version with some modifications and slowly fizzle out the company they bought. Look at Apple and Beats, they're doing that exact thing. Just bringing their own version of the same thing with the AirPods. So there's no point buying the beats as they're both made to be compatible with apple. people are put off by the ring as you have to pay for a subscription to view the very thing they purchased the camera for, which is just idiocy in my eyes. "oh you want to view and talk to people at the door?...yeah our camera does that. Buuuuuuut you'll have to pay to do so once you've forked out half your mortgage. Pay a little more and we will even give you a light".

@MAJESTIFIED1 3 жыл бұрын

Agreed 👍.

@SleepLikeAKing305 4 жыл бұрын

How long does your phone receive the notification when the camera detects a motion? Mine takes few seconds and these crackheads can steal a lot in few seconds

@doughart2987 4 жыл бұрын

Nice but would like it to monitor to a screen (browser, etc.) Checked www.ispyconnect.com/ but don't see brand in device list. Surprised outside mount does not 'lock' to camera to stop theft. Is the Amazon storage secure? Would like Google Assist support but Amazon isn't doing that. IFTTT may help.

@gonz33- 4 жыл бұрын

Hello friend, can I use the application and see what happens in my house with two or three android phones at the same time? Thanks.

@billsmith9627 4 жыл бұрын

yes

@newdadz 4 жыл бұрын

@despicablebastard here is your answer!

@MyIronman8 4 жыл бұрын

I've heard they really are slow . If you have the timer set to record for 50 seconds. It will record for 50 seconds and then it will send you a notification after they done what ever

@EloteHuskers 4 жыл бұрын

I'm 30 minutes from home , am I able to liveview the blink XT 2 cameras while I'm at work using my smart phone ???

@LonSeidman 4 жыл бұрын

yes

@pw9133 4 жыл бұрын

How would you compare this to eufy?

@vietho4991 4 жыл бұрын

Nice name. Lồn TV 😁

@DaraAbasute 4 жыл бұрын

“Arming” a camera just means allowing it to notify you when motion is detected?

@lifeevent88 4 жыл бұрын

It means bullets are ready to fire against next trigger

@DaraAbasute 4 жыл бұрын

@Johnny Rep gotcha, thanks!

@tmitchable 3 жыл бұрын

can you install the app on Chromebook?

@DONALD1951 4 жыл бұрын

Needs WiFi. How do you get it? Need a cable from hub to a router?

@callatianon 4 жыл бұрын

No, the Blink Systemand the cameras connect using your WiFi

@kristabarr6850 4 жыл бұрын

What is stopping someone from just popping your camera off?

@LonSeidman 4 жыл бұрын

Nothing, but the footage is not recorded on the camera and is stored on the cloud.

@LNatureblush 4 жыл бұрын

Can two people in the same house able to access the cameras?

@BaronOfHell666 4 жыл бұрын

You SOB, you have a mini ROB behind you and a gold zelda game. Man I wish I hadn't sold my gold zelda. Oh I mean SOB lovingly as in you lucky SOB.

@mantiscity 4 жыл бұрын

Does the outdoor camera, work just as good on the inside? Also I saw a micro USB port when you removed the cover. What is that for?

@LonSeidman 4 жыл бұрын

The USB port is not used. The camera works fine indoors but their indoor camera is less expensive.

@gtibbot 4 жыл бұрын

@@LonSeidman The USB port can be used to power the camera with an optional power adapter or a solar panel.

@doughart2987 4 жыл бұрын

My concern is faulse alarms on motion with car lights from traffic on my porch.

@Colaaah 4 жыл бұрын

Position your camera accordingly and you can also block false movement areas as he noted for eg: You would block out trees that move and would of activated the recording otherwise...

@abbyrhodes814 4 жыл бұрын

I have the 1st generation and the activity zones simply don't work. Constant false alarms as cars drive by my house 35 yards away but it ignores delivery trucks as they approach my house. It will pick up my car once I'm within 10 feet of the camera. I just leave the cameras disarmed which defeats the purpose of having them. Next camera I get I'm going to spend more time looking at how well the sensors work or I'm going to return it promptly.

@Rick-tb4so 4 жыл бұрын

Can you use a outdoor camera inside ?

@LonSeidman 4 жыл бұрын

Yes of course, as long as it's in range of the sync module

@rodelramos9963 4 жыл бұрын

how to install this on a brick house..

@busco234 3 жыл бұрын

Does the sensitivity low picks up only people

@davidjym 3 жыл бұрын

I find that anything below 6 and the cameras won't pick up on anything ...........

@mohammadalisobhani5914 4 жыл бұрын

If three people wants use one camera should be use one email.?

@Zoe010309 4 жыл бұрын

This unit will NOT work when the temperature is -14C. It will come back on after the temperature warms up to about -10C.

@tmitchable 3 жыл бұрын

I live in an Apartment complex I set up the camera on the top front door in and out all want to view who is outside of my door

@larrygenentex5987 4 жыл бұрын

Do I have to buy the Alexa device for additional cameras??

@mboiko 4 жыл бұрын

Alexa devices not required for Blink XT2.

@warp00009 4 жыл бұрын

I'm not interested in yet another smart phone only solution. I want something that can also support an RTSP protocol interface, to work with surveillance software such as iSpy. Had some success with cheap WYZE cameras, but their unsupported beta software for RTSP support is flaky and unreliable at best. I like the fact that these Blink cameras can run without a plug-in power source, but wonder how long they could operate with continious streaming like using RTSP would imply?

@niravniel561 4 жыл бұрын

Hi, You mention 2 hours of storage , are you sure? because I read they are saying Free cloud storage - Keep hundreds of clips stored up to a year with no monthly fees or service contract required

@davidjym 3 жыл бұрын

because each clip is about 10-15 seconds long ...