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I’ve raved about how the Wyze Cam V3 sets the benchmark for what we expect out of an entry-level-priced security camera, but there’s actually a variant of it that makes it more ideal for the outdoors. The Wyze Cam Spotlight features a spotlight that turns on whenever motion is detected, a perfect deterrent against possible intruders. It’s also Amazon’s #1 best seller on its cameras and photo products category, so I’m eager to see if it’s actually worth getting over the standard Wyze Cam V3.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 2.51 x 2.24 x 3.93-inches (camera), 0.84 x 2.19 x 1.35-inches (spotlight)
- Weight: 4.8 ounces
- Field of View: 130° horizontal
- Resolution: 1080p
- Operating Temperature: -5°F to 113°F (camera), 23°F to 131°F (spotlight)
Included in the Box
- Wyze Cam V3
- Spotlight
- Wall Mount Plate & Screw Kit
- 6 Feet Outdoor Rated USB Cable
- Quick Start Guide
- Wall Mount Plate Tape
- Indoor USB Power Adapter
Setup and Installation
For the most part, this camera follows the same set of instructions as the standard Wyze Cam V3, but the addition of the spotlight adds a couple of steps that involve connecting two cables to the camera. The cable attached to the spotlight splits the power connection, where one end goes to the camera and the other to the spotlight. From there, it’s attached to the 6-foot outdoor-rated microUSB cable.
The Wyze app guided me through each step, including getting it connected to my home’s WiFi network. All told, the whole process took a smidge over five minutes, so I’m confident anyone without a tech background could get it set up themselves.
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Design
Fundamentally, the Wyze Cam Spotlight is nothing more than the standard Wyze Cam V3 with a spotlight fastened to it. That said, I still love its cube shape, articulating base and compact size.
However, it’s also worth pointing out that the spotlight is more of an add-on because it’s perched atop the camera with nothing more than an adhesive holding it in place. This makes it feel more like a rushed job and not a proper add-on. This add-on design isn’t a problem indoors, but given the unpredictable nature of the outdoors, the extra wires and adhesive material may not hold up.
Another issue is that the operational temperature of the spotlight differs at 23°F to 131°F (versus -5°F to 113°F for the camera). This is important to know because its performance could be impacted by colder weather if it’s used as an outdoor camera.
I’ve been using it indoors for my testing, but I did put its operational temperature rating to the test by throwing it into my fridge freezer. After several hours in the deep freeze, I was surprised that it was still functional, including the spotlight.
Image Quality
There’s nothing different in this department since it’s the same Wyze Cam V3 I’ve reviewed before. Details with the 1080p footage produced with the help of its CMOS Starlight sensor look decent for the most part. I’m able to distinguish larger subjects, including my two cats that come into view every now and then, but you won’t make out finer details.
Its night vision performance is still just as crisp and illuminated as before, so even without the help of the spotlight, it’s effective at keeping guard when the lights go out. What sets the Wyze Cam Spotlight from other options in the same price range is that it features color night vision. The spotlight certainly adds to the effectiveness of its color night vision performance, adding more distinctive colors to the scene versus relying on just the ambient lighting around.
While the spotlight helps in this regard, it’s not powerful or blinding enough to be used as a main source of light outdoors. Sure, it can spook a curious animal outdoors or even a person, but it’s nowhere close to matching the intensity of a traditional floodlight.
Security
Again, I can’t stress enough about the value that Wyze offers with its camera. Even though you get some additional features by subscribing to its Wyze Cam Plus service, the camera on its own still offers standard motion detection, time-lapse video, local storage recording to a microSD card and detection zones to lessen false alerts.
It’s been good at alerting me about event triggers when I’m away, which are all laid out in a timeline format in the Wyze app. I found it useful that some events are tagged by what triggered them, such as a person, package or sound.
Privacy
If you don’t feel like shelling out monthly for a subscription service where you’ll be able to view saved video events in the cloud, then you’ll appreciate the local storage option of the Wyze Cam Spotlight. Throwing in a microSD card into the camera will allow it to continuously record clips, which is handy if you’re the kind that likes to look over and archive clips.
After diving deeper into the app, there’s actually a way to trigger the camera to turn itself on/off based on your mobile device’s GPS location. It’s a geofencing feature that’s set up as an automated rule. Getting it all set up isn’t as intuitive as I’d like it to be, and its performance has been spotty so far testing it out. Therefore, I found myself still manually arming/disarming it.
Our Verdict
It’s a tough call because the main benefit of the Wyze Cam Spotlight over the standard Wyze Cam V3 is how its color night vision benefits from the included spotlight. That’s all.
Nevertheless, the $16 you’re paying extra for the spotlight feature still makes it a valuable purchase if there’s minimal ambient lighting wherever you intend to place a security camera. Its black and white night vision is already superb on its own, but the addition of colors can be the difference between describing an intruder or not.
So Should You Buy it?
Yes, especially since the spotlight is already rather affordable.
Pros
- Night vision performance is enhanced
- Still holds up in frigid temperatures
- Tons of features for the price
Cons
- Messy cable system
How Long Will It Last?
I thought putting it into the freezer would compromise the camera, but I was shocked that it still continued to work. Despite the all-plastic construction, the camera has held up after several drops to the floor. For defects, Wyze throws in a 1-year limited warranty.
What Are Some of the Alternatives?
Spotlights are pretty useful deterrents, so we’re happy to report that they’re increasingly becoming common among security cameras. Here are the closest alternatives to the Wyze Cam Spotlight.
Ring Spotlight Cam Battery
If an outdoor outlet isn’t within reach, the Ring Spotlight Cam Battery can still watch what’s happening outside and shine its spotlight whenever someone comes into view.
Eufy Solo OutdoorCam C24
You’ll pay a bit more for the Eufy Solo OutdoorCam C24, but in exchange, you’ll get an outdoor camera with color night vision — all recorded in crisp 2K resolution.
Arlo Essential XL Spotlight Camera
The Arlo Essential XL Spotlight Camera has a battery life rated for up to one year and can shine its spotlight on any intruders.
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