The DIY community interested in securing their homes have an array of things to think about. Cost, do-ability, capability, and needs, all gel together to help make decisions.
The Nest Security Camera System has thrown its hat into the ring, offering a range of different products to choose from with all of these factors in mind. To view the Nest cameras and other smart home products, click here.
About Nest
Google bought out Nest back in 2014 and has been the driving force behind the brand. Because of this, products produced by Nest coordinated with other smart products provided by Google. Now, all of Google Home products are manufactured under the Nest brand.
For Google smart product users, this is a great thing. But for those who think Google has overextended its reach into our lives, it can be a deterrent.
However, one can’t deny the convenience of having your lights, security system, various appliances, and other smart electronic home devices, centralized and more easily controlled through one company. Not only one company, but all of these can be controlled by one app, called “Nest App.”
Nest Security Camera System Run Through
As far as Nest’s security cameras go, they are more expensive than others out there, but there’s a good reason for that. They do not need a hub like other smart security cameras require. So, all of the thinking that a hub would do for other systems takes place within the camera.
All it needs to know is right there within the camera itself and communicates to your Wi-Fi system, and ultimately to your app. Because it’s doing more than other cameras in the sense that it doesn’t use a hub, more power is required.
Batteries would fail more rapidly, so these cameras need to be plugged into an outlet to operate. This is only an issue if there isn’t an outlet available nearby the area you want the camera focused upon.
So, if you’d rather not have a system that uses a hub, Nest is your choice so long as you can get past the outlet issue.
4 Security Cameras to Choose From
There are four cameras to choose from, two being outdoor and two indoor.
- Nest Cam Indoor Security Camera
- Nest IQ Indoor
- Nest Cam Outdoor Security Camera
- Nest Cam IQ Outdoor Security Camera
The Nest Indoor Cameras
The two Nest indoor cameras differ in price, services, and in some ways quality. Otherwise, they operate similarly. You place them where it suits your needs the best, and plug it into an outlet.
Both cameras are 1080p, have night vision along with eight LED infra-red lights and motion sensors, wall mounts, and are 2-way communication ready. Setup and live streaming are very much the same between the two different cameras.
But the big difference between the two is that the IQ is equipped with a built-in Google Assistant. The quality of the internal components on the IQ is better as well, with things like a 4K sensor, 940nm infrared night vision, and daytime HDR.
The daytime HDR increases the quality of the picture that the IQ security camera can produce in regular daytime operation. The night vision being 940nm reduces glare, giving you a better and more precise picture of what’s crossing the field of view. There’s also a 12x digital zoom.
The standard camera has 24/7 streaming capabilities, alerting your app in real-time when something happens. The IQ sends out an alert, and also a snap-shot of what triggered the alert.
The IQ has a better alert system, that can distinguish when a person comes into frame called “Person Alerts.” This causes less false alerts coming to your phone or tablet.
The IQ indoor security camera does have more to offer than the more standard Nest camera and is priced accordingly in comparison.
The Nest Outdoor Cameras
The outdoor cameras are very much like the indoor, with the biggest (and most obvious) difference being the weatherproof casing. Many of the specs and features (the internal works) are the same & will yield the same results.
The regular outdoor camera has a tough weatherproof exterior. This works fine for any weather or climate.
The IQ outdoor camera is weatherproof but is also tamper-proof. Nobody will be disabling this from afar or knocking it out of commission (all depending on how well you mount it).
The outdoor camera has one talk and listen speaker, and the IQ outdoor has three that are louder & are 15x more powerful than the standard version.
Nest Aware
Nest Aware is a subscription-based service that is offered with any Nest security camera. Nest aware gives your lower-priced Nest cameras many of the benefits that come with the IQ models, such as:
- Cloud Storage
- Facial Recognition Feature
- Time Lapsed Video
- Person Alerts
Pricing for Nest Aware differs according to how much data you’d like to have stored. If you want to save your video history up to ten days, it costs $10.00 per month for one camera, $5.00 a month for each additional camera.
To store 30 days’ worth of video history, it’ll cost you $30.00 per month for one camera, $15.00 per month for each additional camera. You can purchase this service yearly, which will grant discounts for one or multiple cameras.
All that said, you don’t have to purchase a subscription to Nest Aware to use your security cameras. Everything you’ll need to operate your cameras will be done through the Nest app.
That said, if you can’t afford the IQ cameras now, you could buy the cheaper priced camera and get many of the same benefits through this subscription. It’s an interesting plan that they offer and opens up opportunities that might otherwise be closed due to expense. To see current pricing on the Nest cameras and to view other smart home and security options, click here.
Conclusion
If you’re into turning your house into a smart home, and already use the various smart products that Google has to offer, these cameras will be the perfect addition to your smart system. They’re easy to use, efficient, and are easy on the do-it-yourselfer.
There are cheaper cameras out there, but few will boast the results that these will yield in picture quality. Some might think not having to worry about where to place the hub is a feature all of its own.
Hi Darrin,
You took the thought right out of my head when you mentioned Google overextending its reach. However, you do make a good case for the hub-less functionality, image quality, Person Alerts and other features as a reason for the higher purchase price. However, in the African setting where internet connections come with data usage caps, I’d steer clear of the Nest Aware service and opt for saving on my video data onsite.
We are Blessed.
Thanks for your insight Mark! Hie me up on here anytime with any questions you may have.
Hi, these look like interesting cameras. I followed the link to check the prices and yes you are right they are not cheap. I bought an entire system some years ago with four exterior cameras and a central hub for less than the cost of one IQ camera. I then found a 4TB drive really cheap on eBay and I had a full system which has now been running successfully for many years. I’m sure that Nest cameras would have many features that would wow me but I would likely never use. I have to say I find the idea of paying monthly rates for cloud storage of video not too attractive to say the least. I am sure my little 4TB drive has paid for itself multiple times over if rental of cloud storage were the only alternative. Thanks for this. In spite of my reservations I will consider these when my current set up inevitably breaks down. Best regards, Andy
Awesome Andy and thanks for your input! I hope you try out some of these products, but whatever you do or choose, I hope you keep your loved ones safe! 🙂
It is nice to read about the options you have for someone thinking of securing the house you live in. I live in a city that used to be the #1 safest city in the U.S. but now not anymore. A lot of new housing developments have taken place in the past 10 years. More people have moved in to my city. I have been thinking of getting a security camera for our home as my husband and I travel once a year sometimes twice. There were times we were gone a long time. The Nest cameras seem to be of very good quality in terms of the material used for outdoor cameras. Also you don’t need to use a hub which I like. I will be exploring more about the Nest security cameras and discuss with my husband. It is still safe where we live but you’ll never know what can happen in the future. Thank you for the info on the indoor and outdoor security camera for homes.
Evelyn
Thanks Evelyn! You are so right. The best of towns and cities in the US are facing a changing dynamic with crime and such. It is never unwise to go the extra mile to protect the people and things that you love.
I am on the look out to secure my home with an outdoor camera system. The specs of the Nest security camera system are pretty impressive. I do have one question. Would there need to be a outlet source for the outdoor cameras as well? Looking forward to your response and thanks for the awesome review!
Yes, the outdoor cameras will require power. It’s typically best to run the wire where it isn’t on an exterior outlet though for obvious reasons. Just send the wiring into the structure where you are mounting the camera and either run it to, say an attic outlet, or have it wired into the house. It is all very easy and they are good about walking anyone through any parts that they are uncertain about.
Thanks for your review. I had been interested in looking to replace our existing indoor security cameras after I read a post about DIY security cameras for indoors. I had heard of Nest before but had no idea it was owned by Google.
And to have it all centrally controlled through Nest app seems convenient. The whole integration with the Google suite of software, apps and other appliances does make the Nest option seem a good one. I do wonder though, do you know if Google Home products could be recording what we say and do? That would scare the heck out of me.
If you can allay that little fear of mine, I will take a serious look at the Google Nest products.
Honestly, I suppose the big question is whether a company WOULD do such a thing. Anything in our homes or that we keep with us that we can speak into, such as Alexa, Siri, our smart phones in general, doorbell cameras, smart tv’s, etc… any of those items have the technology to record what we say or do. But the only thing their policies and privacy laws would allow is for them to respond to a direct question or a request to record something. They all swear by that code. The technology is there for those who are nefarious to break privacy laws and internal policies, but Google and Apple and several other related entities are huge and have strict policies to disallow any random recording, and it would seem not in the interest of any of these companies to breach such privacy boundaries. Anytime privacy is violated, people boycott and protest big time. With all of that in mind, I feel as though the safeguards in place are there to protect customers and themselves.
Thanks for your questions
Hi
A smart security system is becoming a necessity in today’s society, as you often do not who comes to your home, day or night, be it human or animal. You often wonder what is the best smart camera system to buy and you think that Google is continuing to infringe on your life. You have a nagging feeling that Google will use to find information to sell more to you based on you habits. I know it is unrealistic but if the functionality, ease of use and general look in the home. How reliable is the camera, will it work under all conditions, even a power cut?
Thanks
Antonio
Hi Antonio and thanks for your comments and question. All of these cameras are reliable, but out of the ones in this review, there is only one that is battery powered, the Blink camera. The others would not be functioning during a power outage unless you were running a generator in your home. The blink has a micro USB port, perhaps a chip could be used there to record onto when there is an outage since the wifi would be out as well. I would have to research that more. If you want that info, just let me know.
this is great information to me. I am not a “techie” but have been thinking about how to secure my town home due to more frequent trouble in my Complex. I like that fact that you do not need a Hub but with all Google I am concerned about the safety of my home coming from the online vulnerability. You hear about the hackers that come into your home thru these Cameras. Is there a version you would suggest to install , that is less vulnerable? I understand that there is always a risk but what can one do to make it less ?
Great questions! Because of the scrutiny placed upon all of the large companies who have access to our data and cameras in our homes, there are a lot of eyes on them and they are all trying to make their breach volume hit zero. So, although there is always a risk, I believe it is becoming less with security equipment because of the public attention to this matter and because none of these huge companies want to lose market share when they too can keep a closer eye on things.
Hey nice article you have there. I was researching online for quality security camera system, I was directed to this article. Having gone through the features of Nest security camera system, I am convinced of it’s effectiveness as a security measure. It will definitely give my office and warehouse a perfect security system, since it can be installed indoor and outdoor
Thanks for your feedback. Let me know if you have any questions or further comments. 🙂
intriguing review on the nest security camera system,Nest Camera looks for motion and listens for conspicuous sounds, like a boom or the crash of a window breaking. If Nest Cam thinks something’s up, it’ll send a phone alert or an email with a key image from the event. it is 1 of the best security cameras you could ever get for your homes…
Thanks Evans! Sounds like you’re speaking from, experience. If you have any other input on this system, please leave comments on here. It’s helpful for others to know how a product really works. 🙂
Hello; the Nest Security camera seems to be well equipped. As you rightly said, some householders may not want to support the sale of this product because of the fear of Google intervention in their privacy. Otherwise, the camera looks sturdy and durable, as though they can give value for your money. I could give it a try. Can images which are taken by these cameras be transferred to a storage device?
DorcasW
Yes, the data is backed up to the cloud. You get 3 hours of free storage, and there are many other options they offer for you to save your camera activity.
Thanks for your input and questions Dorcas!
This appears to be a great product! I really enjoy reading your reviews, but sometimes all of the different companies and products can become overwhelming. But is’t still a fascinating area to learn about. Globally everyone is trying to be security conscious, especially now! The right cameras may dictate which system I end up going with, and even though I like the features of the Nest Camera system, I still think I like the overall package with SimpliSafe. There are a few more decisions I need to make before I settle one one. DIY is important, price is too, and of course functionality. Also, some of these are battery operated, some you can view from your phone, etc… I will finish my research and let you know which one I go with. I’ll be sure and go to the security company to order through this site. I’m sure that those companies see whenever your site has been beneficial and given them clients and I hope that is it beneficial to you.
Very much appreciated!
[removed]void(0)
Thanks again for coming back and for your input and opinions. It can be overwhelming, for sure, as you said. It is prudent to take your time and search out what works best for you. Seems like you are leaning toward SimpliSafe and they will definitely meet all of your needs. But no matter which company you go with, please come back and let me know. Leave a comment on the appropriate post page. I’d love to get some feedback from you. And yes, it is beneficial to us whenever a person purchases an item by clicking on the company through this site. It doesn’t affect your price at all, and it keeps us afloat and able to continue doing research to help others like yourself make informed decisions regarding what is best for them.
I always appreciate your comments and questions!
Darrin
This is a great review for Nest security cameras. Thank you for sharing this information with us.
I like that I can operate the entire system through an app on my Google phone. And it is really quite affordable.
I have various smart products in my home and I think this would be a neat addition.
Thanks for your comments. They are highly rated cameras and would serve you well.
Hi there thanks for this insightful review. Security cameras are the core of your surveillance system, so it’s important to pick a style of camera that will perform best for your security goals. Nest has one of the best surveillance camera system. I have a few of them in my compound and I have never for once regretted going for their products.
Excellent! Thanks for your comments.
I can see the value of using cameras in larger luxury homes. However, I would rather have a closed hub for privacy. What do suggest on that forefront?
I have read that Facial Recognition systems can be hacked. What do you know about that?
I do like that these come in black and white. I thin that black would blend in better.
Thanks for your comments and questions Sam! As far as a closed system for your cameras, there are many options for that. Many of the ones mentioned on our site have the option of having data saved in the cloud, or saving it yourself. Check out this link to another of our reviews to explore some of the other options. Also, this link will take you to another place where you can see other camera options.
In regards to your second question, what I know about cyber vulnerability is that any type of connection to the Internet or to your local WiFi that is connected to tne Internet can be hacked. Today I learned that Twitter was hacked in the last few days and 30 something personal accounts were compromised as some bad actor had access to these individual’s personal information. All of them were famous people, and one of then was President Obama! The level of sophistication it takes to pierce through the layers is pretty impressive. Most companies take the necessary precautions to eliminate or at least minimize the possibility of a hacker getting through. But just because I have a solid lock on a solid door coming into my house doesn’t mean no one could ever get in unless they had a key. It would deter criminals without doubt, but if someone wanted in bad enough, they could bust the doors down. That’s similar to what we deal with regarding cybersecurity.
Thanks again for your comments and questions! I hope this was helpful.
Darrin
Wow, I feel like Google really packed a punch in this best security camera. Just looking at the features it has, I can very well say that it is worth all the expensive prices. I like that there are different types too for different reasons. Also, the face recognition is something that really gets me. I like this.
Yeah man! Their technology surpasses most. It’s very impressive.
Thanks for your comments.
Thank you so much for sharing a beautiful and insightful article with us. The prime element of this article is About the Nest Security Camera System which you covered so well in your post. I’ve learned a lot from reading your article and developed a lot of knowledge about the Nest Security Camera System. I like The Nest Outdoor Camera and a lot of the points mentioned in your article. A while back I purchased this brand of outdoor camera for my own home security and I am very satisfied with its features and functionality. The light of this camera is very bright and easily distant things are visible. Anyone who tries this product wii see what I mean by that.
Finally, I have read and enjoyed your article so those who are concerned about security can definitely use this type of camera.
Thanks so much for your comments! I’m glad you are enjoying your Outdoor Nest Camera.
Cheers! 🙂