Security has always been a top reason why I have a smart home. One of the first smart home projects I completed was installing a ZoneMinder surveillance system. I’ve also had the chance to use many SwitchBot products, and so far I’ve been impressed with them. Now that I have my hands on the SwitchBot Outdoor Spotlight Camera I can tell you how it stacks up with other SwitchBot products and other cameras.
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Table of Contents
SwitchBot Outdoor Spotlight Camera Overview
The SwitchBot Outdoor Spotlight Camera is what its name indicates. It’s a camera rated for the outdoors that also has an integrated spotlight. It is battery-powered and capable of storing video on an SD card or in the cloud. The camera comes equipped with a passive infrared (PIR) sensor for detecting motion.
- 1080P Clear Night Vision: Equipped with a built-in infrared sensor and lens, this wireless security camera allows you to capture even clearer and colorful images while recording at night. It also features a spotlight that activates upon motion detection, effectively deterring unwanted visitors.
- AI Human/Pet Detection: The SwitchBot Outdoor Spotlight Camera can distinguish between human, pet, and other types of movement, helping to prevent false alerts. You can also receive smart notifications when motion is detected.
- Local & Cloud Storage Options: You can store video either via a MicroSD card (supports up to 256GB) or via the cloud using our AWS server services to safely backup your footage.
What’s in the box?
- SwitchBot Outdoor Spotlight camera
- Base
- Base Template
- Adhesive wall mount
- Mounting screws and wall anchors
- 3.3ft USB-A to USB-C cable
- User manual
Key Specs
| Materials | ABS/PC (ABS plastic) |
| Dimensions | 4.4 x 4.4 x 3.3 inches |
| Video Resolution | 1080p |
| Field of View | Diagonal: 126º Horizontal: 110º Vertical: 53º |
| Image Compression | H.265 |
| Power | 5V/2A DC |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11 b/g/n 2.4 GHz |
| Max Local Storage | 256GB (MicroSD card not included) |
| Weather Resistance | IP55 |
| Operating Temp/Humidity | -4º F to 122º F, ≤ 95% RH |
| Battery | 10000 mAh, Lithium Ion |
| Integrations | Alexa, Google Assistant |
Editor’s Note: You can also buy the SwitchBot Outdoor Spotlight Camera directly from SwitchBot. Use the promo code 20HOMETECH for 20% off.
SwitchBot Outdoor Spotlight Camera setup and installation
Setting up the spotlight camera is straightforward. You must have the SwitchBot app, and then you simply click to add a device, and select “Outdoor Spotlight Camera.”
After that, it is a matter of following the instructions to add your camera to your Wi-Fi network. The app provides instructions for charging the battery, finding a location, and mounting the camera. Note that no charging brick is included.
There is an opening on the back where you can plug in a charger as well as a microSD card if you want to record video locally.
This is probably a good time to mention that you can purchase a version of this camera that has solar charging, and you can purchase the solar panel separately later.
One important thing to remember is to make sure you test how well the camera works in the location you plan to mount it before doing the installation. You want to make sure you have a strong Wi-Fi signal there.
The SwitchBot Outdoor Spotlight Camera comes with everything you need to mount it. You can choose a more secure and stable installation method using screws and anchors. Or, you can use an adhesive mount. I chose to use screws to mount it to my fence.
The camera can be easily positioned after installation. You can aim it wherever you’d like without remounting the base.
How well does the SwitchBot Outdoor Spotlight Camera work?
The camera is easy to control from the app. You can monitor the battery usage and Wi-Fi strength. You can also toggle between SD/HD, mute/audio, and fullscreen. At the bottom, you can play and pause video, record, and turn on the two-way audio.
You can also see above where it detected me as a “human.” Using the app, you can modify motion detection settings. You can adjust sensitivity, whether you are monitoring for human or animal detection, and even set the detection zone (part of the camera where motion detection is used).
You can even set the camera to sound an alarm on motion!
Cloud storage is available, but it isn’t cheap.
In addition to the settings I detailed above, you can also modify settings like:
- Talk volume
- Night vision
- Power mode (if the device is on battery power or wired power)
- Indicator lights (on the unit)
- Screen flip
- Toggle the having a watermark and a logo watermark
Additionally, the unit integrates with both Alexa and Google Assistant.
I found the image quality in both day and night to be very good. I liked the motion detection and the fact that it acts as a motion-triggered spotlight as well.
Alternative cameras
Here are some alternative Wi-Fi outdoor spotlight cameras that are popular on Amazon.
Final thoughts
I’ve used many SwitchBot products over the last year, including the SwitchBot Blind Tilt, the SwitchBot K10+ robot vacuum, the SwitchBot Outdoor Thermo-Hygrometer, and more. This is another great product from SwitchBot. It is easy to set up and works really well.
The SwitchBot Outdoor Spotlight Camera is worth a look.
