The Sync Module 2 contains a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi radio to connect to your home network and an RF radio to communicate with the camera. It has blue and green status LEDs on the front, a mini USB port for power, and a USB-A port for connecting to a storage device such as a thumb drive (not included). You can store video locally on the drive and share it, or you can enroll in a Blink Subscription Plan for cloud-based storage and access to certain features.

Blink Outdoor 4 is powered by Blink’s custom-designed third-generation silicon, which enables advanced, dual zone motion detection—providing broader coverage so customers can catch events earlier. Customers can also clearly define what alerts they receive, and from where on their property with enhanced motion detection that helps reduce the number of false alerts and provides greater motion accuracy. All image processing takes place locally, on-device, with just two AA batteries providing up to two years of battery life. Customers can save and share video clips conveniently in the cloud with an optional Blink cloud subscription, and can also store and share clips locally when using a Blink Sync Module by inserting a USB drive (sold separately). The Sync Module is powered by a mini USB AC adapter and contains a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi radio for connecting to your home network and an RF radio for communicating with the camera. It has Wi-Fi and power status LEDs on the front, and a USB port on the side that can be used to connect to a USB storage device, such as a thumb drive (not included), to store event-triggered video clips. Like all other Blink devices, the camera works with the Blink Home Monitor app (available for Android and iOS). Once connected, the Blink Outdoor 4 appears on the app’s home screen in a panel that displays the camera's last captured still image. The panel contains a photo button for taking snapshots and a video camera button that launches a live video stream. To view the video in full-screen mode, turn your phone sideways or tap the box in the upper right corner. Works with Alexa: pair Blink Mini with a supported Alexa-enabled device to engage live view, arm and disarm your camera, and more, using your voice.Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. See how we test.

The 700-lumen floodlights aren't as powerful as, say, the Ring Floodlight Cam (a massive 2,000 lumens), but I found the Blink's floodlights were more than bright enough to light up about 15 feet around my door.

A simple, accessible outdoor security camera you can rely on

And if you want to save and store video clips locally, Sync Module Pro now features a MicroSD card slot (MicroSD card sold separately). These extra features offer plenty of different ways to tweak things to your liking. The most basic thing you can and should do is rename the camera itself to something like ‘garden’, which also makes it easier when asking your Echo Show device to bring up a live feed. You can also play around with the activity zones for motion detection, selecting rectangular segments from a grid overlay where motion will be ignored. This is particularly useful for ignoring notification from, for example, a swaying tree, or the area where your cat prefers to nap out and stretch. See, hear and speak to visitors with Live View in real time and two-way audio features on your Blink Home Monitor app (live view is not continuous). See, hear and speak to people and pets in your home from your smartphone with Blink Mini’s live view and two-way audio.