Understanding the Features and Limitations of Blink Cameras
Blink cameras offer an excellent, affordable, and easy-to-use solution for home security. They are particularly well-known for their long battery life and wire-free convenience. However, to get the most out of your system, it's important to understand its features and inherent limitations. This guide provides a factual overview of what Blink cameras are designed to do.
## Core Design: Motion-Activated Recording
The fundamental principle of the Blink system is that it is a motion-activated security solution. It is not designed for continuous, 24/7 recording. This design choice is what allows the cameras to run for up to two years on a single set of batteries. The camera remains in a low-power state until motion is detected, at which point it "wakes up" and records a clip.
## Key Limitations You Should Know
### 1. No Continuous Video Recording (CVR)
Blink cameras do not offer a 24/7 recording option. They only record when triggered by motion. If you require a system that records everything without interruption, a powered, wired camera system would be a more suitable choice.
### 2. Limited Clip Length
The maximum length for a single recorded motion clip is 60 seconds. You can set this duration in the camera's settings within the Blink app. If motion continues beyond this period, the camera must first finish saving the clip and then wait for the "retrigger time" to pass before it can begin recording a new clip.
### 3. Live View Duration
To conserve battery, the live view stream is also time-limited. On newer devices, you can stream for up to five minutes at a time. After that, you'll need to tap a button to continue streaming. This prevents you from accidentally leaving the live stream open and draining the battery.
### 4. Subscription Plan for Cloud Storage
To save and view recorded clips in the cloud, a Blink Subscription Plan is required. Without a subscription, your options for saving videos are limited. Users can opt for local storage by using a Sync Module 2 and a USB flash drive, but this provides a different set of features compared to the convenience of the cloud plan.
## Getting the Most from Your Blink System
Understanding these limitations allows you to use your Blink system effectively.
- Strategic Placement: Position your cameras to cover key entry and exit points, rather than areas of constant, unimportant motion.
- Optimise Settings: Adjust motion sensitivity and clip length to capture meaningful events without causing excessive battery drain.
- Understand the Subscription: Evaluate the Blink Subscription Plan to see if its features, like cloud storage and rapid video access, are right for your needs.
Blink cameras provide incredible value and convenience. By understanding their focus on battery-efficient, motion-based alerts, you can set realistic expectations and build a security system that works perfectly for your home.