As the world of smart home security continues to evolve, one question remains at the forefront of many homeowners’ minds: do Nest cameras record video? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Nest cameras, exploring their recording capabilities, storage options, and what you can expect from these popular smart home devices.
Understanding Nest Cameras and Their Recording Capabilities
Nest cameras are a line of smart home security cameras designed to provide homeowners with a sense of security and peace of mind. These cameras are equipped with advanced features such as motion detection, night vision, and two-way audio, allowing users to stay connected to their homes from anywhere in the world. But do Nest cameras record video? The answer is yes, but it’s not quite that simple.
Nest cameras are capable of recording video, but the length and quality of the recordings depend on the specific model and subscription plan you have. For example, the Nest Cam Indoor and Nest Cam Outdoor can record video continuously, but the footage is only stored for a limited time unless you subscribe to the Nest Aware service.
Nest Aware: The Key to Extended Video Recording
Nest Aware is a subscription-based service that offers extended video recording capabilities for Nest cameras. With Nest Aware, you can store video footage for up to 30 days, depending on the plan you choose. This means that if you need to review footage from a specific event or incident, you’ll have access to it for an extended period.
Nest Aware offers two main plans: the Basic plan and the Plus plan. The Basic plan stores video footage for 30 days and costs $6 per month or $60 per year. The Plus plan stores video footage for 60 days and costs $12 per month or $120 per year.
| Plan | Video Storage | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | 30 days | $6 | $60 |
| Plus | 60 days | $12 | $120 |
How Do Nest Cameras Record Video?
Nest cameras record video using a combination of motion detection and continuous recording. When motion is detected, the camera will start recording video and send a notification to your smartphone or tablet. You can also set the camera to record continuously, but this will depend on the specific model and subscription plan you have.
Motion Detection: The Key to Smart Video Recording
Motion detection is a key feature of Nest cameras, allowing them to record video only when motion is detected. This means that you’ll only receive notifications and record video when something is happening in front of the camera, reducing the amount of unnecessary footage.
Nest cameras use a combination of algorithms and sensors to detect motion, including:
- Pixels: Nest cameras use pixels to detect changes in the video feed. When pixels change, the camera knows that motion has been detected.
- Sensors: Some Nest cameras come equipped with sensors that can detect motion, such as infrared sensors.
What Happens to Recorded Video?
So, what happens to recorded video from your Nest camera? The answer depends on the subscription plan you have and the specific model of your camera.
- Continuous Recording: If you have a Nest camera that records continuously, the footage will be stored on the camera’s internal storage or on a microSD card (depending on the model).
- Motion-Based Recording: If you have a Nest camera that records only when motion is detected, the footage will be stored on the camera’s internal storage or on a microSD card (depending on the model).
- Nest Aware: If you subscribe to Nest Aware, your recorded video will be stored in the cloud for up to 30 days (depending on the plan you choose).
Accessing Recorded Video
Accessing recorded video from your Nest camera is easy. You can use the Nest app to view live footage, review recorded video, and receive notifications when motion is detected.
To access recorded video, follow these steps:
- Open the Nest app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Select the camera you want to view.
- Tap on the “History” tab.
- Select the date and time you want to view.
- Tap on the video clip to play it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Nest cameras do record video, but the length and quality of the recordings depend on the specific model and subscription plan you have. With Nest Aware, you can store video footage for up to 30 days, depending on the plan you choose. Understanding how Nest cameras record video and what happens to recorded video can help you get the most out of your smart home security system.
By choosing the right Nest camera and subscription plan, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your home is secure and that you have access to recorded video footage whenever you need it.
Do Nest Cameras Record Video Continuously?
Nest cameras do have the capability to record video continuously, but this feature is only available with a Nest Aware subscription. Without a subscription, the cameras will only record video when motion is detected. The continuous recording feature is useful for capturing all activity, even if there is no motion detected.
The continuous recording feature can be especially useful for businesses or for people who want to keep an eye on their property at all times. However, it’s worth noting that continuous recording can use up a lot of storage space, so users will need to make sure they have enough storage available to hold all the footage.
How Long Do Nest Cameras Record Video For?
The length of time that Nest cameras record video for depends on the type of subscription the user has. Without a Nest Aware subscription, the cameras will only record video for a short period of time when motion is detected. With a Nest Aware subscription, users can choose to record video for 5, 10, or 30 days, depending on the level of subscription they have.
It’s worth noting that the longer the video recording period, the more storage space will be used up. Users will need to make sure they have enough storage available to hold all the footage. Additionally, users can also choose to record video continuously, which will use up even more storage space.
Can I Record Video on My Nest Camera Without a Subscription?
Yes, users can record video on their Nest camera without a subscription, but the recording capabilities will be limited. Without a subscription, the cameras will only record video when motion is detected, and the video will only be stored for a short period of time. This can be useful for capturing short clips of activity, but it may not be enough for users who want to keep an eye on their property at all times.
Users who don’t have a subscription can still view live footage from their cameras, but they won’t be able to record video continuously or store video for an extended period of time. If users want more advanced recording capabilities, they will need to sign up for a Nest Aware subscription.
How Do I Access Recorded Video on My Nest Camera?
Users can access recorded video on their Nest camera through the Nest app. The app allows users to view live footage, as well as recorded video, from their cameras. Users can also use the app to customize their camera settings, including the recording schedule and motion detection sensitivity.
To access recorded video, users will need to open the Nest app and select the camera they want to view. From there, they can choose to view live footage or recorded video. Users can also use the app to download recorded video to their device, or to share it with others.
Can I Share Recorded Video from My Nest Camera?
Yes, users can share recorded video from their Nest camera with others. The Nest app allows users to download recorded video to their device, or to share it directly with others via email or messaging apps. This can be useful for sharing footage with law enforcement, or for sending clips to friends and family.
When sharing recorded video, users can choose to share the entire clip, or to trim it down to a shorter length. Users can also add a description to the video, which can be useful for providing context.
How Much Storage Space Do I Need for My Nest Camera?
The amount of storage space needed for a Nest camera will depend on the type of subscription the user has, as well as the recording schedule and video quality. Users who record video continuously will need more storage space than those who only record video when motion is detected.
As a general rule, users should plan to use at least 100GB of storage space per camera per month. However, this can vary depending on the specific recording settings and video quality. Users can check their storage usage through the Nest app, and can upgrade their storage plan if needed.
Can I Use an External Hard Drive to Store Recorded Video from My Nest Camera?
No, users cannot use an external hard drive to store recorded video from their Nest camera. Nest cameras store recorded video in the cloud, rather than on a local device. This means that users will need to rely on Nest’s cloud storage to store their recorded video.
However, users can download recorded video to their device, which can then be stored on an external hard drive. This can be useful for keeping a local copy of important footage, or for sharing footage with others.