Blink - Video Doorbell (2nd Gen)

I compared the new 2nd Generation doorbell against the first gen. Overall I think it's a worthwhile upgrade over the previous doorbell, mostly for the wider field of view since you can now see packages on the ground or visitors from head to toe. Pros: \+ Wider 150 degree field of view \+ Official IP65 Rating \+ Loads live view around 2x faster \+ Slightly better lowlight video \+ 1440P by 1440P resolution (not that impactful) Cons: \- Low bitrate video still so 1440P video doesn't look much better than 1080P video on previous gen doorbell \- If purchased with Sync Module Core unit, zero local storage options are available, however, you can purchase the doorbell alone and pair it with the previous Sync Module 2 or Sync Module XR, which does allow for local storage.

Yep correct. The Sync Module Core has no USB slot or microSD slot, so a monthly plan is necessary. However, I deleted the Sync Module Core and added the Sync Module 2 instead and that works.

Yea I think they did it on purpose to force people to pay for the monthly plan, but at least we can use the previous sync module models to get around that.

I did delete the Sync Module core later in the video and added the Sync Module 2 afterwards, but that was after canceling the 30 day trial so I could test that local storage works on the Sync Module 2, which it does. It still pulls up quicker than the 1st gen doorbell even with the Sync Module 2, but I didn't time it against the Sync Module Core. Still, it pulls up within 3 seconds for me using the Sync Module 2, so that's pretty quick. Yea it would be nice to have some level of adjustment even if slight for downward tilt. They keep the sky recorded so we can capture UFO footage ; )

You're right, my box says it comes with the corner wedge. Strange they chose to only bundle the corner wedge with the sync module core since the sync module core has exactly zero relevance or connection to the corner mount.

Got it today. Went to install. And found out it didn’t come with the corner mount. (My 1st gen did come with a corner mount) so I gotta wait for the corner mount to come in

Okay. Update: I got it installed on the corner wedge that came with the gen1 I like the fact that on this one you can take it off the mount without having to take the wires off. I don’t like the fact that it doesn’t properly sit on the gen 1 corner wedge. BUT it does lock in. So I’m not too concerned. Now I need it to rain for a few days straight to see if it can handle the moisture

I have new versions ordered because of the taller FOV, I have mine mounted on a wedge facing down to get less of the sky and more of my sidewalk and porch. I’ll be curious to time the opening of the two devices in live view to quantify the difference.

I’m going to use a gen 2 sync module for both to see if it makes a difference. Wondering if the new “core” version of sync module is faster. You should try a sync module 2 with record VS core on a generation 2 doorbell. I used a 3D printed one previously, guessing the footprint of this one isn’t the same and will need to get a new one printed. Hoping I can skip it all together with the taller field of view, or at least use something a bit smaller so it doesn’t stick out as far. I never have understood why the camera is aimed to get pictures of the sky. Distortion in the upper and lower zones maybe? Would be nice if lens could be aimed down a few degrees by user and skip the adding wedges. Only real use I can think of is a basement apartment it can capture people walking down stairs.

I installed two generation 2 doorbells this evening. I can’t say the live view is any faster loading than my generation 1. Both on a sync module 2. I moved a generation 1 doorbell to my garage entry door, because I had it and could. I do have a subscription and a stable 2.4ghtz network with a ping of about 24ms. If I turn off my VPN it’s closer to 12 ms ping. I just turned off my VPN and I can get a live view in 2 -3 seconds consistently. I can see where a slow connection or a connection with a high ping rate could cause issues. That’s not an issue with the camera it’s an issue with your ISP or WiFi equipment.

Has anyone noticed that it’s really easy to just pull it off the mount? Doesn’t take any force, you can just grab it and remove it and walk away with it - never had that issue with the old one.…

Plus you can trade in your old one for $10 and get 20% off the purchase of the new one. So, it only cost me $13 to upgrade w Prime Days today!

Blink with local storage. They recently upgraded their doorbell camera and have an upgraded indoor camera with a light you can control. I love ours. I buy during Black Friday sales or amazon days.

Blink and Wyze have sd cards to record events. I’ve tried Wyze and Blink and prefer Ring with $9.99 subscription.

I use blink as I can easily connect it to my Alexa devices

You’ll want a battery powered doorbell camera. Eufy, Wyze, Blink, etc. nearly all of them either the manufacturer or a third party make mounts for renters. IMHO stay away from ring (I just ditched mine after 5 years), they recently announced that they no longer require law enforcement to obtain a warrant for video from your doorbell.

Try Blink. I have the whole home wireless system with as storage and it works great :) No subscription required