Hardware

Published on August 21st, 2024 | by James Wright

Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Camera (1080p HD Video) Plug-in Review

The Ring Video Doorbell range is very popular across the globe, particularly their wireless products due to the simplicity of the installation process. Apart from being able to access your Ring Video Doorbell from anywhere in the world (provided you have Internet access), it also allows for two-way communication, notifications, live view and can be used as a security device. Accessing the doorbell is via the intuitive Ring app and with a subscription, you can access your recorded videos. And as a video doorbell, it’s great for those times when the postman or courier arrives with a parcel and you’re not home, “just leave it at the door, kind sir”.

However apart from their wired and wireless range of video doorbells, Ring have just released their new Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Camera that allows you to place the camera anywhere in your home and office but unlike the fixed camera view of their doorbells or their other indoor devices, you can remotely pan and tilt the camera in order to see what’s happening remotely in your home. As it uses similar tech to other Ring devices, you can still access two-way communications, notifications (real time motion alerts) and establishing zones to reduce false negatives while it is used as an indoor security device. Further, as it is part of Amazon’s family of smart devices, you can access the video from the camera via an Amazon Show, including using Alexa smart assistant controls.

Unboxing & Setup

Like other Ring products, this company ensures the user has everything they need to easily set up the new Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Camera that will have you up and running in no time. The product is also well packaged from Ring and the only tricky element is linking it to your network but don’t fret as you are given a considerable amount of virtual help to achieve this. Apart from just placing it anywhere on a flat service, you can mount it on the wall or ceiling as well (mounts included). So as you can see, placement can be very versatile.

The appearance of this new device is similar to previous Ring indoor cameras and is relatively small and discrete that measures at 6.02cm x 6.02cm x 14.69cm which includes the stand. It is available in two colours (black or white), comes with a long 3-metre cable and there is a manual privacy cover that you can slide to enable or disable. Once this is closed, the camera will chime that indicates to the person that it is not recording audio or video. There is also a blue LED on the camera which is enabled when someone is watching the live view and there is also a microphone and speaker built into the device. Also when you are controlling the device, the motorized base is relatively silent as well.

The app is the gateway to the soul (of Ring devices)…

If you own other Ring devices, then you already have the app on your smartphone and by adding a new device (including scanning a QR code) and going through a wizard, this will connect it to your network so you can access all your Ring products under one umbrella. Alternatively if you don’t, you need to download the Ring app, set up an account and then follow the wizard to connect the Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Camera to your network. A very easy process and the app will help even the most technologically averse person through it.

If you want to access recordings (e.g. seeing what your pets or family get up to), you do need to register with Ring Protect to access your videos. In the purchase, Ring provides a free 30-day trial that gives you access to this service so you can check it out. The cheapest subscription cost for one camera is $49.95AUD for a year or $4.95AUD (August 2024) per month. So the Ring subscription is a caveat, however without it, you can still receive notifications should the camera detect something plus live views and two-way communication, “Ruby, get off the coach” (Ruby is our dog). Also, if your network goes down, no videos will be saved and if the power goes down, again the product is disabled. So three caveats.

The Ring app is quite intuitive and also allows you to tweak the settings of the camera, including notifications, live-view and all the functionality of other devices from this company. However where this product shines (as mentioned) is through its pan-tilt abilities that allows you to move the camera remotely with its motorised base that gives you access to a 360° horizontal pan and 169° vertical tilt coverage. Controlling the camera remotely and for the most part is generally lag free, with a slight delay.

In terms of video quality, the 1080p HD camera provides clear video during the day, including well-lit areas and in the darkness thanks to its night vision mode. Being able to move the camera for a full 360 degrees is the selling point as you can put the camera in the middle of a room and be able to get full coverage, including the tilt features as well. Given the width of what the camera can capture thanks to its lens, there is a slight distortion in order to maximize the field of view. When you are remotely viewing, the camera will also return to the default position if you have finished with the pan/tilt controls.

Final Thoughts?

If you’re already part of the Ring infrastructure, the new Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Camera is a great addition to your existing network, especially if you want to view your pets or kids, bearing in mind privacy. Also if you’re away from home, it also makes the perfect indoor security camera, particularly for those larger rooms and should something trigger in the motion zones, you will receive a push notification. Lastly, it’s well priced at just $129AUD (August 2024).

For more information, please visit https://ring.com/au/en/products

Ring Pan-Tilt Indoor Camera specifications

• Resolution: 1080p HD
• Night vision: Colour
• Field of view: 143° diagonal – 115° horizontal, 59° vertical
• Pan/Tilt : 360° pan, 169° tilt
• Audio: Two-way audio with noise cancellation
• Onboard storage: N/A
• Power: 3-metre USB-C cable and AC adaptor
• Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi connection @ 2.4GHz
• Dimensions: 6.02cm x 6.02cm x 14.69cm including stand
• Colours: Black or white
• Price: $129 RRP
• Warranty: 1 year

About the Author

James Wright

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