What Is a Floodlight Camera?
What you need to know about choosing floodlight cameras.
What you need to know about choosing floodlight cameras.
Floodlight cameras combine the old-school motion-detection light with a modern security camera. Many floodlight cameras transmit video through Wi-Fi and can be used as a regular smart security camera during the day, alerting you of packages, people, and vehicles stopping by the house. At night, it’s an excellent way to illuminate dark corners of your yard or driveway while recording any suspicious activity. |
What is a floodlight camera and why they’re so popular |
Floodlight cameras are cameras with a motion-activated bright light. They’re popular because they solve two problems with one device: Scare off potential intruders with a bright light and record (as well as alert you) of any activity happening outside your home. Arlo Pro floodlight cameras also come with additional capabilities like 2-Way Audio, an extra wide Field of View (160°), and Color Night Vision so key details like license plate numbers are visible in footage recorded at night. |
How floodlight cameras work |
During the day, floodlight cameras detect motion, record footage, and send alerts, just like any other smart security camera. If you have a security plan in addition to an Arlo floodlight, your device comes with the latest AI-powered features including Smart Detection, Person Recognition, Vehicle Recognition, and Package Detection. That means if a family member or your favorite neighbor stops by, you’ll get a notification telling you exactly who arrived. At night, (though you can always set lights to go on during the day), floodlight cameras illuminate large areas where it’s easy for intruders to lurk — dark alleyways, side streets, and unlit long driveways. You should be able to select brightness levels and configure if the light is motion-activated or stays on during certain times of day. To conserve energy, most floodlight cameras will record and activate the light only when motion is detected. |
The greens flags: Floodlight cameras worth your money |
How to know if a floodlight camera is worth a second glance? Look for these so-called green flags when checking out spec charts.
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Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight |
Looking for a floodlight camera that combines all the classic features (motion-detection, high resolution) with modern technology? The Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight consistently gets rave reviews for being an easy-to-use functional floodlight that also happens to have the best in modern security tech. The highlights:
Combined with the Arlo Secure plan, this floodlight camera also offers advanced AI detection, including Person Recognition, Package Detection, and Advanced Audio Detection. Frequently asked questions |
What’s better, a wired or wireless floodlight?Neither is inherently better, it depends on your home and needs. Renters and people who don’t want to deal with involved installation may choose a wireless floodlight because they’re easy to install — no need to drill walls or mess with cables. But wired floodlights don’t need batteries and if they don’t run on Wi-Fi can be great for remote areas. Why choose a floodlight over a regular security camera?Plenty of security cameras have night vision and some even come with an integrated spotlight. But a floodlight is a great choice if you have really low-light areas around your home. Think an unlit alleyway with a gate or a garage entrance. Or maybe you live on a street without lights and need the extra illumination. How bright is the Arlo floodlight? Can I adjust the light?Both the wired and wireless Arlo floodlights deliver 2,000 lumens. The wireless floodlight can offer up to 3,000 lumens when connected to a charging cable. What’s the difference between color night vision and infrared vision?Color night vision amplifies existing light from its built-in motion-activated spotlight and/or from the environment (neighboring homes, streetlamps) to create a daylight-like full-color image. Infrared cameras emit infrared light and then use it to create a black-and-white image. Color night vision is often better for helping identify key details like the color of someone’s clothes or vehicle. But infrared cameras are great for areas with very little light. Do I need a junction box for a floodlight camera?For wired floodlights, yes. For example, the Arlo Wired Floodlight needs a 100-240V AC 50-60 Hz hardwired power source. To protect against the elements, you’ll need to enclose the exposed wires coming out of your wall in a junction box. If you’re a renter or aren’t interested in all the extra steps, a wireless floodlight is the way to go. |
