Illuminating home security Quick verdict
Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera smart floodlight can be used in both the Arlo system and as a standalone device. The wide-angle camera provides excellent video quality and good illumination. It’s certainly one of the most attractive floodlight-and-camera combinations to consider.
For
- It is easy to install
- Operation without wires
- You can connect directly to Wi-Fi and Hub
- Bright illumination
- Operation with great flexibility
- A little bit of a huge beast
- Additional cost for Arlo Smart subscription
- Camera doesn’t lock into housing
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(Pocket-lint.) Arlo has been improving and expanding its offerings over the past few decades. The Arlo Pro cameras moved to their third edition and evolved into the Pro 3 Floodlight Camera. This camera combines two of Arlo’s areas, lighting and cameras.
The Floodlight, which is a floodlight, goes beyond the standard Arlo camera and offers LED lighting. This fusion is the best of both?
Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera Design and installation
- Dimensions: 218.5×77.9×190.5mm / Weight 650g
- Wire-free installation
- Waterproof
The Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera looks a lot like an Arlo Pro 3 camera, which is placed in the middle an LED bar. The camera’s design is similar to its predecessor, with the main difference being the spread of lights towards the front. This camera weighs in at a bit more than the Pro 3 and is therefore longer.
There are two main components to the lamp: the casing and the wall mount; and the camera and light assembly. This last combination slides into the casing, and clicks into position.
This means that there are no joints or seams on the body. The only joint where water can get in is at the end of the casing, where it meets with the backlight. It has lasted through heavy rain, and we have used Arlo cameras for many years. We are confident that they are waterproof so there is no need to worry.
You can also lock the camera in the housing by pressing a button. To release the camera, it must be pressed. This is not an issue for cameras mounted high. However, if the camera is within reach it can be easily removed – but not necessarily by you.
It’s easy to install because it doesn’t require a wired connection. This means that you can place the light anywhere you like, but you’ll need to drill into the wall in order to attach the mounting plate. It’s easy to mount the light, as all the screws and plugs are included in the box.
After the mounting plate has been installed, attach the rest of the casing. This is secured with a second screw so that it cannot be removed. Once the mounting plate is in place, you can attach the rest of the casing. You can adjust the angle by tightening the base of your mount and keeping the camera pointed in the correct direction.
Arlo offers a wide range of accessories. If you prefer to use your Arlo as a wired device you can purchase a magnetic bottom charger. There is also a solar charger option.
Installation and use of the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera system
- 2.4GHz Wi Fi or SmartHub, or Base Station connection
- Arlo app control
The Arlo 3 Floodlight can be used as a standalone camera, connected to your Wi Fi network, or it can connect with an Arlo SmartHub and older Arlo Base Station. The SmartHub was required for some devices, but the Pro 3 Floodlight allows you to have more control and is therefore more affordable.
SmartHub users get 2K local streaming, 2K local recording on microSD cards, and auto zoom and tracking. This makes it more versatile than the standalone route.
The Arlo app on your phone is the best place to begin setting up. It’s important to charge the camera and connect it before placing it on your wall. This is to ensure that everything works properly.
The Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight can be used in an existing Arlo system. It has the advantage of providing more intense illumination.
After your camera is connected and installed, it will be up to you to control how the camera behaves. Arlo is not like other systems. Instead of automatically recording every movement, you will need to choose what you want it to do. Because they are battery powered, capturing every movement will quickly drain the battery.
This is both a camera and a light, so you have to decide whether you want to separate them. You have options. For example, you can have the light turn on when sound or movement is detected. Or, you can have video recorded. You have the option to select the location and mode of operation.
Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera performance
- 2K HDR video capture (2560×1440 resolution).
- 2-3000 lumen floodlight
- 160-degree angle
- Built-in siren
- 2-way audio
The camera of the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight has the same features as the Arlo Pro 3 Camera. This gives you a wide-angle lens that covers 160 degrees. You can reduce the angle to capture if needed.
You can choose a lower resolution resolution if desired. You will need a device capable of HEVC (iOS9 or later, Android 5, or later). However, this covers most smartphones made in the last few years. A higher resolution gives you the ability to zoom in and see more detail in captured video.
The resolution is excellent, it can capture lots of detail, and the floodlight at the front will trigger in low light to produce high quality night video. This is better than the nonFloodlight version, as there’s more light for night-time capture. However, some might find it too bright to be annoying to their neighbors. You can change the brightness.
It’s all about Arlo App
- Voice assistant compatibility
- Remote monitoring
- Customization
The Arlo Pro3 Floodlight Camera is a standalone device that can be used, but it’s best when part of a larger system. This is because the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera can be controlled using only one app. It’s much better to have just one app than several apps that allow you to control multiple cameras from different manufacturers.
The range of options Arlo offers is vastly different to a lightbulb. There are many more features to learn than a lightbulb. However, there are some integrations with other systems like Apple Homekit and Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT, SmartThings, and Google Assistant. Although you can view your Arlo cameras via a device like the Amazon Echo Show (or similar), we recommend that you use the Arlo app to view all of your history and take full control over your devices.
Verdict
Arlo is a well-known brand for home cameras and it is easy to see why. The Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera has all the benefits of the Arlo system but offers more options and flexibility.
Although it is a large beast, you can remove your regular floodlight after you have the Arlo installed.
It’s great as a standalone camera or in a larger system with other cameras due to its excellent performance and high quality video.
- Capture clear details in full high definition – Arlo’s Essential security camera records video in 1080p for a clear picture and see more of your property thanks to the wide 130º viewing angle
- Coverage from every corner – Fast, wireless setup, the Essential Spotlight surveillance & security cameras deliver increased installation flexibility to get the perfect camera view
- See more at night – See important features like faces or license plates in full color, at night, with color night vision to make these outdoor security cameras the perfect cameras for home security
- Smarter alerts, quicker action – Receive notifications from your home security cameras for people, vehicles, and packages so you can take quick action such as sound the siren, call a friend or dial emergency services, with the included, Arlo Secure trial
- Respond quickly – Hear and speak to visitors at your with clear, two-way audio and can be easily used as a baby monitor with camera and audio, nanny cam, and pet camera
- 100% wireless design – Simplify your home security system by utilizing Arlo’s wifi camera capability to connect directly to your Wi-Fi for fast, wire-free installation with no hub required
- Weather-resistant outdoor camera for year-round security – The wireless camera is certified and tested to withstand the toughest conditions in heat, cold, rain, or sun