We present two versions of video doorbell cameras- the August Doorbell Cam and the August Doorbell Cam Pro. The cameras ensure to give you full access and control in monitoring the security of your home. Here is the detailed comparison between August doorbell cam vs. cam pro, which will help you decide between the two.
The August Doorbell Cam is our base model. It provides all the necessary features and is a viable solution if you’re looking to buy a great product at a reduced cost. However, its successor, the August Doorbell Cam Pro, is our preferred choice of the doorbell as it offers a greater number of additional features to look forward to. Some great cam pro features include built-flood light, adjustable motion sensitivity, easy installation, and better chime control.
August Doorbell Cam Vs. August Doorbell Cam Pro: Comparison Chart
Let’s first navigate the main differences between the two products to give you a clear picture of which product to choose.
1. Night Vision
Although the August Doorbell Cam and Doorbell Cam Pro are equipped to record in the dark, they do not have IR illumination. A floodlight is thus required to illuminate the front of your home to have a clear view.
While the August Doorbell Cam Pro comes with a built-in floodlight for low-light conditions, you need to purchase your light source for its former version.
Another aspect of how night vision works is that the colors are vivid as long as objects are illuminated. Thus, it is essential that the lighting is not compromised during low-light conditions as the video footage will be practically useless.
This means that you can adjust your doorbell camera to become more alert or slack to avoid false alarms when there is a lot of expected activity going on near the front door. This might be useful in situations when the kids are playing in your front yard or when you’re out gardening.
On the other hand, you can also increase the doorbell camera’s sensitivity, such as when you’re out on vacation, to be more aware of what’s happening around your doorstep. The added adjustable motion sensitivity is, thus, perhaps the most significant noticeable difference between the two cameras.
3. Ease Of DIY Installation
While the August Doorbell Cam has a bit of a complicated installation process, its Pro version has been updated to be more user-friendly. The August Doorbell Cam requires prior knowledge of DIY to set things up initially.
Conversely, the Pro version is easier to connect to your wireless network since a handy smartphone app will guide you through installation.
So if you’re looking forward to installing the device on your own, it is best suited to purchase the August Doorbell Cam Pro due to its ease of access and convenience.
4. Chime Control
Another neat feature that the August Doorbell Cam Pro comes with but is absent in its predecessor is its customizable chime control.
The Doorbell Cam Pro is compatible with doorbells, and its chime can be heard on your phone and through your indoor bell. The chime is also customizable according to your needs through the August Home app. This is yet another helpful feature that alerts you of any visitors without making any excessive noise.
Now that we’ve clearly stated all the differences and advancements in the latter version compared to the former version of the product, let us look at some core features available in both.
You might be thinking, that going for the base model may lead to missing out on many of the exciting and cool features of the later version. Still, the August Doorbell Cam contains all the essential features which make for an excellent doorbell camera.
To begin with, both the cameras are equipped with the exact resolution and 120-degree field of view to keep a keen eye on the front of your home. The identical resolution means you won’t have to sacrifice the video quality regardless of your choice.
There is a provision for two-way audio in both the products to listen and respond to visitors or potential intruders. The on-demand replay records footage and is waiting for you to review it at your convenience. The motion detection and integration with August Locks keep your home extra secure.
The past 24 hours of video recordings are available on-demand for free on both devices. However, both the products have a subscription model if the video footages need to be stored for a longer duration. An additional charge of $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year gives access to up to 30 days of video storage.
Features & Technical Specification Of August Doorbell Cam
The August Doorbell Cam has a video resolution of 640x480p, two-way audio, and a field of view of 120 degrees. It has motion detection technology but lacks night vision due to the absence of built-in floodlights.
The past 24 hours of video recordings are available on demand. However, a subscription of $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year is also charged for up to 30 days of video storage. It is also compatible with the August Smart Lock System.
Features & Technical Specification Of August Doorbell Cam Pro
The August Doorbell Cam Pro, like its predecessor, comes with a video resolution of 640x480p, two-way audio, and a field of view of 120 degrees. In addition to its motion detection technology, it also consists of adjustable motion sensitivity.
It has built-in floodlights for night vision and is easy to install compared to its predecessor. It also has chime control wherein the user can adjust the volume and choose his preferred tune.
The past 24 hours of video recordings are available on demand. A subscription of $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year is charged additionally for access to up to 30 days of video storage. It is also compatible with the August Smart Lock System.
Accessories
There is little to no difference in accessories regarding August Doorbell Cam vs. August Doorbell Cam Pro. However, there are some accessories you might want to consider to expand the functionality of the August ecosystem.
A power supply kit is available in case a wire is not available for the doorbell. It allows for a convenient and secure home regardless of the existing doorbell technology around your door.
The August Connect allows for controlling August smart locks at your own will, even when you’re outside your home. Besides, the August Smart Keypad provides easy and secure keyless access to your home. In conclusion, the August product family protects your home from intruders while making it easier to access for you and your loved ones.
FAQs
1. How to install the Doorbell Cam?
The Doorbell Cam replaces your existing, wired doorbell which consists of an analog chime and can be installed by the user. Review the Doorbell Camera Installation Guide for further instructions.
2. How do I know if my current doorbell is compatible?
Digital chimes aren’t compatible. However, most standard doorbells powered by electrical wiring are compatible. Allow for 3 inches clearance around your existing doorbell to install the August Doorbell Cam. Also make sure that your doorbell has 16-24 volts of electricity in order to power the Doorbell Cam.
3. Do I require any additional August products in order to use the Doorbell Cam?
No, the August Doorbell Cam is operable as a standalone product. But you do have to install the August App for iOS or Android for ease of access.
4. How many devices can an August wi-fi bridge be used for?
August Wi-Fi bridges are one on one and can thus be used for one Smart Lock.
5. Why do I need an August wi-fi bridge if I already have a Bluetooth enable device?
The August Wi-Fi bridge is required for remote operability when you’re away from home. It is required to receive alerts of events such as manual locking and unlocking, auto-lock and keypad operations. It is also needed for certain integrations such as Google Home or Amazon Alexa.
6. How do I update the Firmware on my August Doorbell Cam?
The firmware on your Doorbell Cam will update automatically whenever there is a new update and there is no need to take any additional action provided the device is online. Firmware updates are periodically released to improve the reliability and connection speed of your Doorbell Cam. If you want to check the latest firmware update on your smartphone, open the August App and click on House Settings. Select the Doorbell Camera from the list of devices to enter the Doorbell Settings. Scroll through the menu to find the information regarding the latest firmware update.
7. What are the primary features of the Doorbell Cam?
The Doorbell Cam allows for two-way audio, i.e. for you to see the visitor as well as speak with him from wherever you are seated. It is also equipped with an HD camera and intelligent motion detection technology. You can receive instant notifications when motion is detected as well as live-stream a video. You can also buzz visitors via the August Smart Lock through the August App.
8. How does the August Doorbell Cam work with other August products and August Access?
You can directly connect with visitors or service providers after receiving a notification of their arrival, provided you have an August Smart Lock system in place. You can also communicate with them through the two-way audio Doorbell Cam.
9. Do I need to download any separate app for the Doorbell Cam?
No, the August Doorbell Cam operates through the existing August App for iOS or Android.
10. Can you tell me some of the main differences between the Doorbell Cam and Nest Cam or Dropcam?
Doorbell Cam displays the outside of your home like your entryway and front yard as opposed to Nest Cam or Dropcam which show the inside of your home.
11. In what way is Doorbell Cam different from other outdoor cameras such as SkyBell?
When paired with an August Smart Lock, the Doorbell Cam allows for the owner to remotely access the locking system for visitors. This is a feature which is unique only to the August Doorbell Cam and no other product in the market offers such a feature.
12. Does the August Doorbell Cam have night vision?
The successor of the August Doorbell Cam, Doorbell Cam Pro comes with built-in floodlights for visibility at night. The August Doorbell Cam however is not equipped with night vision and requires an additional source of light to be installed.
Bottom Line
The Pro model is more advanced than its basic model regarding features such as night vision, motion sensitivity, chime control, and ease of installation. For these reasons we favour the August Doorbell Cam Pro over the August Doorbell Cam.
Having said that, we do recommend either product as they cover all important aspects of keeping your front door meticulously monitored. If you like August Doorbell Cam Pro, you should check August doorbell cam pro and August view’s comparison.
Neil is the lead technology reporter and in-house expert for BeOnHome.com.His expertise is in smart home devices, security cameras, and home security systems. In addition to this, he loves experimenting with new gadgets and taking up DIY home improvement projects in his free time.
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