Install Nest Cameras in Ottawa

[Nestapp]

Planning to install two Nest cameras (battery) connected to power on outside of house.  Given their questionable performance in cold weather, looking for installation tips or mount/case recommendations that could help to mitigate performance issues during the winter.

[MplsCustomer]

@Nestapp 

We've had a battery camera for 23 months, plugged in with the optional power cable.  Ours is somewhat shielded by a camera hood/shade that we purchased on Amazon.  It's been online and "Live" the whole time, through 2 Minnesota winters with temperatures as low as -20 degrees below zero Fahrenheit.  The camera hood also shields the camera from snow,  rain, ice, and direct sun.

[Nestapp]

Reassuring. Would you mind sharing which camera hood you’re using and if you supplement it with a silicon waterproof cover for the camera?  Thanks

[MplsCustomer]

@Nestapp 

It's like the one on the link below.  We do NOT use a silicone waterproof cover.  The camera seems to stay dry in all weather. We have the camera mounted as close under the hood as we can without obstructing the camera's view.  That seems to provide it with good protection. We have an older Google Nest Outdoor Camera mounted under the same kind of hood, on our garage, and that one too does well.

https://www.amazon.com/DS-1250ZJ-Universal-Camera-Hikvision-Outdoor/dp/B08D34JZ4F/ref=sxin_16_pa_sp_...

[gilleslibre]

I'm in Québec city and though our winters are cold, I have had no issues with the cold for the cameras since having them up for quite a few years (first generation of cameras). They are only protected from the rain by the soffits of my house. 

The only problem which I have had, was with the range of my wifi for one of my cameras which is the furthest from my router. A wifi extender fixed that problem. 

[MplsCustomer]

@gilleslibre 

We visited Quebec City many years ago; it was delightful.

Soffits also offer pretty good protection. Two of our older cameras are under our garage soffits.

[Nestapp]

I could install under my soffit but I would have to rent a ladder anytime I needed to access the camera (e.g. battery change) as it’s a two-storey house.  I do appreciate that the soffits add extra protection though.

[MplsCustomer]

@Nestapp 

The batteries cannot be replaced.

[Nestapp]

Right, forgot.  If the camera fails in the cold though, it’s supposed to be brought inside to be recharged.

[gilleslibre]

Yes, you might have to have access to the cameras once in a while. Personnally I've had to access them, if I remember correctly,  when I changed my Internet service provider. 

Also, you will get a better view from your cameras if you place them at the first story of your house. 

[Nestapp]

Thanks.  My understanding is the first generation outdoor cameras are more resilient than the second, battery-operated cameras, even if the second gen ones are plugged in to keep the battery charged.  

[gilleslibre]

If you can find it, as a precaution, I would go for some kind of protection from the elements (especially rain and ice) for the cameras. The cover refered to from @MplsCustomer  seems a very good suggestion. 

[Nestapp]

Yes, I ordered two cameras, two of the same covers, two cables and two Wasserstein anti-theft mounts.  For mounting on brick, are people using a wall mount like this UYODM 2 Pack Wall Mount Holder Compatible with Google Nest Cam Outdoor or Indoor, Battery - 360°Rotation Security Mounting Bracket for Nest Cam with 1/4 Screw Thread, Camera Not Included (White) https://a.co/d/arYI6pB or just the Nest’s included mount?  How about mounting on siding?  Special mount?

Thanks all for the help so far.

[gilleslibre]

I don't know if the covers will cover the cameras with the mounting bracket that you are considering. Personnally I would first try the mounts included with the cameras. 

[EmersonB]

Hi everyone, 

@Nestapp, thanks for reaching out here in the Community. How's it going? Were you able to use the mount that came with the Nest Camera? Usually, most of the users are using the mount that came with the unit and will ask for options on how to get a replacement whenever they need it. Let us know if you have more questions in mind.

I appreciate the help, MplsCustomer and gilleslibre.

Regards,

Emerson

[Nestapp]

Cameras and anti-theft mounts just arrived yesterday. Now searching for a reasonably priced installer in the Ottawa area.

[zoeuvre]

Hi there, 

@Nestapp, thanks for keeping us in the loop. We want to make sure that everything will be taken care of —  I’ll keep this thread open and wait for your update.
 

Thanks for your help, @MplsCustomer, @gilleslibre, and Emerson. 

Best,

Zoe 

[zoeuvre]

Hey there,

I want to check and see if you are still in need of any help. Please let me know, as I would be happy to assist and answer any questions you may have.

Thanks,

Zoe