Ring Solar Stick Up Camera Tested

Published Apr 04, 2017 12:27 PM

We bought and tested the Ring Stick Up Camera along with the Solar Panel accessory. Inside we report our test result findings covering:

  • Pricing
  • Physical Characteristics
  • Image Quality
  • Solar Panel / Battery Performance
  • Installation / Usability

Summary

In our tests, the Ring Stick Up Camera's image quality was average to below average, with daytime details similar to the Nest Cam (though with a much narrower FOV), and poor low light details with purple-toned images due to using IR illuminators without switching to monochrome mode. 

The solar panel was simple to install and remained 85% charged or higher during our testing including multiple rainy and overcast days with frequent live viewing and triggered motion events. This solar add on is rare among consumer and even professional cameras.

Finally, unlike many DIY/consumer offerings, Ring offers not only a mobile app, but a full desktop app, as well, allowing users to view cameras/doorbells and use two-way audio from their PC. 

Pricing

The Ring Stick Up Camera is available directly from Ring and other sites for $199 USD. The panel is an additional ~$49.

With the purchase of the Stick Up camera you receive a 30 day subscription for cloud storage beyond that a plan can be purchased from Ring.com for $30 a year for a single camera or $100 for unlimited cameras.  The camera comes with a lifetime warranty against damage and theft if it is bought from Ring.

Physical Overview

The Stick Up cam has an unusual form factor, similar to a cube but taller, essentially the same dimensions as the original Ring doorbell. The solar panel is small, 7.5 x 6, smaller than an iPad. Power connection from the solar panel to camera is via a booted micro USB cable.

We review the camera and solar panel in this video:

Installation / Setup

The Stick Up camera and solar panel are both lightweight and secured by only a few screws. Installation took only a few minutes in our test. Additionally, they may be strapped or zip tied to posts, poles, or trees.

Solar Performance

In our tests, the solar panel kept the camera's battery well charged, only dipping below 90% during multiple overcast or rainy days. Ring's only guidance on solar panel placement is that it should receive at least one hour of full sun daily. We mounted the panel behind our office, facing south, angled at about 45°.  

Wireless Range

Users should be conscious of wireless range when mounting the Stick Up cam. In our tests, we were only able to place the camera ~30' away from the router before severe streaming issues arose, or dropping the connection. Note however that this range may vary, as typical home construction uses more non-metallic materials than our facility (metal studs and aluminum exterior walls). 

If there is a problem with setup or connectivity Ring recomends running setup near the router, and if needed relocating the WiFi router or supplementing the wireless network with an extender, like thier Chime Pro.

Image Quality

The image below shows are test FoV in our conference room with full light  / ~340 lux. In the comparisons below, the cameras are placed at the same distance from the target, ~16.4ft.

In our tests, day time quality of the Ring was worse than that provided by the Nest Cam, even though it produced higher PPF due to its narrower FOV. Only some of the characters on the first line can be read while the Nest Cam provides details to the fourth line of the chart. There is also less detail in the subjects face with the Stick Up camera.

At night, both cameras provide similar details. Note that the Ring Stick Up camera is not monochrome, producing purple-toned images seen here. Ring tech support informed us that the camera required 24-48 hours to "calibrate to its environment" which would remedy this purple tine, but in our tests we saw no difference despite leaving the camera in place for several days.

Finally, tested the cameras with slightly more light, ~0.5 lux. Performance is again similar, with less purple tint than the lower light scene above.

 App Usability

The camera can be accessed via the Ring mobile app, Ring desktop app, and Ring.com.  One notable limitation is that live view is not available via the web. Below are examples from the mobile app showing the home screen several options including live view, settings, motion settings and more.

Test Parameters

The most up to date firmware was used at the time of our test:

  • Ring Stick Up Cam: cam-1.7.129
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