When it comes to modern home security, a ring camera can be all you need to monitor your property. With tons of smart features, like motion detection, night vision, and phone alerts, you’ll finally get some peace of mind.
The problem is that one camera might not be enough, especially if you have a big property with a front yard or a long walkway. That’s when you start wondering: How far can a ring camera see?
That’s what we’ll tell you in this article! This guide will help you understand everything about the range of Ring cameras and how to limit what they see. Let’s dive into the details right away.
How Far Can a Ring Camera See?
Well, the answer to this question can be a little complicated, as it depends on many factors, including the following:
- Camera model
- Position
- Lens angle
- Lighting conditions
Generally, most cameras can see around 30 feet. Anything further than that might still be visible, but the quality starts going downhill. Even if you zoom in, you won’t be able to see all the details.
In good lighting conditions, you’ll be able to see any intruders. However, after the 30-foot mark, the clarity won’t be good enough to capture their faces. Unfortunately, the situation will be even worse at night unless your camera has night vision.
That said, let’s check out the factors that affect your camera’s field of vision.
- Camera Model
Ring has many camera models available on the market. Each one has its set of features and capabilities to suit certain needs.
For example, Ring Video Doorbell can capture objects within 30 feet during the day. At night, the camera’s capabilities are limited to 15 feet, even with its infrared night vision. Still, this should be enough to see anyone wandering around your property at any time of the day.
In addition, the exceptional lens in this camera offers an 84-degree vertical and 160-degree field of vision. This means you’ll be able to monitor your front yard, porch, and driveway while sitting in the comfort of your home.
Alternatively, Spotlight Cam Plus features colored night vision and motion detection. On top of that, it has two small built-in lights for better vision at night.
If that’s not enough for you, you can go for the more premium model, the Floodlight Cam Plus. This model comes with two large, ultra-bright LED floodlights and a wide view angle. So, you’ll get to see what’s happening on your entire property.
- Position
Positioning is everything when it comes to ring cameras. Even the best cameras out there with the most modern technologies won’t do you any good with a tree blocking the view.
Of course, each house has a unique layout. So, you want to position your camera at the main entry point.
A camera with a wide angle can cover both your door and windows. If you have an outer gate, it’s best to point your camera towards that point.
For your camera to work properly, you don’t want to position it behind any obstacle, like a tree or a shed.
Some think that by placing the camera in a high position, it’ll “see” more. But that’s far from true. In fact, placing the camera too high can affect the functionality of its sensors.
Since each camera model is different, I highly recommend reading the instruction manual. Yes, we know it’s boring, but that’s how you get the best out of your gadget.
The other solution would be to contact a professional to carry out the installation process for you. However, ring cameras are super easy to install.
Further, if positioning is a big problem for you, Ring’s Stick Up Cam might be the ultimate fix for your situation. This model, as the name suggests, allows you to stick it up anywhere you want. If you have a change of mind afterward, you can simply relocate it to another position.
- Lens Angle
Cameras come with different lenses, and each one has specific uses. So, a wider angle isn’t always better. Let me tell you why.
These lenses are great if you want to cover a wider area. Yet, they don’t capture far-away objects well. Narrow-angle lenses, on the other hand, are perfect if you want your camera to see further. So, pick a narrow lens for long hallways and single-door entrances.
- Lighting Conditions
Even with Ring’s colored night vision technology, nothing beats natural sunlight. So, your camera will always see better in the morning.
That doesn’t mean your camera will be useless at night. You’ll still be able to see when any intruders enter your camera’s field of vision.
Moreover, some ring models, like the Spotlight and Floodlight Cam Plus, come packed with LED lights. Whenever the sensors detect any movement, these lights will turn on, and your camera will capture everything in high quality.
How Far Can a Ring Camera Hear?
Most Ring cameras have a microphone and a speaker, which allows for two-way talk. But how far can this microphone hear?
Well, the distance that the camera can hear depends on how loud the source of the sound is. In general, you’ll be able to hear any conversation within 10 feet of your camera. Anything further than that might not be clear.
Still, your camera might be able to pick up sounds for as far as 30 feet, but the clarity of the voices will decline the further you go.
After all, your Ring was designed to pick up voices held within reasonable proximity.
Can I Limit What My Ring Camera Sees or Hears?
Your Ring camera is always active, recording everything that goes on around your property. With a 30-foot range, your camera might also cover parts of your neighbor’s property. Luckily, Ring came up with a great feature called privacy zones.
This feature allows you to select certain areas within your camera’s point of view that you don’t want to be recorded. The system will block this area with a black square in all recordings, so you won’t disturb your neighbor’s privacy.
How to Set Up a Privacy Zone
Setting up a privacy zone might seem like a complicated task, but it’s easier than you think. After downloading the Ring app and logging into your account, you can proceed with the following steps:
- Start by clicking on the menu icon.
- Then, tap Devices and select your camera.
- After that, click on Device Settings.
- Next, select Privacy Settings and tap Add Privacy Zones.
- Tap the plus (+) button to create a new privacy zone.
- Drag the box to cover the area you want to block your device from recording.
- Finally, click on Save, and you’re good to go.
How to Delete a Privacy Zone
Whether you’ve changed your mind or simply want to readjust the privacy zone, you can easily delete the saved area. Here’s how to do so:
- In your Ring app, tap Device Settings.
- Select Privacy Settings and click on the zone you want to delete.
- Following that, press Edit Privacy Zone.
- Finally, tap the trash icon and confirm your choice.
How to Turn Off Streaming and Recording for your Ring Camera
One of the best things about Ring cameras is that they let you have control over whether your device records or plays audio in Live View mode. Here’s how to turn it on or off:
- First, head to your Ring app and tap Menu.
- Second, click Device and choose your camera.
- Third, tap Device Settings and press Privacy Settings.
- Finally, toggle off Audio Streaming and Recording.
How Do Ring Cameras See?
To better understand the capabilities of ring cameras, you need to learn how the camera actually “sees objects.”
Typically, your ring camera will be passively working 24 hours a day. A passive infrared sensor (PIR) inside your camera picks up any changes in heat patterns in the field of vision.
So, when an uninvited guest finds his way onto your property, the sensor will detect a warmer object. Then, it sends you an alert on your phone.
How to Pick the Right Ring Camera
With tons of Ring products out there, picking a camera for your property can be a little overwhelming. So, let me help you with that.
If you simply want to monitor your front door and have a two-way talk with anyone who rings your bell, Ring Video Doorbells is the way to go. However, if you want to monitor a wider area, Ring’s line of security cameras will get the job done.
Looking for a complete home security system? Ring Alarm is the one for you. It comes with a base station, a contact sensor, a motion detector, a keypad, and even a range extender.
Wrapping Up
So, how far can a Ring camera see?
Most ring cameras see about 30 feet away in the morning and 15 feet at night. Yet, it depends on the model and its features.
Some models come with night vision and external LED lights that capture footage of close objects at night as if it’s in the light of day. Yet, it won’t pick up objects that are far away, at least not with high clarity.