Ring has just unveiled a bold new lineup of 5 outdoor 4K smart security cameras, including two with Power over Ethernet (PoE) support. This marks a major evolution from its prior 1080p and 2K models. Below is our definitive deep dive: features, pricing, comparisons, and what this means for delivering top security camera performance.
What’s New in Ring’s 4K Portfolio
Models & Variants Overview
Ring’s new offerings include:
| Model | PoE Variant | Illumination | Key Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Cam Pro | Yes | – | Baseline 4K camera |
| Spotlight Cam Pro | Yes | 600 lm integrated spotlight | Adds light + deterrent |
| Floodlight Cam Pro | No | 2,000 lm dual floodlights | Wide-area illumination coverage |
The PoE variants (Outdoor Cam Pro PoE, Spotlight Cam Pro PoE) let you run data and power over a single Ethernet cable. That simplifies installation and ensures reliability over Wi-Fi, especially for demanding 4K streaming.
All units share Ring’s new imaging technology dubbed Retinal 4K, paired with Low-Light Sight to provide full-color capture even in dim conditions. They support 10× zoom, motion zones, two-way talk, automated alerts, and app integration.
Release Timeline & Pricing
Preorders are live now. Ring plans to ship these as follows:
- Outdoor Cam Pro – $199.99 (ships Oct 15)
- Outdoor Cam Pro PoE – $299.98
- Spotlight Cam Pro – $249.99
- Spotlight Cam Pro PoE – $349.98
- Floodlight Cam Pro – $279.99
More premium PoE models are priced higher, reflecting the added wiring flexibility and professional-grade installation support.
Key Features & What They Deliver
Retinal 4K + Low-Light Sight
Retinal 4K is Ring’s new imaging pipeline optimized for clarity and edge detail at ultra-high resolution. Combined with Low-Light Sight, these cameras can maintain color fidelity even at night, rather than reverting to monochrome. That’s a big upgrade over many proto-night-vision models.
Zoom, Motion & Zones
A 10× digital zoom gives you closer inspection of faces or events. Region-based motion settings allow you to exclude irrelevant zones (e.g. passing cars). Ring’s app lets you pre-record a greeting for detected motion—which it plays back as visitors approach.
Lighting Modes & Integrated Illumination
- Spotlight Cam Pro: 600 lm built-in spotlight
- Floodlight Cam Pro: Dual 2,000 lm floodlights
These lights are motion-activated and programmable, providing both deterrence and visibility. The lights also integrate with the camera’s scene capture (e.g. turning on when recording).
Power Over Ethernet (PoE) Options
PoE variants let you run data and power via one cable—no extra power adapter or outlet required. This is ideal when your installation spot lacks convenient power or Wi-Fi coverage. PoE also tends to deliver more consistent bandwidth and lower latency than wireless streaming. Ring markets these variants for more “professional” installs.
Strengths & Weaknesses: In Our Assessment
Strengths
- High-resolution capture – 4K is future-proof and provides usable detail, especially when zooming or cropping.
- Integrated lighting – Having both camera + dedicated light(s) makes them effective as deterrents.
- PoE variants – Supports stable wired deployment in demanding environments.
- Improved night performance – Retinal + Low-Light aim to reduce the usual color-vs-detail tradeoff in low light.
Limitations & Considerations
- Bandwidth & storage demands: 4K streams are heavy. You’ll need robust network infrastructure and plenty of local or cloud storage.
- Cost premium: The PoE and light-equipped units come at a higher build cost.
- No PoE for Floodlight: The floodlight version doesn’t offer PoE (at least at launch), limiting placement flexibility.
- Power draw & heat: Large cameras plus lights can demand more power and may run hotter in full sun.
How These Compare to Other 4K Security Cameras
In the current market, Ring’s new cameras face competition from brands like Arlo, Reolink, Hikvision, and Ubiquiti. Here’s a high-level comparison:
- Arlo Ultra 2 / Pro 5: Solid 4K options with strong smart home integration, but often rely on Wi-Fi.
- Reolink’s PoE models: Excellent wired solutions with local NVR support but may lack Ring’s app ecosystem.
- Hikvision / Dahua: Enterprise-class, flexible and configurable, but less consumer-friendly.
- Ubiquiti UniFi Protect: Great for network-savvy users; powerful but steeper learning curve.
Ring’s advantage is in combining ease-of-use, brand reach, app ecosystem, and now PoE options—bridging the gap between simple consumer cams and pro wired systems.
Recommended Use Cases & Deployment Advice
Best Situations for Each Model
- Outdoor Cam Pro: When you want compact, no-light, simple 4K recording.
- Outdoor Cam Pro PoE: Same as above, but in environments with wired network infrastructure (e.g. new builds).
- Spotlight Cam Pro / Pro PoE: Ideal over doors, walkways, or perimeter paths.
- Floodlight Cam Pro: Great for driveways or large open zones needing broad illumination.
Installation Tips
- Use Cat6/Cat6a for PoE to maintain bandwidth headroom and reduce voltage drop.
- Segment 4K traffic on a separate VLAN or dedicated switch to avoid congesting other devices.
- Plan storage wisely: 4K 24/7 footage consumes more space. Consider edge recording + cloud.
- Angle light zones properly: Avoid shining toward roads or neighbors.
- Weatherproofing & thermal management: Ensure secure seals and heat dispersion.
