ADT Self Setup Outdoor Camera Review

The ADT Self Setup outdoor camera is reasonably priced yet offers facial recognition and siren detectors in addition to night vision, motion detection, and two-way audio. Unfortunately, this camera had some connectivity issues when we tested it, which seems to be a common theme with the device.

Still, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy this security camera. You just have to be realistic about its limitations.

ADT’s other system has fairly generic, run-of-the-mill cameras that are about as exciting as dry toast. This camera is a lot more intriguing and has more features. And it’s proprietary, so you can’t get it anywhere else.

ADT Self Setup outdoor camera features:

• 1080p resolution
• 130° field of view
• Two-way audio
• Night vision
• Motion detection
• Facial recognition
• Smoke and carbon monoxide siren detector
• Push notifications
• Rechargeable battery
• Local video storage
• 24 hours of free cloud storage
• Two color options

Unfortunately, this camera was pretty glitchy for us. We tested an ADT Self Setup indoor camera at the same time and using the same settings. While the indoor camera worked almost flawlessly, the outdoor camera had connection issues with both the Wi-Fi and the app itself. Because of this, some features wouldn’t work.

We aren’t the only reviewers who’ve run into this problem, so it’s something ADT may want to look into. But in the meantime, let’s talk about some of the features that still worked for us.

ADT Self Setup lets you customize your motion detection zones and sensitivity.

We dialed the sensitivity up to the highest setting and captured such riveting things as the sun moving across the sky and a plastic bag blowing in the wind. If getting notifications for such minute movements sounds like a bother to you, we suggest using a lower motion setting or changing the detection to “People” mode.

As far as the motion zones go, you’re pretty limited in the customization. You can only choose a square or rectangular area, whereas other cameras (such as the Vivint Doorbell Pro and Ring video doorbells) allow you to create triangular zones. So if you want your zone to cover an extremely specific area, you may not be able to get the outline how you want it.

ADT Self Setup’s facial recognition settings are unique compared to some of the other cameras we’ve reviewed. You don’t just toggle the mode on and off. You choose whether the camera will identify people it already knows, pick out people it’s never seen before, or both.

To get the camera to recognize you, upload several photos of yourself into your user profile. That will (theoretically) help the camera identify your facial structure.

Unfortunately, it looks like the camera can only recognize individuals with user profiles on your ADT Self Setup account. It won’t recognize your neighbor or your toddler unless you give them access to your mobile app.

When a stranger appears, the ADT Self Setup camera tells you that it “recognizes someone it doesn’t know.” Regardless of the paradoxical wording, we liked knowing when someone unfamiliar popped up.

We didn’t get a chance to test this detection feature, but we really like the concept. If you don’t have smart environmental devices, this is one way to get push notifications from your detectors without buying new devices.

When a detector goes off, the camera can pick up on the sound waves and notify you. (We aren’t sure of the range on this, so if the camera is far from your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, it may not work.)

This camera costs $199.99. Considering all that it offers, that’s a good deal. Typically, cameras with any features beyond the basics can reach up to the $400 price range. For instance, Google Nest charges serious money for its facial recognition cameras.

If you don’t want to use an SD card, the camera comes with 24 hours of free cloud storage, which is nice. But if you want more, it will cost you extra.

This plan is per location, not per camera.

Overall, though, this is not a terrible deal, especially when compared to other camera plans. Sixty days of storage is higher than the typical 30 days, to the point where most of the time, it’s probably unnecessary. But if you need to rewatch some footage two months down the line, well, you can.

ADT Self Setup is ADT’s first DIY offering, which means you have to install it without technicians. Luckily, the outdoor camera isn’t too difficult to set up.

ADT Self Setup outdoor camera installation steps:

1. Download the ADT Self Setup app.
2. Create a ADT Self Setup account.
3. Charge the camera battery.
4. Detach the mounting plate.
5. Drill the mounting plate into the desired location.
6. Reattach the mounting stand to the installed mounting plate.
7. Select Settings > Devices > Add Device.
8. Select the outdoor camera.
9. Follow the app instructions to connect your camera to your Wi-Fi or ADT Self Setup extender.

Immediately after connecting to the internet, our camera updated its firmware, which took about an hour. (The delay may have been from the overall connection issues we experienced with the camera.) Apart from that, the process was quick and easy.

If you’re planning to get a ADT Self Setup system, then it would make sense to get this camera. That way, your whole security suite can live in one mobile app, and you’ll get all the camera’s benefits.

Features: The facial recognition and siren detection make the ADT Self Setup camera stand out.

Pricing: For what this camera offers, the price is reasonable.

Home automation: You can’t do everything with this camera’s home automation, but you can do a lot.

Installation: Installation is pretty easy as long as everything goes smoothly.

But if you’re not getting a system, this wouldn’t be our first recommendation to you. This camera had a hard time staying connected. We’ve seen a few other reviewers with the same problem, which suggests this is a bigger problem than just a single faulty camera.

If you’re prepared to assume the security risk of a camera with connection problems, then this camera will serve you just fine. Especially if you have other ADT Self Setup devices you’d like to connect to it.

But if you want something that stays connected (and we don’t blame you if you do), there are lots of other outdoor cameras to choose from. Also, if you don’t need an outdoor camera, the ADT Self Setup indoor camera worked just fine for us and would be a good alternative.

Or, if you want more information before making a decision, feel free to check out our ADT Self Setup system and ADT Self Setup video doorbell reviews. And be sure to watch this video about ADT Self Setup tips and tricks.