The myQ Smart Garage Camera is one of those niche security cameras that is best suited for owners of a garage door opener that works with the myQ ecosystem. That’s primarily Liftmaster and Chamberlain.
It’s a basic camera that integrates into the myQ application that allows the user to see what’s outside the garage door as it opens. It aligns the video image into the history log to permit immediate reference of the associated video. When we say immediate, we mean immediate. That’s because without a video archival subscription, you cannot see past events.
The myQ Smart Garage Camera has a very similar footprint to a Blink Mini except it includes a magnetic base. Most Liftmaster openers have a metal casing so, by default, this camera attaches to the bottom hanging upside down. Smartly, the app has a feature that permits flipping the image 180 degrees.
Let’s take a closer look at what this camera can do.
Software
You can access the camera and video using the myQ app on an iOS or Android device. This camera cannot be accessed from a browser.
Motion alerts can be activated within the app as well as sensitivity settings. Motion sensitivity settings are controlled via a slider in the app.
You can speak through the camera with others using the app. There are app adjustments for the sound level.
The myQ Smart Garage Camera is a fairly basic camera and does not offer Motion Zones. These are really handy for eliminating motion from areas that cause false alerts. Think about tree branches blowing in the wind – don’t want alerts from a tree branch. However the primary purpose of these cameras is to watch your garage door so who needs motion zones?
The myQ Smart Garage Camera does not accept a micro SD Card so you must subscribe to the myQ Video Storage Plan if you want to see any video history. We took a deep dive of the myQ Video Storage Plan a short while ago. It’s less expensive than most competitors but will still set you back the cost of an annual fee.
While you are able to see the video as the garage opens and closes, you will not be able to view any historical video without a subscription. There is limited value to this camera without a continuing subscription.
Hardware
The myQ Smart Garage Camera is a smaller camera measuring a little more than 4 inches tall. It’s very similar in size to a Blink Mini camera.
There is a status light that cannot be toggled on or off from the app.
The myQ Smart Garage Camera has a supported temperature range of -4 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. So a cold or really hot garage isn’t a problem.
Audio is fully supported. Tap the microphone in the myQ app to have a two-way conversation. Audio quality is ok.
A 130 degree field of view is a step above other cameras. This will easily cover most two-car garages when attached to the opener as intended. The camera is attached to a stand and it manually swivels 360 degrees (although most will keep it aimed straight ahead towards the garage door).
The 1080p (1920 x 1080) lens renders good quality video. Night vision is included and it works quite well.
Connectivity
The myQ Smart Garage Camera supports WiFi connectivity via 802.11 b/g/n. The camera supports 2.4 and 5.0 GHz which is appreciated.
Mounts
The myQ Smart Garage Camera has a magnetic base which is designed to attach to the garage door opener in an upside down position. The app allows the video to be flipped 180 degrees. If you need to mount this to a wall or other surface, there is a round metal adhesive disk. Adhere the disk to the mounting surface, let it set overnight, then attach the camera to the metal disk.
Fun and Different
The myQ Smart Garage Camera works with Key by Amazon, or better said, it works with the garage door opener that then works with Key by Amazon. When the garage is opened by the delivery driver, you get a notification and can watch him drop your box off.
Summary
The myQ Smart Garage Camera is a niche camera for those wanting to take their garage door opener to the next level. It integrates with the opener so you can see when someone opens the garage.
The camera is very limited without a video subscription and this is a major omission. Without an SD card slot, there’s no way to see past events without the subscription. It’s something to keep in mind when purchasing this camera.
Mounts for the myQ Smart Garage Camera
Quick Specs:
| Video Quality | Field of View | Cloud Support | SD Support | Night Vision | Mobile/Web App | Alerts | Outdoor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1080p | 130 Degrees | Yes | No | Yes | Yes/No | Yes | No |
Manufacturer Link: Chamberlain