For the life of me, I can’t understand why Wyze is involved with continually making various cameras. Hear me out. I understand the outdoor camera because it’s got a battery pack and doesn’t need external power. I’m also not talking about a PanTiltZoom version of the same camera. But why an outdoor camera like the V1 when the V2 is already out? Does the V1 do stuff that the V2 can’t. I can’t tell from any of the descriptions. And for the wired ones, why keep making the V3 when the V4 is supposedly a better camera? Better resolution; built in light; etc. Wouldn’t they save money on production and distribution costs by only having the V4? Is there something the V3 can do that the V4 can’t. And why would you buy the OG over the V3 or V4. Same with the V1 vs V2 flood lights. If the new version is better and is an upgrade, and most of all is compatible with all other cameras, then why continue making the others.
Now I’m not talking about prices, because those are fluid. Many times; like right now; the V4 is cheaper than the V3. Or a 2 pack of V3’s for $39.98.
I understand if certain items are still in stock. Try and sell them. But how long has the V4 been out??? And they are still selling V3. Anyway… not really a complaint; just curiosity and concern. I consider myself pretty business savvy. This doesn’t sound like a really good business practice. It’s one thing to have different models with different features and used for different applications. But it’s a different thing to have products that have no advantage over a newer replacement version. I can’t really see how the OG or V3 fills a niche that the newer V4 doesn’t.
First let me correct you, the outdoor v1 preceded the outdoor v2 by almost 2 years. It also is no longer available. The outdoor v2 is also moving towards obsolescence.
As for variety of cameras, it’s called product improvement, i.e. technological advances. It also includes user preferences and demands. Often the advances in technology, i.e. processors, firmware, etc can’t be implemented in an existing product, so a new camera is introduced. I take it you are probably new to the Forum because the answers are contained in the user comments of who likes and prefers which cameras and what features and improvementsare being suggested and/or requested. Most users like variety, self included, as I have every model except the original indoor v1, outdoor v2, doorbell pro and floodlight pro.
Perhaps another maven/moderator or two will post additional commentary.
Not far from me there are 3 of the same grocery store within a 1 mile stretch. All 3 are always packed, so they have no reason to close any of them.
People with Cam Plus Lite want the v3 cams. People with the outdoor base station want the outdoor cams. Different cams have different features and specs.
My complaint would be that they’ve made the naming and versioning confusing. How many people have been confused (including me when I first started looking at Wyze cams) by the “OG” and thought it was old/outdated when in fact at the time it was the newest and probably best cam?
All of the cams now are “outdoor” cams but they have a couple specifically named “Outdoor”. But it is what it is.
If you want a 2.5K cam, the v4 is the way to go, if 1080 is sufficient I think the OG is the best value. The Battery Cam Pro if you want a battery outdoor cam. Most of the rest are obsolete at this point.
I haven’t had one (price is a bit steep, though it does include some basic AI stuff which may make it worthwhile for some). When I was looking at comparisons the v4 seemed to have a better picture but haven’t been able to compare them myself.
But I guess that is the OPs point, it is confusing to have a v3, v3Pro, v4, where the v4 is more a follow up to the v3 pro instead of the v3. And the interface is closer to the OG than the v3…
Got my 2 v3 Pro’s at separate times but when the price dropped to $29.98 or .99. The 1st one was the very 1st time the price had dropped anywhere. I don’t remember if it wasWyze, Amazon or H.D. but surprised me at the reduction. For some reason, the v3 Pro doesn’t get price lowered as often as other cams.
Personally I think they should trim down their offering and also make it more consistent and sensible. Discontinue all the other models, they can still be sold until stock depletes but the product page makes it clear it is no longer a current model.
Something like
v5
v5 Pro
Panv5
Panv5 Pro
Battery Cam v5
Battery Cam v5 Pro
Doorbell v5
Doorbell v5 Pro
Pro models add like 4k Sony Starvis2 Sensor, 3x optical zoom, “HQ” mode with less compression but more bandwidth (so you can choose whether you want that or not based on your wifi) but it always records HQ to the SD card, and maybe onboard/Edge AI for Person detection. Some additional controls over the image (exposure, color, brightness/contrast, etc). Maybe 30FPS instead of 20. Price point for pro $20 to $40 more depending on the cam and the base price.
You know, that’s kind of radical, but after reading multiple times and contemplating what that landscape would look like, I have to admit I could buy into that. Of course it would blow out Wyze business model.
When do we meet with the owners and primary investors?
Being part of a sales team (on the technical side), I can tell you that no matter what the marketing people tell you, it DOES work and and DOES lead to more repeat customers and more word of mouth business.
