Ring Outdoor Camera (2nd Gen) & Peephole Camera 2K: New Retinal 2K Cameras for Germany

Philipp Briel
Philipp Briel · 5 min. read

Ring is expanding its camera lineup with two new models featuring Retinal 2K: the Outdoor Camera (2nd generation) for outdoor use and the Peephole Camera 2K for apartment or front doors. Both cost 99.99 euros and are available for pre-order now on Amazon.de. This makes Ring’s 2K resolution the standard even in the entry-level segment.

With these two new additions, Ring is continuing its strategy of rolling out the sharper Retinal 2K resolution across its entire portfolio—from door peepholes to outdoor cameras. Anyone looking for a Ring security camera with better image quality will no longer have to opt for the more expensive models.

Outdoor Camera (2nd Generation): Flexible Power Supply, Sharper Image

The new outdoor camera records in Retinal 2K and offers up to 6x zoom. This allows you to zoom in on individual details from the wide-angle view without the image becoming completely pixelated. In low light, night vision remains in color; only in near-total darkness does the camera automatically switch to black-and-white.

When installing the camera, Ring provides several power supply options, allowing it to be mounted in almost any location. Using customizable privacy zones and motion settings, you can specify which areas the camera monitors and which it doesn’t—a particularly relevant consideration in Germany, for example, when a public sidewalk or a neighbor’s property is in the frame.

If the camera detects motion, you’ll immediately receive a notification on your smartphone; if needed, you can trigger the built-in siren via the app. With live video and two-way audio, you can see and hear visitors in real time and speak with them.

Peephole Camera 2K: Smart Door Peephole Without Drilling

The Peephole Camera 2K turns an existing door peephole into a smart camera. It’s installed in a compatible door peephole without drilling, special tools, or wiring, and, according to Ring, is ready to use in just a few minutes. This is a key advantage for rental apartments, as it avoids making any modifications to the door, and the camera can be removed without leaving any traces when you move out.

Here, too, the Retinal 2K camera with up to 6x zoom is used. Motion detection, live video, and a two-way audio feature are also included. The battery is housed in a quick-change pack: remove it, charge it, and reinsert it—no need for continuous operation via a cable.

Technical Specifications at a Glance

Feature Outdoor Camera (2nd Gen) Peephole Camera 2K
Resolution Retinal 2K Retinal 2K
Zoom up to 6x up to 6x
Application Outdoors Apartment/House Door (Door Viewer)
Power supply Multiple options Quick-change battery pack
Night vision in color, automatically switches to black-and-white in low light Yes
Siren Integrated –
Live video & two-way audio Yes Yes
Installation Flexible No drilling required
Price (MSRP) 99.99 euros 99.99 euros

Price and Availability

Both cameras cost 99.99 euros each and are now available for pre-order on Amazon.de.

Context: Retinal 2K Becomes the Standard

Both models are part of a broader update to the Ring portfolio. The manufacturer has also made 2K the entry-level standard for the second-generation Spotlight Cam and Floodlight Cam (Ring Blog). For prospective buyers, this means sharper footage at no extra cost compared to the previous 1080p cameras.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ring Cameras

Can you use Ring cameras without a subscription?

Live view, two-way audio, and real-time notifications work even without a subscription. However, a Ring Home subscription (formerly Ring Protect) is required for recording and later viewing of videos.

Is it legal to use a Ring camera in Germany?

Use is permitted for purely private purposes. However, it becomes a sensitive issue under data protection laws as soon as public spaces, sidewalks, or a neighbor’s property are captured on camera. That’s exactly why both cameras offer customizable privacy zones that allow you to exclude such areas from the view.

How do the two new models differ?

The Outdoor Camera (2nd generation) is designed for outdoor use, can be mounted flexibly, and has a built-in siren. The Peephole Camera 2K replaces the existing door peephole and is primarily aimed at renters who want a smart door camera without having to drill holes.

Conclusion

With the Outdoor Camera (2nd Generation) and the Peephole Camera 2K, you get two solid entry-level options if you’re looking for a Ring security camera with 2K resolution at a fair price. The price of 99.99 euros each is attractive for Retinal 2K, and the drill-free peephole camera in particular fills a gap for rental apartments. Whether the image quality delivers in practice remains to be seen in a test—but the features certainly look promising for this price range.