The Blink Outdoor 4 has long ranked on lists of best security cameras because of its low price, long battery life, and small size. However, like most cameras of this type, it needs to be kept within Wi-Fi range in order to stream video or store it in the cloud.

However, Blink has announced the Blink Sync Module XR for the Blink Outdoor 4. There are a few caveats, however. Here is what you need to know about this new accessory.

The Blink Sync Module XR will be available today (November 7) in the US and Canada for $59.99 ($79.99 CAD). For a limited time, Blink Outdoor 4 will also be bundled for free with the purchase of the Sync Module XR.

All Blink wireless cameras, including the Outdoor 4, must be connected to the Blink Sync Module to send and receive data, but the camera must also be connected to a Wi-Fi network to transmit video footage.

The Blink Sync Module XR uses a newer version of Blink's proprietary network to transmit video as well as data.

However, full 1080p streams are not expected at that distance. Rather, the XR sync module has two settings, XR and XR Plus; the XR setting is valid up to 250 feet and streams video at 720p; the XR Plus mode extends the distance to 400 feet, but the resolution drops to 360p.

However, if the Blink camera is connected to Wi-Fi, it can stream video at the camera's full resolution.

Unfortunately, Outdoor 4 cannot automatically switch modes. Also, although up to 10 Blink cameras can be paired per module, only two cameras can use the XR network.

Like existing Blink Sync Modules, the Sync Module XR supports local storage via a microSD card slot, with a maximum card capacity of 256 GB. It also has an updated USB-C port for power.

The ability to extend the range of a security camera, even at a lower resolution, further distinguishes the Blink Outdoor 4 as the best budget outdoor security camera.

By comparison, Arlo's Base Station, although at full resolution, can connect to cameras with a range of up to 300 ft. Since Arlo cameras and their subscription plans are expensive, Blink's new Sync Module XR appears to be a good, inexpensive alternative. I look forward to trying it out. I look forward to trying it out.