ZDNET’s Key Takeaways
- The Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro is available for $180 for the Wi-Fi version and $200 for the PoE version
- The indoor/outdoor security camera doubles as a smart home hub, features 1520p resolution, RTSP support, and built-in NPU for processing video with AI for visual recognition
- The camera is wired, so placement is limited, and there is no expandable storage, requiring a subscription to access video history or bypass it through video server software
Security Cameras Need to Offer Something Unique to Impress Me
I’ve tested many brands and have come to prefer some over others, but I’m pleased to say that the new Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro is one that I truly like. What makes this security camera unique? It can double as a smart home hub, and it’s Aqara’s first outdoor security camera.
The G5 Pro is a 2-in-1 Smart Home Hub and Security Camera
The G5 Pro is a Thread border router and a Matter controller, and has Zigbee support for Aqara devices that require a hub. This means you can buy this Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro to surveil your home and add other Aqara devices without having to buy a separate hub.
RTSP Support and Local Storage
The G5 Pro doesn’t support expanding its local storage, so you can’t add a microSD card to record clips. However, you can get creative with it, thanks to the G5 Pro’s real-time streaming protocol (RTSP) support. With local RTSP access, you can use video server software via Home Assistant, Frigate, or Blue Iris to record and manage your footage locally. RTSP also lets you store video locally on a NAS (network-attached storage) or SMB (server message block), bypassing cloud storage subscriptions.
Smart Home Hub and Security Camera
The G5 Pro is natively compatible with Apple Home with HomeKit Secure Video (HKSV), so it works seamlessly and swiftly through the Apple app. It’s also compatible with Alexa, Google, and SmartThings.
AI-Powered Visual Recognition
The camera can not only detect vehicles, people, animals, and packages, but it can also learn to recognize faces and even specific vehicles. Using the camera’s AI recognition, you can automate functions – such as opening the garage when a specific vehicle approaches the house, prompting a camera response when a person has been lingering on your property, and triggering an alarm when the lens is obstructed.
ZDNET’s Buying Advice
I’ve tested the camera indoors and outdoors, and I love it so far. The Aqara Camera G5 Pro can be a smart home enthusiast’s dream device, especially with PoE and RTSP support. Even if you don’t like to tinker with your smart home and are OK with paying a monthly cloud subscription, the fact that this camera is so great at running on-device AI and doubles as a smart home hub makes it a great option for both new smart home users and seasoned tinkerers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the price of the Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro?
A: The Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro is available for $180 for the Wi-Fi version and $200 for the PoE version.
Q: What are the features of the Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro?
A: The Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro features 1520p resolution, RTSP support, and built-in NPU for processing video with AI for visual recognition.
Q: Is the Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro compatible with smart home systems?
A: Yes, the Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro is natively compatible with Apple Home with HomeKit Secure Video (HKSV), and also compatible with Alexa, Google, and SmartThings.
Q: Can I expand the local storage of the Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro?
A: No, the Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro does not support expanding its local storage.
