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.
This indoor/outdoor security camera doubles as a smart home hub, features 1520p resolution for crystal-clear images, RTSP support, and has a built-in NPU to process video with AI for visual recognition.
The camera is wired, so placement is limited, and there is no expandable storage, so you need a subscription to access video history or bypass it through video server software. $199.99 at Amazon
For a limited time, the Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro PoE is on sale for $30 off, dropping to $170.
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 the new Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro is one I can genuinely get behind. This security camera is unique because it can double as a smart home hub and is Aqara's first outdoor security camera.
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The G5 Pro is a Thread border router and a Matter controller, and has Zigbee support for Aqara devices that require a hub. You can buy the Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro to surveil your home and add other Aqara devices without buying a separate hub.
I have two Aqara hubs in my home -- an Aqara Hub M2 and the newer Hub M3 that replaced it. This camera is enough to replace both of them -- and to surveil inside or outside my house.
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This isn't the first Aqara camera to double as a smart home hub. Aqara already has the Camera Hub G3, a 2K indoor security camera, and the Camera Hub Indoor G2H Pro, a 1080p indoor camera. The new G5 Pro, however, is the first time Aqara is bringing a hub to the outside of the home, as this security camera is weatherproof and the first Aqara outdoor camera, aside from its video doorbells.
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