While up to 2K at 20 frames per second and a 133-degree field of view doesn’t sound great, this camera has a large image sensor, so it produces rich videos and has impressive color night vision. The basics are solid, with AI detection that can split subjects into people, vehicles, animals, and packages with few errors.

The real reason to consider it is that the camera also functions as a Materia controller and Hilo edge router. If you’re fed up with your robotic lawnmower or smart outdoor lighting struggling to stay connected or not responding as well to commands as you’d like, this camera can help. It can also work as a Zigbee hub for Aqara devices and continues to work even when the Wi-Fi connection is cut off. There are Wi-Fi and PoE versions of this camera. Support for Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) makes it easy to use with a third-party client on your NAS or with Home Assistant.

On the downside, Aqara’s app is extensive and clunky. You may need to make some adjustments to get it set up the way you want, and features like event filtering, SMS or email notifications, and video sharing require a subscription. If you want to use HSV, you also need a HomeKit hub, like a HomePod Mini or Apple TV, and an iCloud storage plan. But none of this is essential.

For indoors, the Camera Hub G3 with pan and tilt is worth a look, and if you just want something basic, the Aqara Camera G100 ($40) is very affordable.

Photography: Simon Hill

I also recently tested some IC Realtime gear, including the IPMX-E40F-W2 ($492) and IPFX-D80V-IRW3 ($858) dome cameras, a large bullet camera, and a video doorbell. These cameras are excellent, with built-in AI detection and offer a highly secure local recording system when combined with the NVR. But they are also very expensive and probably overkill for most typical households. You can purchase certain models from Amazon or Best Buy, but they are primarily sold through distributors and resellers.