Xiaomi continues to expand its range of surveillance cameras with a new model for the outdoors. This is the third after the Mi Wireless Outdoor Security Camera and the Outdoor Camera AW200, but above all the first capable of filming in 2K. The Outdoor Camera AW300, that’s its name, more exactly promises images of 2304 x 1296 pixels while previous models were limited to 1920 x 1080 pixels. The Chinese giant already had 2K cameras in its catalog, namely the Mi 360 Home Security Camera 2K and 2K Pro and the C400 – but only for indoors; the outdoor cameras have the particularity of being waterproof and this new model is also IP66 certified.
2K, and color night vision as a bonus
To offer such a definition, the new Xiaomi surveillance camera should integrate at least a 3 megapixel sensor, which we find here associated with optics offering a field of vision of 101.7°. Infrared vision is of course provided for the night, but also, and this is another first for Xiaomi, a small flash to maintain color rendering. It should be remembered, however, that this technology is now quite widespread on the market, and that it is often less effective than infrared for seeing what is happening only a few meters away.
This flash can also be used to deter intruders and the AW300 can trigger a siren upon detection. Like its elders, it can detect all movements or, thanks to artificial intelligence, only people, but we would once again have liked to see Xiaomi go a little further and put itself at the level of the competition by also offering vehicle detection, for example.
Of course, all events can be filmed and stored on a microSD card and/or on Xiaomi’s cloud, and the user is notified on his smartphone thanks to wifi. We also note the presence of small antennas supposed to improve the connection. A rather welcome addition to an outdoor camera, which must logically communicate through load-bearing walls. The connection is made here directly with the internet box. Unlike the Mi Wireless Outdoor Security Camera, the AW300 does not need a gateway, but it also has no battery and therefore requires an electrical connection, like the AW200.
The Outdoor Camera AW300 is available now at a suggested retail price of €69.99.