Things you should know about Unifi Protect Cameras.

If you’re setting up a surveillance system, especially for a business, property, or home, UniFi Protect cameras are a popular choice due to their scalability, quality, and integration into a single ecosystem. But with multiple camera models available, how do you know which is right for your needs? In this guide, we’ll explore the full UniFi Protect camera range, compare different models within the line up, and discuss how they stack up against some third-party alternatives. We will also go over how Unifi Protect now support ONVIF third-party devices in a recent release.

As UniFi continues to expand its range of cameras, understanding the best options for different use cases is essential. In this blog, we explore the latest UniFi Protect cameras available on the official UK store, comparing features, connectivity options (Wi-Fi vs. Ethernet), and the ideal environments for each model.

UniFi Protect Camera Range Overview

Here’s a look at the most current line up of UniFi cameras, organized by series:

G3 Series (Entry-Level)

The G3 series is the most budget-friendly, designed for users who want basic surveillance without sacrificing quality. The cameras in this range offer:

• Resolution: 1080p (Full HD).
• Night Vision: Infrared (IR) up to 10 meters.
• Connectivity: PoE (Power-over-Ethernet).
• Smart Features: Motion detection and basic alerts.
• Best for: Small businesses, residential properties, and users with basic surveillance needs.

While reliable, the G3 cameras lack advanced AI and object detection, making them less suitable for environments that require intelligent event categorization.

G4 Series (Mid-Range)

The G4 series steps up with improved video quality and smart features:

• Resolution: Ranges from 4MP (2K) to 8MP (4K).
• Night Vision: IR up to 25 meters, with options like the G4 Pro featuring high-performance night vision.
• Connectivity: PoE, with some models (like the G4 Doorbell Pro) supporting Wi-Fi.
• Smart Features: AI object detection, recognizing people, vehicles, and even packages.
• Best for: Homes or businesses requiring advanced security monitoring with smart detection, such as monitoring vehicle access or entrances.

Notable Models:

• G4 Pro: For large areas, thanks to its 4K resolution.
• G4 Dome: Ideal for indoor environments due to its discreet design.

G5 Series (Next-Gen)

The G5 series is the latest and features several enhancements over the G4 series:

• Resolution: 4MP (2K) to 8MP (4K), delivering ultra-clear images.
• Night Vision: Enhanced IR with up to 30 meters of visibility in complete darkness.
• Connectivity: PoE only, offering stable connections and simplified cabling.
• Smart Features: Includes smart detection for people, vehicles, and packages, with enhanced AI event detection for fewer false alarms.
• Best for: Users needing high-performance security for large areas, both indoor and outdoor, such as warehouses or large homes.

Notable Models:

• G5 Bullet: Compact yet powerful for outdoor areas.
• G5 PTZ: Perfect for expansive areas, with pan, tilt, and zoom capabilities.

AI Series (Premium, AI-Driven)

The AI series takes UniFi’s smart features to the next level, using advanced AI algorithms:

• Resolution: From 4K Ultra HD to DSLR-quality video.
• Night Vision: Superior night vision capabilities, with ranges up to 50 meters
• .Connectivity: PoE for high-quality, reliable video streaming.
• Smart Features: AI-enhanced event detection, with the ability to classify and track complex scenarios. The AI series is also designed to handle facial recognition tasks (though this feature is still under development for broader releases).
• Best for: Large-scale surveillance environments that require advanced analytics, such as public spaces or high-security sites.

Notable Models:

• AI Pro: Offers 4K video quality and AI-driven object detection.
• AI 360: Provides a 360-degree field of view, ideal for large areas that need panoramic coverage.

Wi-Fi vs Ethernet: Why It Matters

Currently, most UniFi Protect cameras rely on Ethernet for connectivity, enabling stable connections and the option for Power over Ethernet (PoE), simplifying installation by removing the need for additional power cables. While Wi-Fi cameras provide more flexibility in placement, Ethernet ensures higher reliability, especially in environments with high data transmission or interference risks.

Mobile Access via the UniFi Protect App

One of the standout features of UniFi cameras is the UniFi Protect app. Available on both iOS and Android, this app allows users to manage and view live feeds remotely.

Key benefits include:

• Real-Time Notifications: Receive alerts when motion is detected or AI events (like package detection) are triggered.
• Remote Monitoring: View live feeds and playback recordings from anywhere.
• Multi-Site Management: Ideal for businesses or users with multiple properties, allowing easy management of several sites from one app.

ONVIF Support on UniFi Protect

As of recent updates, UniFi Protect now supports the ONVIF standard, allowing integration with third-party cameras. ONVIF (Open Network Video Interface Forum) is a global standard that ensures interoperability between IP-based security products. This addition broadens the range of compatible cameras, enabling users to connect non-UniFi devices to their UniFi Protect system.

However, while ONVIF cameras can stream video to UniFi Protect, they do not offer the full range of smart features, such as AI-driven motion detection or detailed alerts that UniFi cameras provide. Users will still benefit from basic video streaming and storage, but advanced event categorization (like vehicle or person detection) remains exclusive to UniFi’s native cameras.

This new feature is especially useful for those looking to incorporate legacy cameras into their system or they are slowly migrating to Unifi Camera’s whilst maintaining site security.

How UniFi Protect Compares to Third-Party Cameras

When evaluating third-party cameras like Hikvision and Reolink, UniFi Protect cameras offer several distinct advantages, especially within the UniFi ecosystem. Here are a few points of comparison:

1. Hikvision vs UniFi G5 Pro

Resolution: Both offer 4K, but Hikvision tends to offer more specific outdoor-focused models.
Connectivity: Hikvision cameras often support both Ethernet and Wi-Fi, while the UniFi G5 Pro is Ethernet-only.
Key Difference: The seamless integration with the UniFi Protect system, alongside simplified central management, gives the G5 Pro an edge for users within the UniFi ecosystem.

2. Reolink RLC-820A vs UniFi G5 Flex

Resolution: Both cameras offer high-definition video, with the Reolink at 4K and the G5 Flex at 2K HD.
Connectivity: Reolink supports Ethernet and Wi-Fi, making it more versatile for placement.
Key Difference: While Reolink is highly affordable, the G5 Flex wins in simplicity, particularly for users who already have a UniFi setup, which makes deployment and maintenance easier.

Conclusion

The updated UniFi Protect camera range offers a versatile set of cameras, each suited for different environments and use cases. Whether you’re looking for an entry-level camera for small indoor spaces, or a professional-grade outdoor camera with optical zoom, UniFi Protect has you covered.

While third-party options like Hikvision and Reolink may offer specific advantages, the integration and scalability of UniFi Protect make it the top choice for users already in the UniFi ecosystem.

Would you like more help selecting the perfect camera for your setup? Reach out to us today for expert advice!