The Ultimate Outdoor Security Camera: Arlo Pro 5 Review
When it comes to shopping for a security camera, several factors demand your consideration. However, two essential elements that elevate the best outdoor security cameras above the rest are video quality and notifications.
Among the top contenders, Arlo's latest Pro camera stands out, consistently excelling in both areas. With its crisp picture quality, impeccable handling of varying light levels, and rich notifications based on accurate detections, the Arlo Pro 5 proves to be a recipe for security success.
Enhanced Video Quality and Color Night Vision
The Arlo Pro 5 takes everything you loved about its predecessor, the Arlo Pro 4, and enhances it further. Notably, it boasts a longer battery life and improved color night vision, eliminating the need for an additional spotlight. While Arlo's offerings may come at a premium, if you desire the best in the market, this is it.
The Pro 5 can record or stream video at an impressive 2,560 x 1,440-pixel resolution, providing crisp and detailed visuals. With up to 12X zoom, it becomes effortless to identify subjects or focus on other critical details. The HDR capabilities are excellent, and the Arlo app allows brightness adjustments, ensuring optimal visibility even in direct sunlight. The Pro 5's wide 160-degree view covers a significant portion of the surroundings, making it ideal for monitoring extensive areas with just a single camera.
Advancements in Color Night Vision
One of the most significant improvements in the Pro 5 compared to earlier models is the enhanced color night vision. Thanks to larger camera sensors and improved software, this technology rivals some of the best color night photography on smartphones. The Pro 5's color night vision quality is among the finest in the market.
However, it's worth noting that moving subjects may appear slightly blurry. For situations where color night vision isn't ideal, users still have the option to use a spotlight or switch to black and white for night recordings.
12-Bit Sensor for Enhanced Color Accuracy
The jump from a 10-bit sensor to a 12-bit sensor in the Arlo Pro 5 results in improved color accuracy, making videos look sharper and more lifelike.
To fully experience the top resolution, maximum width, and HDR capabilities, a robust internet connection is crucial. While these settings may consume more battery and bandwidth, they enable users to fully utilize the camera's strengths.
Connectivity and Setup
The Arlo Pro 5 supports both 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz bands for connectivity. During the setup process, it is essential to connect to the 2.4-GHz band. Arlo offers Base Stations separately, which are necessary for local video recording or Apple HomeKit usage. However, the Pro 5 can also connect directly to your router.
With testing conducted on various mesh systems, the camera seamlessly connects to the nearest mode on the 5-GHz band, enabling faster streaming and better responsiveness. A strong signal in the camera's location is vital for optimal performance.
Arlo Pro 5 Review:
Stunning video quality.
Best notifications in the business.
Slick app.
Quick-to-load live feed.
Wide smart-home support.
Color night vision.
Includes spotlight and siren. Person, animal, vehicle, and package detection.
-17%$539.97 @ Amazon
Advanced Notification System
Beyond image quality, one of the standout features of Arlo cameras is their sophisticated notification system. Motion detection is top-notch, ensuring no events are missed.
The Pro 5 allows users to set up to five activity zones, adjust motion and audio detection sensitivity, and filter notifications based on specific criteria such as people, pets, vehicles, and packages. This level of customization minimizes noise, eliminates false positives, and ensures users receive only the alerts they truly care about. Additionally, the camera excels at auto-zoom and tracking to focus on subjects.
Intuitive Arlo App
The Arlo app recently underwent changes, providing users with a highly customizable experience. Although it might take a moment to set up according to your preferences, the app is generally quick and reliable, consistently loading the live feed in approximately four seconds. When connected via a mobile network away from home, there may be a slight delay. The app also enables users to filter the video feed by event type, and videos from the cloud can be favorited, shared, or downloaded.
Seamless Integration and Audio Quality
The Arlo Pro 5 offers excellent integration options, supporting Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, IFTTT, and Samsung SmartThings out of the box. Voice commands through a Nest Hub, for instance, provide a quick and efficient way to access the live feed. Apple HomeKit users will need to purchase an Arlo Base Station and subscribe to iCloud+ for HomeKit Secure Video.
As for audio quality, which can be a weak spot for many security cameras, the Arlo Pro 5 performs admirably. Its microphones deliver clear audio, even in windy conditions. The two-way audio is duplex, allowing simultaneous talking and listening. However, slight lag issues can occasionally affect conversations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Arlo Pro 5 is a top-tier outdoor security camera that offers unparalleled video quality, enhanced color night vision, and advanced notification capabilities.
While it comes with a premium price tag and requires an Arlo Secure subscription, its performance justifies the investment for those seeking the best in security technology. With its user-friendly app and seamless integration with various smart platforms, the Arlo Pro 5 stands as an excellent choice for safeguarding your home or business.
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