The Aqara Camera G100 is a compact, weather-resistant security camera that punches well above its weight, offering 2K clarity and advanced AI detection in a versatile package suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
Purpose: It provides reliable, high-definition video monitoring for your property, utilizing AI-driven detection to distinguish between people, pets, and packages while offering seamless integration with major smart home platforms.
Key Features:
- 2K Resolution & Night Vision: Delivers crisp 2K video with dual night vision modes, including a spotlight for full-colour imaging at night.
- Advanced AI Detection: Identifies and alerts you specifically when humans, pets, or parcels are detected, reducing false alarms.
- Weatherproof Design: Features an IP65 rating, making it robust enough for reliable outdoor performance in rain or dust.
- Smart Ecosystem Integration: Works seamlessly with Apple Home (including HomeKit Secure Video), Google Home, Alexa, and more.
- Flexible Storage: Offers 24/7 local recording via MicroSD card (up to 512GB) and NAS backup, avoiding the need for mandatory subscriptions.
- Simple Connectivity: Uses 2.4GHz Wi-Fi 6 for stable, low-latency streaming and easy setup.
Hardware and Software:
- Included: G100 camera unit, power cable, wall mounting hardware, and anchor kit.
- Needed: USB-C power source (or power bank/station), a MicroSD card for local storage, and the Aqara Home app for initial setup and AI configuration.
Cost: Approximately £35 per unit.
What I Loved: The image quality is fantastic for a camera at this price point, and the AI functionality is genuinely helpful—being able to distinguish between a parcel delivery and a neighbour’s dog is a massive upgrade over basic motion sensing. It is incredibly easy to fit, and the form factor is small enough that I’ve been able to mount them discreetly around my driveway, garage, and garden. I’m also very impressed by how well it integrates with Apple Home, allowing me to check all my feeds from a single app no matter where I am.
What Could Be Better: While the camera is powered via a standard USB-C cable, it’s worth noting that no wall plug is included in the box, so you’ll need to plan your power source—though in my case, using them with my Jackery setup makes this a non-issue. Also, if you use them with Apple Home, the resolution is capped at 1080p, though it is still perfectly clear for security monitoring.
The Lancaster Blueprint: I have four of these units covering my drive, garage, back garden, and side garden, creating a total security perimeter for “The Optimized Home.” Since I power them via my Jackery power stations, my cameras are essentially running on a mix of free solar energy and cheap-rate electricity, ensuring my home security is always active even during power cuts. It’s a completely self-sufficient, cost-effective setup that keeps my property monitored 24/7 without adding a penny to my monthly utility bills.
Savings: By powering these cameras through my solar-fed Jackery setup, I have achieved effectively zero running costs for my entire outdoor security system. Furthermore, the ability to store footage locally on MicroSD cards saves me from the recurring monthly expense of cloud storage subscriptions, while the smart AI detection saves me time by filtering out unimportant notifications.
Final Verdict: The Aqara Camera G100 is an incredibly versatile and affordable security solution. It’s easy to install, reliable in various weather conditions, and provides the kind of intelligent monitoring usually found in much more expensive hardware.
Rating: ★★★★★