Shelly’s first security camera avoids one annoying smart home trend

Shelly's first security camera provides a refreshing alternative in the smart home market, avoiding the common trend of recurring subscription fees. Priced at $49.99, the Shelly Camera is accessible without signing up for any additional monthly payments. However, a paid plan is available for users seeking advanced features. The camera boasts a 1080p resolution, 110-degree horizontal field of view, 70-degree vertical field of view, and night vision capabilities.

Unlike many competitors in this price range, the Shelly Camera requires a USB-C power source and does not have a built-in battery. Despite its compromises, the camera offers useful features such as livestreaming via Wi-Fi, local event recording using a microSD card, and seamless integration with other Shelly smart home products.

The camera's motion detection can trigger compatible lights outside the house, enhancing its functionality within a comprehensive smart home setup. Shelly provides an optional subscription for cloud video recording and smarter object detection, which can differentiate between people, pets, and vehicles for more targeted alerts and automations.

While the camera's hardware may not be groundbreaking, the affordability allows users to utilize its core security features without subscribing to ongoing monthly payments. The Shelly Camera represents a welcome option amidst an increasingly subscription-heavy smart home market, offering users the flexibility and control to say no to additional costs when needed.