Unifi AI Thetas vs. AI Theta Pros

In this video comparison, Clay Archer from DPC Technology reviews the six AI Theta cameras, highlighting their differences in day and night performance, field of view, and contrast. He notes that the Pro models offer superior low-light performance and more dynamic images, making them worth the premium for those needing night vision. However, the regular Theta cameras are more discreet and may suffice in well-lit areas or for aesthetic purposes.

Takeaways

• 🔎 The AI Theta cameras were tested for their performance in both day and night conditions, revealing differences between the Pro and regular versions.
• 💡 The AI Theta Pro models demonstrated superior performance in low light situations compared to the regular versions, offering clearer and more usable images at night.
• 📷 The Pro versions also provided better contrast and a 16:9 aspect ratio, which was preferred over the 4:3 ratio of the regular models.
• 🔄 All AI Theta cameras use the same hub regardless of whether they are Pro or regular versions, and they all support person, vehicle, and motion detections.
• 🛠️ The installation process for the cameras was discussed, with the Pro models offering a more robust and adaptable mounting system for various scenarios including new construction.
• 🏢 The 360 Pro and Theta Pro cameras are recommended for environments requiring discreet surveillance, such as retail spaces and professional offices, due to their flush mount capabilities.
• 💰 The cost of the AI Theta cameras was touched upon, with the Pro models being more expensive but offering additional features that may justify the premium for some users.
• 🔧 Issues with the hub restarting were mentioned, indicating potential reliability concerns that could impact the user experience.
• 🔄 The video also highlighted the lack of infrared or night vision capabilities in the AI Theta cameras, which could limit their effectiveness in completely dark environments.
• 📌 The review suggested that the choice between Pro and regular models largely depends on the specific use case, lighting conditions, and the desired aesthetic for camera placement.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video?

The main purpose of the video is to compare the different AI Theta cameras by testing them in various conditions and explaining their features and differences.

How many AI Theta cameras were tested in the video?

Six AI Theta cameras were tested in the video.

What issue did the reviewer experience with the AI Theta hub?

The reviewer experienced issues with the AI Theta hub restarting and had to RMA one due to a dead hub situation.

What is the cost of the turrets for the AI Theta cameras?

The turrets for the AI Theta cameras cost $29.

How are the AI Theta 360 and AI Theta wide cameras sold?

The AI Theta 360 and AI Theta wide cameras come in a kit together with just one hub, and you can only use one lens at a time.

What is special about the mounting kit for the AI Theta Pro cameras?

The mounting kit for the AI Theta Pro cameras is designed for both new and old construction and includes a retrofit to an old build, which is a unique feature for versatile installations.

What is the difference in aspect ratio between the Pro and regular AI Theta cameras?

The Pro versions have a 16 by 9 aspect ratio, filling the screen, while the non-Pro versions are in a 4 by 3 format.

How does the low light performance of the AI Theta Pro cameras compare to the regular ones?

The AI Theta Pro cameras perform significantly better in low light conditions, providing a usable image with more detail and contrast compared to the regular ones, which perform poorly in darker areas.

What is the reviewer's recommendation for a discreet camera installation?

The reviewer recommends the AI Theta 360 Pro for a discreet installation, especially in places like retail spaces or professional offices, due to its small form factor and mounting kit.

What concern does the reviewer have regarding the hub and its impact on professional installations?

The reviewer is concerned about the complexity of the system and the potential need to reset the hub, which could be difficult in certain installations, such as those in hard ceilings or areas with limited access.

Outlines

00:00

📦 Unboxing and Initial Impressions of AI Theta Cameras

The paragraph begins with an introduction to Clay Archer, the CEO of DPC Technology, who is about to compare all six different AI Theta cameras. The speaker has ordered all six models and plans to test them in various conditions to identify their differences. Initial issues with one of the cameras and the RMA process are mentioned. The speaker also notes that the audio feature of the AI Thetas won't be used in their tests as it doesn't fit their use case, but they are open to user feedback for a potential review. The paragraph discusses the sales model for the cameras, mentioning the kits available and the individual purchase options. The speaker finds the sales model somewhat confusing, especially regarding the theta wide and theta 360 cameras. The construction and installation process for the cameras, including the preconstruction box and the ceiling mount, are also explained in detail, highlighting the ease of installation and the design of the product.

05:01

🔍 Detailed Look at AI Theta Camera Kits and Features

This paragraph delves into the specifics of the AI Theta camera kits, including the contents and accessories provided. The speaker describes the mounting options, the flush mount kit, and the installation process for both new and old constructions. The paragraph also discusses the size differences between the original and Pro versions of the cameras, the ease of mounting, and the tools provided for installation. The speaker expresses their preference for the full Pro kit due to its comprehensive nature and the quality of the components, particularly the new build kit designed for retrofitting into older constructions. The paragraph emphasizes the design and functionality of the mounting system, as well as the versatility of the cameras in different settings.

10:03

🌞 Comparison of AI Theta Cameras in Daylight Conditions

The speaker compares the AI Theta cameras in terms of image quality, contrast, and field of view during daylight. They note the differences in the aspect ratios of the Pro and non-Pro versions, with the Pro versions offering a more cinematic 16:9 format. The paragraph highlights the superior contrast and dynamic range of the Pro cameras, especially in handling light and dark areas. The speaker also discusses the resolution and detail of the images, pointing out that while the resolution is the same, the Pro versions provide a more detailed and contrasty image. The paragraph also touches on the mounting and installation process for the cameras, including the turrets and the metal backing plates. The speaker concludes by expressing their preference for the Pro cameras for their image quality and the wider field of view.

15:03

🌙 Nighttime Performance and Low Light Evaluation of AI Theta Cameras

The speaker evaluates the AI Theta cameras' performance in low light and nighttime conditions. They note a significant difference between the Pro and non-Pro versions, with the Pro cameras providing a much brighter and more usable image in the dark. The paragraph discusses the limitations of the non-Pro cameras in low light situations, where the image is much darker and less detailed. The speaker also mentions that neither the AI Theta V2 nor the AI Theta 360 have license plate detection, contrary to previous statements. The paragraph emphasizes the importance of having some ambient light for the non-Pro cameras to function effectively at night. The speaker concludes by recommending the Pro cameras for their superior nighttime performance and the quality of the images, especially in darker areas.

20:05

💡 Final Thoughts and Recommendations on AI Theta Cameras

In this final paragraph, the speaker summarizes their thoughts on the AI Theta cameras, highlighting the pros and cons of each model. They emphasize the superior nighttime performance of the Pro cameras and their preference for the 16:9 aspect ratio. The speaker also discusses the discreet and aesthetic appeal of the non-Pro cameras, especially the 360 version, which they find particularly suitable for certain installations. The paragraph addresses potential issues with the hub and the importance of considering the complexity of the system when installing the cameras. The speaker suggests that the Pro cameras are a better choice overall, but acknowledges that the non-Pro cameras may be more suitable for certain applications, particularly where discretion is a priority. The speaker invites viewers to share their thoughts and opinions on the cameras in the comments section.

Keywords

AI Theta cameras

AI Theta cameras are a series of artificial intelligence-enabled security cameras from Ubiquiti, a company known for its networking technology. These cameras are designed to provide enhanced surveillance capabilities by incorporating features such as person, vehicle, and license plate detection. In the video, the CEO of DPC Technology compares different models of AI Theta cameras, highlighting their features and performance in various conditions, including day and night scenarios.

Clay Archer

Clay Archer is the CEO of DPC Technology, a company involved in the technology sector. In the video, he conducts a detailed comparison and review of the AI Theta cameras, sharing his insights and experiences with the products. His role as the company's CEO lends credibility to his assessments and recommendations.

RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization)

RMA is a process used by manufacturers and retailers to manage the return of products by customers. It involves the authorization of returned goods, often due to defects or issues with the product. In the context of the video, Clay Archer mentions that one of the AI Theta cameras came with a dead hub, which had to be returned and replaced through the RMA process, taking a couple of weeks to complete.

Audio portion

The audio portion refers to the sound recording and transmission capabilities of the AI Theta cameras. In the video, Clay Archer mentions that they are not using the audio features of the AI Thetas, as it does not fit their specific use case. However, he is open to reviewing the audio features if viewers express interest.

Hub

In the context of the AI Theta cameras, a hub refers to the central device that connects and manages multiple cameras. The hub is essential for the functioning of the camera system, as it allows for data transmission and camera management. The video script mentions that all AI Theta cameras, regardless of model, use the same hub, indicating compatibility across different camera versions.

Sales model

The sales model refers to the strategy a company uses to sell its products. In the video, Clay Archer comments on Ubiquiti's sales model for the AI Theta cameras, noting that some versions can only be purchased as part of a kit, while others can be bought individually. This information is relevant for customers as it affects their purchasing options and potentially their budget.

Mounting kit

A mounting kit is a set of components used to install and secure a device, such as a camera, in a specific location. In the video, Clay Archer discusses the different mounting options for the AI Theta cameras, including flush mount kits for drywall or ceiling tiles and the unique mounting solutions for new construction or retrofit scenarios.

Dynamic range

Dynamic range refers to the camera's ability to capture details in both bright and dark areas of an image. A camera with a high dynamic range can reproduce a greater variation of brightness levels, leading to more detailed and realistic images, especially in challenging lighting conditions. In the video, the comparison between the regular and pro versions of the AI Theta cameras highlights the difference in dynamic range, with the pro models offering better performance in low light and high contrast situations.

Field of view

Field of view (FOV) is the extent of the observable scene that a camera can capture. It is determined by the camera's lens and sensor configuration. A wider field of view allows a camera to cover a larger area, while a narrower FOV focuses on a more specific section. In the video, the AI Theta Pro cameras are mentioned to have a 16:9 aspect ratio, providing a wider field of view compared to the regular models' 4:3 ratio, which is beneficial for surveillance purposes.

Discreet installation

A discreet installation refers to the process of setting up equipment, such as security cameras, in a way that is not easily noticeable or obtrusive. This is often desirable in settings where aesthetics are important, or where the presence of cameras needs to be minimized to avoid drawing attention. In the video, the AI Theta 360 cameras are praised for their flush mount design, which allows for a discreet installation that can blend seamlessly into the environment.

Highlights

Clay Archer, CEO of DPC Technology, compares all six AI Theta cameras.

Testing includes day and night performance of the AI Theta cameras.

One AI Theta regular came with a dead hub, requiring RMA.

Turrets for the cameras are an additional $29.

Audio portion of AI Thetas not tested due to lack of use case.

All AI Theta versions use the same hub regardless of model.

Theta wide and Theta 360 come in a kit with only one hub.

Theta tele can be bought individually, unlike other models.

360 model comes with a ceiling mount for pre-construction boxes.

The pro kit includes a new build retrofit adapter for hard ceilings.

Size difference between original and Pro AI Theta cameras is significant.

Pro versions have a 16:9 format, while non-pro versions are in a 4:3 format.

Pro cameras handle light and dark better, providing more contrast.

Non-pro cameras have better resolution but less contrast.

The 360 and Theta models offer a discreet installation option.

Pro cameras are recommended for low light situations.

The mounting system for the pros is well-designed and heavy-duty.

The pros provide a usable image at night, while the regulars do not.

The decision between regular and pro models depends on specific use cases.