The Xiaomi Outdoor Camera AW300 is a surveillance tool designed to protect homes and even commercial establishments around the clock. It offers a suite of features that enhance security, provide detailed monitoring, and ensure robust performance in various conditions.
Except for some minor hiccups on my end, installing the AW300 is straightforward, thanks to the screws in the camera’s base that stabilize its position. It took a while for me to find the perfect spot because of my choice of area of coverage and the accessibility of electrical outlets. The choice may look ridiculous but it is the perfect spot as it covers part of the street but not the neighbors’ surroundings, for data privacy purposes.
The camera can be rotated to different angles, allowing users to adjust it to their specific surveillance needs. The external Wi-Fi antenna provides a stable network connection with longer transmission distances, good penetration, and enhanced anti-interference capability.
Security and privacy are important in any surveillance system, and the AW300 addresses these concerns with fully encrypted video transmission. The Mi Home Security Chip and AES-128 encryption algorithm act as a defensive shield to protect against unauthorized access.
The AW300 utilizes H.265 video encoding technology, which is known for its high efficiency. This technology helps save storage space and ensures smooth video footage without lag, even under the same network conditions. Users can choose from various storage methods, including microSD cards (supporting capacities from 32GB to 256GB) and cloud storage. The Mi Home/Xiaomi Home app provides a cloud storage service for event recordings, ensuring that critical video information is not lost even if the physical device is compromised. Because it would be difficult for me to remove the memory card, I chose cloud storage for a minimal monthly fee.
Technical Specifications
- Name: Xiaomi Outdoor Camera AW300
- Rated Input: 12V ⎓1A
- Item Dimensions: 173×70×75mm
- Net Weight: 249g
- Field of View (FoV): 101.7°
- Resolution: 2304×1296
- Aperture: F2.0
- Video Codec: H.265
- Night Vision Light: 850nm IR light ×2, LED spotlight ×2
- Operating Temperature: -30°C to 60°C
- Wireless Connectivity: Wi-Fi IEEE 802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz
- Storage Function: microSD Card (32GB to 256GB supported) / cloud storage
It didn’t take long for me to realize that I wouldn’t be dealing with pixelized or guess-who’s-there images. The AW300’s 3MP (my app says 2MP, though) ultra-clear imaging sensor is coupled with a professional-grade optical lens. This combination delivers high-resolution recordings and 24-hour surveillance capabilities.
The Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) technology ensures the camera can handle complex lighting environments, making it suitable for day and night use. The camera covered the whole of the front of the house that I wanted to monitor. I am personally amazed at the lighting as you can see in this article. I could still see movements even in lowlight (or light aided by the street light) but when I turn the camera’s light, it’s as clear as when I turn the lights within the outside of the house.
And it is because nighttime surveillance is significantly enhanced with the camera’s full-color night vision capability. This is achieved through the integration of two high-power white lights and two infrared lights. When human movements are detected, the high-power white lights activate, providing full-color images even in the darkest conditions. This feature ensures that critical details are captured, regardless of the time of day.
Smart detection and alerts
The AW300 allows users to set a focus zone via the Xiaomi Home app, and I decided to focus on the fence. This customization enables the camera to send alarm notifications when suspicious movements are detected within the defined area while filtering out unnecessary alerts caused by movements outside the focus zone. This smart detection system minimizes false alarms and ensures that users are promptly notified of potential threats.
In addition to visual alerts, the camera features an audible and visual warning system. Upon detecting an intruder in the focus zone, the camera triggers an audible alarm accompanied by high-frequency flashing lights. This dual-warning system helps to deter potential intruders and enhance overall security. Tested the alarm system and it’s loud enough to alert people at the house but subtle enough not to stir the neighborhood.
Real-Time communication
One of the features of the AW300 that I like is its high-quality voice intercom. The built-in high-power speaker and high-fidelity microphone allow for clear voice pickup from up to 7 meters away, enabling real-time communication as if you were having a face-to-face conversation. Both audio and video are recorded for playback, ensuring that all interactions are documented.
I would love to set it up at the gate but some electrical and technical concerns prevented me. So, while this feature would be very helpful I would just have to test it when the time comes that I need to communicate to someone at the gate.
Xiaomi Outdoor Camera AW300 1
For users who require monitoring of multiple areas, the AW300 supports split-screen viewing for multiple live images. Through the Mi Home/Xiaomi Home app, users can view live footage from up to four cameras simultaneously on devices such as TVs, tablets, and mobile phones. This multi-camera monitoring capability is particularly useful for larger properties or businesses with multiple entry points. I installed mind on my smartphone so I can easily detect any movements.
The AW300 integrates seamlessly with other smart devices in the Xiaomi ecosystem. When paired with products like smart locks and window or door sensors, the camera can record video footage, send notifications, and trigger audible and visual alarms in response to detected abnormalities. This smart interaction enhances the overall security system, providing a comprehensive surveillance solution.
Durability is another key aspect of the AW300. With an IP66 rating for dust and water resistance, the camera is designed to operate stably under various weather conditions, including wind, rain, and heat. The special circuit design for the imaging sensor reduces heat buildup, ensuring stable operation even at temperatures up to 60°C.
The Xiaomi Outdoor Camera AW300, for a very reasonable promo price of P1,999 on Shopee and Lazada (SRP: P2,499) is a reliable surveillance solution. Its combination of high-resolution imaging, full-color night vision, smart detection, and robust build quality make it an excellent choice for both home and business security. With features designed to enhance user convenience and ensure privacy, the AW300 offers a well-rounded package for those seeking a reliable surveillance system.
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