Ubiquiti’s AI camera lineup is a breakthrough in surveillance, building on the robust foundation established by the previously reviewed G5 series.
Ubiquiti’s AI camera lineup is a breakthrough in surveillance, building on the robust foundation established by the previously reviewed G5 series. These advanced models are engineered with even more powerful AI detection capabilities, including facial recognition and license plate detection, allowing for unprecedented monitoring and threat assessment accuracy.
These cameras leverage cutting-edge algorithms that can identify individuals, animals, and vehicles and even listen out for alarms from environmental threats like smoke and carbon monoxide, sending real-time notifications. This solution provides homes and businesses with critical information at a moment’s notice. Not only does this enhance safety, but it also empowers smarter, data-driven decisions that can improve overall operational efficiency. By integrating seamlessly with the existing G5 – 3 infrastructure, these new AI cameras elevate the surveillance experience, ensuring that security teams and home users can stay ahead of potential threats while optimizing their operations.
What Did We Get?
AI Bullet
The Ubiquiti AI Bullet, $399 at this review, is the “smaller sibling” to the AI Pro. It offers robust 2K video resolution with advanced AI detection features, including facial recognition and license plate detection, for precise monitoring. Ideal for both indoor and outdoor environments, the AI Bullet combines advanced technology with a rugged design that includes weatherproofing (IP65) to withstand exposure in various settings.
We installed the AI Bullet at the front indoor entrance of the office, where it effortlessly distinguished and identified individuals as they entered and exited. With 25-meter (82 ft) IR night vision capability, the camera is prepared for low-light conditions if needed. An emergency light at the entrance to our building keeps it in standard mode. The integrated microphone allows for audio recording, providing additional surveillance data. With its precision detection and extended range, the AI Bullet is an excellent choice for versatile and reliable monitoring.
AI Pro
The Ubiquiti AI Pro, $499 at this review, features 4K resolution and a 3x optical zoom, making it ideal for high-detail surveillance in indoor and outdoor environments. It offers long-range night vision and advanced AI capabilities, making it well-suited for larger installations. Although we did not have the optional AI Enhancer during our testing, this accessory functions as a long-range IR LED and a floodlight, extending the IR range to 40 m (131 ft). The integrated radar enhances detection accuracy, measuring distances for people up to 20 m (66 ft) and vehicles up to 35 m (115 ft).
We installed the AI Pro outside to monitor the parking lot. It provides clear and detailed imagery, effectively utilizing its AI capabilities for facial recognition and license plate detection. The camera’s 25 m (82 ft) IR night vision capability ensured reliable performance in various lighting conditions. The far-field microphone array allows two-way audio communication, enhancing the overall surveillance experience. With its high resolution, zoom capability, and intelligent detection features, the AI Pro is an excellent choice for comprehensive outdoor monitoring.
AI Theta
The Ubiquiti AI Theta, priced at $299 at the time of this review, is designed for discreet and effective surveillance with dual lens options: an 8MP wide-angle lens and a 6MP 360° fisheye lens. Both deliver 4K resolution and are equipped with advanced features like license plate and smart detection capabilities. For our lab installation, we used the 6MP 360° lens to achieve comprehensive coverage in open indoor spaces, which is ideal for maintaining security without compromising the room’s aesthetics.
The camera features a compact design that separates the lens from the main body. We mounted the camera on the lab’s ceiling while keeping the main body handy. This setup allows the AI Theta to deliver unobtrusive 360° coverage, making it particularly suitable for indoor areas requiring constant monitoring but benefiting from a low-profile appearance. With the added license plate and smart detection features, the AI Theta ensures reliable surveillance while maintaining an exceptionally discreet presence in the environment.
Exploring Other UniFi AI Models
AI 360
The Ubiquiti AI 360 is priced at $399 and offers an indoor/outdoor 2K camera with pan-tilt-zoom functionality for full 360° surveillance. Featuring a 2K (4MP) resolution and an ultra-wide fisheye view, it excels in monitoring large areas.
Although we did not receive this model for review, its capabilities suggest it would be ideal for retail spaces and large parking areas/entrances. The camera includes 9 m (30 ft) IR night vision and advanced AI for detecting people, vehicles, and license plates. With integrated two-way audio and a vandal-resistant design, the AI 360 provides reliable surveillance in various settings.
AI Theta Pro
The AI Theta Pro is priced at $329 and features a 4K (8MP) resolution with an ultra-wide 360° view, making it ideal for comprehensive surveillance in various settings. Compared to the standard AI Theta model, it offers exceptional image quality with superb low-light performance and enhanced dynamic range, ensuring more precise and detailed footage in varying lighting conditions.
While we did not receive this model for review, the AI Theta Pro shares the same Theta hub and excludes the wide-angle lens that comes with the standard model. It also supports an optional AI Theta Audio module for two-way audio, sold separately.
AI DSLR Long-Distance & Wide-Angle
The Ubiquiti AI DSLR camera is priced at a staggering $2,499 and features 4K (8MP) video resolution, delivering exceptional image quality and impressive low-light performance. It comes equipped with a high-sensitivity imaging sensor and is weatherproof for outdoor exposure. Additionally, it connects and powers using PoE+, simplifying installation. This model also features advanced AI capabilities that enable it to detect people, read license plates, and more, along with integrated 2-way audio to facilitate communication.
Wide-Angle Model
The wide-angle version includes a 17 mm fixed prime M. Zuiko Digital ED lens with a 52° viewing angle. It is ideal for capturing expansive scenes and enhancing surveillance capabilities in various environments by providing a broader field of view.
Long-Range Model
In contrast, the long-range version features an M. Zuiko Digital ED 45 mm telephoto fixed prime lens with a 21.6° viewing angle, specifically designed for focusing on distant subjects. This model excels in scenarios where detailed monitoring of far-off areas is essential.
Ubiquiti AI Line Tech Specs
| Key Specs | AI Theta / Pro | AI Pro | AI Bullet | AI DSLR LR/WA | AI 360 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | UVC-AI-Theta-Hub: 140 x 70 x 38 mm (5.5 x 2.8 x 1.5”) UVC-AI-Theta-Lens/360: Ø22.8. x 43.5 mm (Ø0.9 x 1.7”) |
Without mount: Ø86 x 112.6 mm (Ø3.4 x 4.4″) With mount: Ø86 x 175.3 mm (Ø3.4 x 6.9″) |
Without mount: Ø82 x 88.3 mm (Ø3.2 x 3.5″) With mount: Ø82 x 153 mm (Ø3.2 x 6″) |
Without mount: Ø80 x 89 mm (Ø3.1 x 3.5″) With mount: Ø80 x 153 mm (Ø3.1 x 6″) | Ø147 x 49 mm (Ø5.8 x 1.9″) |
| Weight | UVC-AI-Theta-Hub: 330 g (11.6 oz)
UVC-AI-Theta-Hub Mount: 35 g (1.2 oz) UVC-AI-Theta-Lens/360: 15 g (0.5 oz) UVC-AI-Theta-Lens/360 Flush Mount: 12 g (0.4 oz) |
Without mount: 675 g (1.5 lb) With mount: 820 g (1.8 lb) |
Without mount: 628 g (1.4 lb) With mount: 765 g (1.7 lb) |
Without mount: 660 g (1.5 lb) With mount: 820 g (1.8 lb) | Without mount: 655 g (1.4 lb) With outdoor accessory: 685 g (1.5 lb) |
| Enclosure material | Aluminum alloy, polycarbonate | Aluminum alloy, polycarbonate | Aluminum alloy, polycarbonate | Aluminum alloy | Aluminum alloy, polycarbonate, hard-coated dome |
| Mount material | Polycarbonate | Aluminum alloy | Wall mount: aluminum alloy Pole mount: aluminum alloy |
Wall mount: aluminum alloy Pole mount: aluminum alloy | Polycarbonate, stainless steel |
| Weatherproofing | Indoor only | IP65 | IP65 | IPX5(With the outdoor case) | IPX4 |
| Resistance | N/A | IK04 | IK04 | N/A | IK08 |
| Sensor | 12MP CMOS | 1/1.8″ 8MP | 5MP CMOS | 4/3″ 10MP CMOS | 5MP CMOS |
| Lens | Fixed focal length | F 4.1–12.3 mm; ƒ/1.53–ƒ/3.3 | Fixed focal length | M. Zuiko Digital ED 45 mm ƒ/1.2 PRO (OR) M. Zuiko Digital ED 17 mm ƒ/1.2 PRO | Fisheye lens |
| View angle | UVC-AI-Theta-Lens: H: 97.5°, V: 79.4°, D: 118.2° UVC-AI-Theta-Lens-360: H: 180°, V: 180°, D: 180° |
Wide: H: 109.9°, V: 59.9°, D: 127.7° Zoom: H: 34.9°, V: 19.7°, D: 40° |
H: 84.7°, V: 46.2°, D: 99° | Telephoto: H: 21.6°, V: 16.2°, D: 27° (OR) Wide: H: 52°, V: 39°, D: 65° | 360° |
| Video resolution | UVC-AI-Theta-Lens: 8MP 3264 x 2448 (4:3) UVC-AI-Theta-Lens-360: 6MP 2560 x 2560 (1:1) UVC-AI-Theta-ProLens360: 4MP 2160 x 2160 (1:1) |
8MP 3840 x 2160 (16:9) | 4MP 2688 x 1512 (16:9) | 8MP 3840 x 2160 (16:9) | 4MP 1920 x 1920 (1:1) |
| Max frame rate | UVC-AI-Theta-Lens: 24 FPS UVC-AI-Theta-Lens-360: 20 FPS UVC-AI-Theta-ProLens360: 24 FPS |
30 FPS | 30 FPS | 30 FPS | 30 FPS |
| Processor | Quad-core Arm® Cortex®-A53 based chip | Quad-core Arm® Cortex®-A53 based chip | Quad-core Arm® Cortex®-A53 based chip | Quad-core Arm® Cortex®-A53 based chip | Quad-core Arm® Cortex®-A53 based chip |
| Network interface | GbE RJ45 port | GbE RJ45 port | GbE RJ45 port | GbE RJ45 port | GbE RJ45 port |
| Power method | Theta proprietary PoE | Device: PoE Device with Enhancer: PoE+ |
PoE | PoE+ | PoE |
| Max power consumption | 12.5W | 11W (Device) 22W (Device with Enhancer) |
7.68W | 17.77W (With lens working) | 8.64W |
| LED | LED screen | R/G/B/W ring | R/G/B/W ring | N/A | R/G/B/W |
| Mounting | Wall, ceiling mount | Wall, ceiling, pole mount | Wall, pole mount (Included) | Wall, pole mount (Included) Tripot mount (Optional) |
Surface mount |
| Button | Factory reset | Factory reset | Factory reset | Factory reset
Lens release key |
Factory reset |
| Ambient operating temperature | -20 to 40° C (-4 to 104° F) | -20 to 50° C (-4 to 122° F) | -20 to 40° C (-4 to 104° F) | -20 to 40° C (-4 to 104° F) | -20 to 40° C (-4 to 104° F) |
| Ambient operating humidity | 10 to 90% non-condensing | 10 to 90% non-condensing | 10 to 90% non-condensing | 10 to 90% non-condensing | 10 to 90% non-condensing |
| Audio | Supports optional AI Theta Audio module for two-way audio (Sold separately) | Microphone: Yes (Can be disabled) Speaker: Yes 2-way audio: Yes, with noise cancellation |
Microphone: Yes (Can be disabled) | Microphone: Yes (Can be disabled) Speaker: Yes *Audio function will be disabled when using its outdoor case. |
Microphone: Yes (Can be disabled) Speaker: Yes |
| Certifications | FCC, IC, CE | FCC, IC, CE | FCC, IC, CE | FCC, IC, CE | FCC, IC, CE |
Lab Overview of UniFi AI Cameras
Advanced AI Detection Overview
The AI Pro, viewing our parking lot, effectively captures a vehicle’s license plate in the image above, showcasing its precise detection capabilities with a clear overlay.
The AI Pro camera’s filtering capabilities are Pictured, specifically for a yellow van. The interface displays all detections during that period, showcasing the captured license plates and highlighting other vehicle types and colors, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, bicycles, and buses. This comprehensive view enhances tracking and monitoring efficiency.
This image features the AI Bullet and AI Pro cameras, showcasing their advanced person-detection capabilities. Unifi Protect can recognize individuals’ faces and display associated events for each person, providing detailed insights into activities and enhancing security monitoring.
The AI Pro showcases the AI lineup’s animal detection capabilities, capturing deer and foxes, passing dogs, and cats. Unifi Protect identifies and distinguishes these animals, highlighting its versatility in monitoring diverse wildlife.
Pictured is the AI lineup’s UniFi Protect audio detection dashboard, highlighting various sound events, including conversations, a baby crying, barking, alarms/horns, and sirens. It categorizes these sounds, enhancing situational awareness and monitoring capabilities.
Stream Clarity & Build Quality
The AI Theta offers exceptional 4K streaming quality, delivering stunning clarity and detail for comprehensive monitoring. With no IR LED, it is recommended for well-lit areas only. Similarly, the AI Pro features 4K resolution, ensuring sharp images and vibrant colors for critical surveillance needs, demonstrating consistent performance in both day and night conditions. The AI Bullet camera, while providing high-quality 2K streaming, maintains impressive clarity and performance, reinforcing that Ubiquiti’s commitment to quality is consistent across all these models, much like what we’ve observed with the G5 series.
Capturing the lab with the AI Theta at its 4K resolution provided a detailed and immersive surveillance experience. The room is more challenging to monitor in low light, but without IR illumination, this is a tradeoff of size versus application.
The AI cameras, including the Bullet, Theta, and Pro models, are engineered for durability and showcase Ubiquiti’s commitment to quality across its product line, much like the previously reviewed G5 series and G4 PTZ. Constructed from robust materials such as aluminum alloy and UV-stabilized polycarbonate, these cameras are designed to endure various environments. With features like scratch-resistant | coated lenses and weatherproofing, they are suitable for both discreet indoor installations and demanding outdoor use
Pictured (right) is the AI Bullet and its polycarbonate and aluminum construction.
Hassle-Free Installation
The installation of the AI cameras closely mirrored the ease of setup experienced with the G5 series review. PoE (Power over Ethernet) streamlines the process by combining power and data into a single cable. This efficient approach made it straightforward to adapt the cameras to various locations within our office environment. While additional accessories like junction boxes and flush mounts were available, the installation supplies included in the box were more than sufficient for our testing scenarios.
The variety of mounting options offered exceptional flexibility for our different office layouts. The cameras integrated seamlessly into the existing system, connecting instantly to the UNVR Pro and configuring smoothly with UniFi Protect. This setup enabled immediate access to live feeds and simplified settings management. Again, the UniFi cameras were quick and user-friendly, showcasing the reliable quality and performance of Ubiquiti products.
AI Series Takeaways
The Ubiquiti AI camera lineup represents a significant upgrade in surveillance technology tailored for various applications. Each model offers unique features tailored to different monitoring needs. The Theta model has a fisheye lens for panoramic coverage and a two-way talk option. The 2K AI Bullet and 4K AI Pro models have facial recognition capabilities. The 4K AI Pro also includes a two-way talk feature, providing distinct advantages for specific surveillance situations. Additionally, all models feature license plate detection and animal detection functionality.
The Ubiquiti AI camera lineup delivers robust AI features and outstanding build quality, ensuring effortless installation and seamless integration within the Ubiquiti ecosystem. This lineup showcases Ubiquiti’s dedication to advancing surveillance technology, leveraging the strengths of previous generations like the reviewed G5 series. Devices like the UNVR Pro and Pro Max 48-Port PoE switch boost the AI camera lineup’s functionality. This versatility suits both residential setups and enterprise scaling needs. With advanced technology and usability, Ubiquiti’s AI lineup excels as a top surveillance solution.
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