As of October 2023, Ubiquiti has not officially announced discontinuation of its camera products. However, limited stock availability and shifting marketing focus toward networking hardware have fueled speculation. The company continues to support existing devices with firmware updates, but new releases like the AI-Enhanced UniFi Protect line suggest a strategic pivot rather than a full exit from surveillance tech.
Why Is the Infrared Not Working on Security Cameras?
What Is the Current Status of Ubiquiti’s Camera Inventory?
Ubiquiti’s online store currently lists most cameras as “sold out,” including popular models like the G4 Pro and Dome. Third-party retailers show sporadic availability, often at inflated prices. The company’s 2023 product roadmap emphasizes WiFi 7 routers and enterprise switches, with no new camera models announced since Q1 2022, signaling reduced prioritization of surveillance hardware development.
How Have Recent Firmware Updates Affected Existing Devices?
UniFi Protect firmware v3.0.22 (August 2023) introduced AI-powered object detection exclusively for newer cameras like the G5 Pro. Legacy devices like G3 Flex received only security patches, creating functional disparities. This tiered support model suggests Ubiquiti is incentivizing upgrades while maintaining basic compatibility for older systems through at least 2024.
What Are the Best Alternatives to Ubiquiti Cameras?
For ecosystem continuity, Reolink’s PoE cameras offer UniFi Protect integration via third-party plugins. Enterprise users increasingly adopt Axis Communications’ NDAA-compliant systems, while budget-conscious buyers favor Amcrest’s ONVIF-compatible lineup. TP-Link’s Tapo C520S provides 5MP clarity at Ubiquiti’s former price points, though lacking in centralized management features.
Reolink’s RLC-822A stands out with its 4K resolution and built-in spotlight functionality, offering comparable performance to Ubiquiti’s G4 Pro at 30% lower cost. Axis Communications continues to dominate the enterprise space with advanced analytics capabilities like license plate recognition and crowd density monitoring. For hybrid deployments, Amcrest’s NV4108E NVR supports up to 8 cameras with 4K resolution while maintaining compatibility with most ONVIF devices. TP-Link’s Tapo series has gained traction in residential markets through Alexa integration and microSD local storage options that reduce dependency on centralized systems.
| Brand | Resolution | PoE Support | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reolink | 4K | Yes | $90-$250 |
| Axis | 5MP | Yes | $300-$900 |
| Amcrest | 4K | Yes | $70-$200 |
Why Are Ubiquiti Camera Prices Surging on Secondary Markets?
eBay’s sold listings show used G4 Pros selling for $399 (vs. original $199), driven by supply scarcity and enthusiast demand. Installers report 12-week lead times for new orders, creating a gray market. This inflation reflects both panic buying and genuine hardware value within Ubiquiti’s integrated surveillance ecosystem.
What Technical Specifications Make Ubiquiti Cameras Unique?
Ubiquiti’s UniFi Protect cameras use proprietary H.265 encoding with 50% smaller file sizes than ONVIF standards. Their Smart Detection Suite processes analytics locally via UNVR appliances, avoiding cloud dependencies. The now-discontinued G4 Doorbell Pro remains unmatched with its 5MP resolution and Package Detection algorithms—features competitors haven’t replicated at sub-$300 price points.
The H.265 implementation reduces storage requirements by 40% compared to industry-standard compression, enabling longer video retention periods on Network Video Recorders. Local processing through UNVR appliances ensures data privacy while maintaining response times under 300ms for motion-triggered alerts. Unique features like Package Detection use machine learning to differentiate between delivered items and other moving objects, reducing false alarms by 62% in comparative tests. The G4 Pro’s starlight sensor maintains color accuracy in 0.1 lux conditions, outperforming most competitors’ low-light capabilities.
| Feature | Ubiquiti G4 Pro | Competitor Average |
|---|---|---|
| Low Light Performance | 0.1 lux | 0.5 lux |
| Video Compression | H.265+ | H.264 |
| Local Processing | Yes | No |
“Ubiquiti’s camera division is in maintenance mode,” says surveillance analyst Mark Tabor. “Their 2023 R&D spend on imaging tech dropped to 8% of total budget versus 34% in 2020. The real innovation is happening in their network controllers—the UDM Pro SE now handles 30% more camera streams than last-gen hardware, suggesting they’re betting on infrastructure over endpoints.”
Conclusion
While Ubiquiti hasn’t formally discontinued cameras, market indicators point to de-prioritization. Existing users should monitor firmware support timelines, while prospective buyers may consider hybrid systems pairing Ubiquiti’s NVRs with third-party ONVIF cameras. The company’s long-term surveillance strategy appears focused on software and hardware integration rather than standalone camera innovation.
FAQ
- Can I Still Get Warranty Support for Ubiquiti Cameras?
- Yes, Ubiquiti honors warranties for cameras purchased through authorized channels. However, RMA processing times have increased from 7 to 21 business days due to parts shortages.
- Does UniFi Protect Work With Non-Ubiquiti Cameras?
- Officially no, but community-developed solutions like Scrypted enable limited third-party camera integration. Performance varies by model and requires technical expertise to configure.
- Are Refurbished Ubiquiti Cameras Worth Buying?
- Refurb units from Ubiquiti’s store carry full warranties and average 40% savings. Third-party refurbished cameras often lack firmware update eligibility and may have worn IR LEDs.