Shelly's initial security camera bypasses a frustrating smart home trend.

      Shelly

      Smart home devices have become quite budget-friendly. But when it comes to the subscriptions tied to them, that's not always the case. Shelly is taking a different approach with its inaugural security camera. The new Shelly Camera is priced at $49.99, and unlike many connected cameras that require a monthly payment for their most useful features, this one can be utilized without signing up for another recurring charge.

      However, Shelly hasn’t completely eliminated subscriptions. There is still a paid plan available for those seeking more advanced functionalities, but the key distinction is that the camera is still genuinely functional without it. The Shelly Camera will soon be available through the company’s online store and various retailers, with options in black-and-white. Although its pricing is attractive, Shelly seems to have made some trade-offs to achieve this.

      No subscription needed for plenty of functionality

      The camera captures footage at 1080p, which isn’t particularly noteworthy given that competing models in this price range have already transitioned to 2K. It offers a 110-degree horizontal and 70-degree vertical field of view, along with night vision to monitor your premises after dark. Additionally, it needs to remain plugged in via USB-C as it doesn't include a built-in battery, meaning its placement will depend on available power sources. What's more intriguing is what Shelly provides without charging extra.

      You can stream live footage from the camera over Wi-Fi, store event recordings locally using a microSD card, and connect it to other Shelly smart home devices. For instance, movement detected by the camera could trigger a compatible outdoor light. This functional integration makes the camera a valuable component of a larger smart home system without necessitating cloud storage to get started. For those frustrated by discovering that a purchased device requires another subscription for meaningful use, this approach is quite refreshing.

      Monthly payments remain optional, not mandatory

      There are still reasons you might prefer Shelly’s subscription. Subscribing unlocks cloud video recording, providing an off-device backup of footage rather than solely relying on the microSD card within the camera. It also enhances object detection capabilities. The camera can differentiate between people, pets, and vehicles, allowing you to set up more precise notifications and automations. For example, instead of receiving alerts every time your dog walks by, you can configure the system to notify you only when a person appears.

      Ultimately, this seems to be the primary appeal of Shelly’s first camera. While the hardware itself doesn't introduce much innovation, especially with its 1080p resolution and wired-only design, at $50 you can purchase it, add a microSD card, and effectively utilize its core security functions without committing to another monthly fee. In a smart home landscape increasingly saturated with subscriptions, sometimes the most appealing feature is simply the ability to say no.

      Shimul is a contributor at Digital Trends, boasting over five years of experience in the tech industry.

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