Two lenses and top-tier AI: Xiaomi (likely) to bring its best indoor camera to Europe yet

In recent months, Xiaomi has perhaps been expanding its portfolio of smart home products even more intensely, with these products making their way from China to European markets. The same will likely be true for the new Xiaomi Smart Camera C701 Pro, which recently appeared on the manufacturer’s global website. While standard security cameras are content with a single lens and basic features, the C701 Pro goes several steps further thanks to its dual camera system and advanced AI.

Two Lenses for Various Situations

The Xiaomi Smart Camera C701 Pro distinguishes itself from the competition primarily through its dual camera system. On board, we find an 8Mpx ultra-wide-angle lens with an aperture of f/1.6, a 127° field of view, and a focal length of 2.8 mm. It is complemented by a 5Mpx telephoto lens also with an aperture of f/1.6, but with a focal length of 8 mm. Both sensors utilize back-illuminated sensors for better performance in dark or low-light conditions.

The collaboration of both lenses enables 9x hybrid zoom, allowing you to capture details even in more distant parts of the room. Furthermore, the camera can automatically zoom in and track a subject based on its size, ensuring the image remains sharp even during movement.

4K Image and Night Vision Without Red Glow

Regarding image quality, the C701 Pro offers 4K Ultra HD resolution. For night recordings, the manufacturer equipped the camera with ten infrared LED diodes with a wavelength of 940 nm, which, unlike common 850nm diodes, do not produce a visible red glow. This is especially appreciated in the bedroom, where traditional cameras might disturb sleep.

The camera also features 360° horizontal and 180° vertical movement range, covering virtually the entire room. Xiaomi states that the motor responsible for rotation is 30% faster compared to the previous C700 model, which improves tracking of moving objects.

AI Features Without Monthly Fee

At the heart of the camera is a chip with 1 TOPS (trillion operations per second) performance, which processes AI functions directly on the device. These include person detection, pet recognition, baby crying detection, or identification of unusual sounds like glass breaking or shouting. All these functions operate locally without the need for cloud processing or a monthly subscription.

An interesting new feature is gesture control. Simply show an “OK” gesture in front of the camera, and it will automatically call the connected smartphone, initiating a two-way voice call. This finds practical use, for example, with children who don’t yet know how to operate a phone.

Xiaomi also thought of parents – the virtual fence feature allows defining specific zones (such as the kitchen or balcony) and receiving notifications when a child enters or leaves them.

Connectivity and Security

The C701 Pro supports dual-band Wi-Fi 6 (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), which, according to the manufacturer, offers 60% higher transmission speed compared to Wi-Fi 4. For storing recordings, a microSD card with a capacity of 16–256 GB, cloud storage, or a NAS server can be used. Video is compressed using the H.265 codec, saving storage space.

Two lenses and top-tier AI: Xiaomi (likely) to bring its best indoor camera to Europe yet Adam Kurfürst News Adam Kurfürst News

Data security is handled by the MJA1 chip, which ensures encryption of transmissions. Each camera has its own unique private key. For physical privacy, a lens cover is available, which can be controlled both via the Xiaomi Home app and manually.

The camera supports voice control via Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. It also includes a speaker with an independent acoustic chamber for louder and clearer sound during calls.

Hidden Cabling and Ceiling Mount

Among the design novelties, the hidden USB-C port is worth mentioning, which prevents the cable from protruding and makes the installation look neater. The camera can be placed on a table or mounted on the ceiling – in the latter case, simply rotate the image in the app.

Availability in the Czech Republic Unclear So Far

Xiaomi has not yet announced a specific price or launch date for the C701 Pro in global markets. Given that the product has appeared on the manufacturer’s international website, its gradual expansion to European countries, including the Czech Republic, can be expected. Xiaomi regularly brings its smart home products to us, so the chance of an official launch is relatively high. We will inform you about any potential date and price.

Would you welcome such a camera in your home?

Source: Xiaomi