topic Re: Arlo Ultra detection sensor inferior to Pro 3? in Arlo Ultra

Arlo Ultra detection sensor inferior to Pro 3?

Say_no_to_2FA — Thu, 25 Nov 2021 18:50:27 GMT

I recently upgraded one of my cameras (Arlo 3 recording at 2k) to an Arlo Ultra at 4k. Although there are obvious improvements in resolution, the older camera seems to have a better motion detection sensor as it picks up more activity in the top third of the screen compared to the Ultra. I’m unable to mitigate by changing the angle of the Ultra as this would leave part of my property without coverage. The Pro 3 was able to cover the full field of view, is there any way to adjust the Ultra to improve its detection fov? I don’t have any activity zones defined restricting it.

Re: Arlo Ultra detection sensor inferior to Pro 3?

StephenB — Fri, 26 Nov 2021 12:18:53 GMT

@Say_no_to_2FA wrote:

the older camera seems to have a better motion detection sensor as it picks up more activity in the top third of the screen compared to the Ultra.

I haven't seen much difference myself, but my placement doesn't depend on detection at the top of the image.

FWIW, the manuals for both cameras say that the lower two-thirds of the camera’s field of view is the motion-sensitive part of the image.

@Say_no_to_2FA wrote:

is there any way to adjust the Ultra to improve its detection fov?

Not that I know of. The detection is built into the PIR sensor elements themselves. If you can power the camera (with AC), then you might get better performance. I think that in that case there is also some image processing being done.

Re: Arlo Ultra detection sensor inferior to Pro 3?

jguerdat — Fri, 26 Nov 2021 14:42:06 GMT

Also, realize that the Ultras (and most newer cameras) have extremely wide angle lenses which would typically put the upper third of the view well out of the PIR sensor's ability to detect motion up to ~25 feet for people. I don't know if that's the specific reason the upper third is masked or not but it's certainly something to ponder.

Of course, it could simply be due to a mismatch of lens vs PIR views.

Re: Arlo Ultra detection sensor inferior to Pro 3?

Say_no_to_2FA — Fri, 26 Nov 2021 17:56:11 GMT

The camera is already mains powered unfortunately. It’s a shame because the Ultra is a decent piece of kit apart from that but it looks like I’m going to have to go back to the Pro 3.

Re: Arlo Ultra detection sensor inferior to Pro 3?

Edinburgh_lad1 — Sat, 27 Nov 2021 12:05:05 GMT

I've noticed that too: motion recording starts later and finishes earlier if an object is out of view corresponding to the top part of the camera view. I've not been able to adjust it and assumed this was the case because of the camera's wide-view angle.

Adjusting activity zones has no effect.

Re: Arlo Ultra detection sensor inferior to Pro 3?

Say_no_to_2FA — Sat, 27 Nov 2021 12:17:52 GMT

Yup, that’s right. Not too impressed with the Ultra to be honest, it all seems to struggle to cache footage so successive events are missed. Not good.