Best Add on camera options

[Luke24]

Hi, wanting to add on an extra camera to our Arlo Pro 2 . When we purchased the system Arlo Pro 2 was the latest system. Now there are many more cameras etc. Preferably we would like a better camera resolution out the front and move that existing camera to the rear. What is our best option to go with our 4500 base, without any ongoing subscriptions etc
With powered cameras the subs are not worth the extra costs IMO

[Dannybear]

You would need to upgrade the base station to the 4540 or 5000 to enable app access to view recordings without subscription on later model cameras.

IMHO the higher resolution advantage is lost due to the compression restrictions so you would be best off buying another pro2 to take advantage of the existing 7days free cloud. Difficulty will be sourcing one as they are a discontinued model.

[StephenB]

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@Luke24 wrote:
Hi, wanting to add on an extra camera to our Arlo Pro 2 . When we purchased the system Arlo Pro 2 was the latest system. Now there are many more cameras etc. Preferably we would like a better camera resolution out the front and move that existing camera to the rear. What is our best option to go with our 4500 base, without any ongoing subscriptions etc

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The Pro 2 cameras have free 7-day cloud storage.  The cameras after that (Ultra, Pro 3, Pro 4, Essential) don't have that - they all require a paid subscription to get any cloud storage.  Without the subscription, you won't be able to see any recordings in the app or web browser.  You would get local storage if you add a USB drive to the VMB4500.  But you'd have to eject that storage and connect it to a PC to see the videos.

If you purchase a bundle that includes a smarthub (VMB4540 or VMB5000), then you could use the direct access to local storage feature to access the locally stored videos in the app w/o a subscription.  But there are several limitations:

• Recording only available in the app (not the browser)
• Recordings only available to the primary account (not friend accounts)
• No ability to take manual recordings and snapshots. 
• No thumbnails
• Remote access can be difficult to set up - and is not possible with some internet providers.  For example, Starlink and T-Mobile broadband.

https://kb.arlo.com/000062337/What-is-Direct-Storage-Access-and-how-do-I-use-it

[Luke24]

Thanks for the prompt and detailed replies, much appreciated. We will just stick with what we have for now, and upgrade to a better quality,wired system in the warmer months