Looking to upgrade my camera(s)

[JCDinPGH]

I currently have the following equipment:

VMB4000r3 base

H8, H7 and 2 H16 cameras. 

I know the camera info isn't specific but they are all pretty old (many years) and have a max of 1080p quality. 

I am looking to swap out one or some of the cameras for 4k cameras, probably the ultra 2.

I don't have any sort of subscription model. 

Can I replace/upgrade one or some of my cameras without a subscription model?

Any chance the newer cameras still use (r)cr123a batteries since I have lots of them?

From what I can tell, my base station will support the ultra 2 camera. Is there any reason to upgrade to a newer base station? Better distance for cameras?!

Any pro/cons on upgrading my existing system?

[StephenB]

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@JCDinPGH wrote:

I don't have any sort of subscription model. 

Can I replace/upgrade one or some of my cameras without a subscription model?

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Not if you want cloud storage.  The free 7-day cloud recording you have now is not offered with any of the currently sold cameras.

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@JCDinPGH wrote:

Any chance the newer cameras still use (r)cr123a batteries since I have lots of them?

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No.  Ultra/Ultra2, Pro 3, Pro 4, and Pro 5s all use square rechargable lithium batteries

• https://www.arlo.com/en-us/accessories/VMA5400-10000S.html

All can be upgraded to XL (requiring a larger housing) - that offers 2.5x more battery capacity.

• https://www.arlo.com/en-us/accessories/VMA5410-10000S.html

(You can also purchase XL models of several cameras).

Essential cameras are completely sealed, the battery is not user replaceable.

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@JCDinPGH wrote:

Is there any reason to upgrade to a newer base station?

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Note some newer cameras (Pro 4/Pro 5s/Essentials) can connect directly to your home wifi, so don't need a base.

The reason to consider upgrading the base:  VMB4540 and VMB5000 smarthubs support a direct access to local storage feature.  You connect a thumb drive to the VMB4540, or a microSD card to the VMB5000.  The local recordings can then be viewed in the app with no subscription needed.

But it is not the best user experience.  Limitations include

• recordings only available in the app - not my.arlo.com
• recordings only available in the primary account - not friend accounts
• no ability to make manual recordings or take snapshots
• no thumbnails - recordings need to be downloaded to your phone before you can seet them
• remote access requires router setting changes that many find difficult - (and which don't work with some internet service providers.