Upgraded Xiaomi CW500 launches as affordable outdoor security camera with dual lenses

The Xiaomi CW500 was launched in early 2024 as an affordable outdoor security camera with AI perks and a single lens. Xiaomi has now upgraded the unit, and the newer version comes with a dual-lens setup, similar to the recently launched Outdoor Camera 4 but with a slightly different set of specs.

Compared to the Xiaomi Outdoor Camera 4, the new CW500 features dual 4 MP cameras instead of two 5 MP sensors. The dual 5 MP camera setup of the former allows it to capture "ultra-clear" 3K videos, while the latter can capture footage at the 2.5K resolution.

Xiaomi notes that the dual 4 MP cameras on the new CW500 are paired with f/1.6 aperture lens. One of them has a fixed mount, but it offers 25-degree vertical and 180-degree horizontal movements. As for the other, it's attached to a gimbal, allowing 95-degree vertical and 355-degree adjustments.

Besides that, the other specs of the Xiaomi CW500 and the Outdoor Camera 4 are identical. That includes a total of eight fill lights, which include infrared night vision sensors. This setup, according to the company, can offer bright and colored captures even during the night.

Xiaomi's new CW500 is also paired with AI-powered human and vehicle detection. Thanks to this, the outdoor security camera can send push notifications to the companion app when it detects abnormal scenarios. As for the MJA1 security chip inside, it's said to prioritize security and privacy.

Other notable specs of the new version of the Xiaomi CW500 include dual-band WiFi 6, IP66 dust and water resistance rating, and the ability to connect to cloud and local NAS (GMKtec G9 curr. $199.99 on Amazon). Price-wise, the outdoor security camera costs CNY 299, which is around $42, but the company has yet to announce when it will make a global debut.