Shelly adds intelligent video monitoring to its smart home and building automation ecosystem

The new Shelly Camera combines Full HD indoor monitoring with local automation, flexible storage options and open smart-home integrations, without making an ongoing Cloud subscription essential.

Suitable for homes, apartments, offices, retail premises and other small commercial environments, the camera provides Full HD 1080p video monitoring alongside motion detection, two-way audio and a choice of local or Cloud-based storage.

Rather than operating only as a standalone monitoring device, Shelly Camera can communicate with other Shelly products and use detected movement to initiate automations. A motion event could, for example, switch on lighting, activate a relay or trigger a predefined security routine. These automations can run locally and do not require a Shelly Cloud subscription, helping homes and commercial buildings respond quickly to activity while giving users greater control over how their systems operate.

Turning video monitoring into an automation trigger

Shelly Camera has a horizontal field of view of 110 degrees and a vertical field of view of 70 degrees, allowing a single device to cover much of a typical room. Black-and-white night vision supports monitoring in low-light conditions. Its built-in motion detection can be incorporated into everyday automation scenarios across the Shelly platform. In a home, this could mean switching on entrance or corridor lighting when movement is detected. In an office or retail environment, it could activate lighting, relays or an after-hours security routine.

For users requiring more advanced monitoring, Shelly Cloud adds intelligent object detection that can distinguish between people, pets and vehicles. This is intended to produce more relevant event alerts and allow more targeted automation scenarios.

Advanced users can also incorporate their own AI models running on compatible local hardware, supporting bespoke systems in which video analysis and automation remain within the local environment.

“There are already many excellent smart cameras available today,” said Stamen Tasev, UK and Ireland Country Manager at Shelly Group. “We didn’t develop Shelly Camera simply to add another camera to the market. We developed it because monitoring becomes far more valuable when it’s connected to a wider automation ecosystem.

“What makes Shelly Camera different is what happens after it detects something. Rather than simply sending a notification to a phone, it works with lighting, relays, sensors and other Shelly devices to automate everyday tasks across homes and commercial buildings.”

Live viewing, local recording or optional Cloud storage

A Cloud subscription is not required to operate Shelly Camera. Users can view its live stream without recording footage, store recordings locally on a microSD card or select Shelly Cloud for Cloud-based video storage. A microSD card is not included with the camera. The Shelly Cloud Premium plan includes storage for one camera, while additional subscription packs are available for systems containing three, six or ten cameras. Each Shelly Camera also includes three months of Shelly Cloud at no additional cost. This gives users the opportunity to try the additional Cloud storage and intelligent detection functions before deciding whether a subscription is appropriate for their installation. The combination of live viewing, local recording, optional Cloud storage and local automation allows the camera to be configured around the requirements of an individual property or project rather than making an ongoing subscription a condition of use.

Open integrations and hub-free connectivity

Shelly Camera connects through dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi, with Bluetooth available to simplify the initial setup process. It does not require a separate smart-home hub. Support for MQTT, WebSocket and WebRTC also gives installers, integrators and advanced users options for incorporating the camera into wider automation and monitoring systems. Compatible platforms include Home Assistant, Frigate NVR, Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Samsung SmartThings.

The camera includes a built-in microphone and speaker for two-way audio, allowing users to speak with family members, visitors or colleagues through the device.

Its compact design supports placement on a shelf or desk, as well as wall or ceiling mounting. Power is supplied through USB-C, with a two-metre cable and mounting plate included in the box.

Designed for domestic and small commercial applications

Potential applications range from monitoring homes, holiday properties, pets and children to covering entrances, garages, offices, retail premises and storage areas.

For electrical and smart-building professionals, the addition of video monitoring extends the range of events that can be used within a Shelly automation. Activity detected by the camera can become an input for lighting, switching and other connected functions, helping create spaces that respond automatically rather than relying solely on alerts or manual control.

Shelly Camera is the company’s first product in this area, with Shelly Group indicating that further intelligent monitoring hardware and software developments are planned.

Available in black or white, Shelly Camera is supplied with a two-year manufacturer’s warranty. It is priced at £37.90 in the UK and €39.90 in Europe, including three months of Shelly Cloud at no additional cost.

The camera is available from Shelly.com and through Shelly’s network of authorised distributors and resellers across Europe.