You've clearly not owned many IP cameras, especially not outdoor cameras that go through true seasonal weather. Now, I will say that the first generation of cameras from Ubiquiti were just OK everything after the 3rd generation has been very good overall.

As others have pointed out they are supported for a long time. I have some earlier generations cameras that are going on 7 years of updates. Not only are you barely getting maybe a year of firmware updates at the $50-100 range but there's no comparison on the quality of the optics, sensor and overall hardware at that price differential.

Ubiquiti has done some shitty things over the years but Ubiquiti isn't competing against the $50-100 market. They're competing against the Axis and Panasonic quality builds. You've definitely got it backwards here.

And while, yes, you can get a decent camera from Reolink and the like at a good price it isn't surrounded by an exceptionally mature and well supported ecosystem that has yet to nickel and dime its customers with half ass SaaS and paid for features.

This comment couldn't be further from the reality of Ubiquiti's lineup in comparison.

I have run IP cameras outside for a decade plus. Whatever floats your boat