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Eufy by Anker has been one of the most hardworking brands in recent years. It’s changed the concept of wireless security cameras. And in our brief EufyCam 3 Review here, we’ll see vast improvements in various areas for an even more convenient monitoring experience.
Most of these improvements are from its latest HomeBase 3, which not only has the proprietary BionicMind recognition technology. But it’s also possible to expand the built-in local storage up to 16TB, enough to save recordings for several years.
Verdict: 6 Best Features of the EufyCam 3 Camera
- The EufyCam 3 delivers crisp 4K videos
- The EufyCam 3 offers full-color night vision
- The EufyCam 3 has multiple deterrence features
- EufyCam 3 supports up to 16TB of local storage
- The EufyCam 3 has Familiar face/ human/ pet/ vehicle detection
- The EufyCam 3 has a built-in solar charger for a constant power supply
EufyCam 3 Review: A Summary of the 4K Security Camera System
The following chart highlights some of the things to expect from the new EufyCam 3 security camera.
If possible to grab one, the Eufycam 3 (model S330) could be everything you need to keep an eye on your high-value areas. It’s a 4K security camera, meaning you’ll have up to four times clearer pictures than the standard 1080p Full HD. You can zoom and read plates of still cars 30 – 35 feet away.
The Eufy security camera has a narrower-angle lens than the local brand Arlo Ultra series. Thus, you’ll notice the videos are relatively clearer throughout the day. And thanks to the Starlight photosensitive sensor, it continues to record in full color at night
As a solar security camera, the Eufycam 3 should have a constant power supply for most of the year. But, of course, this means the battery is built-in and you’ll have to replace the whole camera when it (battery) reaches its end-of-life.
More on that, continue reading our complete EufyCam 3 review below.
Eufycam 3 Review: Features & Performance of the 4K Security Camera
- How’s the Pricing
The EufyCam 3 isn’t exactly cheap to own. A 2-camera kit has a regular price tag of about $550, whereas a 4-camera bundle goes for up to $800.
The price includes everything you need to set up and operate your security system. It comes with the Eufy S330 cameras, Homebase 3, LAN cable, power adapter (for Homebase), charging USB, plus mounting bracket and accessories.
But again, is the amount still worth it? Let’s break down the capabilities of the camera and see.
- How’s the Build & Durability
Similar to most wireless security cameras, the EufyCam 3 has a plastic construction for the most part. The material feels solid and durable, for sure. But, of course, we still can’t compare it with the metallic build on the IK10 vandal-proof Lorex and Amcrest cameras.
As for the mounting bracket, only the threaded spindle is aluminum. The rest of the piece is plastic, which means you should be gentle when you tighten it not to break it.
Ps. The EufyCam 3 has IP67 weatherproof protection. You can mount out there in the open without having to worry about damage by rain or dust storms.
- How’s the Video Quality?
EufyCam 3 will fit the bill if looking for a security camera to keep an eye on a high-value area, like main entrances and garage space. It houses an 8MP image sensor that records in 4K Ultra-HD quality, which you can zoom distant objects without excessive pixelation.
If looking at a stationary car, the camera can pick out the license plates at up to 35 feet after zooming. You can also be able to read large letters from up to 40 feet.
The Eufy camera records in 4K at 15 frames/ second (15fps), which is decently good. But at this speed, it won’t have as many frames of the object in motion as the 30fps Security Camera. Thus will miss letters on the plates of a fast-moving vehicle.
- How’s the Night Vision?
EufyCam 3 is a nice example if looking for a night vision security camera. It has not only the contemporary Starlight photosensitive sensor. But also a built-in spotlight to provide the ambient light the sensor needs to continue recording in color after dusk.
The light brightness is far from what you get with the Eufy Floodlight Cam 2 Pro, for sure. But it’s enough for the spotlight camera to identify a face at 10-15 feet or the color of an object at 20-25 feet.
The infrared night vision of the EufyCam is also sharp, provided you won’t mind seeing it in black and white. It can identify objects up to 45 feet.
- How’s the Audio Quality?
The EufyCam 3 also takes the point if looking for a 4K security camera system. It has a built-in microphone and speaker, whereby you will not only have footage with the sounds in the background. There is also a two-way talk feature that you can make conversations with your deliveryman and other guests in real time.
The two-way talk of the camera is a full duplex, meaning both parties can talk simultaneously. It’s also clear enough to hear every word without echo or digital noise.
- How’s the Active deterrence
Eufy has innovated the EufyCam 3 with multiple features to deter potential intruders. It has a built-in siren that you can trigger right from the mobile app. And even though not the loudest, the abrupt warning noise can scare off most home burglars.
The spotlight on the wireless security camera is another awesome warning to scare opportunistic burglars. You can turn it on manually from the app or set it to light up whenever the sensor detects movements.
The two-way talk feature also does work well as a deterrence. You can shout or scream at the intruders in real-time.
- How’s the Smart AI Detection?
Well, the EufyCam 3 may be the smartest motion sensor camera from the Eufy catalog at this point. It comes with a Homebase 3 with advanced BionicMind Recognition that has face detection, human detection, vehicle detection, and pet detection.
You can enable/ disable each of these features easily from the mobile app, which cuts down the false alerts by 90%. But familiar face detection is part of the Eufy AI self-learning technology. It will take the first few days before getting perfect on its job.
- How’s the Storage Option?
Eufy is usually one of the go-to brands when looking for a security camera without a subscription. Like our EufyCam 3 here has 16GB of (EMMC) local storage built into the Homebase.
If you want more storage space, the provided Homebase has a slot you can insert up to 16TB SATA HDD or SSD. But even with such storage space, the system only records by movements (No 24/7 continuous video recording).
- How’s the Installation?
Last but not least, installing EufyCam 3 is pretty straightforward. As a battery-powered security camera, there are no cables to run or bother hiding.
The whole process just calls for setting up the Homebase and adding the cameras- follow the onscreen instructions on the app. Then move the cameras to the mounting location and screw them on using the accessories you received in the box.
Even so, the Eufy team, for some reason, left out the magnetic mounting bracket for this model. If you want to charge the camera inside the house, you’ll have to unscrew it from the threaded spindle.
On the plus side, the WiFi camera has a built-in solar panel. And for that, it may take a while before you need to recharge them.
EufyCam 3 Review: The Drawbacks of the 4K Security Camera
Despite the good, EufyCam 3 has several drawbacks you should be aware of before buying. They include:
- The EufyCam 3 doesn’t work with the Apple Homekit system
- The EufyCam 3 doesn’t work without an internet connection
- The EufyCam 3 doesn’t connect directly to WiFi at the moment
- The EufyCam 3 doesn’t support 24/7 continuous video recording
- The EufyCam 3 has a plastic mounting bracket, which isn’t promising in durability
Frequently Asked Questions:
If you’re securing your property for the first time, the Eufy Homebase 3 is worth it. You have the option to expand your storage with up to 16TB hard drive for all your connected cameras and doorbell. Then it has the brand’s BionicMind Recognition technology, which offers face/ human/ pet/ vehicle detection.
Until now, Eufy had many lines of security cameras to choose from for indoor or outdoor use. Out of the options we’ve gone through until today, the best EufyCam model we can recommend is the:
Best Overall: EufyCam 2C Pro 2k Security Camera
Best of Budget: EufyCam 2C Full HD Security Camera
Best of Deal: EufyCam 2 Pro 4-camera Security System Kit
Best of Value: EufyCam3 (S330) 4K Solar Security Camera
Performance-wise, Eufy is nearly as good as Arlo. You’ll actually notice the image with the EufyCam 3 is a bit more detailed than the Arlo Ultra from its smaller field of view. Then you also have free face/ human/ pet/ vehicle Detection and local storage you can access remotely while even miles away.
Final Thoughts:
The Eufy EufyCam 3 can make an excellent security camera to watch your outdoor spaces. I’ve seen some people complain you can’t read license plates beyond 40 feet, which is understandable. But a 30-feet range given is good enough for most homes.
The free local storage and AI detection are also great when you consider the likes of Arlo charge for it. You might also find the built-in solar charger handy, especially if mounting it farther from the power outlet.
However, do remember the EufyCam 3 cameras do not connect to the WiFi directly. They connect to the Homebase via a P2P signal, which means you can’t extend the range when mounting to the farther end of the compound.
As for the Homebase, it only connects to the internet via the LAN/ Ethernet cable for now. But the company has promised to issue a software update that will have the unit working with WiFi.
