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The first EufyCam I reviewed was the EufyCam E back in 2019. I have been a fan of them ever since.
I generally preferred POE-wired surveillance cameras as my main form of surveillance, with Reolink being my preferred brand. But, Eufy is my preferred brand for battery-powered cameras. While I have more than enough wired cameras to cover my property, I still use the EufyCam 3C (now called EufyCam S300) in combination with the Eufy Dual Camera Doorbell in my front garden as I find that Eufy is the best option for people detection and notifications. Then, the Eufy Floodlight Camera E340 in my back garden replaced an old generic wired floodlight.
The EufyCam S3 Pro is the latest model and the most advanced Eufy camera yet. Its main selling point is the 1/1.8-inch CMOS sensor with an F1.0 Lens, which allows the camera to achieve true-colour night vision. I first experienced true colour night vision with the Hikvision DS-2CD2386G2-I back in 2020 and have raved about this feature ever since. Multiple Hikvision subbrands were quick to roll it out with the Annke NightChroma NCPT500, Annke NC400, EZVIZ C3X and H.View camera, all featuring it.
More recently, Reolink has started rolling it out on its cameras, including the Reolink Altas PT Ultra, Reolink Argus 4 Pro, and Reolink CX810.
With Eufy now getting involved, I hope we see a lot more consumer cameras featuring this technology.
This camera then features several other impressive features, including built-in solar panels and radar motion detection, on top of the already impressive emotion detection, which includes the ability to recognise faces.
Amazon Black Friday
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| eufy Security eufyCam S3 Pro 2-Cam Kit Solar Security Camera... |
£419.00 | Buy on Amazon |
During Black Friday, the eufyCam S3 Pro 2 camera kit has been reduced from £499 to £419 in the UK.
EufyCam S3 Pro vs EufyCam 3 vs 3c vs SoloCam S340Specification
| Feature | eufyCam S3 Pro | eufyCam 3 | eufyCam 3C | SoloCam S340 |
| Resolution | 4K | 4K | 4K | 3K+2K |
| Colour Night Vision | MaxColor Vision™ + Spotlights | Spotlights | Spotlights | Spotlights |
| Lens | F1.0 | F1.4 | F1.4 | F1.6 |
| Field of View | 135° | 135° | 135° | 135° |
| Built-In Solar Panel | SolarPlus 2.0 | SolarPlus 1.0 | No | SolarPlus 1.0 |
| External Solar Panel | ✓ | – | – | ✓ |
| Motion Detection | Radar and PIR | PIR | PIR | PIR |
| AI Recognition | Face/Human/Vehicle/Pet | Face/Human/Vehicle/Pet | Face/Human/Vehicle/Pet | Human/Vehicle/Pet |
| AI Self-Learning | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Local Storage | Built-in 16GB EMMC | Built-in 16GB EMMC | Built-in 16GB EMMC | Built-in 8GB EMMC |
| Spotlight | 4 LED Spotlights | 2 LED Spotlights | 2 LED Spotlights | 2 LED Spotlights |
| Anti-Theft | ✓ | ✓ | – | – |
EufyCam S3 Pro Features
Visual Performance
The camera utilises a 4K resolution sensor paired with MaxColor Vision technology for exceptional clarity. Its F1.0 aperture lens and 1/1.8″ stacked CMOS sensor increase light sensitivity by 3x, whilst the AI-powered ISP ensures sharp image quality in all conditions. The system maintains a 135° field of view, delivering true-colour footage throughout the day and night.
Night Vision Capabilities
MaxColor Vision technology enables clear identification of faces and number plates up to 9 metres away, even in minimal lighting conditions. The system features 4 LED spotlights with adaptive functionality, automatically adjusting illumination for optimal footage quality whilst maintaining energy efficiency.
Power and Sustainability
The eufyCam S3 Pro incorporates SolarPlus 2.0 technology, requiring just one hour of sunlight daily for full charging. The system includes:
- Built-in solar panel with SolarPlus 2.0 technology
- Optional external solar panel compatibility
- Efficient operation in low-light conditions (from 2,500 lx)
Advanced Detection Systems
The camera employs dual motion detection, combining radar and PIR sensors for precise monitoring. This sophisticated system:
- Reduces false alerts by up to 99% through advanced filtering
- Enables customisable security zones up to 12.19 metres
- Provides 120° detection coverage
Smart Features
The device integrates BionicMind AI technology for intelligent monitoring:
- Face/human/vehicle/pet recognition
- Cross-camera tracking capabilities
- 24/7 smart snapshot functionality
- Built-in 16GB EMMC storage
Audio and Communication
The camera features advanced two-way audio capabilities:
- Dual-microphone array with AI noise reduction
- Voice capture up to 8 metres away
- Full-duplex communication
- 100 dB siren for deterrence
Build Quality and Integration
The eufyCam S3 Pro features IP67 weatherproofing for all-weather operation. It integrates seamlessly with major smart home platforms, including Apple Home, Alexa, and Google Assistant, whilst maintaining data security through AES-128 encryption.
EufyCam S3 Pro Unboxing
The EufyCam S3 Pro maintains a sleek and modern design similar to previous cameras. Similar to the normal S3, this has an elongated design due to the integrated solar panel.
The cameras are well-built, with a robust plastic housing that feels durable and weather-resistant. Each camera measures 140 x 66 x 67mm and weighs 365g, making them significantly larger than my older EufyCam 3C.
The IP67 rating ensures that these cameras can withstand various weather conditions, including heavy rain and dust. This rating means the cameras are fully protected against dust ingress and can withstand immersion in water up to 1 metre deep for 30 minutes, which should be more than adequate for most outdoor installations.
The package includes two cameras with integrated solar panels, a HomeBase 3 hub and some mounting brackets. There is also an additional USB-C solar panel which is a nice bonus though I am not sure why only one is included.
The cameras can be mounted using the included screws and brackets.
EufyCam S3 Pro Set Up
I already had the HomeBase 3, so I paired them with that.
Setting up the EufyCam S3 Pro system is relatively straightforward. The process begins with connecting the HomeBase 3 to your router via Ethernet and powering it on. Then, you’ll need to download the Eufy Security app and create an account if you don’t already have one.
The app guides you through the process of adding the HomeBase and cameras to your network. This basically requires you to press the sync button on the camera, and it will let out a series of beeps, which allows it to connect to the HomeBase.
Mounting the cameras is also relatively simple. Eufy provides mounting brackets and screws, allowing you to securely attach the cameras to walls or other surfaces.
Eufy App and Settings
The app’s interface is generally intuitive and easy to navigate, providing quick access to live views, recorded events, and camera settings.
The app allows for customisation of various camera settings, including video quality, detection sensitivity, and notification preferences. You can also set up activity zones, adjust night vision settings, and manage your storage from within the app.
One useful feature is the ability to create custom modes, allowing you to easily switch between different security settings based on your needs. For example, the default home mode has the cameras set to record footage and send notifications. With away mode, the camera alarm is triggered. You can also set the HomeBase alarm and light alarm.
The app also provides a timeline view of recorded events, making it easy to scroll through and find specific incidents. Clips can be downloaded directly to your mobile device for sharing or long-term storage.
Features on this model that are not on the 3C, include:
Snapshots: This takes images at regular intervals to monitor what happens throughout the day. I’d say this would be more useful for indoor cameras but it is a nice feature to have.
Anti-theft detection, which is self-explanatory.
Night Vision Settings: The 3C has options for B&W night vision, or colour night vision which made possible by the spotlight.
The EufyCam S3 Pro has four options:
- Standard, which offers a balance of clarity and exposure
- Daylight, which enhances the brightness, colour and dynamic range, making it more suitable for darker areas.
- Spotlights trigger the spotlights for improved illumination at the cost of battery life.
- Infrared: Uses IR to provide illumination for B&W recordings.
EufyCam S3 Pro Video Quality During the Day
I find that most cameras nowadays provide good quality footage during the day. The S3 Pro is no exception, and the 4K video quality is impressive. During daylight hours, the footage is crisp and clear, with excellent detail and accurate colours. The high resolution allows for effective digital zoom, enabling you to pick out fine details in the frame.
The camera records at 15fps, which can cause issues with fast-moving objects, but this is a common fps for surveillance cameras as it requires less storage and battery life.
EufyCam S3 Pro Video Quality During the Night
Night vision performance is a highlight of the S3 Pro. The colour night vision produces remarkably clear and well-lit footage, even in very low light conditions. The F1.4 aperture and starlight sensor works well to capture colour and detail without relying on a spotlight, which could potentially alert intruders.
It’s worth noting that while the colour night vision is impressive, it may not always be necessary or even preferable. In extremely low light conditions, traditional infrared night vision can sometimes produce clearer results. Fortunately, the S3 Pro allows you to switch between colour and infrared night vision modes as needed.
EufyCam S3 Pro AI Detection and Motion Alerts
The AI-powered detection is a standout feature of the EufyCam S3 Pro, and in my opinion, Eufy has the best detection and notifications from all the brands I have tried. The system can distinguish between humans, vehicles, and pets, which helps to reduce false alarms significantly. In testing, the AI proved to be quite accurate, rarely misidentifying objects or animals as humans.
The new S3 Pro features radar, which claims to reduce false alerts by up to 99%.
The detection system allows you to set up activity zones, focusing the camera’s attention on specific areas of the frame. This feature is particularly useful for avoiding alerts from high-traffic areas that aren’t of interest, such as a nearby pavement or road.
Alerts are promptly sent to your smartphone when the camera detects activity. These notifications include a snapshot of the event and allow you to view the live feed or recorded clip quickly. The speed and reliability of these alerts are commendable, with minimal delay between detection and notification.
It is worth noting that my scenario is not particularly challenging for motion alters. The cameras are on my fence facing into my garden, so there is very little movement to trigger false alerts. In my back garden, the Eufy floodlight I have is prone to false alerts, especially during summer when I have washing hanging out, so you may need to experiment with motion zones and sensitivity.
To the best of my knowledge, the cameras haven’t missed any motion events, but this is always possible with cameras like this.
EufyCam S3 Pro Battery Life and Solar
One of the most appealing aspects of the EufyCam S3 Pro is its potential for extended maintenance-free operation thanks to its large battery and solar charging capability. Each camera is equipped with a 13,400mAh battery, which Eufy claims can last up to a year on a single charge.
The solar panel will then top it up when exposed to enough sunlight. In an exposed position in a sunny environment, the camera can, in theory, run indefinitely. You can improve the performance by pairing the camera up with the additional solar panel, though you’d need to buy a second panel for the other camera.
In practice, battery life will vary significantly depending on usage patterns, environmental factors, and camera settings. Frequent recordings, live view sessions, and two-way audio use will naturally drain the battery faster. However, even with moderate to heavy use, it’s reasonable to expect several months of operation between charges.
While solar panels are a valuable addition, they may not be sufficient to keep the cameras charged in all situations. Homes in areas with limited sunlight or cameras placed in heavily shaded areas may still require occasional manual charging.
During my testing, it is November in the north of the UK. There is barely any sun, and the position in which my cameras are mounted is not the best for sunlight exposure.
I haven’t used the spare solar panel yet as I want to test the performance of the cameras without additional accessories.
It is still too early to say how long they will last, but they have been losing less than 1% per day. I think during the summer months, the solar should keep them running without needing to charge.
Storage and Privacy
The EufyCam S3 Pro system uses local storage via the HomeBase 3, which comes with 16GB of built-in memory. This can be expanded by using a 2.5” disk drive.
The local storage is one of the main reasons why I am such a big fan of both Eufy and Reolink. I really don’t want to be paying a monthly fee for security cameras.
While Eufy received some bad press about how secure the video feeds were previously, they have now resolved these issues. The system uses AES-256 encryption to secure the stored footage, adding an extra layer of protection against unauthorised access. Additionally, Eufy has implemented end-to-end encryption for live streaming, ensuring that your video feed remains private even when accessed remotely.
On top of the HomeBase storage you have the option to enable RTSP and record to a NAS. Currently Synology is the only brand that is certified to work.
Eufy does have a cloud storage option, which costs $0.99 pcm per camera or $9.99 for 10 cameras.
Smart Home Integration
The EufyCam S3 Pro offers broad compatibility with major smart home ecosystems, including Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit. This integration allows for voice control and the ability to incorporate the cameras into broader smart home routines.
With Alexa or Google Assistant, you can use voice commands to view your camera feeds on compatible smart displays. Apple HomeKit integration is particularly noteworthy, as it allows the cameras to be controlled and viewed through the Home app and enables the use of HomeKit Secure Video for additional privacy features.
Price and Alternative Options
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| eufy Security eufyCam S3 Pro 2-Cam Kit Solar Security Camera... |
£419.00 | Buy on Amazon |
The EufyCam S3 Pro is available now. The two-camera pack, including the HomeBase S380, has an RRP of £499.
During Black Friday, this has been discounted to £419.
For the older models, the pricing on the 19th of November is:
- Eufy Security S330 eufyCam 3: £426, has been as low as £306
- Eufy security S300 eufyCam 3C: £270 has been as low as £220
- Eufy Security eufyCam 2C Pro: £130 (lowest price)
Reolink has battery-powered cameras with colour night vision and local recording.
The Reolink Altas PT Ultra is £200 RRP but £146 during Black Friday. This is a PT camera with auto tracking but lacks a solar panel. You can get a separate solar panel with it for £160 in total.
The Reolink Argus 4 Pro is a dual lens 4K colour night vision camera which is £200 RRP but available for £130. This doesn’t have an integrated solar panel but does come supplied with a separate panel.
The Arlo Pro 5 is available as a three-camera pack with hub for £400, so quite a bit cheaper than the Eufy, but there is not solar panel, no colour night vision and a subscription is required.
Overall
The EufyCam S3 Pro is a premium home security camera system that offers a compelling mix of high-end features and performance. The 4K video quality, AI-powered detection, and solar charging capability set it apart from many competitors in the market.
However, this advanced feature set comes with a premium price tag. The two-camera kit retails for around £500, making it one of the most expensive options on the market for a 2-camera kit.
Of course, in comparison to Arlo and Ring, the total cost of ownership may work out less due to no monthly subscription fees.
While it is a lot of money, I think it is worth it for the combination of amazing AI object detection, colour night vision and superb battery life.
While I prefer Eufy, I have been impressed with Reolink’s recent cameras, which offer some innovative features such as dual lens and pan-tilt. I think they are worth considering fi you want something more affordable.
Overall, the EufyCam S3 Pro is the best battery-powered surveillance camera I have ever used, but its advanced features come at a cost. I can highly recommend it if you can justify the price.
Anker EufyCam S3 Pro Review
Summary
The EufyCam S3 Pro is the best battery-powered surveillance camera I have ever used, but its advanced features come at a cost. I can highly recommend it if you can justify the price.
Overall
95%-
Overall - 95%95%
Pros
- Colour Night Vision
- Excellent battery + built-in solar
- Superb AI object detection
Cons
- High Price
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
Last update on 2024-12-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
