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I have previously reviewed and was impressed with the IMILAB EC6 dual, which had two cameras, with one being fixed and the second a pan-tilt camera.
The IMILAB EC6 Panorama I am reviewing today also has two cameras, but these are located side by side on the pant-tilt head, giving you a rotatable 180° panorama. This makes it quite a unique camera. Reolink has several dual lens 180° panorama cameras, including the Reolink Duo 3 WiFi and Duo 3V PoE, but they don’t have the pan-tilt function.
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IMILAB EC6 Panorama 3.5K WiFi Plug-in Spotlight Camera:... | Buy on Amazon |
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Specification
- Lenses: 2
- Resolution: 3.5K
- 180° Panorama: Yes
- Rotatability: Yes
- Virtual Fence: Yes
- Detection: Person, Vehicle, Bike
- Live View: Yes
- Two-way Audio: Yes
- Colour Night Vision: Yes
- Infrared Vision: Yes
- Lights: 4 LED Lights + 4 Infrared Lights
- Siren: Yes (Motion-triggered)
- Flash: Yes (Motion-triggered)
- Custom Voice Alarm: Yes (Motion-triggered)
- WiFi: lEEE 802.11 b/g/n/ax 2.4GHz (WiFi 6)
- Wired Network: Yes
- Footage Storage: MicroSD Card or Paid Cloud
- Voice Assistant: Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa
- Installation: Wall, Ceiling, and Column
- Power Source: Plug-in
- Power Input: 12V 1A
- Operating Conditions: Weather-resistant (-30°C to 60°C, IP66)
- App: Mi Home/Xiaomi
- Cable Length: 3 Meters
- Dimensions: 128mm x 192mm x 201mm
- Net Weight: 1010g
- Warranty: 2 Year
Features
The IMILAB EC6 Panorama is a smart home security camera designed to offer advanced monitoring capabilities for residential properties. It incorporates innovative features such as a 180° panoramic view, high-resolution live streaming, and intelligent detection systems. This camera is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, providing homeowners with a reliable security solution.
180° Rotatable Panoramic View
The EC6 Panorama stands out in the smart home security market due to its dual-lens system, which creates a 180° rotatable panoramic view. This feature ensures comprehensive coverage of the monitored area. The camera also supports automatic tracking of moving objects, such as people, and can pan up to 344° and tilt up to 90° via the accompanying mobile app. This flexibility allows users to monitor large areas with minimal blind spots.
High-Resolution Live View and Two-Way Audio
Equipped with 3.5K resolution, the EC6 Panorama delivers clear and detailed footage, enabling users to monitor their property effectively, whether they are at home or away. The camera also includes two-way audio functionality, allowing users to communicate with visitors, family members, or delivery personnel directly through the app. Additionally, the Smart Colour Night Vision feature ensures full-colour footage during nighttime or when a person is detected, enhancing visibility in low-light conditions.
Intelligent Detection and Deterrence
The EC6 Panorama utilises advanced algorithms to detect people, vehicles, and bicycles accurately. It incorporates smart deterrence features, such as built-in sirens and flashing lights, to discourage potential intruders. Users can also set up custom voice alarms to create the impression that someone is home, further enhancing security. These features are available without the need for a subscription, making the EC6 Panorama a cost-effective option.
Mobile App Integration
The camera can be controlled and monitored via the Mi Home or Xiaomi app, which is compatible with both iOS and Android devices. The app provides access to live footage, playback options, and real-time notifications when motion is detected. Users can also set up custom virtual fences to monitor specific areas and reduce false alarms caused by irrelevant movements.
Installation and Durability
The EC6 Panorama is designed for versatile installation, allowing it to be mounted on walls, ceilings, or columns. It is suitable for outdoor use, thanks to its IP66 weather resistance rating, which ensures protection against dust and water. The camera can operate in temperatures ranging from -30°C to 60°C, making it suitable for various climates. It supports both Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz) and wired connections for added flexibility.
Storage Options
The EC6 Panorama offers multiple storage solutions to ensure that no important footage is lost. Users can record footage locally using an IMILAB MicroSD card (sold separately) or opt for a subscription-based cloud storage service to save motion-triggered events. New users are eligible for a three-month free trial of the cloud service, providing an opportunity to evaluate its benefits.
Compatibility with Voice Assistants
For added convenience, the EC6 Panorama is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home. This integration allows users to control the camera using voice commands, enabling hands-free operation and seamless integration into existing smart home ecosystems.
Set Up
Setting up the IMILAB EC6 Panorama is straightforward and quick. Users need to download the Xiaomi Home app, power on the camera, and follow the in-app instructions. The process typically takes less than five minutes, making it accessible to users of all technical backgrounds. Installation is also simple, with options to mount the camera on a wall, ceiling, or column. The only requirement is proximity to a power outlet, as this does not support PoE.
One issue I had with this camera is that I couldn’t seem to find the ONVIF/RTSP stream, which was available on EC6 dual. This therefore limits the appeal of the camera.
Mi Home App
The Xiaomi Home app provides a comprehensive interface for managing the EC6 Panorama. Users can easily toggle between different views, adjust settings, and access recorded footage. The app also supports automation features for those with multiple Xiaomi smart home devices, making it a robust platform for integrated smart home management.
One of the strengths of the app is its ease of use, catering to both advanced users who want to delve into detailed settings and those who prefer a straightforward interface. The app’s navigation is intuitive, allowing users to quickly access key features like two-way audio, siren activation, and video recording.
Storage Options and Subscription
As far as I can tell, the camera lacks RTSP/ONFIV so you can’t integrate it with an NVR, whether that’s software or a dedicated NVR.
You, therefore, have the choice of recording to microSD or using cloud storage. With the microSD option, you can also transfer footage to a NAS for archiving.
Advanced Motion Detection and Tracking
The smart detection feature is impressive, capable of identifying people and vehicles at a distance.
Like most cameras with smart detection, it can be prone to false positives. In my garden, I normally have a washing line up, and if there are any clothes on the line, it will constantly trigger. I have had the same issue with Eufy and Reolink cameras.
Pan-Tilt Functionality
While useful for focusing on specific areas, the pan-tilt feature was found to be somewhat laggy. This lag was more pronounced during nighttime tests, when the camera’s responsiveness was inconsistent. This was particularly true with manual pan-tilt adjustments but less noticeable with automatic tracking.
Given the wide-angle view of the camera, the need for frequent pan-tilt adjustments is reduced, but when needed, it should perform smoothly.
You can combine the pan-tilt function with advanced motion detection. The camera will track a person as they move around. It is a nice feature, and I have found it useful on other cameras, but the 180-degree field of view on this camera means it is less important.
Day Time Video Quality
During the day, the IMILAB EC6 Panorama performs admirably. The 3.5K resolution provides clear and crisp images, making it easy to identify details. The panoramic view is particularly useful for covering large areas, such as driveways or backyards, without the need for multiple cameras.
Night Time Video Quality
Nighttime performance is more mixed. The camera offers both infrared and colour night vision, but colour night vision relies on the spotlight. This is quite normal for cameras and is the same as the Reolink Duo cameras. However, there is a growing number of cameras that can do true colour night vision due to the large image sensor.
With this camera costing over £200 in the UK, it would have been nice to have a better image sensor for improved low-light performance.
While the black-and-white footage is good, for some reason, when the lights activate, the image has a deep purple hue. Turning the brightness up or down doesn’t seem to make any difference, and the wide dynamic range doesn’t help with this issue.
Price and Alternative Options
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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| IMILAB EC6 Panorama 3.5K WiFi Plug-in Spotlight Camera:... | Buy on Amazon |
The IMILAB EC6 Panorama is available to buy directly from IMILAB for $170, which works out at around £135. Alternatively, you can pick it up from Amazon for £220.
The IMILAB EC6 Dual is available from Amazon UK for £200.
There are no other pan-tilt dual lens cameras like this that I am aware of, but Reolink has the best alternative options:
- Reolink Duo 3 PoE is available for £125
- Reolink Duo 3V is available for £130
- Reolink Duo Floodlight is available for £135
- Reolink TrackMix is available for £128 – this has dual lens set up on the pan-tilt head but rather than a panorama camera it has one zoom lens and one wide lens.
Overall
The IMILAB EC6 Panorama offers a unique set of features that make it an appealing camera for anyone wanting to maximise their surveillance coverage while limiting the number of cameras needed achieve this.
Its panoramic view, high resolution, and smart detection capabilities are excellent.
The main issue I have with the camera is the lack of RTSP/ONVIF, which means you are limited in using the Mi Home app.
That being said, there are a lot of devices compatible with Mi Home, so it is not as frustrating as some brands where you have to install another app just for a single product.
Mi Home also has some excellent home automation features, allowing you to integrate a wide variety of devices into the automation triggers and actions.
IMILAB EC6 Panorama Review
Summary
The IMILAB EC6 Panorama is a feature-rich security camera that offers excellent daytime video quality, advanced motion detection, and a unique 180° panoramic view. Its dual-lens system and pan-tilt functionality make it a versatile option for monitoring large areas. However, the camera’s performance at night has issues; the black and white footage is fine, but the spotlight does not generate accurate colour footage. The lack of ONVIF/RTSP support may be a drawback for some users.
Overall
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Overall - 70%70%
Pros
- 180° Panoramic View with Dual Lenses The dual-lens system provides a wide 180° field of view, ensuring comprehensive coverage of large areas. This is particularly useful for monitoring expansive outdoor spaces or large rooms.
- 3.5K Resolution for Clear Footage The camera delivers high-quality 3.5K resolution, offering sharp and detailed video footage during the day. This makes it easier to identify people, vehicles, and other objects.
- Pan-Tilt Functionality The camera can pan up to 344° and tilt up to 90°, allowing users to adjust the viewing angle remotely via the app. This flexibility helps reduce blind spots and provides better monitoring of moving objects.
- Advanced Motion Detection The EC6 Panorama uses AI algorithms to accurately detect people, vehicles, and bicycles. This reduces false alarms and ensures that users are alerted to relevant activity.
Cons
- Night-Time Performance Issues with colour night vision when the light is on and a growing number of cameras now offer true colour night vision, whereas this relies on spotlights
- No ONVIF/RTSP Support The lack of ONVIF/RTSP support limits the camera’s compatibility with third-party video management software, which may be a drawback for advanced users.
- Pan-Tilt Lag While the pan-tilt functionality is a useful feature, it can be slow and unresponsive at times, especially during night-time use. This can make it difficult to track moving objects smoothly.
- Limited to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi The camera only supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, which may result in slower connectivity compared to dual-band cameras that support 5GHz networks.
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 2025-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
