The subject of our test today is the eufyCam S4 outdoor surveillance camera.
It is a 360 degree model, with a battery powered by a solar panel, equipped with three sensors with fixed and mobile wide angle, 8X zoom and resolution up to 4K.
A complete wireless product, with siren, spotlights and integrated memory, simple to install and easy to use.
Design and features
The eufyCam S4 presents itself with truly generous shapes. Let’s start from the upper inverted “L” area which houses the compartment dedicated to the removable 10,000 mAh battery at the rear. Battery that can be recharged via the large 5.5 W Solar Plus 2.0 solar panel included in the package, using the USB-C port on the back of the camera. Adjustable panel, can be installed directly on the camera or separately thanks to the USB extension included in the package. Panel capable of operating from just 2,500 lux, therefore capable of powering the camera even at sunset or with overcast skies. Solar power which obviously simplifies the installation of the S4 by making electrical sockets and power cables unnecessary. The camera can still be continuously powered by the mains via a USB power supply.
The eufyCam S4 boasts 3 sensors. Immediately under the solar panel, we find a wide angle with 4K resolution and 130° view, manually tiltable vertically by 180°. Furthermore, the entire central body of the camera can be rotated horizontally to facilitate installation and orientation of the S4.
At the bottom we find the motorized turret which houses two sensors: a wide-angle lens with 2K resolution and a 2K telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom. Turret capable of rotating 360° on the horizontal axis and tilting 70° on the vertical axis, supported by an advanced movement detection system based on a radar and an infrared sensor.
Camera that also houses blue and red LEDs, with alarm function, and two spotlights that allow color night vision, as an alternative to black and white infrared shots.
Let’s move on to the 32 GB eMMC integrated memory (expandable up to 256 GB via microSD), two-way audio with speaker and microphone (AI noise cancellation) and WiFi. Speaker with 105 dB siren function. Chamber with plastic body and protection from atmospheric agents (IP64 certification). Finally, the package includes a quick guide, also in Italian.
Installation and apps
The eufyCam S4 is supplied with a wall/ceiling support, entirely made of plastic, to be fixed directly to the wall using the supplied stop/fischer.
The camera can be easily configured thanks to the simple wizard present in the dedicated eufy app. App, available for mobile devices with Android and iOS, in Italian (with some translation errors), complete and easy to use and which allows the control of all the cameras made by the company. The eufy app shows both video streams (fixed wide angle + turret sensors) simultaneously. We obviously find the controls, quite precise, for managing camera movements.
We move on to the video and audio settings with the ability to adjust the resolution of the recorded clips and the speaker volume. Furthermore, there is a valid system for managing notifications on smartphones of detected movements, which can be customized by the user. System capable of distinguishing the movements of people from those of cars, animals and more.
We also remember the advanced Auto-framing function managed by AI, which allows the camera to automatically follow the movements of the subjects. Once the fixed wide-angle camera detects a subject, the mobile turret locks on and follows it. Furthermore, thanks to the automatic zoom (3x optical and up to 8x hybrid) it is possible to observe details up to 50 meters away, such as faces and license plates. If other subjects enter the frame, the zoom automatically adjusts to keep them all visible.
There is also the possibility of delimiting the movement detection area, for example, to a window or a door. Furthermore, it is also possible to set predefined camera positions/framings to quickly keep certain areas under control.
There is also an audible alarm when movement is detected, with a volume that is not very high. Alarm accompanied by the activation of the spotlights or blue and red LEDs.
It is also possible to program the operation of the room during an entire week or based on the user’s location (at home / away from home). We also remember the menus dedicated to solar charging and spotlight settings, with adjustable brightness.
Let’s move on to the three power management options: optimal battery life (video recording up to 20 seconds), optimal surveillance (maximum video length of 60 seconds) and custom up to 120 seconds.
Finally, we would like to remind you of the possibility of wirelessly connecting the eufyCam S4 to the eufy HomeBase S380: a small hub, with integrated siren and memory, to be installed inside the home. When connected to this hub, eufyCam S4 can utilize HomeBase S380’s storage capacity of up to 16TB and built-in artificial intelligence that adds various features such as face recognition and cross-camera tracking.
S4 compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant.
Performance and price
We conclude the test of the eufyCam S4 with the analysis of its performance. In general our opinion is positive: a complete battery-powered camera, with numerous and useful features.
The quality of the videos is very good even at night, with natural, sharp and well-detailed colours; the performance of the speaker and microphone is decent. The intensity of the spotlights is sufficient. The three sensors are useful for complete surveillance of the external environment.
We also remember the free artificial intelligence: the recognition of people, vehicles and animals is integrated directly into the device and does not require any monthly fee.
As regards autonomy, according to the data provided by the manufacturer, one hour of direct exposure to sunlight guarantees an entire day of continuous operation. Autonomy that depends on various factors such as settings, use and more.
Positive opinion on the app, on the fairly precise movement detection function, with notifications arriving on our smartphone after a few seconds. The combination of radar and PIR detection dramatically reduces unnecessary notifications caused by wind or insects.
Among the aspects that did not convince us, the videos are not very smooth and stop at a maximum of 15 frames per second (fps). Additionally, true 4K resolution is only available via manual recording. Finally, we would like to point out the complex setting of the camera’s activity zones.
Finally the price of eufyCam S4 can be purchased on offer on Amazon for 310 euros, with an 11% discount.
Find out more on Amazon
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