Eufy, the smart home company owned by Anker, has introduced its latest outdoor security camera, the EufyCam S3 Pro. With a variety of cutting-edge features, including 4K resolution, solar charging, and advanced motion detection technology, this new camera is designed to offer homeowners a reliable and intelligent security solution.

The EufyCam S3 Pro can record video at a 4K resolution (3840x2160 pixels) at 15 frames per second. This high resolution offers sharp and detailed footage, which can be especially useful for identifying people or objects at a distance. However, when the camera is integrated with Apple’s HomeKit, video resolution is downgraded to 1080p, a limitation that Apple has yet to address.

The EufyCam S3 Pro also introduces a feature called MaxColor Vision technology. This system is designed to provide high-quality color images even in extremely low-light conditions, allowing the camera to capture clear footage at night without the need for a traditional spotlight.

This technology leverages a combination of a starlight sensor and an AI-powered image processor to achieve color clarity that other security cameras struggle to produce in similar conditions. However, in pitch-dark environments, the camera can switch to infrared mode, offering black-and-white footage typical of most security cameras.

One of the defining aspects of the EufyCam S3 Pro is its integrated solar panel, which is designed to power the camera without the need for a wired power connection. The solar panel on the S3 Pro is 50% larger than its predecessor, the EufyCam 3, meaning it can gather enough energy in just one hour of sunlight to power the camera for a full day. Eufy also claims that the camera’s 13,000mAh battery can keep it operational for up to 365 days without needing to be recharged, assuming average use and solar exposure.

For homeowners who want to install the camera in shaded areas, Eufy offers the option to connect an external solar panel. Additionally, the camera can be powered via a USB-C cable, which allows for continuous 24/7 recording when connected to a wired power source—a first for Eufy’s consumer-level battery-powered cameras.

To improve the accuracy of motion detection, the EufyCam S3 Pro incorporates both radar and passive infrared (PIR) sensors. This dual motion detection system reduces the likelihood of false alerts, such as those triggered by swaying trees or passing insects. Eufy claims that this system can reduce false alarms by up to 99%, which would significantly improve the overall reliability of the camera.

The camera also features Eufy’s BionicMind AI, which is capable of distinguishing between different types of objects and individuals. This AI-driven system can recognize faces, pets, vehicles, and packages, enabling the camera to send more specific alerts to the homeowner. For example, instead of a generic motion alert, the camera can notify the user that a package has been delivered or that a specific individual has entered the frame.

Another notable feature is the cross-camera tracking capability. This function allows multiple EufyCam S3 Pro units to work together, tracking the movement of a person or object across different camera views and stitching the footage into a single continuous video.

The EufyCam S3 Pro marks the company’s return to Apple HomeKit compatibility after several years of absence. It supports Apple HomeKit Secure Video, Apple’s end-to-end encrypted video storage service, offering users the ability to store and manage their security footage directly through Apple’s ecosystem. However, as mentioned earlier, the camera’s resolution in Apple HomeKit is limited to 1080p, which may be a downside for those who want to take full advantage of the camera’s 4K capabilities.

Local storage is another major selling point for the EufyCam S3 Pro. The camera system connects to a HomeBase S380, which serves as a central hub for storing all recorded footage locally. The HomeBase comes with 16GB of onboard storage, which can be expanded up to 16TB.

This local storage system eliminates the need for cloud subscriptions, a feature that many homeowners find appealing for both privacy and cost savings. Eufy emphasizes that its system does not require monthly fees, which contrasts with many other security camera providers that rely on subscription models for cloud storage.

The EufyCam S3 Pro is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, earning an IP67 rating, which means it is both dust-tight and water-resistant. The camera can survive being submerged in water up to a meter deep for 30 minutes, making it a reliable option for outdoor use in various environments. Additionally, the camera's sleek, modern design includes a solar panel integrated into the top, allowing for clean installations without the need for unsightly wires.

The EufyCam S3 Pro also includes full-duplex two-way audio, which allows users to communicate in real-time with anyone near the camera. The system employs a dual-microphone array that can capture voices from up to 26 feet away. This feature can be useful for communicating with visitors, delivery personnel, or deterring intruders. The camera also includes a 100dB siren and motion-activated voice warnings, adding an extra layer of security.

In addition to live communication, the camera offers customizable activity and privacy zones. Homeowners can define specific areas within the camera’s field of view where motion should be detected or ignored. This feature is particularly useful for avoiding unnecessary alerts from busy streets or neighboring properties.

Eufy has faced some challenges in the past related to security and privacy. In 2022, a significant breach caused some users’ camera feeds to appear in other customers' accounts, which raised concerns about the company’s handling of sensitive data. 

Since then, Eufy has taken steps to address these issues. The company worked with cybersecurity expert Ralph Echemendia to review and improve its security protocols. Eufy also published a new list of privacy commitments on its website, outlining its dedication to protecting customer data.

In light of these efforts, the EufyCam S3 Pro comes with updated security features, including end-to-end encryption for video footage and enhanced privacy settings. These updates aim to reassure potential buyers that their data will remain secure and private.

The EufyCam S3 Pro is available for purchase on Amazon as part of a bundle that includes two cameras and a HomeBase S380 for $549.99. Additional bundles with three and four cameras are also available, priced at $699.99 and $799.99, respectively. For those looking to expand their system, individual S3 Pro cameras can be purchased for $219.99 each.