Anker’s Eufy brand has launched the Indoor Cam E30, a new pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) indoor security camera boasting 4K video resolution, AI-enhanced features, and compatibility with Apple HomeKit. The release marks Eufy’s continued foray into Apple’s smart home ecosystem, following years of limited integration. Priced at $69.99 on Amazon (or $59.99 with discounts), the E30 brings several upgrades over previous models, especially in video quality and night vision capabilities.

The main feature of the Eufy Indoor Cam E30 is its 4K resolution, offering sharper and more detailed video compared to its predecessor, the 2K-capable Eufy Indoor Cam Pan and Tilt launched in 2020. However, users relying on Apple’s Home app will note that HomeKit limits video resolution to 1080p, meaning full 4K clarity is only available through Eufy’s dedicated app.

The camera features a motorized pan, tilt, and zoom lens, providing a full 360-degree horizontal view with manual controls accessible via the Eufy app. Additionally, it includes an optional ceiling-mounting plate for flexible installation. This makes the E30 suitable for monitoring large spaces, such as living rooms, offices, or playrooms, where movement tracking is beneficial.

An upgrade from its predecessors, the E30 incorporates a built-in spotlight that enables color night vision, enhancing visibility in low-light environments. The spotlight automatically activates when motion is detected, offering clearer footage with color details. Users who prefer traditional black-and-white infrared night vision can opt to disable the spotlight for a more conventional view.

Eufy highlights advancements in AI detection, allowing the Indoor Cam E30 to distinguish between humans, pets, and notable audio cues, such as crying babies or unusual noises. This feature reduces false alerts and makes the camera more effective for home security and monitoring. The pan-and-tilt functionality is further enhanced by AI, enabling the camera to track movement across the monitored area, whether from people or pets.

One of the notable benefits of the Eufy Indoor Cam E30 is its support for local storage. Users can insert an SD card (sold separately) to store recordings directly on the device, eliminating the need for cloud-based subscription plans. This provides a cost-effective and privacy-focused alternative to cloud storage.

For those who prefer cloud storage, Eufy offers subscription plans starting at $2.99 per month for 30 days of video history on a single camera. The Eufy Plus plan, which supports up to 10 cameras, costs $9.99 per month. Additionally, the camera is compatible with the Eufy HomeBase S380, a wireless hub offering up to 16TB of storage and AI facial recognition features.

The E30’s compatibility with Apple HomeKit expands its utility within Apple’s smart home ecosystem, enabling integration with other HomeKit-enabled devices. However, there are a few limitations to consider. 

While HomeKit users can access live streams and recordings, the video resolution is capped at 1080p, and it remains unclear whether the camera supports HomeKit Secure Video – Apple’s encrypted iCloud storage solution. HomeKit Secure Video typically processes data locally, enhancing privacy, but confirmation of this feature is still pending.

Additionally, some features, such as manual pan-tilt controls, are only available through the Eufy app. While two-way audio is mentioned, whether this function works natively within HomeKit is also uncertain.

Eufy’s camera lineup has faced scrutiny in the past over security incidents involving access to live video feeds. While Eufy has taken steps to address these concerns, privacy-conscious buyers may prefer to rely on local storage options and disable cloud-based features.

The Eufy Indoor Cam E30 is currently available on Amazon for $69.99. Promotional discounts, such as $10 off using a provided code, bring the price down to $59.99.