EufyCam 2C Review: Excellent Outdoor HomeKit Camera Requiring a Companion
EufyCam 2C Review: Great Outdoor HomeKit Camera That Needs a Partner
The EufyCam 2C is an outdoor camera that offers high-quality monitoring of exterior spaces but requires Eufy’s HomeBase 2 for HomeKit compatibility and independent operation. This review focuses on its features, performance, and compatibility.
Camera Features and Design
The EufyCam 2C sports a 1080p HD camera with a 135-degree view. It includes a spotlight for night illumination and supports color mode in its night vision capabilities. The camera is compact, measuring 3.2 x 1.89 x 2.24 inches and weighing .48 ounces, making it easy to mount almost anywhere. It is IP67 rated, ensuring resistance to dust and water, and has proven durable in various harsh weather conditions.
Charging Options
The camera has a built-in 6,700mAh battery, promising up to 180 days on a single charge and taking about five hours to fully charge. It features a micro-USB port for charging, covered by a silicon seal for protection. An alternative charging method is using a solar panel, which can be connected directly to the camera for continuous charging, although solar charging is slower than outlet charging.
Hub Requirement
The EufyCam 2C needs to be paired with the Eufy HomeBase 2 to function. The HomeBase 2 serves as a bridge between the native Eufy app and HomeKit, allowing for various customizations and settings. The setup of the hub is straightforward, initially requiring an ethernet connection, but it can switch to wireless afterwards.
App Connectivity
Eufy’s Native App
The Eufy app offers various customization options for the 2C, including video quality, audio level, and notification settings. It provides controls for spotlight, video recording, screenshots, audio muting, and displays real-time WiFi strength. Users can customize motion detection settings, privacy zones, and share camera access with others.
Apple’s Home App
Once integrated with the Home app, the 2C allows for live feed access, activity zone recordings (kept for up to ten days), and includes features for facial recognition and automation triggers. However, some features like automatic spotlight activation are only available through the Home app.
Performance and Cost
The EufyCam 2C delivers clear images and maintains a stable connection with the hub and Home app. However, its price point of $120 for the camera and an additional $100 for the required hub may be steep for some users. The total cost of $220 makes it one of the more expensive options due to the mandatory hub.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Compact and lightweight design
- Compatible with HomeKit Secure Video
- Easy setup and installation
Cons
- Hub is required
- Charging process can be inconvenient
- High price
Rating and Purchase Options
The EufyCam 2C is rated 3.5 out of 5. It can be purchased from Eufy’s website for $119.99 or bundled with another camera and the hub for $239.99. Amazon also offers the camera for $99.99 and the bundle for the same price as Eufy’s website.