TL;DR
Eufy's S4 camera packs a punch with its ambitious tri-lens design, featuring a fixed 4K overview camera and a motorized PTZ unit for precise motion tracking. Enjoy subscription-free, local storage and a robust build, though setup can be finicky and live view access is surprisingly slow. While image quality is sharp and AI tracking is impressive, true 4K recording is limited in dual-camera mode and it misses the S3 Pro's top-tier color night vision. Is this feature-packed powerhouse worth the premium price and its few quirks? Read on to find out!
Over a year ago, we thoroughly tested the EufyCam S3 Pro, awarding it a strong 9 out of 10 for its impressive performance. Eufy has now introduced its successor, the EufyCam S4, which significantly advances the core concept. This model incorporates three lenses within a single unit, motorized PTZ capabilities for automatic motion tracking, and an enhanced solar panel, all while maintaining a subscription-free operation.
Such a combination of features might seem ambitious, prompting an examination of whether the device truly delivers on its stated capabilities. This review aims to assess its performance.
Design and First Impressions
Upon unboxing the eufyCam S4, its substantial dimensions are immediately apparent. The device is notably larger and heavier than its predecessor, the S3 Pro, with the camera unit alone weighing 745 grams. When combined with the 308-gram solar panel, it forms a significant assembly for wall mounting. It is characterized by its considerable size and weight, conveying a sense of exceptional robustness. Unlike more discreet camera models, this unit is designed to be prominent rather than concealed.
This design choice is deliberate, as a visible security camera inherently serves as a deterrent. The build quality is excellent, featuring a solid and weather-resistant construction. The included mount is stable and secured with anti-tamper screws, and the battery is conveniently removable via USB-C for charging.
The camera is accompanied by a separate 5.5W solar panel, which can be mounted directly onto the camera unit. The detachable nature of this panel is a practical design choice. This allows for flexible placement, enabling users to position the panel in a sunnier location via an extension cable if the camera itself is in a shaded area. Eufy states that one hour of direct sunlight provides sufficient power for an entire day of camera operation.
Furthermore, the camera incorporates a replaceable 10,000 mAh battery, a feature uncommon in this product category and a significant benefit for device longevity.
Installation
Installation is managed through the Eufy Security app. Unlike some other models in the S-series, the S4 operates effectively as a standalone unit. This eliminates the requirement for a HomeBase 3 to commence operation, representing a significant advantage for users seeking a standalone camera solution. However, existing HomeBase 3 (S380) owners can integrate the S4 into their ecosystem by pressing the sync button, thereby accessing expanded storage and advanced AI functionalities.
During the installation process, we encountered notable difficulties in configuring the camera to recognize its built-in storage. This necessitated multiple restarts and a firmware upgrade before successful operation was achieved. While we hope this was an isolated incident, it proved to be a considerable frustration within an otherwise streamlined installation procedure.
Once operational, the app provides step-by-step guidance, enabling rapid setup of the camera. The provided mount offers excellent stability, a necessity given the unit’s weight. Optimal placement should be considered to ensure unobstructed views for both the fixed and motorized lenses.
Tri-Cam Technology and Features
A distinctive feature of the S4 is its integration of three lenses into a single unit. The upper section houses a fixed 4K camera equipped with a 130-degree wide-angle lens, maintaining a continuous overview of the entire monitored area. Beneath this is a motorized PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) module, featuring two 2K lenses capable of 360-degree pan and tilt functionality.
Operationally, the fixed 4K camera functions as a primary sensor. Upon detecting movement, it relays coordinates to the PTZ unit, which then rapidly adjusts its orientation, zooms in, and tracks the identified object. Eufy designates this functionality as “AI Tracking 2.0,” which performs remarkably effectively. The handover between the fixed and PTZ cameras is typically seamless. The presence of the fixed lens mitigates the issue of the camera being oriented incorrectly when an event occurs outside the PTZ’s immediate field of view.
Image Quality
Daytime image quality is highly commendable (note that the embedded video above is compressed, and resolution appears superior within the app). The fixed 4K lens delivers sharp and detailed imagery. The PTZ lenses, offering 3x optical zoom and up to 8x hybrid zoom, facilitate the discernment of facial details even at extended ranges.
However, a specific technical aspect warrants mention. Despite the main sensor being 4K, the video streams are merged into a single file, displaying the fixed wide-angle image at the top and the zoomed-in view at the bottom. Consequently, the effective resolution in exported clips does not represent “true” 4K. Achieving pure 4K necessitates switching to single-camera mode, which negates the primary advantage of the dual-camera configuration.
Night mode performance is strong. The color night vision, supported by integrated spotlights, renders a clear and actionable image even in low-light conditions. However, it does not quite match the S3 Pro’s MaxColor Vision, a feature we previously praised as exceptional and which is noticeably absent in the S4. The S3 Pro offered near-daylight color visibility even in minimal ambient light, a capability not replicated here. While the S4’s night vision remains effective, it represents a discernible step down for users accustomed to the S3 Pro’s performance.
Detection and AI
Similar to the S3 Pro, the S4 employs a combination of radar and PIR sensors for motion detection, effectively differentiating between people, vehicles, and other movement types. False alarms are minimal, contingent on careful configuration of activity zones and desired notification event types. Configuring activity and privacy zones for both cameras proves somewhat intricate, necessitating separate settings for the fixed and PTZ components. While functional, this process requires patience.
Notifications are delivered promptly, with an approximate latency of four to five seconds from motion detection to smartphone alert.
Connecting the camera to a HomeBase S380 (which is not bundled with the standalone camera package) provides access to Eufy’s BionicMind AI, enabling local facial recognition and cross-camera tracking capabilities.
Facial recognition performs adequately but is not without limitations. It occasionally fails to identify individuals or struggles with recognition when subjects are wearing hats or scarves, which is a common occurrence during a Swedish winter.
App and Usage
The Eufy app is feature-rich; however, its extensive settings can sometimes lead to a perception of clutter. The Swedish localization, which was noted as an area for improvement in our S3 Pro review, has seen significant advancements. Nevertheless, some grammatical inaccuracies and unconventional phrasing persist. While acceptable, a product in this price segment should ideally feature flawless localization.
A primary concern with the app, however, is the protracted time required to access the live view. Latency ranged from five to ten seconds, and occasionally longer, before the camera feed became visible. This delay is suboptimal for a flagship model; immediate access to live footage is crucial upon receiving event notifications.
Storage
As with the S3 Pro, a significant advantage is the absence of subscription requirements. All storage is managed locally, with the camera offering 32 GB of built-in storage, expandable via microSD.
Conclusion
The EufyCam S4 stands as an impressive and ambitious product. The core concept, integrating three lenses into a single camera—with a fixed 4K camera maintaining a constant overview while a motorized PTZ camera tracks and zooms in on detected movements—performs exceptionally well in practice. Its tracking capabilities are highly effective, image quality is strong, and the subscription-free local storage model offers a notable benefit.
However, several drawbacks warrant consideration. The slow live view access within the app is a significant frustration. The inability to record in true 4K resolution in dual-camera mode is a missed opportunity. Furthermore, the absence of MaxColor Night Vision, a feature present in the S3 Pro, is discernible. Finally, the camera’s substantial size and high price point are notable factors.
Priced at 3,990 SEK for a single camera, it represents a considerable investment. Nonetheless, its standalone operation without a subscription offers a more accessible entry point compared to scenarios requiring an immediate base station purchase. While a significant expenditure, for users requiring a high-performance camera capable of monitoring extensive areas, the eufyCam S4 presents a compelling option. Conversely, if advanced motion tracking and zoom functionalities are not a priority, the EufyCam S3 Pro may offer a more suitable alternative.
Eufy provided review samples for the purpose of this evaluation. The supplier of materials exerts no editorial influence on our testing process; our reviews are always conducted and published independently, with the interests of our readers and consumers as the paramount consideration.
