Floodlight – Appliances catalogue

22 Aug

Blog

Eufy Floodlight Cam 2 Pro Review: Spot-on Subject Tracking

August 22, 2021
Posted by Samson

eufy Floodlight Cam 2 Pro Test Lifestyle

Eufy Floodlight Cam 2 Pro in the test: precise subject tracking

RRP $ 299.00

"From the sharp graphics to the rich app, there's a lot to love about Eufy's Floodlight Cam 2 Pro."

advantages

Excellent video quality
Great motion tracking
A powerful companion app
No subscription required

disadvantage

Hardwired only
Only 8 GB of internal storage (no cloud option)

Over the years, the world of intelligent security has taken on an entirely new form. While we used to rely on the big names in home surveillance to install their hardware and provide remote surveillance services, the performance of the security system has gradually become more and more DIY – and that's how we like it. Nothing beats grabbing your phone, opening an app, and viewing an instant live feed from a specific camera.

For outdoor DIY gadgets, the installation itself may take a little longer, but the instant reassurance remains the same. And what's not to love about a powerful floodlight camera with a control app?

When you buy a floodlight system you come across hundreds of brands that claim to be the best, but one name that still blows us away is Eufy, the smart home division of parent company Anker Innovations. Amid the release of a brand new line of outdoor cameras, we were able to find the Eufy Floodlight Cam 2 Pro, the company's current flagship.

Does the Floodlight Cam 2 live up to its "premium" bill? Yes indeed. Read on to find out more.

Out of the box

The Floodlight Cam 2 has the look and feel of a camera built for performance. Do you know when something just feels cheap? That thought never crossed my mind with the Cam 2, especially when I was holding it in my hands. About the weight of a brick, the Floodlight has an IP65 rated outer shell that feels sturdy and ready for the elements.

The Cam 2 comes with everything you need to get started. The scope of delivery includes the camera itself, assembly and wiring material, a USB power connection for the initial setup (you need a power module in standby mode) and the operating instructions. The scope of delivery of the Eufy Floodlight Cam 2 Pro.

Before installing the Cam 2 outdoors, you must first connect the device to your WLAN and the Eufy app (for iOS and Android platforms). After you've added the app to your mobile device, open it and tap Add Device. Select the Floodlight Cam 2 Pro from the list of available hardware. You will then be asked to scan the QR code on the camera body. The QR label is neatly hidden in the Floodlight's lower flap compartment, accessible by holding the release tab (watch out for your fingers) and pulling down on the white part of the camera body.

By tapping into the live feed, the daylight view presented a clear and colorful image with balanced contrast and little (if any) visual artifacts.

Next, connect your Floodlight using the included USB temporary power cable so you can go through the rest of the app setup. After you have connected the camera to your WLAN and run through the firmware update, you can start with the installation.

Eufy Security app setup screens.

Wired installation only

Similar to many other outdoor camera products (especially those with powerful lighting), the Floodlight Cam 2 requires a hard-wired power connection (110 to 240 volts). While certain homes may have pre-existing cables under house and garage awnings that you can use, you may need to add professional grade wiring and a compatible junction box to your to-do list if your home is not floodlit.

The wired connections of the Eufy Floodlight Cam 2 Pro.

Yes, I was moaning to myself wishing the Cam 2 could run on batteries (I'm not a fan of wiring work) but there is no way I will lose the overall grade because of that. With its abundance of rich features, plus internal storage and powerful lighting (more on these two assets below), a hardwired connection is absolutely necessary. Without one, we'd recharge the batteries every two weeks.

If a wall or ceiling junction box is installed (either the setup is Floodlight approved) the rest of the installation is just a matter of screwing in the Cam 2's rectangular mounting plate, connecting the wiring, and attaching the camera. Conveniently, the camera comes with a sturdy strap that you can hang from the junction box while the cables are being connected.

A feature-rich companion app

The Cam 2 basics are all pretty stellar, but what about the mobile app? Rest assured, you are in good hands. Eufy Security is your one-stop portal for all Anker security products, from indoor and outdoor cameras to motion sensors. All of your Eufy hardware that is currently online is listed on the Devices tab on the home page, along with a thumbnail of the last picture you took.

When a motion clip is recorded, it is saved in the Events tab. Here you can sort all of your recordings, with filters for people, pets, and more. You can also watch clips again and delete clips you no longer need. With 8GB of internal storage that's estimated to last up to 30 days (based on average motion detection settings), no subscription is required to store videos. Yes, not having to use your credit card for an annual cloud service membership is a huge benefit, but those looking for expanded storage may be a little disappointed.

The different screens of the Eufy Security App.

On the "Security" tab, you can set your Cam 2 to "Home" and "Away" mode, each with their own settings and adjustments. You will also find geofencing and schedule selections to program your camera based on your zip code, sunrise / sunset, time of day, and more.

Tapping the Floodlight Cam 2's play button on the device screen will take you to a live feed from the camera with capture options, screenshots, two-way communication and tracking / calibration functions. Tapping the settings icon in the top right corner will take you to various customizations for the Cam 2 itself, including motion detection / monitoring, lighting, recording and video quality. You can also arm / disarm the Cam 2, turn the automatic night vision on and off, and much more.

For smart home lovers, the Cam 2 offers support for Alexa and Google Assistant, so you can receive and view motion events and live feeds from your Cam 2 via a compatible smart display.

Price and guarantee

The Eufy Floodlight Cam 2 Pro is currently $ 299 and comes with a one-year, no-hassle warranty.

Our opinion

Outside of a slightly longer installation window than most smart security devices, the Floodlight Cam 2 Pro is top of the line. With outstanding video quality, intelligent subject tracking, numerous customization options, a solid mobile app and a fair price, the Cam 2 is a premium outdoor light that we warmly recommend for any residential or commercial property.

Is there a better alternative?

When it comes to wired floodlight cameras, the Floodlight Cam 2 is a perfect match with other top Floodlight options from Ring, Arlo, and other major security brands. If you're a quality connoisseur and insist on 4K, the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight camera gives you UHD viewing, the option of wireless installation, and a lower price. However, you'll need to opt for an Arlo subscription if you want some type of video storage, which makes the Floodlight Cam 2's internal storage even more convenient.

How long it will take?

A rugged design and hard-wired electrical connection to your home's power supply should keep the Floodlight Cam 2 running for some time. If you run into trouble, Eufy's one-year warranty covers you.

Should you buy it?

Absolutely. The Floodlight Cam 2 Pro offers exceptional setup-to-assembly performance and a companion app with an incredible number of customization options.

Editor's recommendations

18 Jun

Blog

Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera Review: 3-in-One Awesomeness

June 18, 2020
Posted by Samson

Arlo Pro 3 floodlight camera

“Don't waste your money by buying various security devices for your garden. This one has everything. "

160 degree field of view
Bright floodlights
Smart A.I. for detection

Siren is on the quiet side
Some video distortion

The Arlo Pro 3 floodlight camera ($ 250) combines three large security devices: a spotlight, a siren, and a surveillance camera in one elegant package. There are also a number of useful functions in this intelligent camera, which is only a little larger than the rearview mirror in your car.

installation

Installing this camera couldn't be easier. All you have to do is follow the steps in the app to connect the Arlo Pro 3 floodlight camera to your WiFi, then attach the base to your house with three screws and then just snap the camera into place. The whole process took about 10 minutes. I don't think I could ask for more from a product when it comes to easy installation.

Install the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight camera Alina Bradford / Digital Trends

However, you need an exercise. You probably won't be able to get the screws into what your house is made of without one, and you may need to drill pilot holes if you want to use the screw anchors. If you have no idea what this means, don't worry. The app guides you through everything step by step. Overall, it's very easy if you don't have to drill pilot holes, and a bit more advanced if you do, but almost anyone with a drill could do it.

The camera comes with a rechargeable battery. However, if you want something more permanent, you can purchase a solar charger for the Arlo Pro 3 floodlight camera or a magnetic Arlo charging cable for outdoors. However, the camera cannot be permanently connected to the power supply of your house.

camera

I have very few complaints when it comes to the clarity of this camera. It has an incredible field of view of 160 degrees, which is much better than most of its competitors, including the Ring Floodlight Camera and the Eufy Smart Floodlight. It also has 2K 2560 x 1440 HDR video resolution and color night vision when the lights are on (when the lights are off, the footage is in black and white). You can also zoom in on people's objects and faces up to 12 times for a better view.

The camera is not only clear, but also intelligent. The A.I. allows him to know what he sees and to send you specific notifications depending on what he sees. It can tell the difference between a human, a package, animals and vehicles. I found that the A.I. does a pretty good job and differentiates one thing from the other and it seems to be learning. For a while I always thought that a blowing branch was a person, but after two notifications, I didn't get another notification about the branch, even though the wind was still blowing.

Security video of the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight camera Alina Bradford / Digital Trends

Your videos are stored in the cloud at 4K or less for 30 days (videos can be saved in 2K, 1080p and 720p). The resolution in which your images are saved depends on the plan you choose through Arlo Smart Service, which costs between $ 3 and $ 5 a month for a camera. You can also save footage locally using the Arlo Pro Smart Hub ($ 100).

The only disadvantage of this camera is that it is slightly distorted at the edges of the picture. For example, the edge of my house looks like it curves inside in the videos. However, fishbowl lens distortion is quite common in surveillance cameras, and this distortion is nowhere near as severe as some others.

Headlights

The light from the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight camera is not only bright, but almost blinding. It shines with a whopping 2000 to 3000 lumens. I was a little taken aback when I found out that you need the Arlo Outdoor magnetic charging cable to bring the light up to 3000 lumens. This is a separately available accessory that costs around $ 50. Nevertheless, the 2000 lumens are very bright if you only use the battery as a power source.

I'm pretty sure an intruder will feel exposed when this light is triggered.

For comparison: your typical indoor light bulb shines with about 800 to 1600 lumens. I'm pretty sure an intruder will feel exposed when this light is triggered. I adjusted the light to illuminate my carport and the walkway to my front door. It illuminated this area and a few more. If you find that your light is just too bright, it can be fully adjusted from 5% to 100%.

Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight Camera security video at night Alina Bradford / Digital Trends

The light stays off during the day, but you can turn it on manually at any time. You can also set it to turn on when the camera detects motion.

siren

The only major disadvantage of the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight camera is the alarm. Compared to competitors such as the Ring Floodlight Camera or the Netatmo Smart Outdoor Camera, the 80 decibel siren is rather quiet.

Annoying, but it may not wake you up if you have a heavy sleep.

This does not mean that this alarm will not catch anyone's attention. Eighty decibels sound about as loud as a lawn mower. Annoying, but it may not wake you up if you have a heavy sleep. It also might not catch your neighbor's attention if there is a significant gap between the houses in your neighborhood.

As with light, you can choose to turn it on manually in an emergency or turn it on automatically when the camera detects motion.

Additional functions

The 2-way audio is a nice feature that not every other floodlight camera has. I think it's a clever addition that can be useful in many different situations. Suppose your family was outside and you had to ask a question. All you have to do is go to the app and start chatting. The microphone has noise and echo cancellation, so you can clearly hear who is in your garden.

Multi-user access is also a nice feature. You can give family members, roommates or house watchers access to the Arlo Pro 3 floodlight camera via the app via an email address.

Arlo Pro 3 floodlight camera app

As with most outdoor cameras, the Arlo app lets you choose where the camera should focus with activity zones. Once you've set up a zone, you'll only receive notifications when something happens in the zone. This can be especially helpful if you want to avoid warnings about a busy street or sidewalk in your home. You can also choose not to capture certain areas of your garden. To avoid these areas, the camera zooms in on the part of your yard that you want to capture. This makes the image a little bit blurred, since enlarging it affects the image quality.

One of the app features that I really loved is that you don't have to go to the Arlo app to view footage. You can see video clips on your phone's lock screen. When there's an emergency, every second counts, and playing with your phone can waste precious moments. Therefore, this function is really intelligent. You can also tap the E-911 service button to send emergency services to your home even when you're not there.

Unfortunately, most of these features require the aforementioned Arlo Smart Service subscriptions. However, it doesn't cost much, so I would say that the subscription is definitely worth it.

I found that while the battery was using the light to trigger when motion was detected and only at night and when triggered by motion, the battery lasted about a week plus a few days before it needed to be charged. That seems pretty short to me. Charging also takes up to 6.5 hours. So this is a little painful.

Our opinion

I'm not surprised that the Arlo Pro 3 Floodlight camera is a great device. Arlo has a great track record when it comes to smart devices overall. The siren isn't as loud as it could be, but the rest of the features more than make up for it. At $ 250, it costs roughly the same as its competitors, but it performs better than most others.