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Ecobee SmartCamera test: eyes on intruders

"If you take privacy seriously, the ecobee SmartCamera is the security camera for your home."

• Great privacy features

• Huge field of view combined with panning and tilting

• Alexa built in

• Subscription costs are lower than those of competitors

• Setup can be difficult.

• Many functions are blocked behind the subscription.

The Ecobee SmartCamera is a small, powerful surveillance camera that packs many functions into its tiny frame. It is also one of Ecobee's first companies to go beyond the popular intelligent thermostats for which the company is best known.

This $ 179 surveillance camera records 1080p video with a 5-megapixel sensor, 180-degree field of view, and pan and tilt functions. There is also a siren built in, which is not loud, but at least frightens everyone who does not expect so much volume from such a small camera.

The SmartCamera can be integrated into existing Ecobee devices such as intelligent thermostats, motion sensors and door / window sensors. We were given a device to try and review and found it both easy and intuitive to use, but the setup process was more complicated than necessary. The Ecobee SmartCamera is a great experience overall, but could be refined in some areas.

User-friendly but complicated setup

The device is immediately ready for use. The base is attached to a magnetic piece and holds the camera securely in place, either from behind or from below. The next step was to set it up. Unfortunately, there were some problems here.

Patrick Hearn / Digital Trends

The Ecobee SmartCamera can be set up using the HomeKit or the airport setup. HomeKit installation is a simple step-by-step process. There is even a HomeKit registration sticker on the back of the camera that you can scan for convenience. After that, the connection had to check the camera. This step failed several times and required a hard reset after each error.

In honor of Ecobee, the app guides the user through every step of the process. Each error code is documented and a solution is given. The app even makes it easy to contact Ecobee support if you encounter something that is not that easy to fix. However, the first impression is important and the SmartCamera frustrated us with the installation.

Packed with features

Apart from the frustrating installation, the SmartCamera worked like a dream as soon as it was ready for use. The 180 degree field of view is impressive. The entire field is not visible at once, but the pan and tilt functions allow the user to move their viewing angle around the room. The SmartCamera also has an enormous digital zoom function, with which you can concentrate on the smallest details in the frame.

The video feed is clear and sharp during the day. We could easily read text on boxes and a number of handcarts (the camera was tested in the middle of a movement). The camera still offers a clear view at night, but its range increases. The feed remains clear, but loses resolution when it is enlarged.

The included siren is just loud enough to be annoying, but not so much that it hurts the ears. It is also not loud enough to draw neighbors' attention, but it could scare an intruder. It will likely not scare anyone as it can be easily steamed with a blanket.

The SmartCamera notifies you by push notification when it detects motion and can save videos for up to 2 minutes. You can review footage for up to 14 days by subscribing to Ecobee Haven. There is a free one-month trial version of the service that includes entry and occupancy detection, intelligent notifications, and automatic activation / deactivation. The service costs $ 5 per month for the "Essential" plan and $ 10 per month for the "Extended" plan. The “Essential” plan includes home surveillance and video for a single camera, while the “Extended” plan covers an unlimited number of cameras.

The 180 degree field of view is impressive.

The Ecobee SmartCamera also has Alexa, which is integrated directly into the device, and can stream music, call and control smart home. In a growing smart home ecosystem, it's convenient to use Alexa. There's also a feature called SmartFocus that uses the digital pan and zoom feature to focus a person in the center of the frame when motion is detected. This is especially useful and something you don't find too often in home security cameras.

Overall, the functions of the Ecobee SmartCamera stand out from the competition. It has a number of smaller functions, such as: B. Window mode, which can be used when the camera is pointing out of a window. It deactivates the infrared light to eliminate reflections from the glass.

Privacy focused

Ecobee nailed privacy straight out of the gate. You must use two-factor authentication with the SmartCamera to immediately eliminate many of the biggest potential threats. The video feed is encrypted and all videos are processed on board the camera and not in the cloud. This means that the footage is much safer than if it were sent back and forth. The Ecobee app is not password-locked by default, although users can make their phone settings more secure.

Ecobee nailed privacy straight out of the gate.

The most interesting data protection function is that the SmartCamera is shut down at home. This function can be deactivated, but is activated by default. The SmartCamera detects when your phone is nearby based on the location of your phone and automatically switches the recording off to ensure absolute privacy for you and your family. This is a great feature, especially if you don't want a security camera to record you while you are at home. It is easy to forget to switch the camera off manually, so that activating the automatic switch-off function eliminates another level of complications.

Patrick Hearn / Digital Trends

Our opinion

At around $ 180, the Ecobee SmartCamera has a price similar to some of its rivals. The upfront investment is definitely more to get the most out of the device – and you also need the subscription service – but considering the features, this isn't a bad price. Ecobee has proven to be one of the top players in the world of intelligent thermostats. It is therefore exciting to see how the company is entering a new segment of the smart home market with such an impressive debut.

Is there a better alternative?

The Ecobee SmartCamera is a great option at its price. However, if you are looking for a slightly cheaper security camera with better resolution, check out the Nest Cam Indoor. It's cheaper at $ 130, but swaps some features in favor of 4K resolution and a lower price. If money doesn't matter and you're looking for the absolute best security camera for your home, the Arlo Pro 3 is a great choice.

How long it will take?

The Ecobee SmartCamera is designed to operate between 32 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit at an optimal humidity below 85%. Unless something catastrophic happens, the interior conditions of your house should never exceed them. If the camera is in the warehouse, it is even more durable. An inactive SmartCamera can withstand temperatures from -4 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. It is a sturdy, sturdy camera that should last for years if properly cared for.

If that's not enough to convince you, there is also a 3-year limited warranty that covers defects and normal use.

Should you buy it

Yes, the Ecobee SmartCamera is a solid purchase. Despite the problems with the setup, the SmartCamera is an excellent investment in an increasingly data protection-oriented world due to its numerous data protection functions.

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