One of the most effective ways of upgrading your garage security has to be installing a good quality security camera like Eufy S220 Solocam. These devices serve as a visual deterrent to any tempted burglar or car thief and capture irrefutable evidence should the worst happen.
The issue previously was that installing a home CCTV system required basically rewiring your house and the system often tied you to a pricy subscription service to host the footage. However, with the rise in Wi-Fi and advancements in solar technology, it’s now possible to get security cameras that take five minutes to install and require minimal maintenance.
The latest in the Eufy Security range, the S220 Solocam is a home security camera that delivers 2K (2140p) recording, human detection and night vision, all powered solely by the solar panel on top. Best of all, there’s no subscription to pay. Is this the best way to keep your driveway safe? We’ve been finding out.
Verdict: A fuss-free and fantastic way of getting some extra security.
Score: 5/5
Did you know it’s the Prime Big Deal Days sales event? Two days of outstanding deals running the 10th and 11th of October packed with deals for Prime members. And the best news is, the top-rated security camera is a third off.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Solid performance
- Good value for money
Cons
- Will need minor care
| Camera resolution | 2K (2140p) |
| Camera field of view | 135° |
| Waterproofing | IP67 |
| Dimensions | 96.5 × 81 × 57.5mm |
| Weight | 320g |
What’s good?
As a smart product, naturally, everything is controlled via a smartphone app. The actual process of connecting the camera to the app was incredibly straightforward to even a total tech novice. It was a case of connecting your phone to Wi-Fi, pressing the sole button on the camera and pointing the camera at a QR code that’s generated on your phone.
Once connected, the Eufy Security app proved to be reliable and easy to navigate. You’ll get 8GB of storage within the app and it can be used to set up different modes and even access the two-way communication so you can shout at intruders. The best part about the app is that this is all included for free, something competitors like Arlo do not offer.
The security hardware included is equally fantastic. The 2K camera provides a crystal-clear picture quality that can easily pick up face details. This is bolstered by AI that detects humans and will send notifications to your phone should someone appear. Other impressive numbers include a 135° field of view and f/1.6 aperture. The former allows the camera to cover a wider area, the latter gives the S220 an effective night vision.
Eufy claim just three hours of sunshine will be enough to keep the camera powered, and it’s stayed on consistently since its installation. Best of all, the camera is IP67 rated, meaning it’ll quite easily stand up to the worst the British weather can throw at it.
What’s okay?
The bracket installation process requires the installer to clip three plastic pieces together simultaneously, also clipping a central socket into the backing plate. Sound complex? It was. Not only will this often be done up a ladder, but the central socket is loose within the other two pieces and it’s a really fiddly process to keep it in the correct position.
Rather thankfully the rest of the installation is straightforward thanks to the lack of wires. The actual camera only needs screwing into the bracket via a single screw. It’s then positioned to ensure the solar panel is pointing towards the sun and the camera is pointing at what you want to protect.
It also lacks a few security features that competitors offer. There’s no spotlight for example, which can serve as a more obvious deterrent and would improve the overall package. Still, Eufy sell a wired floodlight if you can live with installing a few wires.
Any negatives?
There’s very little to grumble and moan about with the Solocam S220. The maintenance-free marketing may not be entirely true once a layer of dust settles on the solar panel, but a quick wipe every few months shouldn’t be too strenuous.
Winter performance remains to be seen, but otherwise, the Solocam proved to be an affordable, well-designed and technologically impressive way of installing some hassle-free security around your home.
The only major downside I found was the relatively unusual drill bit (5.95mm) required to install the mount. Even in a garage full of builder’s tools, I was unable to find a matching bit. Thankfully a 6mm drill bit worked just fine.
Who tested it?
Ryan Gilmore is the Deputy Commercial Content Editor for Parkers. With security an increasingly important factor in car ownership he’s committed himself to finding the best ways, both high and low-tech, of keeping your car safe.
How it was tested
The Solarcam S220 was installed by my parents to test how easy it was to set up. The app was connected to my mum’s smartphone while my dad installed the bracket. After installation, the security camera has been used to keep an eye on the property, using the different features to test its general performance.
Other products to consider:
Ryan Gilmore is the Deputy Autos and Tools Editor for Parkers, specialising in car cleaning and hand tools. A veteran car cleaner; if it details, waxes or washes he’ll be on hand to make sure it’s worth your money.
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