Eufy has consistently impressed with its innovative designs and reliable products, and the SoloCam S340 is no exception. Recently, I got my hands on this amazing piece, and I cannot wait to share my experience with you guys. I will be sharing my hands-on experience with this sleek and powerful dual-lens camera, complete with a large solar panel, rugged construction, and a host of exciting features.
What’s in the Box?
The camera arrives in a well-packaged box, giving a glimpse of what’s to come. As I opened the box, the first thing that popped out was the Eufy SoloCam S340 itself. Alongside the camera, I found a solar panel, a solar panel mount, a camera mount, a generous 10-foot USB-C cable, two screws, and a quick start guide.
Design & Build Quality
The overall design of the SoloCam S340 is a balance between elegance and functionality. This camera boasts a sleek dual-lens setup. However, what truly sets it apart is the generously sized solar panel mounted on top. The camera’s rugged construction and durable aluminum alloy shell are immediately noticeable. It boasts weatherproofing that can withstand the elements, ensuring continuous operation regardless of rain, snow, or harsh environmental conditions.
Camera Lenses
Besides, the two camera lenses are neatly arranged in a horizontal orientation. The upper lens is a 2K resolution telephoto lens with an impressive 8-times hybrid zoom, while the larger bottom one has a 360° wide viewing angle with 3K resolution and both lenses feature a large f/1.6 aperture. Whether it’s the brightness of day or the darkness of night, this aperture size ensures that the camera excels in capturing clear images in various lighting conditions.
Image Clarity
When paired with the hybrid zoom, I found it really flexible to focus on specific details without sacrificing image quality. This versatility is particularly beneficial for both home security and general monitoring. The camera can also pick up detailed information on faces and license plates within 50 feet. This level of clarity is invaluable when it comes to identifying potential threats or simply keeping an eye on visitors.
Night Vision
Adding to its versatility, the camera also includes both color night vision with a 100-lumen spotlight and traditional infrared night vision. Thanks to this spotlight, it gains a significant advantage compared to conventional black-and-white night vision cameras.
Installation, Charging, and Battery
Installation, Charging, and Battery The installation process for the SoloCam S340 was surprisingly straightforward. Its solar power operation requires only two hours of sunlight to power up for the entire day. Even in low-light conditions with as little as 2500 lumen, the camera can continue to function. Eufy has considered various installation needs by offering two methods: ceiling and sidewall installation. Either one of them is fine, depending on the preference. I chose the sidewall installation method as it matched my needs seamlessly. Also, the 10 ft cable provides flexibility in choosing the optimal position for the solar panel, whether it’s installed separately or directly above the camera. Installation requires just two holes in your desired location, making the process hassle-free.
Additionally, the camera boasts a built-in 10,000mAh battery just in case the sunlight can’t reach it. This battery can cover up to three months on a single charge, and its extended battery life is a significant advantage, reducing the need for frequent maintenance or recharging.
App
As I move on to the app and field-of-view functions, the SoloCam S340 proves to be user-friendly and adaptable. Besides, it is compatible with both Android and iOS devices, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of users. Turning on the app, I saw the default stream quality was set to auto mode, with 1080p recording quality. However, what truly impressed us was the range of picture quality options, spanning from 1080p all the way up to a crisp 3K. This flexibility allowed me to balance image quality with data usage, ensuring optimal performance.
Zoom and Pan/Tilt Control
Speaking of 3K, the details in the images were noticeably sharper, and the colors popped vividly. The 8-times hybrid zoom provided the perfect field of view for my needs, and I was pleased to find that zooming in did not result in a loss of clarity, which is often a common issue with similar cameras. One feature that truly stood out was the ability to control the camera’s pan and tilt functions via the mobile app.
It was like having a virtual tour of my surroundings. A simple swipe in any direction allowed me to change the camera’s perspective, offering a comprehensive view of the entire area. But perhaps the most convenient feature was the ability to save up to four favorite camera positions. Initially, setting up these positions required some navigation using the on-screen d-pad, but once configured, it allowed me to quickly access these viewpoints with ease. This feature is particularly handy for monitoring specific areas of interest without manually adjusting the camera every time.
Night Vision Performance
Adding to its versatility, the camera also includes both color night vision with a 100-lumen spotlight and traditional infrared night vision. During testing, I found that it excelled in low-light conditions, allowing me to clearly identify subjects appearing at the front door with minimal distortion. Whether for security or simply keeping an eye on your surroundings, the camera’s night vision capabilities were highly effective.
AI Tracking
AI Tracking The SoloCam S340 offers advanced BionicMind AI tracking capabilities to track both humans and pets within its field of view. While this feature is not enabled by default, activating it was not a hassle at all. All I had to do was a simple trip to the Motion Detection settings in the app with a quick flip of the switch, and I was all set. What’s even more impressive is that it ensures the camera distinguishes between furry friends and humans with a simple tweak of the settings. This customization ensures the camera responds accurately to different types of motion, providing a tailored security experience.
Smart Compatibility
As for compatibility, the SoloCam S340 is seamlessly designed to integrate into your smart home ecosystem. It operates on the 2.4 gigahertz Wi-Fi frequency, ensuring compatibility with standard home networks. On top of that, it supports voice commands through popular virtual assistants such as Siri and Alexa. In my testing, I didn’t have any problems regarding its connectivity with smart devices such as an Echo Dot. And while giving voice commands, the response timing was really accurate as well.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Eufy SoloCam S340 has thoroughly impressed me during my testing. Its combination of a sleek design, solar-powered operation, and advanced features easily makes it a reliable choice for outdoor surveillance. Whether you’re looking to enhance the security of your property or simply want to keep an eye on your home surroundings, the Eufy SoloCam S340 is a solid choice that delivers on its promises. So, what do you think? Is it good enough to fit as your outdoor home security camera? Let me know in the comment below.