Ezviz EL3: Smart security meets customisable lighting for your home
Ezviz EL3: Floodlight Outdoor Security Camera. Pictures: Ezviz.
The Eziv EL3 combines an advanced security camera with an adjustable smart wall light to provide clear, colour night vision. The floodlights should deter potential intruders, while the camera's smart detection capabilities reduce false alarms by distinguishing between human and non-human movements.
The EL3 impresses right out of the box with its sleek design and sturdy construction. The device features a robust zinc alloy exterior, giving it a premium feel that promises durability. The wall light's tilting adjustability adds to its appeal, allowing users to create the perfect ambience for any outdoor setting. With a neutral grey finish, the EL3 should fit well into most home settings.
The unit feels solid and well-made, and it comes with four screws and wall plugs to mount it on the exterior of your house. You must supply AC power to the unit, requiring an electric cable not provided in the box. In my installation, I had to drill a hole in the wall, but thankfully, it wasn’t far from a wall socket on the other side.
The mounting system has been well thought out. The three wires (L, N, and E) go into a mount, which you fix to the wall. The main unit has three metal pins that connect with metal sockets on the mount, making the installation easier and safer.
Unlike battery-powered security cameras, the EL3 has constant power, so you’re less restricted by power settings designed to conserve battery power. The downside is that you must wire it to the mains, which may require a professional.
Setting up the EL3 was straightforward. The camera comes with clear instructions and all necessary mounting hardware. The companion app is user-friendly, guiding you through connecting the device to your home Wi-Fi and customising its settings. Within minutes, I had the camera up and running, ready to provide enhanced security and lighting to my outdoor space.
The vertically adjustable light is 780 lumens, making it practical for most applications. Whether you're hosting an evening BBQ or need to light up your driveway, the EL3’s brightness and colour temperature should suit your needs.
Controlled via a smartphone app, the light can be scheduled to operate automatically, ensuring your outdoor spaces are always well-lit without any manual intervention. You can also adjust the brightness from 1 to 100% and the colour temperature of the light from warm to cool. I can appreciate that the main function of the light is illumination to improve image capture, but I think RGB colour lights would have been a nice addition for a touch of style and mood.
The EL3 takes security to the next level with AI-powered human and vehicle detection, which means the camera can distinguish between people and vehicles, reducing false alarms. The system can even recognise license plates, making it ideal for monitoring driveways and entrances. This is advantageous if you have a driveway with cars driving towards the camera. However, I couldn’t properly test this since I don't have a long driveway, and vehicles passing my house are side-on.
The built-in microphone and speaker facilitate two-way communication, so you can interact with visitors or ward off intruders remotely. The speaker is loud and clear enough for short conversations.
The EL3’s active defence mechanism includes a strobe light option and a 92-decibel siren to effectively deter unauthorised entry. These features are optional in the app but can enhance any security setup.
The EL3 looks great as a stylish outdoor light, but of course, it also ensures that you can capture vivid details even in low-light conditions, enhancing your property's overall security coverage.
The EL3 delivers impressive 2K resolution, capturing clear and detailed footage up close and at a distance. The camera features a pan option that allows rotation to cover a wide area, reducing blind spots and ensuring comprehensive surveillance. You can also tilt the camera manually to tweak your field of view.
One of the challenges with outdoor security cameras is maintaining a stable internet connection. The EL3 doesn't offer a wired network option but does support Wi-Fi 6, offering dual-band options (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) to ensure reliable connectivity. You’ll need a WiFi 6 router to take advantage of this feature. During my testing, I found connections were quicker and more stable than those of WiFi 5 cameras.
The EL3 provides multiple storage options, so recorded videos can be saved on a local microSD card (up to 512 GB) or to a subscribed EZVIZ CloudPlay encrypted cloud storage. I love that you’re not forced to pay for a subscription, and you get a free seven-day or 30-day trial to see if it’s something you need. This flexibility ensures that homeowners can choose the storage solution that best fits their needs.
The camera uses H.265 video compression technology, significantly reducing file sizes without compromising quality. This results in smoother video playback and more efficient storage, making it easier to manage recorded footage.
The Ezviz EL3 is an impressive addition to any smart home setup. Its advanced security features and customisable lighting make it a versatile and valuable device. Whether you want to secure your home, interact with visitors remotely, or enjoy well-lit outdoor spaces, the EL3 delivers on all fronts.
Amazon.co.uk €158
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