If you want sharp 4K video, local storage, and zero monthly fees, EufyCam 3 (S330) is a strong pick. Each camera has a built-in solar panel, a big battery, and IP67 weather protection. The trade-offs: no HomeKit, 15fps video, and no true 24/7 continuous recording on this battery model.
Table of Contents
What is EufyCam 3 (S330)? Key specs at a glance
EufyCam 3 is a battery-powered 4K outdoor camera with an integrated solar panel. It pairs with HomeBase 3 (S380) for local storage and on-device AI called BionicMind. Headline specs: 4K (3840×2160) at 15fps, 135° FoV, 13,400 mAh battery, color and IR night vision with a 100-lumen spotlight, IP67 weather rating, and Alexa/Google support. No Apple HomeKit.
Does EufyCam 3 need a subscription?
No. EufyCam 3 saves clips locally to HomeBase 3. You can expand storage up to 16TB and skip cloud fees entirely.
Camera Hardware and Video
The 8MP sensor records 4K clips at 15fps. That lower frame rate is common on battery cams and helps extend battery life. Color night vision kicks in with the spotlight; IR night vision is also available.
Solar, Battery, and Weather Rating
Eufy quotes “forever power” if the panel sees roughly two hours of direct sun per day. The camera is rated IP67 for dust and water. In colder, darker months, expect the battery to dip; the panel will recover charge when sun returns.
HomeBase 3 and BionicMind AI
HomeBase 3 offers 16GB built-in storage and supports a 2.5-inch SATA HDD/SSD up to 16TB. It runs Eufy’s BionicMind AI for facial recognition and smart detection, so alerts can say “Person spotted” or “Recognized face.”
Real-world performance
Day and night image quality
In bright light, 4K footage is crisp enough to read plates at closer ranges and identify faces. At night, the camera can switch to color with the spotlight or use IR for less obtrusive monitoring. Third-party testing notes strong detail but occasional misses with fast motion at night.
Motion detection range and alerts
Mount the camera 7–10 ft (2–3 m) high. Expect motion detection up to ~26 ft (8 m) in front of the cam. This placement avoids false alerts from distant traffic and helps BionicMind learn recurring faces quickly.
What is the motion detection range?
Eufy’s manual illustrates motion detection up to about 26 feet when mounted 7–10 feet high. Aim slightly downward to focus on people, not cars in the street.
Battery life with and without sun
With typical motion and the solar panel in good sun, many users see batteries stay near full. In heavy traffic areas or long clip settings, you may still need occasional top-ups.
Smart features and integrations
Object and face recognition (BionicMind)
HomeBase 3 handles AI: people, vehicles, pets, and face recognition. This keeps sensitive data local and speeds up notifications. Wired’s review praised the accuracy overall with a short learning curve.
App experience and notifications
You’ll get quick previews and the option to fine-tune recording length, cooldown, and activity zones. If you prefer thumbnail push notifications, note that Eufy clarified the cloud handling for thumbnails after 2022.
Voice assistants and HomeKit status
EufyCam 3 works with Alexa and Google Assistant for live view and automations. It does not support Apple Home or HomeKit Secure Video. If you want HomeKit on a similar Eufy system, the newer S3 Pro supports Apple Home.
Does EufyCam 3 support HomeKit?
No. EufyCam 3 works with Alexa and Google Assistant. For Apple Home and HomeKit Secure Video, look at EufyCam S3 Pro instead.
EufyCam 3: Storage and Fees
How local storage works on HomeBase 3
Clips save to HomeBase 3’s internal 16GB by default. You can add a 2.5-inch SATA drive up to 16TB for months or even years of retention depending on settings and number of cameras.
Expand to 16TB: Drives, Steps, Tips
Use a 2.5-inch 5V SATA HDD or SSD. Install it in HomeBase 3, then format within the app. A surveillance-class HDD is a safe bet for continuous writes.
Subscriptions you can skip
Core features work without a plan: recording, AI detection, and remote access. That is the main value play vs subscription-centric rivals.
Limitations and gotchas
No 24/7 Recording on S330 Battery Cams
Out of the box, EufyCam 3 records events, not true continuous 24/7 video. This is a battery-preserving design choice. Wired and Eufy support threads confirm it. Continuous recording appears on certain wired or newer models, not this one.
15fps, 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, and Compatibility Notes
Video tops at 15fps, which is fine for identification but not ideal for fast motion. The camera uses 2.4GHz Wi-Fi for range. Compatibility with some older Eufy gear varies; check Eufy’s HomeBase 3 compatibility page if mixing devices.
Privacy Track Record: What Changed Since 2022
In late 2022, researchers and The Verge highlighted issues with Eufy’s web portal and thumbnails. Eufy later acknowledged problems, updated language, and made changes. If privacy is top priority, use strong passwords, enable 2FA, and consider limiting web-portal access.
EufyCam 3 vs the Competition
| Model | Recording | Storage & Fees | Integrations | Notable strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EufyCam 3 (S330) | 4K @ 15fps, event-based | Local on HomeBase 3; expandable to 16TB; no mandatory fees | Alexa, Google | 4K detail, solar “forever power,” local AI, no monthly fees |
| Arlo Ultra 2 | 4K with spotlight | Cloud plan for full features | Alexa, Google, Apple Home (via HomeKit) | Polished app, wide ecosystem; subscription adds cost |
| Nest Cam (battery) | 1080p HDR | Cloud plan for history; limited free clips | Google Home | Simple app, reliable alerts; ongoing fees for history |
| Blink Outdoor 4 | 1080p | Cloud plan or local via Sync Module | Alexa | Long battery life, low cost; lower resolution |
Who should buy EufyCam 3 and who should not
Buy if: you value local storage, want to avoid monthly fees, prefer solar-topped batteries, and need 4K detail for faces and plates at close range.
Skip if: you need HomeKit or guaranteed 24/7 continuous recording from a battery cam, or you want higher frame rates for very fast action.
Setup guide: fast start
Mounting and angles
Place cameras 7–10 ft high, angled toward walkways. Expect motion capture out to ~26 ft in front. Avoid mounting under deep eaves or trees that block sun.
Best settings for busy driveways
Try 60–120 second clip length with a short cooldown, create activity zones that exclude the street, and let BionicMind learn frequent visitors for fewer false alerts.
Keep the battery topped up
Aim the panel for direct sun for roughly two hours daily. In winter, reduce clip length and spotlight use to conserve power.
Pricing and bundles
Typical bundles pair two cameras with HomeBase 3. Launch pricing was around $549 for two cams with the base; multi-cam kits vary by retailer and season.
The Bottom Line
EufyCam 3 delivers sharp 4K, smart local AI, and real savings by dropping subscriptions. Add solar and expandable storage, and it becomes a set-and-forget system for most homes. If you want Apple Home or 24/7 recording, look at S3 Pro or a wired alternative; otherwise, this is an easy system to live with.
Frequently Asked Question
What frame rate does EufyCam 3 record at?
15fps at 4K.
What’s the battery size?
13,400 mAh per camera.
How much sun is needed for “forever power”?
About two hours of direct sunlight daily.
Is it weatherproof?
Yes, IP67.
Which voice assistants are supported?
Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant; no Apple HomeKit.
How do I expand storage to 16TB?
Install a 2.5-inch SATA drive in HomeBase 3 and format in the app.
What about Eufy’s 2022 privacy issues?
Eufy acknowledged problems and made changes to web-portal behavior and disclosures. Use 2FA and strong passwords.
Featured Answer Boxes
Is EufyCam 3 worth it?
Yes, if you want 4K detail, local storage, and no monthly fees. Each camera has a solar panel and big battery, while HomeBase 3 handles AI and expandable storage up to 16TB. Downsides are no HomeKit and no true 24/7 recording.
Does EufyCam 3 work without a subscription?
It does. Footage saves locally on HomeBase 3’s internal storage or an added 2.5-inch drive, so you avoid cloud fees.
Can EufyCam 3 record continuously?
Not on battery. The S330 records events, which preserves battery life. Continuous recording is for certain wired models or newer lines, not this one.
Does EufyCam 3 support HomeKit?
No. It works with Alexa and Google. If you need Apple Home and HomeKit Secure Video, check the S3 Pro bundle.
How far can EufyCam 3 detect motion?
Plan on about 26 ft when mounted 7–10 ft high and aimed at walk paths.
Source: Eufy
