Ezviz EB3: a battery-powered outdoor camera a little more affordable than the BC1

Ezviz’s range of battery-powered surveillance cameras is expanding further with a new range, the models of which should be more affordable than those of the BC range. The first is also not to remember the BC1 and BC1C 2K+. Like these cameras, and unlike the more round and motorized HB8, also battery-powered, the EB3 adopts a rather elongated format. Affordable price requires, its equipment is however a little less interesting, but it will probably be suitable for users who are not too demanding and who are above all looking for a camera that is easy to install outdoors.

120 days of autonomy and an optional solar panel

This is obviously the main interest of a battery camera. The EB3 does not need a power supply to operate, nor an RJ45 socket for that matter, since it connects via wifi. No base is necessary either to make the link with the Internet box. Its battery, however, only offers a capacity of 5200 mAh, when those of the BC1 and BC1C 2K+ exceed 10,000 mAh. Autonomy is therefore less important in his case: 120 days according to Ezviz. It is nevertheless possible to complete it with a solar panel sold separately to avoid having to recharge it.

Still for installation, note that the EB3 cannot be fixed to the wall using a magnetic support, unlike the other models mentioned. Only a screw-on stand is included, which does a little more work to detach and reload. It is also presented as weatherproof, although no protection index (IPXX) is communicated. We imagine that Ezviz did not want to have it certified to avoid a few more costs. In any case, it should therefore not be useful to shelter it, which is always appreciable.

Led projectors and detection of human movements

Another item of economy, the sensor chosen offers a resolution of 3 megapixels, while Ezviz gradually switches to 2K. It will therefore be necessary to be satisfied with images of 2304 x 1296 pixels, which remains slightly higher than Full HD and should all the same allow, in theory at least, to obtain a satisfactory image quality. There is also infrared vision, as well as LED projectors for filming at night, in black & white with the first, but also in color thanks to the latter. These projectors can also serve as a deterrent signal in the event of an intrusion, and the EB3 offers a siren as a bonus.

To detect intruders, the new Ezviz camera relies, like most battery-powered models, not on the analysis of the images provided by the sensor, but on a PIR sensor. A less energy-consuming solution, but a little less efficient too, let’s face it. It is nevertheless appreciated to find all the same a detection of human movements allowing to limit false alarms. When triggered, the EB3 can of course enable video and save footage to a microSD card or to the cloud by taking out a CloudPlay subscription (from €4.99/month or €49.99/year) . A microphone and speaker also allow communication with anyone in front of the camera.

Compatible with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, the Ezviz EB3 was launched at an RRP of €129. For an additional twenty euros only, the BC1C 2K+ seems to us to be a better choice, and it is still possible to find the BC1C 1080p for 119 €. However, it is likely that the new model will drop fairly quickly below the €100 mark with promotions. In the meantime, it is also possible to turn to Xiaomi’s Mi Wireless Outdoor Security Camera 1080p, already available for less than 100 €, but requiring the use of a base.