A wireless security camera with smart home capabilities is the solution, but in a market full of such devices, finding the right one can be challenging. So, is the EZVIZ C8PF Smart Home Camera the answer to your home security needs?
Why Choose This Camera?
Over the past few years, smart home security cameras have become lighter, easier to install, and battery powered. However, the EZVIZ C8PF Smart Home Camera is mains powered and features an Ethernet port.
So, why would you opt for this camera over other devices that are simpler to set up and use?
Well, it has the advantage of potentially being more reliable. With no battery to recharge and faster network access via Ethernet (though wireless networking is available should you choose) you can be confident that if the camera is powered, it’s recording to a microSD card or syncing footage to the cloud.
There is also the advantage of a weatherproof design, IR night vision, smart hub integration, and AI-powered human detection.
What You Get With the EZVIZ C8PF Smart Home Camera
In the box, you’ll find the EZVIZ C8PF camera. It isn’t particularly heavy, but perhaps larger than expected. The camera has a single cable that splits into an Ethernet port and a 12V DC input.
Alongside the camera is a DC adapter, 2 meter power extension cable, and waterproofing kit for the cabling.
A template for mounting the camera is also provided, along with four screws and wall anchors.
There is also a 12-page user guide in PDF format, supposedly accessed using the QR code in the quick start guide. I found this didn’t actually open, however, and had to be accessed in the mobile app.
EZVIZ C8PF Smart Home Camera Features
Most importantly for a camera designed for external or internal installation the EZVIZ C8PF is described as “weatherproof.” However, there is no indication of the device meeting any weatherproofing standards (e.g. IP68) so this may impact where you position the camera.
Capable of a 340-degree horizontal pan and 80-degree tilt, the EZVIZ C8PF effectively has 360-degree panoramic coverage, thanks to the wide lens. The dual camera system enables 8x mixed zoom, AI-powered human shape detection can be configured in the app for various alert notifications, with picture-in-picture display mode. For 24 hour detection, the camera has IR night vision of up to 98 feet (30 meters). There is also a two-way talk feature, thanks to the camera’s built-in microphone and speaker.
Finally, the EZVIZ C8PF supports microSD cards up to 512GB capacity.
Positioning a Security Camera
Before setting up any home security camera, it’s a good idea to get an idea of its best placement. To do this you should consider the camera specification, taking into account everything from build quality, weatherproofing and range, to network capabilities and how the device can be powered.
For example, I installed the camera part-way down a 30-meter-long garden. At standard magnification this wasn’t quite detailed enough, but on 2x and 4x it was possible to either detect the main garden or close in on a point of activity or entry.
Getting the positioning right is half the job. Before fitting any camera, it is worth setting up the networking and checking the range and responsiveness of the device.
Mounting the EZVIZ C8PF Security Camera
You have various options for attaching the camera, reflected in the mounting bracket. The four included screws can be used to mount the camera either to a ceiling or to a wall (or even in the corner where a ceiling and wall meet).
An adhesive drilling template label is included, which is applied to the wall and used for correct positioning. For external use, the weatherproof kit should be used where the Ethernet cable is passed through the wall. Note that the kit is not suitable for (or compatible with) the power cable.
If you’re planning to use Ethernet, it’s a good idea to employ powerline adapters to avoid running network cables everywhere. If this isn’t practical, some ducting and perhaps a compact network switch can be employed. For the mains connection, mounting the camera in easy reach of an internal power outlet is a good idea. With the extra cabling to factor in, however, it shouldn’t be too difficult to reach a power source. Note the the C8PF is not Power Over Ethernet (PoE) capable, so even if you’re plugging in the Ethernet, you’ll still need to power the camera separately.
I tested the camera with both in-house Wi-Fi and a hotspot positioned right next to it. Neither option performed particularly well, with regular signal drops and slow or non-existent responses. Ethernet fared much better.
Accessing the Camera Via the Mobile App
As is usual with the current generation of home security cameras, the EZVIZ C8PF requires pairing with a mobile app from EZVIZ. This ensures wireless network set up and enables you to view live or recorded footage from the camera.
This can be done once the camera is powered up, prompted by a rapid flashing blue LED and a periodic announcement from the camera urging you to pair with the app.
In testing, I found that Wi-Fi pairing was straightforward. While the first attempt failed, the second worked, but this was the beginning of some repeated disconnections and unresponsiveness. Using the app to change the direction and tilt of the camera regularly failed, and there were messages to reduce the image resolution.
Sadly, the only options here appeared to be HD and high resolution, the latter option undefined, second in a menu of two items, with neither highlighted, and therefore unclear as to which was using the most bandwidth.
In terms of features and functions, the app has it all. There are controls for picture in picture, a remote to adjust camera angle, settings to define the sort of alerts you want, and even the option to record and take photos manually. With the EZVIZ C8PF you get a cloud storage trial, with two main packages (7 or 30 day storage) to upgrade to.
Defend Your Property With the EZVIZ C8PF
Once fully configured, this camera has some promise. While testing resulted in some unreliable movement, once the intended view was established the camera performed well. Among its features is the ability to have it bark commands at intruders, instructing them that they should leave the area. If that doesn’t deter them, the device is loud enough to wake neighbors if the mobile app doesn’t alert you first.
Worried about cats? Don’t be. The EZVIZ C8PF human-shape detection works really well and prefers larger humanoid bodies over small, feline ones.
Smart Home Integration Options for the EZVIZ C8PF
These work reasonably well, but again if your wireless network is even slightly inadequate, you’ll run into problems.
You can also use IFTTT to set up an email alert when the camera detects motion. However, this seems superfluous as the EZVIZ app has phone and email notifications built in.
Whatever system of notification you receive, however, you’ll be able to access the footage through your mobile device (or smart screen) in up to 1080p High Definition video.
Is This Security Camera Secure?
Home security systems should be secure by their nature. The EZVIZ C8PF mobile app helps to ensure this with its various motion detection settings. Meanwhile, the app can be accessed using a thumbprint if your device supports it, as well as two-factor authentication.
Physical security is a slightly different story.
As with any home security camera, it makes sense to mount the EZVIZ C8PF above normal reach. Anyone wanting to interfere, vandalize, or even forcibly remove the device will need ladders.
Another concern is mounting the camera on wooden walls. It probably isn’t that much easier to remove than from a masonry wall, but wood may inspire a mischievous intruder to give it a go.
There is one curious weakness, however. While the microSD card slot is secured with screws, they’re joined by a reset button. Essentially, any passing intruder can reach up and press the button if the camera is mounted below, say, six feet up.
Do you want to give potential thieves the opportunity to disable the camera? Of course, you don’t. The smart option would be to mount the camera quite high, but of course this will have privacy implications for your neighbors.
Monitor Your Property With the EZVIZ C8PF Smart Home Camera
Overall this is a competent piece of smart home security kit. It has its shortcomings and obvious weaknesses, but the EZVIZ C8PF is a smart home camera that you can rely on. Mounted at the right height and with the benefit of a competent mobile app, this is a camera that can monitor your property, issue warnings to intruders, and initiate alarms. Or you can keep it in silent mode and receive mobile alerts for perimeter infractions.
