In addition to smart lighting, cameras are the most popular smart devices in Dutch households. Whether it is monitoring the baby room or securing your terrain, a suitable camera is available for each purpose.
The EUFY NVR Security System S4 Max is an advanced POE camera system that consists of four PTZ cameras with Triple-Lens, which together deliver sharp 4K images with a 360 ° coverage. Thanks to the local AI, the system effortlessly recognizes people, vehicles and faces without being dependent on the cloud.
The cameras are able to automatically follow objects by means of cross-cam-tracking. Images are stored 24/7 locally on a hard disk, without subscription costs being connected. In recent weeks we have extensively tested the EUFY system, which consists of four S4 Max cameras and an NVR.
Specifications EUFY S4 MAX
The EUFY S4 Max is an IP camera that actually consists of three cameras. The top camera is equipped with a 16MP image sensor and can record video in 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels). The lower PTZ camera has two 2K lenses, each with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels. This camera can turn 360º and tilt up to 70º, and has an automatic tracking function to follow a person and zoom in on someone within his field of vision. The cameras together create a so-called Tri-CAM system, which is designed to prevent blind spots.
The cameras are specially designed for outdoor use and have an IP65 classification, which protects them against dust and rain. For nocturnal recordings, the S4 uses Starlight technology and HDR technology to capture detailed and colorful images even in low light. In addition, black and white infrared night vision is also available.
When detecting movement, the built -in spotlight can be switched on to improve visibility, which is useful for recognizing people.
NVR
A NVR (Network Video Recorder) is a device that receives video images of digital IP cameras via the network and stores on a hard disk. The system supports adding and configuring multiple cameras, offers live video science and makes watching recorded images possible. The EUFY NVR also offers functions such as motion detection, video alarm verification and AI search assignments.
The NVR looks like an old-fashioned DVD player and is therefore considerably larger than the EUFY Homebase, as can be seen in the photo. There are 8 network ports on the back that, in addition to data connection, also offer power supply for the cameras.
The device comes with a 2TB hard drive of the Seagate Skyhawk type, a model that is optimized for video surveillance and long -term load. This should be sufficient for most users, but you have the option to replace this disk with a copy of up to 16TB. Since the NVR supports up to eight camera channels as standard (and can be extended to 16 channels), you may need more storage space in the future. Keep in mind that the four supplied cameras each use two channels, because each camera supplies two separate video streams.
Smart AI Functions
The cleverness of the system is due to Eufy’s AI, which functions fully locally on the NVR. There is no delay due to a connection with the cloud, the AI works immediately and quickly. The system can recognize people, vehicles, pets and even unknown faces, provided you help to identify friends, family, neighbors and other common faces. In addition, you can set adjusted detection zones and determine which types of activities will activate notifications.
With the EUFY app you can immediately enter a search, after which the AI in the NVR will look for the accompanying images. For example, if you enter “blue car”, the AI searches for images showing a blue car.
There is also support for the advanced tracking functions from EUFY. When the upper wide-angle lens detects a subject, the lower PTZ lens locks automatically and follows the subject, where it is again framing to keep the person in the middle of the image, even at a distance of 50 meters. In situations with several people, the camera can zoom in and adjust the frame to keep different people in the picture, and switches back to following one individual as soon as others leave the image.
The four cameras with double lenses function synchronously and offer coverage that is comparable to those of eight cameras. Thanks to the live cross-cam tracking function of EUFY, when one camera reaches its tracking limit, another camera can automatically take over the subject, which ensures continuous monitoring of different areas. Recorded videos are searchable based on keywords, making it easy to find specific events without having to scroll through images for hours.
The system is mainly managed via the EUFY app or the web interface, but also offers the possibility of speech control with Alexa and Google Assistant. However, support for Apple HomeKit Secure Video is not available.
Local storage and processing of images
With many security systems you have to make a choice: either you use smart functions via the cloud and lose part of your privacy, or you keep everything locally and fog advanced detection options. The EUFY S4 Max tries to circumvent this assessment. This system unites cameras, storage and analysis based on AI in one device, where image recognition mainly takes place locally.
Detection and reports take place directly on the NVR, without video images being sent to the cloud as standard. No subscription is required for the essential functions. The system works immediately and gives you control over your data.
However, we must make a comment. If you want to use push reports containing a preview, the EUFY Cloud is still being used due to technical limitations. If you do not use this, the system works 100% locally on the NVR.
Power over Ethernet
The EUFY System uses Power over Ethernet (POE), so that the cameras are connected to the NVR via a single network cable, which supplies both data and electricity. This can facilitate the installation because you don’t have to worry about the availability of a power outlet when placing each camera.
A disadvantage of a POE camera (Power over Ethernet) is that you always have to install Ethernet cables to the location of the camera, which can be difficult and expensive if there is no existing cabling or if the cameras are placed far apart. In practice, it is easier to install a WiFi camera with battery or net feeding.
Network Limitations
EUFY states that the cameras must be connected to the POE ports of the NVR. These ports use a separate network than the local network. This means that it is not possible to place a camera in your local network with, for example, a POE injector. This will only function if the network from one of the POE ports to a switch is extended. You can’t just install a camera everywhere, even if a network connection is available. The camera must be physically connected to one of the PoE ports.
Installation
The installation of the system is not particularly complicated, as we are used to from EUFY. However, it takes more effort than a wireless camera system. The S4 Max is designed for outdoor use and must be connected directly to your router. This means that you have to drill holes in walls or ceilings to install the cameras with the supplied mounting materials. Moreover, you have to make larger openings and install weather -resistant for the Ethernet cables. This requires more planning, tools and time than a standard battery system for cameras.
First you have to connect the NVR to your router. Then choose the places for your cameras, mount the camera brackets and attach the cameras. Drill holes in the walls in the vicinity, place weather-resistant in these holes on both the inside and outside of the wall and pull through the Ethernet cables. Connect the other end of the cables to the NVR.
The NVR automatically recognizes the connected cameras and you can approach the system via a monitor, the EUFY app or the EUFY web portal.
Operation Cameras
Thanks to the Live Cross Cam Tracking, the cameras are able to follow moving objects with minimal delay between different zones. As soon as the system perceives something that regards it as a threat, it responds quickly and sends warnings within a few seconds.
The video quality is sharp and offers clear, detailed images, even in low light conditions. The system recognizes faces, license plates and movements well. The integrated search functions make it easy to find events with natural language, such as “man with a black shirt”
During our tests the appeal turned out to be stable and responsive. The live display loaded quickly, the object recognition was accurate and the playback went without hitches.
You set each camera on activity by defining activity zones, choosing which events activate warnings, and adjust the duration of the spotlight.
In addition, you can plans when the cameras are active or reports dampen depending on the time of the day. The behavior of each camera can be configured individually, which offers you more control over how the system works in different parts of your property.
HDMI port for connecting to a monitor
The EUFY NVR has an HDMI port with which you can connect it to a monitor or television. The camera images are displayed on the screen. In the box you will also find a mouse that you connect to the NVR, so that you can easily switch between the different camera images. In addition, you can also adjust settings and other things with the mouse. In practice you will mainly use the EUFY app to view or view images live.
Conclusion: EUFY S4 MAX
Review Score
With a suggested retail price of € 1299, the high-end NVR system from EUFY is a considerable investment, but it offers excellent value for anyone who is seriously engaged in the security of their home or small company. You pay for local control, advanced detection and a system without subscription costs. If you are familiar with the installation requirements and are looking for a system that remains locally, is adjustable and expandable, then the S4 Max is definitely recommended.
- Impressive image quality both during the day and at night.
- Local AI and storage, no subscription required.
- Can be expanded with a maximum of 16 cameras and 16TB storage.
- Live Cross-Cam Tracking function for following objects.
- Installation requires drilling and pulling Ethernet cables
- No support for HomeKit or third -party cameras
Where to buy?
The EUFY NVR Security System S4 Max is available in the webshop below for a suggested retail price of € 1299.
