Can your eyes continuously be opened without a blink? How amazing it is if your camera can do the same, that’s recording continually? When it comes to home security, having the ability to continuously monitor your environment can provide extra peace of mind.
One of the most common questions for users of Eufy security cameras is when the cameras support constant recording and the ability to record footage 24/7 without missing a beat.
While Eufy cameras are known for their high-quality video, ease of use, and privacy-friendly features, their capacity for continuous recording varies across different models.
In this post, we’ll explore if Eufy constant recording is possible, how to set it up, and the best practices to ensure your security system works seamlessly.
Understanding Eufy’s Recording Features
Before getting into the specifics of constant recording, it’s important to understand how Eufy cameras typically function. Most Eufy security cameras, like the eufyCam 2, eufyCam 2C, and eufyCam 3, are designed with motion detection as the primary trigger for recording.
This means the cameras will only record when they detect motion within their field of view. This setup is optimized for battery efficiency, making these cameras suitable for wire-free installations where constant power is not available.
However, not all users prefer motion-triggered recording, especially if they want to monitor high-traffic areas or ensure they don’t miss any events in real-time. This brings us to the question: Does Eufy support constant recording?
Does Eufy Support Continuous Recording?
The short answer is yes, but with some limitations depending on the model of your Eufy camera. While motion-triggered recording is the default setting for most of Eufy’s outdoor cameras, continuous recording is available on some of the indoor camera models.
Specifically, Eufy Indoor Cam 2K and Eufy Indoor Cam Pan & Tilt support continuous recording, making them ideal for users who want round-the-clock surveillance.
Which Eufy Cameras Support Constant Recording?
Let’s break down the differences between models to help you choose the right camera for continuous monitoring:
Eufy Indoor Cam 2K:
This indoor camera is one of the few Eufy models that supports constant recording. As it is wired to a power source, it can record non-stop as long as there is sufficient storage. The camera can record continuously to either a local microSD card or a Network Attached Storage (NAS) system.
Eufy Indoor Cam Pan & Tilt:
Similar to the Indoor Cam 2K, this camera offers 24/7 recording capabilities. The Pan & Tilt function is particularly useful for monitoring large indoor spaces, as it can cover a wider area by moving automatically. It’s ideal for users who want to keep an eye on children or pets in a living room or nursery.
EufyCam 2 and 2C:
Unfortunately, these outdoor models are not designed for continuous recording. As they are battery-powered, constant recording would significantly drain the battery life, which is why they rely on motion detection.
For these cameras, Eufy constant recording is not an option without compromising battery performance.
EufyCam 3:
Similar to its predecessors, the eufyCam 3 supports motion-triggered recording but does not have a native option for continuous recording. However, like the other eufyCam models, you can store video recordings locally on the included HomeBase or through NAS storage, though these will still only capture motion events.
How to Set Up Eufy Constant Recording on Supported Cameras
If you own one of the indoor Eufy models that support continuous recording, setting it up is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to enable 24/7 recording on your camera:
Open the Eufy Security App: First, make sure your camera is connected and powered on. Open the Eufy Security app on your smartphone and select the camera you want to configure for constant recording.
Go to Camera Settings: Searching the camera’s settings menu, where you’ll find various options for video quality, alerts, and recording preferences.
Enable Continuous Recording: In the recording settings, you’ll see options such as motion detection recording and continuous recording. Select continuous recording to enable 24/7 monitoring.
Choose Storage Location: Eufy cameras allow for multiple storage options, including a local microSD card or NAS (Network Attached Storage). If you’re using a microSD card, make sure it has sufficient capacity for continuous recording.
The Eufy Indoor Cam 2K and Pan & Tilt support microSD cards up to 128GB, which can store several days of video footage depending on the resolution and frame rate.
Monitor Storage Usage: Continuous recording can quickly fill up storage space, especially if you are recording at high resolution. It’s important to keep an eye on your storage capacity and either offload older footage or set your camera to automatically overwrite the oldest recordings when the storage is full.
The Pros and Cons of Eufy Constant Recording
Now that you know how to set up constant recording on your Eufy camera, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of using this feature.
Pros:
Comprehensive Surveillance: Continuous recording ensures that no event, large or small, goes unnoticed. This is particularly valuable in high-traffic areas or places where you want to monitor activity 24/7.
Local Storage Options: Unlike cloud-based solutions, Eufy’s continuous recording can be stored locally on a microSD card or NAS. This not only avoids subscription fees but also enhances data privacy, as your footage stays within your control.
High-Quality Footage: Eufy’s indoor cameras support 2K resolution, which means you’ll get sharp, detailed video recordings even when recording constantly.
Cons:
Storage Requirements: Continuous recording requires a significant amount of storage space, especially if you are recording in high definition. You may need to invest in high-capacity microSD cards or a NAS with ample storage to keep up with the demand.
Power Dependency: Unlike battery-powered cameras, cameras with constant recording need to be plugged into a power source. This can limit their placement to areas with available outlets.
Not Available for Outdoor Models: If you’re using Eufy’s outdoor cameras, such as the eufyCam 2 or 3, constant recording isn’t available due to battery life constraints. These cameras are optimized for motion detection to preserve battery power.
Alternatives to Continuous Recording
If your camera model does not support Eufy constant recording, there are a few alternatives you can consider:
- Increase Motion Sensitivity: By adjusting the motion detection sensitivity, you can ensure that the camera captures more events throughout the day. This isn’t the same as continuous recording, but it can give you more coverage in areas with frequent movement.
- Scheduled Recording: Some Eufy cameras allow you to schedule recording times, enabling the camera to record during certain hours of the day. This can be useful if you only need continuous coverage during specific times, such as at night.
- External NAS Storage: While this won’t enable constant recording on outdoor models, connecting your Eufy cameras to a NAS can allow for longer and more reliable storage of motion-triggered events.
Conclusion
Eufy constant recording is possible, but only on certain models specifically, the indoor cameras like the Eufy Indoor Cam 2K and Eufy Indoor Pan & Tilt.
These cameras provide an easy way to monitor your home around the clock, making them a great choice for those seeking continuous surveillance.
If you need constant recording, make sure to choose a model that supports it and be prepared with adequate storage and a reliable power source. For outdoor surveillance, Eufy’s battery-powered models focus on motion-triggered events, which helps conserve battery life.
In either case, Eufy cameras offer flexible and powerful solutions for home security, when you need continuous recording or just motion-based alerts.