Thinking about upgrading your home security with the eufy Security SoloCam E42 2-Cam Kit (HomeBase S380), 4K Security Camera Wireless Outdoor, Solar Powered, AI Motion Tracking, Strobe Light, Pan & Tilt, Facial Recognition, Local Storage Up to 16 TB?
Product Overview
You get a lot in the eufy Security SoloCam E42 2-Cam Kit (HomeBase S380). The package combines two solar-powered 4K outdoor cameras with a HomeBase 3 unit that gives you local storage and continuous recording options.
This kit is aimed at homeowners who want high-resolution footage, local storage to protect privacy, and convenient AI-powered alerts without ongoing subscription fees. You’ll find features like AI motion detection, automatic tracking, and facial recognition that make routine monitoring less noisy and more accurate.
What’s in the Box
You’ll receive two SoloCam E42 cameras and the HomeBase 3 (S380) unit, plus mounting hardware, cables, and a quick-start guide. The kit may not include a microSD card, so plan to add your own if you want onboard camera recording.
Having the HomeBase 3 included is important because it gives you on-site storage and continuous recording capability even if your network drops. Make sure you update your HomeBase firmware to V3.6.9.0 or later and the app to V5.0.80 or later for best performance.
Key Specifications
You’ll appreciate clear technical details when comparing cameras, so here’s a concise breakdown of the most important specs.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Camera Model | eufy Security SoloCam E42 |
| Kit | 2-Cam Kit with HomeBase S380 (HomeBase 3) |
| Resolution | True 4K UHD |
| Recognition Range | License plates up to 33 ft (10 m) |
| Motion Detection | AI motion detection for people and vehicles |
| Tracking | Automatic AI tracking (pan & tilt) |
| Lighting | Motion-activated strobe light / siren |
| Power | SolarPlus 2.0 solar-powered (2 hours direct sun daily recommended) |
| Local Storage (camera) | microSD up to 128 GB (not included) |
| HomeBase Storage | 16 GB built-in, expandable up to 16 TB |
| Continuous Recording | Supported (via HomeBase 3) |
| Subscription | No monthly fee for local storage |
| Weatherproofing | Outdoor rated (weather resistant) |
| Special Features | Facial recognition, AI filtering to reduce false alarms |
You’ll find this table handy when quickly checking compatibility needs or storage expectations.
Design and Build Quality
The SoloCam E42 has a modern, slightly rounded form factor that looks unobtrusive on most homes while being sturdy enough for outdoor use. Its build feels solid and weather-resistant, and the integrated solar panel gives it a clean, cable-minimized installation option.
You’ll notice the Pan & Tilt mechanism sits behind a robust housing that handles movement smoothly. The mounting hardware is straightforward and the materials feel premium for the price point, which is reassuring for long-term outdoor placement.
Camera Design Details
The camera lens, strobe light, and sensors are thoughtfully arranged to maximize field of view and detection accuracy. The solar panel blends into the unit so the camera looks cohesive rather than pieced together.
You’ll also appreciate the low-profile base and adjustable bracket that let you angle the camera precisely. The overall weather sealing and materials support all-season use in temperate climates.
HomeBase 3 Design
The HomeBase 3 is compact and minimalist, designed to sit near your router for wired connectivity. It has a modest LED indicator and ports for network and optional storage expansion.
You’ll want to place the HomeBase in a secure indoor location but within range of the cameras to ensure reliable communication and continuous recording.
Installation and Mounting
Installing the SoloCam E42 is user-friendly and intended for DIY setup. The camera includes a solar panel and mounting plate, and the hardware fits typical exterior walls and eaves without special tools.
You’ll run through steps in the eufy app that guide you to mount the camera, adjust angles, and confirm solar positioning. If you’re mounting in a shaded location, you’ll need to be more strategic about where the solar panel points to capture those recommended 2 hours of direct sunlight.
Step-by-Step Setup
You’ll connect the HomeBase to your router, power it, then add each camera via the app. The app walks you through firmware updates and camera pairing, and the whole procedure usually takes under 30 minutes for each camera.
You’ll want to test motion detection and re-angle the camera if false positives occur or if a tracked area isn’t covered as expected. Fine-tuning placement improves both battery performance and detection accuracy.
App and User Interface
The eufy Security app is where you’ll control everything, from live view to advanced AI settings. It’s generally intuitive and responsive, offering quick access to recorded clips and the ability to adjust motion zones and sensitivity.
You’ll find the app supports facial recognition, person/vehicle filtering, and smart notifications so you’re not flooded with irrelevant alerts. The interface also allows easy toggling between cameras and quick playback of events stored on the HomeBase.
App Features Worth Mentioning
You’ll be able to configure detection types, customize the strobe and siren behavior, set privacy modes, and manage local storage. The app also supports downloading and sharing clips directly from your HomeBase storage.
You’ll also notice push notifications are timely and informative, with AI labels like “Person” or “Vehicle” to help you triage events at a glance.
Video Quality and Night Vision
The SoloCam E42 delivers true 4K UHD video, which gives you crisp detail for identifying faces, package labels, and, according to the spec sheet, license plates up to about 33 ft (10 m). Daytime footage is sharp with accurate color representation and good dynamic range.
You’ll get usable night-time images thanks to the camera’s infrared and spotlight combination. Night vision with the spotlight ON gives color detail for nighttime events, while IR mode preserves clarity without lighting. The 4K resolution helps retain detail even after zooming in during playback.
Real-World Performance
You’ll appreciate how clearly the camera captures distant details compared to many 1080p or 2K units. The stabilization and Pan & Tilt tracking help maintain subject clarity during movement, which is handy if someone walks across the frame quickly.
You’ll occasionally see slight compression artifacts on extremely low-bandwidth events, but overall the clarity exceeds what many competing outdoor cameras offer at this price point.
AI Motion Detection and Smart Tracking
The camera’s AI is trained to distinguish people and vehicles, which reduces false alerts from leaves, shadows, and small animals. When the AI detects a target, the camera can automatically track the subject using the motorized Pan & Tilt for continuous framing.
You’ll appreciate the practical benefit of automatic tracking for driveway monitoring and front-porch surveillance. The camera rotates smoothly to keep subjects centered, and the AI labeling in notifications cuts down on unnecessary interruptions.
Accuracy and False Alarms
You’ll find the AI filtering solid for typical suburban scenarios, although extremely crowded or occluded scenes can still produce some misclassifications. Adjusting sensitivity and setting detection zones helps reduce these occurrences.
You’ll also be able to tune the system for pets, vehicles, and people separately, which makes it easier to focus alerts on activities that matter to you.
Facial Recognition
Facial recognition is part of the camera’s feature set and runs locally through the HomeBase for privacy. You’ll be able to create a face library, label familiar faces, and receive tailored notifications when recognized persons appear.
You’ll find this feature useful for distinguishing family members, frequent visitors, or service personnel from unknown individuals. The system emphasizes privacy by keeping recognition data on your HomeBase rather than storing it in the cloud.
Practical Considerations
You’ll want to use the face labeling carefully and keep it updated if household members change appearances often. Environmental factors like strong backlighting can reduce recognition accuracy, so aim to position cameras where faces are well-lit.
You’ll also have the option to disable facial recognition if you prefer to rely on generic person detection only.
SolarPlus 2.0 and Power Management
SolarPlus 2.0 promises that just two hours of direct sunlight per day can maintain a full charge for continuous operations. That’s convenient if you place cameras on sun-facing facades or roofs.
You’ll see significant battery savings because the solar panel continuously top-ups the camera’s internal battery. For shaded placements, you’ll still get performance but may need occasional manual charging or supplementary wired power.
Battery Life Expectations
You’ll notice the camera’s actual battery life depends on activity level (amount of motion), day/night cycles, and how often the spotlight and siren are triggered. With moderate motion and adequate solar exposure, the system often stays near full charge with minimal intervention.
You’ll want to check battery levels periodically in the app and consider reorientation or a different mounting spot if solar charging isn’t meeting expectations.
Strobe Light and Siren
The motion-activated strobe light and siren are designed to serve as both a deterrent and an alert mechanism. You’ll be able to customize how and when the strobe and siren activate, including manual triggering via the app.
You’ll find the strobe is bright enough to draw attention and scare off many opportunistic intruders, while the siren provides an audible deterrent. It’s a practical layer of active protection that complements passive monitoring.
Customization Options
You’ll set rules so the siren and strobe trigger only for specific detection types or during certain hours. This prevents unnecessary activations and helps you tailor the system to neighborhood noise norms.
You’ll also be able to cancel false alarms quickly from the app if the siren is triggered in error.
Storage and Privacy
One of the major selling points is local storage and the absence of mandatory monthly cloud fees. The cameras support up to 128 GB microSD per camera for local footage, while the HomeBase 3 includes 16 GB built-in and supports expansion up to 16 TB.
You’ll appreciate that the HomeBase provides continuous recording and keeps data on-site, which enhances privacy and reduces reliance on external servers. This is particularly valuable if you prefer to avoid long-term cloud storage subscriptions.
Local vs. Cloud
You’ll have full control over what’s recorded and how long it’s retained. The system allows selective clips to be downloaded and shared, and because data is stored locally, your footage stays behind your network firewall.
You’ll still get secure remote access through the app, but the raw footage remains under your control unless you opt in to any cloud services.
HomeBase 3: Why It Matters
HomeBase 3 is a central hub that enables features like continuous recording, facial recognition processing, and large-capacity local storage. It also ensures the cameras can keep recording during temporary network outages.
You’ll find the HomeBase essential for full functionality—Eufy recommends using the included HomeBase for best results. If you already own HomeBase 3, remember to update firmware and app versions for compatibility.
Storage Expansion and Reliability
You’ll be able to add a hard drive to increase storage up to 16 TB, which is excellent for long-term retention or multi-camera setups. The HomeBase also offloads AI processing from the cameras for faster, localized inference.
You’ll want to keep the HomeBase in a secure, ventilated spot to protect your recorded data and ensure consistent uptime.
Connectivity and Network Requirements
The HomeBase connects to your router via Ethernet, giving a reliable link for uploads and remote access. The cameras communicate wirelessly with HomeBase, which reduces bandwidth strain on your primary Wi-Fi.
You’ll want to ensure the HomeBase is centrally located relative to camera placements to maintain a strong signal. If you place HomeBase far away or behind heavy walls, you may see connection interruptions or lower performance.
Bandwidth Considerations
You’ll find streaming multiple 4K cameras can still be efficient because local recording reduces constant cloud uploads. Remote live view and clip downloads do use bandwidth, so ideally you’ll have a decent upstream speed for smooth streaming.
You’ll also set recording quality and clip lengths in the app to match your network capabilities.
Day-to-Day User Experience
Using the SoloCam E42 in daily life is straightforward: notifications alert you to important events, and live view lets you check on visitors or deliveries. The AI classification means you’re less likely to be overwhelmed by false alarms, and the local storage keeps recordings immediately accessible.
You’ll enjoy the convenience of solar power (lower maintenance), quick app control, and the peace of mind from continuous recording when paired with HomeBase.
Common Use Cases
You’ll find this kit ideal for front-porch monitoring, driveway surveillance, backyard protection, and small-property perimeter security. The Pan & Tilt feature gives you more coverage per camera compared to fixed-lens devices.
You’ll also appreciate the ease of sharing footage with family or law enforcement if needed.
Pros and Cons
You’ll want a clear summary before deciding. Here are the main strengths and possible drawbacks to consider.
Pros:
- True 4K UHD video with good detail.
- Effective AI motion detection and tracking.
- SolarPlus 2.0 reduces maintenance.
- Local storage via HomeBase 3 with optional expansion up to 16 TB.
- No mandatory subscription fees for local storage.
- Motion-activated strobe and siren for active deterrence.
- Facial recognition processed locally for privacy.
Cons:
- microSD cards are not included—buy separately if you want camera-side storage.
- Performance depends on proper solar placement and sufficient sunlight.
- Some advanced features require HomeBase 3 firmware/app updates.
- In extremely crowded scenes, AI might misclassify occasionally.
You’ll find the pros outweigh the cons for most homeowners who prioritize privacy, resolution, and reduced ongoing costs.
Comparisons to Similar Cameras
Compared to other outdoor cameras in the same range, the SoloCam E42 stands out with actual 4K resolution and integrated solar power. Many competitors offer 2K or 1080p resolution, requiring wired power or separate solar accessories.
You’ll also note the inclusion of HomeBase 3 in this kit is a value proposition for those who want local storage without buying extra hardware separately. The AI performance and tracking are competitive with higher-priced smart cameras.
When to Choose Something Else
You’ll consider other models if you need full cloud backup with long retention included, or if your installation site receives virtually no direct sunlight and wiring is impractical. A hardwired PoE camera or an indoor camera with different features might suit specific edge cases better.
You’ll also pick an alternative if you prefer an ecosystem already in use in your home (e.g., camera brands tied to other hubs you already own).
Troubleshooting Tips
You’ll encounter occasional issues like connectivity drops, false positives, or solar undercharging. Try repositioning the HomeBase, adjusting detection sensitivity, or reorienting the solar panel.
You’ll also keep firmware and app versions current, as eufy frequently releases updates that improve stability and detection accuracy. If a camera loses connection, reboot the HomeBase and power-cycle the camera to force a re-pair.
Common Fixes
You’ll often solve false alarms by setting detection zones and reducing sensitivity in busy areas. For charging issues, confirm the panel faces unobstructed sunlight and clean debris off the solar surface.
You’ll contact eufy support if problems persist, and retain the serial numbers and firmware version info when doing so.
Privacy and Security Considerations
You’ll benefit from local storage and on-device/local AI processing that limit external data sharing. HomeBase 3 keeps recognition data and footage on-site, which aligns with privacy-conscious users.
You’ll still secure your HomeBase and router with strong passwords and firmware updates to prevent unauthorized access. Remote viewing uses encrypted channels, but your network security practices are equally important.
Best Practices
You’ll enable strong, unique passwords, use a guest network for IoT devices where possible, and keep software up to date. You’ll also limit user access via the app and review audit logs if you share access with family members.
You’ll consider physical locking or concealing the HomeBase if you’re highly concerned about theft or tampering.
Price and Value
The initial cost is higher than some single-camera offerings, but the kit’s inclusion of two 4K solar cameras plus HomeBase 3 provides significant long-term value. You’ll likely save on subscription fees and power costs over time.
You’ll evaluate ROI based on your priorities: if resolution, local storage, and privacy matter, this kit offers a strong balance of features for the price.
Long-Term Considerations
You’ll factor in storage expansion costs, potential replacement batteries after several years, and any additional accessories like extra microSD cards or mounting poles. For many users, the ongoing lack of subscription fees offsets these occasional expenses.
You’ll also find peace of mind in reliable, local continuous recording when incidents occur.
FAQs
You’ll have practical questions before buying—here are answers to common ones.
Q: Do cameras record when the internet is down? A: Yes, HomeBase 3 supports continuous recording and can keep capturing footage even if your network drops, as long as the cameras remain connected to the HomeBase.
Q: Are microSD cards included? A: No, microSD cards are not included. Cameras support up to 128 GB microSD, while HomeBase supports up to 16 TB.
Q: How much sunlight is needed? A: SolarPlus 2.0 requires about two hours of direct sunlight daily to keep the camera fully charged under typical conditions.
Q: Is facial recognition stored in the cloud? A: No, facial recognition processing and storage occur locally on the HomeBase by default, enhancing privacy.
You’ll find most other details in the product manual or the eufy app support section.
Final Verdict
You’ll find the eufy Security SoloCam E42 2-Cam Kit (HomeBase S380), 4K Security Camera Wireless Outdoor, Solar Powered, AI Motion Tracking, Strobe Light, Pan & Tilt, Facial Recognition, Local Storage Up to 16 TB to be a compelling option if you want high-resolution footage, local storage, and solar-powered convenience. The combination of strong video quality, practical AI filtering, and HomeBase-based local storage makes it suitable for homeowners who value privacy and minimized ongoing costs.
You’ll enjoy reliable day-to-day performance and fewer false alarms, with the flexibility to expand storage and customize alert behavior. If you position the cameras for good solar exposure and follow best practices for network security, this kit should serve you well for years.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
