Home security has never been more important, and with the rise of smart tech, it’s easier than ever to keep an eye on your property without breaking the bank. The Baseus S1 Outdoor Camera is making waves as one of the most innovative security solutions out there, and for good reason. This isn’t just another run-of-the-mill security camera—it’s packed with features that set it apart from the competition. From its solar-powered design to its clever tracking technology, this camera feels like a glimpse into the future of home safety. And here’s the kicker: you can grab it for as low as $89.99 on Amazon, though it’s also available for around $131.99 on AliExpress. That’s a pretty sweet deal for something that offers so much value.
Imagine a camera that doesn’t just sit there but actively follows the sun to maximize its charging efficiency. No more worrying about batteries dying or running extension cords across your yard. It’s built tough too, with an IP67 rating that laughs in the face of rain, wind, and extreme temperatures. Plus, it records in crisp 2K resolution, giving you crystal-clear footage day and night. Oh, and did I mention it comes with built-in storage? That’s right—no monthly fees or cloud subscriptions to deal with. Everything is stored securely on the device itself, which means you’re saving money in the long run.
What will you get?
The Baseus S1 Outdoor Camera is one of those gadgets that feels like it’s been pulled straight out of a sci-fi movie, but in the best way possible. It’s packed with features that make it not just functional but also incredibly convenient.
The first thing you notice about this camera is its solar panel. Most security cameras either come with a fixed solar panel or none at all, but the Baseus S1 takes things up a notch by adding sun-tracking technology. This means the solar panel actually moves to follow the sun throughout the day, doubling its efficiency. If you live somewhere sunny, this camera will stay powered without any issues. Even in places with less-than-ideal weather, like the UK, it still manages to charge efficiently on cloudy days. That’s a big deal because it eliminates one of the biggest headaches with outdoor cameras—constantly worrying about whether the battery is going to die.
Speaking of power, the Baseus S1 features a substantial 10,400 mAh battery. In real-world testing, this thing lasts an impressively long time. During a week-long test in rainy, windy conditions, the battery stayed between 70% and 80% full, even without direct sunlight for most of the time. For people who don’t want to deal with cables or constantly swapping out batteries, this is a game-changer. The camera also has IP67 certification, which means it can handle rain, wind, extreme heat, and even freezing temperatures.
The camera’s durability is worth mentioning again because it’s one of the key selling points. It’s built to withstand the elements, from heavy rain to intense heat. The materials feel solid, and the design is clearly thought out to protect the internal components. Even the USB-C port is covered with a waterproof seal, so you don’t have to worry about water getting in during charging. The solar panel’s tracking mechanism is robust too—it moves smoothly and doesn’t feel flimsy or prone to breaking.
The image quality is another area where the Baseus S1 really shines. It records in 2K resolution, which gives you sharp, detailed footage. The 145° wide field of view ensures you’re not missing anything important, and the camera captures up to 26 feet of distance. That’s more than enough to cover driveways, backyards, or even pools. When you check the live feed through the app, the clarity is immediately noticeable. You can zoom in digitally up to eight times, and the details still hold up pretty well.
For night vision, the camera offers two modes: standard infrared and a spotlight mode. The spotlight mode uses 400-lumen LEDs to illuminate the area, giving you color night vision instead of the usual grainy black-and-white footage. This is especially useful if the camera is mounted near your front door or garage, where having clear visibility matters most.
Setting up the Baseus S1 is refreshingly straightforward. Everything you need is included in the box—screws, a mounting bracket, a USB-C charging cable, and even a handy adhesive template for drilling holes. The template makes installation a breeze because it shows exactly where to drill, so you don’t have to guess or measure anything. Once the camera is mounted, you just need to connect it to your Wi-Fi network using the Baseus Security app.
The setup process is quick and painless. You create an account, press the sync button on the camera, and follow the prompts in the app. Within minutes, you’re ready to go. The app itself is intuitive and packed with useful features. You can customize motion detection settings, set up activity zones, and even control the spotlight manually. If you’ve got pets running around your yard, you can adjust the settings to only detect humans, so you’re not bombarded with notifications every time your dog walks by.
One of the standout features of the Baseus S1 is its built-in storage. Unlike many other cameras that rely on cloud subscriptions, this one comes with 8 GB of internal storage. All recorded footage is saved directly onto the device, and there are no hidden fees. The camera only records when it detects motion, so you don’t have to worry about filling up the storage quickly. In fact, it can store up to a month and a half of event-based footage before it starts overwriting older clips. Accessing the footage is easy through the app—you can view, download, or delete clips as needed. Another cool feature is the ability to integrate the camera with smart assistants like Alexa and Google Home. If you’ve got a smart display, you can ask Alexa to show the live feed, making it super convenient to check in without even touching your phone.
For people who care about privacy, the Baseus S1 offers peace of mind. The footage is stored locally on the device, and the camera is certified with two Riveland Data Privacy standards. This means your recordings are encrypted and secure, reducing the risk of unauthorized access. There’s no need to trust a third-party cloud service with your data, which is a big plus in today’s world of data breaches and privacy concerns. The camera also gives you full control over what gets recorded and when, so you’re not capturing unnecessary footage that could invade someone’s privacy.
The Baseus S1 also excels in practicality. Its design is sleek yet rugged, and the adjustable mount lets you position it exactly where you need it. The ball joint allows for precise angling, so you can cover every corner of your property. Once it’s installed, the camera does its job quietly and efficiently. It sends notifications to your phone whenever it detects motion, and you can even see a thumbnail preview of the event right in the notification. The AI human detection works surprisingly well—it doesn’t get tripped up by swaying trees or moving shadows, which is a problem with many other cameras. And if you want to scare off intruders, you can turn on the alarm feature. The speaker emits a loud beeping sound that’s sure to catch anyone’s attention.
Battery management is another area where the Baseus S1 stands out. The app lets you monitor the battery level in real-time and see how much power is being consumed. You can adjust settings like recording duration and motion sensitivity to conserve energy. Even with frequent use, the battery doesn’t drain quickly. In one test, the camera was placed in a dark room for nearly two weeks, and it still had 93% charge left. Of course, if the camera is detecting motion more frequently, the battery will drain faster, but it’s designed to handle regular usage without needing constant recharging. The solar panel does such a good job of keeping the battery topped up that you’ll rarely, if ever, need to plug it in after the initial charge.
The app experience is smooth and user-friendly. It loads quickly, especially if you have a strong Wi-Fi signal, and the interface is clean and easy to navigate. You can switch between different views, adjust settings, and even communicate through the camera’s built-in microphone and speaker. Two-way audio is crystal clear, making it easy to talk to delivery drivers or guests from anywhere. The app also provides helpful tips and tutorials, so you’re never left scratching your head about how something works. Firmware updates are handled seamlessly through the app, ensuring your camera stays up-to-date with the latest features and improvements.
Customization options are plentiful. You can set up activity zones to focus on specific areas while ignoring others, which is great for avoiding false alerts. Privacy zones are also available if there’s an area you don’t want the camera to record, like a neighbor’s yard or a public walkway. The spotlight settings let you adjust the brightness and even the color temperature, giving you full control over how the camera behaves at night. Motion sensitivity can be fine-tuned to your preference, and you can choose between standard motion detection or AI human detection. These settings make the Baseus S1 highly adaptable to different environments and needs.
Notifications are timely and accurate. When the camera detects motion, it sends an alert to your phone almost instantly. You can choose to receive a thumbnail preview along with the notification, so you know exactly what triggered it. The app also lets you review past events easily, organizing them into a timeline that’s simple to browse. If you’re away from home and want to check in, the live feed loads quickly and provides a clear view of what’s happening in real-time. The digital zoom feature is particularly handy for getting a closer look at something without losing too much detail.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Innovative sun-tracking technology.
- Truly wireless with no ongoing costs.
- Excellent image quality and night vision.
- Reliable performance in diverse weather conditions.
Cons:
- Initial charging time is lengthy (~6 hours).
- Limited to 8 GB of non-expandable storage.
- Requires Wi-Fi connectivity (2.4 GHz only).
Conclusion
Spending money on a security camera is always a big decision, and you want to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth. The Baseus S1 does a fantastic job of delivering value without breaking the bank. For starters, it’s priced at around $89.99 on Amazon and $131.99 on AliExpress, which is quite reasonable when compared to other outdoor security cameras with similar features.
Many high-end cameras cost way more but don’t even include half the perks the Baseus S1 brings to the table. Think about it—this camera doesn’t just record in sharp 2K resolution; it also comes with built-in storage, solar charging, and smart features like AI human detection. Most cameras in this price range either lack advanced features or rely on monthly subscription fees for cloud storage. With the Baseus S1, there’s no need to worry about those hidden costs because everything is stored locally on its 8 GB encrypted internal storage. That alone saves you a ton of money in the long run.