Imilab EC6 Dual security cam review: Two eyes are better than one

Price When Reviewed

$179.99

Best Prices Today: Imilab EC6 Dual 2K+2K WiFi Plug-in Spotlight Camera

For anyone with a large property or troublesome blind spots, finding a reliable security camera can be a challenge. The $180 Imilab EC6 Dual, street-priced at $160 and less, aims to solve that problem with its dual 2K cameras and 360-degree pan-and-tilt capabilities, allowing it to cover a lot of ground from a single mount.

Designed for both indoor and outdoor use, this camera packs advanced features like smart motion detection, night vision, and built-in deterrents, all controlled through an intuitive app. In our testing, it handled comprehensive coverage remarkably well, living up to its promises with solid performance and reliability.

Design

The EC6 Dual is shaped like a dome and sturdily constructed almost entirely of plastic. It features two distinct 2K camera modules—one positioned at the top and another at the bottom. Both cameras are encased in sleek, black housings, which contrast with the white body, giving it a polished, high-tech appearance. The camera’s spherical design allows the bottom camera to smoothly pan 360 degrees and tilt 110 degrees to provide more complete coverage of your surroundings.

Features

The camera is equipped with AI detection and can identify people, vehicles, and bikes, providing tailored alerts based on the type of activity detected. It also features two-way audio, allowing for real-time communication through the device, whether for security or convenience.

For night surveillance, the EC6 Dual combines color and infrared night vision. A four-element LED spotlight delivers color night vision, and a four infrared lights enable it to capture clear visuals in darkness. A motion-triggered flash and siren, along with a customizable voice alarm that can be configured through the camera’s app to add layers of intruder deterrence.

Michael Ansaldo/Foundry

Michael Ansaldo/Foundry

Michael Ansaldo/Foundry

Designed to handle extreme weather, the EC6 Dual boasts an operating temperature range of -22 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit (-30 to 60 C) and carries an IP66 weatherization rating. Our IP code decoder indicates that means it’s impervious to dust ingress and that it can withstand a blast from a pressure washer. Its 3-meter hardwired cable provides continuous power, eliminating the need for batteries; its wired setup, however, might limit placement options for some users, especially in outdoor settings.

This review is part of TechHive’s in-depth coverage of the best home security cameras.

Setup

As a plug-in device, the EC6 Dual requires a connection to a power outlet. That means if you don’t have easy outdoor access to mains power, you’ll likely need to drill a hole through an exterior wall and thread the camera’s cable through it to access an indoor outlet. That presents a hurdle for renters or anyone else unable to make such modifications to their home. Once mounted and powered, the camera can connect to your network either through Wi-Fi (on the 2.4GHz band only) or a wired connection. The lack of 5GHz Wi-Fi support might be a drawback for users with modern dual-band Wi-Fi routers.

The camera is controlled through the Mi Home/Xiaomi app. To get started, you’ll need to download the app, create an account if you don’t already have one, and add the EC6 Dual to your device list. From there, you can adjust key settings such as motion detection sensitivity, set up custom motion zones, and configure notification preferences. The app offers a variety of customization options, allowing you to tailor the camera’s behavior to your specific needs.

Storage setup is also flexible. You can insert a microSD card (in capacities up to 256GB) for local storage, connect the camera to a network-attached storage (NAS) device, or opt for Imilab’s cloud-storage service through the app. This last option is offered in two subscription plans. A Basic subscription provides up to 50GB of storage with a rolling 7-day history for $4.99 a month. A Pro subscription enables AI detection and extends recording history to 30 days for $24.99 a month. While the cloud storage options are convenient, some users might prefer fully local solutions for privacy reasons.

Performance

The Mi Home/Xiaomi app is the central hub for managing the EC6 Dual, providing access to live views, recorded footage, and a suite of customizable settings. Through the app, you can access real-time video feeds from both camera lenses. The lower lens is equipped with PTZ (Pan, Tilt, Zoom) controls, allowing you to adjust the camera’s position remotely to monitor different areas of your property.

The app also offers robust motion detection settings. Users can adjust sensitivity levels and set up custom motion zones to focus on specific areas. The AI Smart Detection feature lets you configure detection for humans, vehicles, and even packages, making it easier to filter relevant alerts. For added security, the app supports human tracking, enabling the camera to automatically follow a person as they move within the camera’s field of view.

Michael Ansaldo/Foundry

Michael Ansaldo/Foundry

Michael Ansaldo/Foundry

Managing notifications is straightforward. You can control when and how alerts are received, which helps reduce unnecessary interruptions. The app also facilitates two-way audio, allowing you to communicate directly through the camera when you need to greet a visitor or ward off an intruder.

In addition to live monitoring and playback, the app lets you review recorded footage and control the camera’s deterrence features. You can easily toggle the siren, motion-triggered flash, and customize voice alerts based on your preferences. This level of control makes the EC6 Dual a versatile option for both live surveillance and post-event review.

The EC6 Dual delivers impressive image quality, with both lenses capturing sharp and detailed footage. Whether in daylight or low light, the camera consistently produces clear visuals, making it easy to identify faces and other important details. The color night vision further enhances visibility, adding valuable context to nighttime footage. In daily use, the camera’s detection is highly reliable, accurately distinguishing between people, vehicles, and packages. This smart detection minimizes false alerts, ensuring you only receive notifications for relevant activity.

It’s worth noting that while the AI detection generally works well, it may occasionally misclassify objects or miss events, especially in complex scenes. Additionally, the mechanical noise from the pan and tilt function might be noticeable in quiet indoor environments.

Should you buy the Imilab EC6 Dual?

If you’re in the market for a versatile and dependable security camera, the Imilab EC6 Dual is a strong contender. With its dual 2K lenses, robust detection capabilities, and flexible storage options, it offers excellent value for its $159.99 price. Additionally, the Mi Home/Xiaomi app provides a high level of customization, giving you control over everything from motion detection to deterrent features.

However, potential buyers should consider the wired power requirement, which may limit placement options, and the reliance on cloud subscriptions for advanced AI features. The lack of 5GHz Wi-Fi support is also a factor to keep in mind.

Overall, the EC6 Dual is a solid choice for those seeking reliable, high-quality security especially if comprehensive coverage is a priority.

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