Anker's new outdoor camera follows intruders with a spotlight

Anker has launched the Eufy TrackLight Cam S1, an outdoor security camera with a light that swings around to follow a person it flags as suspicious. Anker calls it the first outdoor camera of its kind. It costs $300, and there is no subscription. The catch is that it has no built-in storage.

What it does

When the camera spots a suspicious person, it locks on and shines a light on them from up to 40 feet away. The beam narrows when the person is far off and widens as they get closer. The camera turns a full 355 degrees sideways and can follow movement up to 87 degrees per second.

An optional mode adds a 105-decibel siren to the tracking light at the same time. There is also a red and blue flashing light mode. The idea is to scare someone off before anything happens.

Other features

• Records in 4K, with 10x digital zoom and night vision.
• A 120-degree floodlight works alongside the tracking light.
• Two radars detect movement across 180 degrees, up to 40 feet.
• A 15,000mAh battery and a 5.5-watt solar panel keep it running.
• IP65 rating means it resists dust and water.

A Family List in the app lets you mark people you know. When one of them walks up, the camera gives a soft, welcoming light instead. It recognizes them by detecting a known phone's Bluetooth signal.

Cost and storage

The camera is $300 from Anker or Amazon.com. A bundle with the Anker HomeBase is $500. The HomeBase is a hub that can store footage and connect the camera to Apple Home, so the camera can sit alongside other smart home devices.

The no-subscription promise comes with a requirement. The camera has no built-in storage, so you must add a microSD card or connect it to the HomeBase. The material does not say whether a card comes in the box, so check before you buy.

Who it is for

This suits homeowners who want an outdoor camera that actively discourages trespassers and who want to avoid monthly fees. People who already use Apple Home may like the HomeBase option.

Anker also recently launched the Window Camera E10 for $80. It is a 2.5K camera made to sit inside a window and watch a yard, driveway or entry without being mounted outside. It tilts 25 degrees and is built to cut glare from the glass.

What is not known

The material does not give battery life between charges, the price of a memory card, or how well the tracking works in real-world use. Anker's claim of being first is the company's own.