Introduction: Meet the EZVIZ CS-EL3 2K Wall‑Light Camera
The EZVIZ CS‑EL3 is a hardwired outdoor wall‑light camera that blends practical illumination with smart security. At its core is a 2K (3MP) camera paired with an adjustable 780‑lumen LED wall light, offering colour night vision (when the light is on), AI‑driven human and vehicle detection, licence‑plate recognition and vehicle auto‑tracking. Designed for continuous outdoor operation, the CS‑EL3 targets homeowners and small businesses who want a single device to provide bright, configurable lighting and reliable video surveillance.
Key features at a glance
- 2K video(2048 × 1536) for clearer identification than 1080p.
- 780 lm adjustable lightwith 3,000–5,700 K colour temperature and multiple modes (manual, schedule, detection‑triggered).
- AI detectionincluding human, vehicle and licence‑plate recognition, plus vehicle auto‑tracking.
- Motorised pan(±50° horizontal) with manual tilt (±55° vertical) for broader coverage.
- Connectivityvia dual‑band Wi‑Fi 6 (2.4 / 5 GHz) and support for microSD storage up to 512 GB and cloud recording (EZVIZ CloudPlay where available).
- Robust outdoor buildwith IP65 weatherproofing and operating range −30 °C to +50 °C.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The CS‑EL3 records at 2K (3 MP), providing more detail than standard 1080p cameras—helpful for identifying faces, clothing, and licence plates at a distance. Its diagonal field of view of 130° (99° horizontal / 71° vertical) offers a wide scene while the motorised horizontal pan (±50°) lets the camera shift its aim for better coverage of a driveway or entry. Night vision is designed to be used with the light on, delivering colour images up to roughly 15 metres.
The integrated LED delivers about 780 lumens (±10%) with an adjustable colour temperature from 3,000 to 5,700 K. You can set the light to stay on, run on a schedule, or trigger only when motion or a detection event occurs. Colour night vision—enabled by the light—gives clearer, more useful footage after dark than monochrome infrared alone, which is especially valuable for identifying vehicles or people.
Onboard AI differentiates people from vehicles and can even recognise licence plates; configurable detection zones help minimise false alarms from street traffic or landscaping. When enabled through the EZVIZ app, active defence features include a 92 dB siren and strobe light to deter intruders, plus two‑way audio for real‑time communication. Note that active defence is disabled by default and must be enabled where legally permitted.
Dual‑band Wi‑Fi 6 support improves wireless bandwidth and reliability compared with older Wi‑Fi standards, helping maintain smoother live view and less latency for notifications. Video is efficiently compressed with H.264/H.265 options. For local storage, the CS‑EL3 accepts microSD cards up to 512 GB; EZVIZ also offers optional CloudPlay recording in supported markets for off‑site backup.
This is a hardwired product requiring 100–240 V mains power and a recommended cable (H05RN‑F 3×1.0 mm²). Hardwiring provides continuous power for the camera, pan motor and the light—advantages over battery models that need recharging. The unit is IP65‑rated for protection against dust and rain, and it’s rated to operate between −30 °C and +50 °C. Because it connects to mains power, professional installation by a qualified electrician is recommended and safety precautions should be followed.
Where the CS‑EL3 excels: use cases and scenarios
- Driveways and vehicle monitoring:Licence‑plate recognition and vehicle auto‑tracking make this camera especially useful for monitoring driveways, narrow lanes or parking areas. The motorised pan helps follow a vehicle across the scene while the bright light provides colour footage at night.
- Front‑of‑house and entryways:Combining illumination and video, the CS‑EL3 replaces separate floodlights and cameras. Configure the light to welcome guests on a schedule or to activate on approaches for better identification at night.
- Perimeter security for small businesses:Retail storefronts, garages and service yards benefit from a device that deters after‑hours intruders with a loud siren and a visible strobe while capturing higher‑resolution video for evidence.
- Long‑term, low‑maintenance installations:Since the camera is hardwired and supports local storage, it’s well suited for locations where steady power and continuous recording are priorities—no battery swaps, and less reliance on subscription‑only cloud plans.
- Mixed light environments:Adjustable colour temperature (3,000–5,700 K) helps match existing exterior lighting, reducing visual contrast and producing more natural colour in captured footage.
How it compares with other approaches and products
Battery floodlight cameras are flexible and easy to install without wiring, but require periodic charging and may limit how often lights or motorised features can run. The CS‑EL3’s hardwired design delivers continuous power for the camera, motorised pan and the 780 lm light—ideal for continuous surveillance and frequent illumination. The trade‑off is the need for mains wiring and a professional install.
Combining camera and light into a single unit simplifies installation and reduces visual clutter on a façade compared with separate devices. However, integrated units mean one device to replace if either the light or camera fails. The CS‑EL3’s combination is a strong choice when you prefer an all‑in‑one solution and want coordinated detection‑triggered lighting.
Compared to full PTZ (pan‑tilt‑zoom) security turrets used in commercial settings, the CS‑EL3 provides limited motorised pan (±50°) and no optical zoom—sufficient for broader coverage of a home driveway but not a replacement for industrial PTZs that track across large areas and zoom extensively. Its strengths are consumer‑friendly installation, integrated light, AI features such as licence‑plate recognition, and Wi‑Fi connectivity rather than complex network infrastructure.
Customer feedback and reviews
At the time of writing, detailed independent review coverage and a broad set of user reviews for the CS‑EL3 vary by market. That said, owner feedback for similar EZVIZ wall‑light cameras consistently highlights several themes:
- Positives:Users often praise the brightness and adjustable colour temperature of the light, useful colour night footage when the light is on, and reliable person/vehicle detection that reduces false alarms. The option for local microSD storage and the availability of cloud backup are seen as practical storage choices.
- Considerations:Installation complexity is a common observation—hardwiring means many buyers budget for a qualified electrician. Some users are also mindful of regional regulations around active deterrence features (sirens and strobes) and advise checking local rules before enabling them. A few users note that advanced features like licence‑plate recognition work best under good lighting and a clear camera angle.
If you’re evaluating this model, look for hands‑on reviews from trusted sources in your region and local user feedback to understand real‑world performance in your climate and typical lighting conditions.
Price and value
The suggested retail price is around USD 129.99 (check local retailers for regional pricing and promotions). The CS‑EL3’s value proposition lies in combining a high‑resolution camera, a bright adjustable light, and AI features in a single hardwired unit—reducing the need to buy a separate floodlight and camera while giving continuous power and expanded functionality compared with battery alternatives.
Conclusion: Who should choose the EZVIZ CS‑EL3?
The EZVIZ CS‑EL3 2K Hardwired Outdoor Wall‑Light Camera is a compelling option for homeowners and small business owners who want a dependable, all‑in‑one solution that merges illumination and intelligent video surveillance. It suits locations where continuous power is available and where bright, configurable lighting plus licence‑plate and vehicle tracking adds clear value—driveways, small parking areas, entryways and storefronts.
Strengths include its 2K resolution, adjustable 780 lm light with colour night vision, AI detection capabilities, Wi‑Fi 6 connectivity and flexible storage options. The main tradeoffs are the requirements for mains wiring and the need to enable and configure active defence features responsibly within local laws. Overall, for installations where continuous performance, clearer night‑time footage and integrated lighting matter, the CS‑EL3 is a strong, budget‑minded choice.
Note:Always follow local electrical codes and regulations when installing hardwired security equipment, and consult a qualified electrician for safe installation. Check EZVIZ documentation and regional support for warranty and cloud‑service availability in your area.