I've tested solar panels for home security cameras before. Almost every brand has one nowadays, and they're an easy way to use wireless cams and keep their batteries full. But mounting those little solar panels in the right spot can be a pain, which is why I'm fascinated by Baseus S2's solution: A built-in solar panel that moves.
This camera, currently available for preorder at $130, includes a solar panel on top similar to Eufy's model but with one big difference. This panel is designed to rotate back and forth around the camera's cylindrical body, automatically tracking the sunlight to recharge the battery as much as possible.
That unique solution could help batteries stay topped off more easily, but it's not the only thing I like about this Baseus cam. The camera also has 4K resolution, AI recognition features with face detection, and built-in local storage without subscriptions. The IP67 rating for weather resistance is higher than what you'll find with most outdoor cams, and the Baseus S2 offers compatibility with the Alexa and Google voice assistants.
The Baseus S2 officially goes on sale in a few days, on July 20, but you can preorder one now if you don't want to wait. I'll be testing this model in the hot summer sun to see just how well that moving solar panel performs, and how it stands up to common issues like dusty weather.Â