Smart CCTV cameras aren’t just gadgets, they’re lifelines in today’s age. With urban crime rates climbing, remote work blurring the lines between office and home, and families juggling busy schedules, the need for vigilant, always-on surveillance has never been greater. Intruders don’t announce their arrival; they exploit moments of vulnerability, like when you’re commuting or vacationing. The CP Plus CP-E35Q is a compact 3MP Wi-Fi PT camera that combines affordability with AI features, aiming to enhance your living space’s security. But is it the best CCTV camera on the market? Let’s find out.
Design & Features
At first glance, the CP-E35Q appears to be a classic modern Wi-Fi CCTV camera: unobtrusive yet purposeful, much like a watchful eye resting on your shelf. Weighing in at just 161 grams, it is made from durable ABS plastic that feels high-quality without being heavy. Its spherical body, topped with a subtle lens dome and flanked by four IR LEDs for night vision, blends seamlessly into any indoor decor, whether in a minimalist nursery or a cluttered home office. The off-white finish avoids screaming “surveillance,” making it less intimidating for family use.
Setting up the camera is straightforward; it comes with mounting hardware and options for a screw-in base or adhesive installation, enabling wall or ceiling mounting and allowing you to position it high and out of reach. During my hands-on testing, the build quality proved to be excellent. There were no creaks or wobbles, even after weeks of panning and tilting. It is powered through a simple USB Type-C and consumes just 5W at maximum, ensuring it won’t spike your electricity bill.
What truly sets the CP-E35Q apart from static cameras is its motorized pan-tilt functionality. It features a sweeping 355° horizontal pan and a 59° vertical tilt, which provides nearly 360° coverage of any room up to 15 meters away. This eliminates blind spots in areas such as your hallway or living room, as the camera automatically tracks movement, making it feel like something out of a spy thriller. The 1/2.7” 3MP Progressive Scan CMOS sensor captures crisp 2304 x 1296 resolution footage at 20 frames per second, while H.265 compression keeps file sizes manageable for smoother streaming over Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n, 2.4GHz only. There’s no support for 5GHz networks, which might frustrate users in crowded areas). During the day, colours appear vivid with a wide 107° diagonal field of view (89° horizontal and 48° vertical). Night mode activates seamlessly via an IR cut filter, providing black-and-white clarity down to 0.01 Lux.
Storage flexibility is a significant advantage for budget-conscious users. You can insert a MicroSD card (up to 256GB) for free local recording. No subscriptions necessary for basic functionality. For those seeking cloud backups, CP Plus offers optional plans via the ezyKam+ app, albeit at a modest fee (around ₹99/month). The app itself is exceptional; it is user-friendly for both Android and iOS, featuring a clean dashboard for live viewing, playback, and settings adjustments. Sharing access with family members is a simple one-tap process, and it integrates seamlessly with Google Home for voice commands such as, “Hey Google, show me the front door.” However, the real standout feature is its “Smart Tab” which is a dedicated section within the app for automation and Tap-to-Run scenarios, powered by onboard AI that performs well above its price point.
The CP-E35Q features advanced AI for intruder deterrence, including Human Body Detection to reduce false alarms by up to 90% compared to basic motion sensors. Once a humanoid shape is detected, the pan-tilt motor engages for real-time tracking and digital zoom, though quality slightly decreases at maximum zoom. The Sound Detection monitors for anomalies like breaking glass, sending instant push notifications with a 10-second clip for context. In urgent situations, a built-in 90dB siren activates, and two-way talk is supported through an integrated microphone and speaker, with echo cancellation for clearer audio. You can customize alarm notifications by time, zone, or event type and link them to automations, like flashing smart lights. During tests, it effectively detected a staged intruder while ignoring pet movements. Picture and exposure adjustments are made automatically, with a strong signal-to-noise ratio of ≥40.4 dB for minimal grain.
The G.711A compression effectively captures sound from the built-in microphone, suitable for security chat or baby monitoring, despite not achieving audiophile quality.
However, it has drawbacks, the 4mm F2.0 lens lacks optical zoom, leading to blurry distant images, and the Wi-Fi range is limited to 10-15 meters. It also needs to be plugged in, reducing portability. Nonetheless, at ₹2,499, these issues are minor compared to its competitive features.
Verdict
The CP Plus CP-E35Q is a standout CCTV that offers AI-driven alerts, including human detection and auto-tracking, making it a reliable security option. Its easy app and compatibility with Google Home appeal to families, while renters appreciate its simple installation. Although it doesn’t quite match high-end rivals, it offers unbeatable value at under ₹3,000, outshining budget alternatives with its smart motion features and solid build which is perfect for Indian homes seeking dependable security without subscription fees.