Imilab C30 Dual Indoor Security Camera Review

At a Glance

Expert’s Rating

Pros

• Dual 3K lenses provide simultaneous, detailed views from two angles.
• On-device AI detects people, pets, noise, and even a crying baby without a subscription.
• Supports local storage up to 256GB, along with flexible cloud storage options.

Cons

• No automatic motion tracking.
• Fire detection is still in beta and is not a substitute for dedicated sensors.

Our Verdict

The Imilab C30 Dual is a feature-rich indoor camera that delivers wide coverage, sharp video, and smart alerts—without charging extra for the essentials.

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Introduction

In the current market, most indoor security cameras offer a standard set of features—HD video, motion alerts, and cloud storage—often encased in similar designs. However, the Imilab C30 Dual distinguishes itself with a unique approach. This indoor camera features two separate 3K (3072 × 1728 pixels) lenses, allowing users to monitor two areas simultaneously in high detail from a single device. One lens is fixed for wide-angle coverage, while the other is motorized to pan and tilt, providing comprehensive room coverage.

Beyond its hardware, the C30 Dual incorporates on-device artificial intelligence capable of detecting people, pets, loud noises, and even a crying baby—all without requiring a cloud subscription. This is a notable advantage in a market where advanced detection features are often locked behind paywalls. Additionally, the camera supports Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant and offers local storage options up to 256GB, providing users with flexibility without the burden of monthly fees.

Design and Features

The standout feature of the Imilab C30 Dual is its dual-lens system. One lens provides a fixed wide-angle view, ensuring a consistent overview of the room, while the other is motorized, capable of panning 355 degrees and tilting 60 degrees. This lens also offers up to 6x digital zoom, allowing users to focus on specific areas as needed. This dual perspective eliminates blind spots and the need to switch between angles.

Another notable feature is the “virtual fence” capability, which allows users to define activity zones within the camera’s view and receive alerts only when motion crosses those boundaries. The Family Guard setting sends notifications if no motion is detected during scheduled times, which can be particularly useful for monitoring elderly relatives or children. Additionally, the fire detection feature, currently in beta, can alert users if flames or smoke are detected, although it should not replace dedicated safety devices like smoke detectors.

The Imilab C30 Dual is easy to recommend, as this security camera delivers more than you’d expect for its price.

Users have two options for storing recordings from the camera: they can use their own microSD card (up to 256GB) for local storage or opt for cloud storage through the Xiaomi Home app. The app allows users to sign up for a paid plan from Xiaomi, which owns Imilab. Two plans are available: the Basic plan costs $4.99 per month and provides 7 days of event video history with up to 50GB of storage, while the Pro plan offers 30 days of rolling storage with unlimited space for $24.99 per month. A 90-day trial is available to test the service, but all core camera functions operate without a subscription.

Setup and Performance

Setting up the Imilab C30 Dual is straightforward. The USB-C-powered camera can connect to either 2.4GHz or 5GHz Wi-Fi networks and supports Wi-Fi 6, enabling it to handle high-resolution streams without slowing down your network. Users can place the camera on a tabletop or mount it to the ceiling using the included bracket, depending on their space and desired coverage angles. The physical installation process takes just a few minutes.

Once powered on, setup continues through the Xiaomi Home app, which guides users through connecting the camera to their network. The app is user-friendly and well-organized, providing quick access to live feeds from both lenses and all camera settings. Users can adjust motion-detection zones, review event clips, and receive alerts when activity is detected in the camera’s field of view.

During testing, the camera performed well in everyday scenarios. Both lenses delivered sharp, detailed video with minimal delay. The motorized lens moved smoothly and could be controlled via the app’s pan and tilt features to follow subjects across the room. The AI detection capabilities were generally accurate, successfully identifying people and pets, with real-time notifications that did not overwhelm users with false alarms.

The C30 Dual also excelled in low-light conditions. It utilized enhanced color night vision to capture full-color footage in dim lighting, and when the room was completely dark, it switched to infrared mode, employing 10 built-in IR LEDs to provide clear black-and-white video.

Audio performance was equally impressive. The two-way audio feature allowed for clear communication with individuals at home or to get a pet’s attention when necessary. The microphone effectively picked up sound, and the speaker delivered messages without distortion.

For privacy protection, the C30 Dual includes a built-in privacy mode that disables the camera feed when users are home. Imilab also claims that all video data is encrypted, adding an extra layer of security for those concerned about digital privacy.

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

Should You Buy the Imilab C30 Dual?

The Imilab C30 Dual is not merely a novelty; it enhances coverage without requiring a second device. It is uncommon to find essential features like local storage and smart detection without a subscription fee. For everyday indoor monitoring—whether for children, pets, or general peace of mind—the C30 Dual is a strong recommendation. It offers more than expected for its price, without hidden costs that diminish its value.