Testing EVERY Reolink Wired Security Camera - Reolink PoE Tier List

Summary

In this video, the creator reviews and compares various wired NVR camera systems from Reolink, ranking them based on performance, value, and functionality. The video focuses on different camera types like the Duo series, PTZ cameras, and general-use models, providing insights on their resolution, features, and pricing. The creator recommends specific cameras for different purposes, emphasizing the benefits of systems with dual sensors, auto-tracking, and zoom capabilities. Ultimately, they suggest the best camera combinations for an optimal home security setup, while also highlighting the advantages of certain models for both daytime and nighttime use.

Takeaways

• 😀 Realink NVR systems offer wired performance, easy setup, and no subscription fees, making them a solid choice for those upgrading from battery-powered cameras.
• 😀 The Duo series from Realink uses two sensors for a 180° panoramic view, with the Duo 3 having a higher resolution but offering no significant clarity improvement over the Duo 2.
• 😀 The Duo 3 camera is placed in D tier due to its higher price, reduced vertical field of view, and poor performance in live view using the Realink PC app.
• 😀 The Realink RLC 823 S2, a PTZ camera, struggles with focus hunting and a narrow field of view when zoomed out, placing it in D tier despite its high price.
• 😀 The RLC 823a, priced $90 less than the 823 S2, offers 5x optical zoom with fewer focus hunting issues, but still suffers from some zoom-related autofocus problems.
• 😀 The TrackMix camera is a standout, solving focus hunting issues with dual sensors and offering effective auto-tracking and flexible mounting options. It ranks in S tier for its price and performance.
• 😀 The RLC 830a is a more affordable alternative to the TrackMix but lacks the extra zoom capability. It is placed in B tier due to its deterrence factor, especially at night.
• 😀 The RLC E1 Outdoor SE is a smaller, less expensive PTZ camera, ideal for discreet installations but with a lower build quality compared to other models. It sits in B tier.
• 😀 The RLC 81P serves as a cost-effective deterrent camera with auto-tracking, but its fixed roll position limits flexibility, placing it in C tier.
• 😀 The CX 810 offers better performance than the CX 410, with improved night vision and clarity, making it a solid choice for general use and placing it in A tier.
• 😀 The RLC 843A, with 5x optical zoom and excellent nighttime performance, is recommended for close-up identification tasks. It ranks in A tier as a versatile general-use camera.

Q & A

What makes Reolink cameras a popular choice for wired security systems?

Reolink cameras offer wired performance with easy setup, user-friendly PC and phone apps, and redundant backup recordings. They also provide local control without requiring subscriptions, making them a great choice for those upgrading from battery-powered security cameras.

What is the main advantage of Reolink's Duo series cameras?

The Duo series cameras provide a 180° panoramic view with two sensors stitched together, offering a wider and more distortion-free image compared to traditional fisheye lenses. These cameras are perfect for overview coverage, and the Duo floodlight variant includes built-in security lighting.

How does the Duo 3 camera compare to the Duo 2 and Duo Floodlight?

The Duo 3 has a smaller vertical field of view and a higher 16-megapixel resolution, but its performance did not show significant improvement over the Duo 2 or Duo Floodlight, especially in terms of clarity during both daytime and nighttime testing. The higher resolution also leads to increased bandwidth requirements and larger file sizes.

What are the key features of the Reolink RLC-823 S2 PTZ camera?

The RLC-823 S2 is an 8-megapixel PTZ camera with 16x optical zoom, auto-tracking, and high-priced features. However, it struggles with focus hunting, which can result in missed footage when zooming in on specific events. This makes it less efficient compared to PTZ cameras from other brands.

What is the advantage of the Reolink TrackMix camera?

The TrackMix camera uses dual lenses with fixed focus and features excellent auto-tracking capabilities. It automatically switches between its wide-angle and zoomed-in views, making it an effective deterrent and a valuable addition for tracking subjects while maintaining clear video feeds of both views.

What is the price-to-performance ratio of the Reolink E1 Outdoor SE camera?

The Reolink E1 Outdoor SE is a smaller, budget-friendly pan-and-tilt camera with auto-tracking for $80. While it feels slightly cheap compared to the TrackMix or RLC 830A, it offers good features at a lower price point, making it a solid choice for less conspicuous installations.

What distinguishes the RLC-843A from other cameras in the RLC 81x series?

The RLC-843A has a 5x optical zoom and excellent performance during night-time tests, outperforming other cameras in the RLC 81x series. It is also the best choice for close-up identification in more secure areas of a property.

What are the limitations of the RLC-81P camera?

The RLC-81P is a motorized pan-and-tilt camera with auto-tracking, but it has a fixed roll position, which can limit the ability to adjust the camera angle precisely. While it serves as an effective deterrent, it is less flexible compared to other PTZ cameras.

How does the CX series of cameras perform in low light conditions?

The CX series, specifically the CX410 and CX810, use larger image sensors for better color night vision and improved clarity in low light. The CX810, with its 8-megapixel resolution, provides superior clarity and less motion smearing compared to the CX410.

What is the benefit of combining different Reolink cameras in a single system?

Combining different Reolink cameras in a single system, like using Duo cameras for overview and TrackMix or 843A cameras for entry points, allows for better coverage. This setup optimizes the field of view, night vision, and zoom functionality, providing comprehensive security across various areas of your property.