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Reolink Duo in the test: 2-lens camera sees a lot and stores locally

Sep 22, 2021

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The Reolink Duo uses two lenses to offer a wide field of view with less distortion. Often it acts like two cameras instead of one and the interface is distorted. The choice of location is therefore particularly important. As always, Reolink offers many functions and options at an affordable price without a subscription.

Table of contents

1 2-lens camera sees a lot and saves locally
1. The technology of the Reolink Duo
2. Setup via QR code
2 Data protection, video quality and conclusion
1. Data protection and privacy
2. Audio and video quality of the Reolink Duo
3. Fast notifications per lens
4. Conclusion

The Reolink Duo uses two lenses in order to cover a wide field of view and generate less distortion at the edges than a camera with only one lens and the widest possible field of view. Compared to models with a tilt and swivel function, the entire area should be covered at all times and not always just one, albeit variable, section.

Reolink offers four different versions of the Reolink Duo. Two variants rely on a permanent power supply: the wired WiFi and the PoE version. The former is the test model that has to be operated permanently on a power supply and can be integrated into the network either via WLAN or a network connection. In addition to these two models, the manufacturer has two variants with a 10,400 mAh battery in its range, one of which relies on a WLAN connection, while the other has a 4G modem so that it can be operated independently from local networks.

In the test, the Reolink Duo Wired WiFi has to face the most recently tested cameras in the form of the Nest Cam with battery (test) as well as the Arlo Pro 4, Reolink Argus 3 Pro and Yale Wi-Fi outdoor camera Pro (test), despite the different approach.

While the Nest Cam with battery is 199.99 euros, the Reolink Argus 3 Pro 144.99 euros, the Yale Wi-Fi outdoor camera Pro 139.99 euros and the Arlo The wired Wi-Fi version of the Reolink Duo is available in advance for € 130 for € 4,249.99 each. The Reolink Duo should be available in stores from October 23rd and delivered to pre-orderers.

In addition to the Camera and the mounting arm, a mounting plate, suitable screws and dowels, a power supply unit with a 4.5 m long extension cable, a 1 m long network cable, two WLAN antennas, a screwdriver, signs and a quick guide.

The technology of the Reolink Duo

WQHD with 25 FPS, spotlight and night vision

The Reolink Duo uses two lenses angled slightly outwards with 4 MP resolution and a combined field of view of 150 degrees horizontally and 44 degrees vertically. In addition to person and vehicle detection in conjunction with a motion sensor with a 140 degree horizontal detection range, the video camera offers an LED spotlight with four LEDs with 400 lumens per lens and three infrared LEDs (850 nm) for night vision mode for both lenses. The night light is very bright and illuminates the area in front of the camera well. Due to the angled position of the two lenses, the spotlight also covers a wide area.

The camera records videos with up to 2,560 × 1,440 pixels at up to 25 frames per second. In this respect, the wired model, like the PoE version, is superior to the WLAN and 4G variant with battery, both of which offer a maximum of 15 frames per second. H.265 serves as the video codec.

Dualband-WLAN, microphone and loudspeaker

WLAN is according to IEEE 802.11b/g/n supported with 2.4 and 5 GHz. The Reolink Duo is also capable of two-way audio via a loudspeaker and microphone so that you can speak to people in front of the camera. Alternatively, a loud siren can be triggered via the app to scare away uninvited guests.

IP66, but RJ45 partially open

The Reolink Duo is protected against dust and water according to IP66 and can also be used in unprotected outdoor areas. In the tested model with a power supply unit, the cable connection is also protected against water by overlapping ends. When it comes to the network connection, however, the same criticism applies as the Yale WiFi outdoor camera Pro: The cover supplied is only waterproof if a cable is passed through. Otherwise the crimped connection will not seal. Power and network connection are led out of the camera via a Y-cable.

Reolink specifies an operating temperature of -10 to +55 ° C, which seems very tight in winter, but leaves room for maneuver in summer. However, the manufacturer himself states that the camera can work at temperatures as low as -25 ° C, as it generates waste heat itself during operation. With 195 × 103 × 56 mm, the Reolink Duo has a stately size and weighs 330 g in the tested version. The WLAN model weighs 590 g with the battery.

The outdoor cameras in comparison Reolink Duo Nest Cam with battery Arlo Pro 4 Reolink Argus 3 Pro Yale Wi-Fi Outdoor camera Pro Max. Video resolution 2,560 × 1,440 1,920 × 1,080 2,560 × 1,440 FPS 25 30 24 15 20 Image sensor 1/2.7 & quot ;, 4th Megapixel 1/2.8 “, 2 Megapixel 1/3”, 4-Megapixel-CMOS 4-Megapixel-CMOS Field of view 150 degrees horizontal 130 degrees diagonal 160 degrees diagonal 122 degrees diagonal 60 degrees horizontal Spotlight 6,500 K, 400 lumens – 6,500 K. , 42 lux at 1 m 6500 K, 230 lm No Motion detection Motion detector, 140 degrees horizontal Motion detector, 110 degrees horizontal Motion detector, 130 degrees horizontal Motion detector, 100 degrees horizontal Yes Zoom 16-fold digital 6-fold digital 12-fold digital 16-fold digital – night vision 6 infrared LEDs (850 nm) 2 infrared LEDs microphone 1 ×, full duplex 2-way audio No Protection class IP66 IP54 IP65 IP67 Network WLAN 802.11b/g/n (2.4/5 GHz) WLAN 802.11 b/g/n (2.4 GHz), Bluetooth WLAN 802.11b/g/n (2.4 GHz) WLAN 802.11b/g/n (2.4/5 GHz) WLAN 802.1 1b/g/n (2.4 GHz), RJ45 battery No, mains operation Yes, 6 Ah, 3.65 V Yes, 3–6 months Yes, 6,500 mAh No, mains operation Charging connection – Proprietary Micro-USB – Local storage Yes, microSD No Only with base station Yes, microSD

recordings land on microSD card or FTP

Recordings can be saved on a microSD card, which is inserted in a compartment on the underside of the Reolink Duo. This is secured with two screws and a rubber seal. The reset button is also located under the cover. However, a microSD card is not part of the scope of delivery. With the wired version of the Reolink Duo, an automatic FTP upload of the recordings is also possible, which can be set in the app.