Reolink is back with another unique high-definition camera for your home security needs. A few months ago, we covered the company’s Argus Track 4K, which was a fantastic choice for those looking to squeeze as much resolution out of their home security cameras within a reasonable cost vs features. Now the company has a model that can cover even more ground with an impressive super ultra-wide lens (not an official term for the product, but the one I am going with), with the new Reolink Argus 4 Pro Camera.
When I refer to the wide lens, this is where the term “unique” is applied to this model, as it actually makes use of two lenses that stitch the content together to achieve as much horizontal resolution as possible. Resulting in a total of 5120px1440p (which is two 2K feeds side by side).
With both of these lens converged together into one really wide shot, you are capable of picking up a large yard space or even a long section of the street you live on. Also good for businesses when they want to capture as much as possible front or back (or including as much of the parking lot as possible). It offers a full 180-degrees field of view (side to side).
Thus my use of of the term “super ultra-wide lens”, even though it isn’t an official term used for this product. It is just the term that makes the most sense while I am sitting here writing about it. This (really) wide angle camera allows the company to fulfill the needs of specific customers, adding to its catalog of products and its ability to cover everyone’s needs.
It’s lenses are tucked into the body in the shape similar to a number of living creatures in the wild that depend on enhanced vision for survival. We wound up testing this in the exact same location we did the previous Reolink model since it allows for it to have a great view of the street and everything happening on it. From people walking by, stray animals running around, to the daily traffic that takes place. It allows the camera to see it all (especially, this one).
Like Reolink’s other models, this one offers a micro SD card slot on the back. Allowing you to store all of your files locally so that you do not have to depend on the cloud and subscriptions. Saving you money and allowing you to be in complete control of the content.
Of course, you also have the option of going with the cloud if you prefer to store the files offsite for added security. Afterall, if someone steals the camera and runs off with it, they also run off with all of the videos if stored on the card. Storing in the cloud adds an additional layer of security since you can still retrieve the videos. This just allows it to be friendly with everyone’s budget.
It also supports uploading files to an FTP source, NAS, or the (optional) Reolink Home Hub.
The camera can be mounted via its included mount by using screws and/or an included strap. It’s always best to mount via screw into studs, but the company is all about giving you options. This way, no matter where you want the camera, it has a way to be mounted one way or another.
It also has multiple ways of powering itself. You can plug it directly into a USB port somewhere using a wall adapter either outside or running the cable inside and plugging in there. Or, you can make use of the included Reolink Solar Panel 2 (6W), allowing you to get free power from the sun and not have to worry about where the nearest plug is.
You can also opt to simply manually charge it and stick it somewhere, allowing it to run off of its internal battery (5,000 mAh). But this requires a lot of self discipline since wireless camera batteries never last as long as they claim they will. So it’s best to plug them in or use the solar panel.
The panel, as mentioned, comes bundled with the camera, and provides the necessary power to keep it going and the battery charged. It too comes with multiple ways of installing it, including screw or strap. This panel is compatible with multiple Reolink models, although you can only have one plugged in at a time.
All of the parts and pieces (base, screws, strap, cables) are included in the box. Although, if you plug to plug it into wall power and the outlet isn’t close by, you’ll have to find your own USB cable for those longer lengths. This is understandable since it comes with a solar panel. Plus, a lot of models out there require an additional purchase if you have to go long with any cables.
Performance
Now moving onto how well it actually performs, we get to take a look at its various features and provide some sample clips. Starting with still images, if you click on the above image, you’ll be presented with a sample file directly from the camera.
Still images save at 5120×1440 (96 dpi) resolution, while videos save at the same resolution with a variable frame rate and MPEG-H Part2/ (H.) (hvc1) compression. The video codec allows the camera to compress the files decently while preserving as much visual data as possible. Thus most of the clips fall within 5 to 20 MB in size depending on their length, level of detail in the image, and time of day (lighting).
The following are sample clips from the camera, covering both daytime and nighttime use. They each provide a good example of what content will look like.
Daytime:
Nighttime:
It isn’t the “very” best image out there, but great for the price, and 2x2K in one stream is a lot of data to save/compress into a file while still keeping the file size reasonable. The company may make use of the term “4K” since it is two 2K streams, but really, it is “dual 2K”. Companies tend to do this with monitors. In this case, it is only 4K (technically, a little beyond that) horizontally. However, if you add up the pixels in total for everything, it “technically” could fall under compatible terms as 4K, just at a different this-x-that resolution. The whole thing is quite debatable.
It features all of the typical options that one would expect to find in a modern camera. Along with the ability to offer both color and B&W during the night. It functions via either 2.4GHz or 5GHz on your Wi-Fi, and it is strongly recommended that you go with 5GHz for the best performance.
You get motion detection, allowing you to balance its settings for humans, animals, and traffic. So that you can specifically dial it in to detect only what you want. As well as two-way chat, timelapse features, push notifications, email alerts, support for both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, and more. It even has a bright security light on-board that can trigger when motion is detected at night. Allowing nighttime videos to record in color as well.
The App
The app is easy to setup and walks you through getting the camera added to your network. Enter your Wi-Fi credentials and you are up and running in no time. Again, it is good to go with 5GHz if you can, as this will give you a much better connection when it comes to streaming while away from the home.
This is where you will set all of your customizations for various motion detection conditions (humans, animals, traffic). With each category being dialed in for what parts of the image you want to be sensitive to each. Drawing zones across the screen so that traffic can be dialed back a little if you see the street, while not holding back for any people walking around. At the same time, if you have no animals, you can dial that back or completely out (if you want to minimize alerts/detections). It has a lot of built-in features to help minimize false alerts from things like wind, shadows, and other things that can sometimes plague cameras. It isn’t perfect when it comes to this (nothing is), but it does do pretty well. Similar to what you’d find with something like one of the latest Ring doorbell cameras.
There are a ton of settings to get through, but it is worth dialing everything in so you get the camera to work exactly the way you want it to.
Our Conclusion
It’s a pretty nice solution for those in need of a really wide-angle. This model covers a lot of space, even more than the Argus Track 4K (left to right). Where the Track covers a little less side to side, but a little more top to bottom. It all comes down to what the customer needs for where they want to mount the camera. If you have a really wide backyard, this would be perfect. If you have a large backyard with equal dimensions both ways, the Track may be a good option. Either way, Reolink seems to have you covered.
The resolution of the camera could be a little better, but again, it is a lot of data to squeeze into each file. If the company were to decrease the compression, it would both lead to larger files (and potentially the need for a larger micro SD card inside) and/or more data use when streaming content to your mobile device. Everything has a balance to it, and until fiber internet and multi-gigabit speeds are more common, balance is needed.
Design-wise, the camera has a great look to it and a durable build. So it should last a long time as long as the company continues to support connectivity to it. Some companies like VAVA have dropped the ball here, cutting connection to their cameras within 2-3 years of release, which doesn’t make for a good investment. So, hopefully, Reolink blows those companies out of the water with a long-term connectivity.
Last, but not least, the camera is being offered on sale as part of its launch promotion. So you get a chance of picking it up with a noticeable discount for a limited time.
| Available from the following retailers: | | |
| Our Rating | Average Price* $239.99 |
*Average price is based on the time this article was published
Additional Images:
Specifications:
- Image Sensor: 1/1.8″ CMOS sensor
- Resolution: 5120× 1440@15fps
- Video Compression: H.264/H.
- Field of View: Vertical: 50°; Horizontal: 180°
- Color Night Vision With spotlights: 3pcs/2w/6500k/300 Lumens
- Frame Rate:
- Main stream: 10fps – 15fps (default:15fps)
- Sub stream: 10fps – 15fps (default:15fps)
- Audio: Built-in Microphone and Speaker
- OS Supported:
- PC: Windows, Mac OS
- Smartphone: iOS, Android
- Protocols & Standards: SSL, TCP/IP, UDP, UPNP, SMTP, NTP,P2P
- User Access: Max. 12 simultaneous streams (2 main & 10 sub streams)
- Battery: 5000 mAh rechargeable battery (Battery life varies based on settings, usage & temperature)
- Solar: Reolink Solar Panel 2 (6W)
- Wireless Standard: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax
- Operating Frequency: 2.4GHz/5GHz
- Wireless Security: WPA/WPA2
- Smart Alarm: PIR detection; person detection; vehicle detection; animal detection
- PIR Detecting Distance: Adjustable up to 10m (33ft)
- PIR Detecting Angle: 180° horizontal
- Recording Modes: Triggered recording
- Time Lapse: Yes
- Smart Home Compatibility: Google Assistant; Alexa
Are you a manufacturer or distributor that would like us to test something out for review? Contact us and we can let you know where to send the product and we will try it out.
