Reolink Duo Floodlight Camera WIFI & PoE Review - 4K 180° View

[@Zendukai]

When you do zoomed in, can you make the pics larger please, Nice review thanks.

[@TheTexwiz]

Can’t wait till you get your hands on the new products coming out

[@fabrice9633]

Very interesting details, explanations and tests helping good choices, thanks so much ! 👍👍

[@123Osaka456]

That stitching issue on the poe version better be an isolated issue or a software bug that can be fixed.

[@darrennew8211]

I think he said you can adjust it in the app, but he didn't. Check t=6m40s

[@pyccku212]

Hey, great Video. Would you recommend the DUO Floodlight or the RLC-811A?

[@darrennew8211]

Perfect! Since the Eufy scandal, I've been looking for a good camera and floodlight package.

[@jdivine7445]

What Eufy scandal? 😬🤔

[@_kj2]

Bought an E1 Pro to replace my old Nest Indoor Cam. The Reolink gives so much better quality image!

[@mattybleak]

I know Reolink haven’t had the best reviews against some other brands for their night time performance. However, is this the first Reolink camera to have IR 20Fps? This will limit ghosting in low light recordings. Hopefully more of their cameras will come through with higher Frames per Second. Most if not all, have been at 12Fps.

[@pklemm1]

I noticed that too! Huge improvement. The current frame rates at nice suck!

[@LifeHackster]

Their newer cameras now have a frame rate mode option in the display settings where you can choose constant frame rate.

[@DeathLikeWebz]

I think it helps too that each camera in the duo is essentially 2k each...coming together being basically 4k. Their other cameras are 4k with only 1 camera which is double the resolution and harder to run

[@BIG_DRU]

Existing light fixture would be a issue for me i’m not sure if i would want to change what i have now…..i like the camera and it’s features though…..

[@YukonHawk1]

Excellent review. Since I already have the awesome track mix, I just might spring for just the flood lights

[@ronm6585]

Thanks for the review L.H.

[@LifeHackster]

No problem 👍

[@papakonstantis]

Good evening, I'm still looking to see what camera to put, we also talked about the Reolink RLC-823A in your relevant video. I would like you to tell me a couple of things about the Reolink DUO Floodlight poe camera 1. if I install two cameras, the ethernet cables of the cameras are connected directly to the router to be powered (power, image/sound) or does it need some other connection (if you have a wiring video) 2 you must be connected to NVR to use the mobile application 3 and what is its performance and range in total darkness. 4 There is a performance difference (range, sharpness) between Reolink DUO poe and Reolink Duo Floodlight poe. Thanks

[@LifeHackster]

1. The PoE versions can be plugged in to a PoE switch or injector which is plugged in to your router and you only need to connect the ethernet cables. If not, you have to power it separately. If you have the WIFI versions, you have an option to wire them in directly to your router but you will need to power them up separately 12 volts DC. 2. You don't have to have the NVR. You can set the cameras up by themselves as long as you insert a micro SD card to where the footages will be stored. 3. Total darkness will have the IR ON and detection range will be within 20-30 feet. 4. No difference.

[@art08519]

May I ask for your professional opinion. I'm looking to purchase a video doorbell and floodlight camera, and I'm literally stuck between Reolink 2k doorbell wifi, duo floodlight light 4k wifi & home hub. Also considering Eufy e340 doorbell and e340 floodlight wifi & homebase. Reolink have a better orientated past cctv products, while eufy is a new guy and many people saying to avoid this brand due to a bad customer service and poor product quality, once the warranty is finished product most likely to breakdown and you need to purchase a new one. I do like Eufy floodlight over Reolink duo massive static camera, doorbell doesn't matter. Let you know your opinion. Thanks, Art

[@comk135]

Hi, Thanks for the great review. One question is, is the floodlight camera's cable exposed and visible from the outside? I wonder if a thief can go and cut the cable off easily if the camera's cable is exposed and not concealed. Thanks.

[@BlenderRookie]

I can certainly understand the appeal of a 180 degree field of view, but the dual lenses makes the line in the middle and that misalignment and slight color/exposure difference is not something I would accept. I would rather have two cams on opposite corners of the house or a PTZ like the trackmix or rlc-823a.

[@joshuahaney1135]

Have the Poe version it is pretty awesome

[@jcm9698]

Do you have a Reolink NVR or are you doing onboard recording?

[@joshuahaney1135]

@@jcm9698 NVR

[@markus4979]

Cool, do you know if the camera comes back online even after longer power outages or does it require physical resets like eufy floodlight cam? Also do you feel the LED output is enough with only 1800 Vs others up to 2500 / 3000 lumens?

[@jcm9698]

@@markus4979 All wired cameras attached to an NVR just require the boot up time and will be back online. My Eufy cams have not / do not require a reset after power outages. You might have a problem with your cameras?

[@markus4979]

@@jcm9698 yeah might be different for the wifi models, I haven't had the issue but was concerned reading a good amount of posts of people who ran into this (possibly due to new DHCP IP) which made me shy off eufy cams.

[@DeathLikeWebz]

I could see having the TrackMix and Duo in the same spot to have amazing visibility...I saw on another review of the first Duo, it's just 2 16:9 camera streams and they aren't stitched together like the duo 2. Duo 2 has different aspect ratios too I believe

[@samboswell8959]

Thank you for the video. How does the floodlight compare to the ring floodlight? Do you have a video on this?

[@youdavid8484]

You saying that the Reolink Duo with Floodlight can connect to a NVR or PoE switch. What does that mean? What is the difference?

[@ssmegadays5396]

Hello life hackster. I would enjoy a full video on Alexa greetings on the ring pro 2 . Keep up the good videos and have a good day.

[@LifeHackster]

I know, I made a short video of that a while back. Check my shorts videos in my main page.

[@alwaysgrateful6337]

Could you put one on you shed? I mean is that possible to set one up wirelessly? The distance from my house to the fence which backs up to a park will distort quality.

[@RobotMowerTricks]

oof, not replacing a floodlight fixture seems like a missed opportunity. Even fi they did not wan tot redesign the ethernet connector, they could have made an adapter that fits into the junction box and made the mounting system work for a wall or a box.

[@waynesmoke4952]

I have an important question what happens when outside is more than -10 degrise??? in my case in the winter there is more than -20 sometimes and it scares me before i want to buy this

[@gerryf7015]

Great review. On my list now. Can that mount bracket attach to a standard outlet box? Thanks.

[@LifeHackster]

Nope. The holes doesn't line up.

[@gerryf7015]

@@LifeHackster Thanks for checking. Will have to "make them". Not a good design decision, but it's a global product. Have a POE pre-wired single gang outlet box on solid stucco. Drill require!!!

[@chuan-kangshih78]

Do I need an NVR or NAS to use this camera? Can I plug it directly to my router? Thanks for answer!

[@LifeHackster]

You can use it by itself. Just need a micro SD card for video storage.

[@markus4979]

Topnotch review as always. I wish you could include one very important test to see what happens after longer power outage, as some people won't be at their property often and thus want to remotely manage it, where some cameras require one to be physically present to reset cameras just to get them back online after power outages (rendering it useless for security camera usage).

[@LifeHackster]

All of the ones that I have tested reconnect without needing to by physically resetted.

[@pklemm1]

Wait, did I see that correctly? 20 fps at night? You ousted that in the screen at 9:30

[@LifeHackster]

Yes, some of the newer cameras of Reolink has a Frame Rate Mode in the settings which you can make it constant.

[@pklemm1]

@@LifeHackster oh wow! I didn’t even know that. I have a Duo 2 wifi. I just went in and changed the settings. Was that in a recent software update? Never saw that before.

[@raheebalsaidi]

Can you still use POE on the wifi version or no?

[@shadow.banned]

9:45 hm... wifi doesn't have exposure issue.

[@toolate6971]

Why would you film this video early in the morning? I try to compare these videos to your previously recorded reviews. The stitching of the two images wasnt that good.

[@efmarosario4953]

Is anyone else having stitching issues with the PoE version as compared to the WiFi version which didn’t seem to have any stitching issues in this video?

[@darrennew8211]

At 6:40 or so, he shows you where in the settings to adjust that.

[@facts1752]

Can you review the iegeek 2k rechargeable camera?

[@LifeHackster]

I have to check it out. Thanks.

[@facts1752]

@@LifeHackster thank you😀

[@devinha9381]

Hello LifeHackster..I want to know if this wifi Reolink Duo Floodlight can stream continuously when you log on from the internet browser. With Eufy camera you have5 min limit for streaming from the browser...Thank you Learn to pronounce

[@LifeHackster]

Yes.

[@devinha9381]

Thank you for the reply...you are awesome...Happy New to you and family

[@therajmister2183]

Little guy :)

[@victorvek5227]

What’s the point of a 180-degree camera if you can’t decipher a license plate from 20 feet? This isn’t that great, especially compared to recent Reolink releases.

[@LifeHackster]

It is readable at that distance probably up to 40 feet...even at 50 depending the time of day.

[@PatrickC139]

The whole thing looks ridiculous but the performance is great.

[@AngeloR674]

Looks too clunky and looks too obvious if a burglar is planning on robbing your house!

[@TheSquidmark]

I would be thrilled if a burglar saw my cameras and decided to go to your house instead!🙃

[@AngeloR674]

@@TheSquidmark btw idiot!! I have eufy cameras all over my house!! And a 45mm ready!!

[@Timeless14]

Isn't that what you want?

[@vmat377]

Can the floodlights of this camera be activated using the IOT function by linking it with another camera?

[@Rockaland2]

audio and video is very good flood light brightness is good also you do not want to bright cause you may white wash the person out trying to break in.. Reolink is killing it

[@AngeloR674]

You want to light as bright as possible! To get a good look at someone’s face!

[@Rockaland2]

@@AngeloR674 I have one and it white washes the person out.. better to get a starlight cam that can see in dark

[@T_B_C_L]

Huge mistake not having a hardwire version. They should have included a small power supply that could be hidden behind the camera mount and hardwired to existing light fixtures.

[@buttons__6046]

I agree. That's a deal breaker for me, and I'm sure most people 😬

[@markus4979]

Absolutely, hopefully they'll make a hardwired version next and ideally with a better sensor for more clarity.

[@jonl1419]

Isn’t the Poe version hardwired?

[@T_B_C_L]

@@jonl1419 I don't own this but I'm pretty sure the poe version will only power the camera. In order to power the light it needs to be plugged into a recepticle. When I say hardwired, I mean that the electrical connection is hardwired just like a typical light fixture that you would have on the outside of your home.

[@markus4979]

@@jonl1419powering it separately from PoE would allow for higher lumens output, even their standalone floodlight on PoE without camera can go 2000 lumens but with camera only 1800, while other hardwired / independently powered can go 2500 or even 3000 lumens. PoE to power it is more about convenience while using ethernet for data only is mainly needed for a stable connection that can't be easily jammed compared to WiFi.

[@linkinpark2380]

What do you think is the best camera for capturing quality and detail (day and night) up to 50 feel away? We have some creepies taking photos of our home from the street and speeding off 😬 detail of the license plate is my goal🙏🏻 Quality zoom, also.

[@84848AR]

Did you find something?

[@maxamillionschnell]

One thing that appeals to me after trying other camera floodlights, is the lack of PIR for the flood. There are 2 major issues with camera flood combos using pir ... flood and camera activations do not occur at the same time and it's frustrating. Also the integration of the PIR sensor into the camera body for sleekness really limits the adjustability of the PIR sensor which is often necessary to prevent nuisance activations. PIR might be good for a backyard or fields, but it can be frustrating for a garage / front yard on a street. I would like to see more color temperature options, 3000k would be more soothing and blend into residential better. Also options for smooth fade on / fade off, and dual brite (stays on dim at night but brightens with motion events. POE is really awesome as a lot of folks want a flood where there is no existing wiring and adding junction boxes can be a big task.

[@markus4979]

This is one of the reason I want to switch from eufy floodlight cam 2k to reolink floodlight Poe duo, if only they would do a hardwired version and also thus more power for LEDs.

[@pklemm1]

I asume the lights don’t have a PIR sensor, correct? Can the lights be set to activate on people and pets only, or is it all motion?

[@markus4979]

Yes they don't, which I think is an advantage for avoiding more false triggers and better video ai alerts, compared to like eufy floodlight cam 2k where I had issues in rain at night lol.

[@jcm9698]

Have you thought about installing a solar panel and a battery on your shed and connect some AC powered wi-fi cameras there? I think that would be a great project.

[@LifeHackster]

Hmmm.. sounds interesting. I was planning on full solar 100 watt panels and batteries a while back... to run an AC in the shed.. It didn't materialize... we will see.

[@hectorruiz1279]

​@LifeHackster I'm looking for the duo 2 in battery version but I can only find the duo 1. You have any info on this?

[@djkoolkatnsatx]

A great job I watch every review you do keep up the good work 👍👍👍

[@LifeHackster]

@djkoolkatnsatx...Thanks for watching!

[@aird0x774]

Hey thanks for the review. However something is not clear for me. Is it the same base of the reolink duo 2 or it is a duo 1 with extra lights ? From camera POV which one is better , the duo 2 or this one? Thanks!

[@jmdennis1967]

I wish that I had this version. Oh well I got it before they added the flood lights so will use what I have.

[@tripcarr9861]

anyone know if you can adjust the cameras left/right, or is it just up and down?

[@MorrisandApril]

Nosy wanted to make sure… there’s no cloud recording for this or the Eufy solar right? Don’t want to have to run outside and pull the card out to see the video playback.

[@LifeHackster]

You can view the recordings on both brands using the app. You don't have to take out the micro SD card. It also loop records. It will record old footage when the card is full.

[@MorrisandApril]

@@LifeHackster Thank you so much.

[@admirali6239]

how wide is your yard where the duo cam was takeing videos?

[@Aceomron]

Does the Poe power both camera and light? Or do I need 2 different Poe cables?

[@LifeHackster]

Just 1 cable to power and send data to the camera and light.

[@khao1412]

Can you review a Switchbot outdoor spotlight camera in near future?

[@LifeHackster]

When it comes out.

[@TwoFeatherChannel]

I like it wished they had stitched the two cameras together seamlessly. does distort the subject standing in the middle

[@darrennew8211]

At 6:40 or so, he shows you where in the settings to adjust that.

[@TwoFeatherChannel]

@@darrennew8211 I guess it doesn't work because @8:00 the split seam still distorted his face

[@LifeHackster]

There is a setting that you can adjust but it will not really be perfect.

[@CormacWilson]

Is there any cameras you can get that give a noise notification on your phone? one that would wake you up. many thanks :))

[@Natasha26]

Does Reolink offer PTZ gun connected to trigger port of their PTZ camera?

[@LifeHackster]

Not that I know of.

[@Natasha26]

@@LifeHackster Well, we all know cameras don’t stop thieves. Their job is to steal from your property and you are a left with a video recording on the cloud. But if your camera was equipped with a gun, then yes, cameras would stop thieves.

[@matthewvvl]

I am curious as to how the view is if you are mounting it on a wall with a garden of merely 5 meters deep (example side-garden next to ur house). Is the camera able to get a good vision of what's right below it and does the flexibility of the lights and camera allow it to be aimed down properly?

[@LifeHackster]

It will be limited.

[@matthewvvl]

@@LifeHackster Is it an idea you can implement this in your videos? I think it would be a good addition to show the ability of the camera as to how far it can view the blind spot underneath. I myself am currently facing this issue and thus comparing for example Reolink turret/dome cams, Duo 2, RLC-823A, Trackmix, etc. Every video I find doesn't highlight the blind spot limitation and how far the camera is able to point down to prevent this / to see which one can do it best.

[@chucknorris8704]

Can you leave the floodlight on 24/7?

[@LifeHackster]

Yes, you can schedule it.

[@ciborgul]

Hi..i just bought a reolink duo floodlight poe and i can't turn the light on... when you try to start the light manual it only turn on the IR light..What i can do ...I spoke with Reolink but untill now they don't help with nothing They just give me one answer per day.. Thanks

[@LifeHackster]

I'm assuming you connected this on the back of your NVR... try updating the firmware of the NVR or set this up separately using a PoE switch.

[@ciborgul]

@@LifeHackster I Did ,,my camera and Nvr have already the latest firmare ..but i update first the camera and than the Nvr...i dont have a PoE switch Do you think it will help ?

[@markus4979]

This is a big concern compared to like live chat support that eufy offers, way better and appropriate, crazy to rely on email back and forward support.

[@MYT2024]

Hi can the wifi version just be used with just power or does it require Ethernet to work?

[@DeWebDude]

You can mount it on the ceiling per say, works fine, installed mine, its just a little tricky to figure out how to spin around that ball socket part.

[@Tim-Temple]

Do you know if the siren can automatically sound whenever motion is detected at night? I'm trying to find a floodlight that with sound a siren "automatically' whenever motion is detected. It's stupid to have to "manually" turn on the siren! Most people sleep with their phones notification turned off due mainly to false motions alerts. Because of this most car break-ins happen EVEN when the motion light turns on, and it's routine for thieves to ignore the motion lights. But if along with the motion lights a siren sounds "automatically" then this will definitely scare almost all thieves. Also I don't really care about getting the break-in on video since it's likely not gonna help me since the criminal will be long gone by the time I wake!

[@grigor9144]

Hello lifehackster, Can Reolink Wi-Fi cameras connect directly behind my Wi-Fi router with an Ethernet wire ?? Please help me out. I can use a Poe injector or power the camera with the transformer

[@Pepper-911]

@lifehackster am I right that the plate readability at 30 to 50 ft is worst if compared to the trackmix poe? trackmix poe has a 1080p digital zoom an this one is a 4k, it makes no sense...

[@superbaggio87]

Awesome, nice review like always! One question.. Why are the fps of most camera's always low? And is there any way to find out who makes the lenses? Like for the smartphones most of the time they are Sony lenses or Samsung

[@zuhairhlayel]

Great. 👍💐❤️💐👍

[@LifeHackster]

Thanks 🤗

[@joshuahaney1135]

Thankfully, I was able to take my ring, floodlight down and replace it with this one over my junction box thankfully, the reolink camera was just big enough to fit over the existing junction box to make it look like a clean install

[@T_B_C_L]

How did you hardwire it in? I am also wanting to ditch all my ring cameras including my 2 ring floodlight cameras. I was pretty disappointed when I found out how these are powered.

[@joshuahaney1135]

I just had to run a ethernet cord to the back of the light/camera The field of view is just insane compared to ring and it is a much clearer picture.

[@T_B_C_L]

@@joshuahaney1135 oh I see so you are running poe. I need wireless as they are on my shop which is an adjacent building. Thx for answering.

[@Stealther]

Field of view is an underrated feature of a security camera. I love the quality of the video and the field of view but OMG it is too ugly to put on my home. For that reason the Arlo Ultra (connected to AC power) with 24hr recording will continue to be my cameras. Someone make me a better option please!

[@Yoh-Dah]

I agree -- they need a "pro" version with aluminum housing.

[@markus4979]

Depends I guess, if you can't get everything into one view and don't want to buy a second camera then it saves money and makes it much more user-friendly to monitor and view. But quality I think is slightly less then native 4k camera with smaller FOV as fari understand. Beside, not many floodlight cams with PoE option, which is way better for connectivity (avoid issues or jamming).

[@Robert-ug5hx]

I would still use a camera junction box

[@paulgrice6766]

ON THE DUO 2 THAT CENTER LINE BETWEEN CAMERA NOT AS NOTICEABLE

[@ryanparrish23]

I wis you could include video from a NAS to get a better idea of the actual video and better idea of the zoom capabilities for those of us who use cameras 24 hrs a day. Many of your reviews have helped me decide which cameras go on my short list or come off of it. Keep up the great videos and thank yo for your hard work making these videos!

[@ThanosKr]

Can this cam read car plates ?

[@edp6364]

LH - Ring Cam Pro and Eufy Floodlight cam 2 Pro can be connected to the existing power wiring whereas the Reolink Duo Floodlight cam runs off DC 12V. Reolink is a 4K camera so it offers better image quality but having to run new cabling for DC12V is rather messy ...is there a way around this please??? TIA

[@victorvek5227]

There’s no reason you couldn’t purchase a 120v to 12v DC converter.

[@honggao9610]

For those want a hard wired version: you could just get a AC DC converter at some point in your circuit and use the existing wire for DC supply?

[@user-er4hz7tk7p]

From saudi 👍

[@131313user]

You dint mention that your nvm might limit you to max 6MP for the camera.

[@LifeHackster]

Nope.. it records full resolution.

[@131313user]

Great perfect,i think its only when your viewing it straight from the nvr with a monitor or something.

[@Tito-man]

hello bro..for you,what;s the best WIFI PTZ for home ?? your personal opinion ? if you can ....thank you

[@AngeloR674]

1800 lumens is too low!.. not bright enough