Reolink PTZ RLC-423 IP PoE Security Camera Review - Unboxing, Features, Setup, Video Quality

Today, we are going to check out the PTZ (Pan, Tilt and Zoom) IP PoE Security Camera from Reolink. This is the RLC-423. It is a 5MP (2560x1920 pixels) resolution camera which you can pan 360° and tilt 90°.
We will do the unboxing, check out its features, set it up and install and check and test its video quality and see if this camera can be a great add on to your Reolink PoE NVR System.
Reolink 4K B800 PoE NVR IP Camera System Review - • Reolink 4K Security Ca...
These next 2 weeks, Reolink is also having a Black Friday and CyberMonday sale in which most of their products are on sale from 20% to 35% off.
Reolink RLC 423 - bit.ly/2mSAjGA
And here is 8% coupon code: ytbhack1
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[@anhdeptrai3622]

Will wait for one with audio and 4k ! Good review as usual.

[@SainLuke]

FINALLY!!! This is the camera I always wanted you to test. Thanks Another Awesome review

[@LifeHackster]

Thank you.

[@eliguardiola7507]

My brother please make a video on the new one with tracking. Been looking for videos of this and almost no one has one. Keep up the good work really like your videos

[@niczoom]

Think Ill wait for an upgrade with the new Person/Vehicle detection features.

[@VideoNOLA]

Focus is a PITA with this model. And why Reolink decided "Patrol"/"Cruise" should only go counterclockwise between preset points is a mystery to me. Try setting a preset where the camera looks "straight down" and you will see it get completely confused about the angle!

[@vespagts7078]

I had one for a few days, but found that the focus was way too slow; it would often take anywhere from 2-7 seconds to regain the sharp & clear picture, after panning or tilting. The client app was a bit frustrating as the camera cannot by panned or tilted by clicking on the screen, nor is it possible to use the keyboard arrows to select where the camera should point--the only way to pan or tilt the camera is to use the arrows on the app itself.

[@stupidusername38]

the missing audio is a deal breaker for me. I find that with all Reolink products that there isn't the fully featured ultimate camera out there.

[@LifeHackster]

I know. They should have added it. All their other IP Poe cameras have audio.

[@andreacoppini]

It’s probably missing because of motor noise. It makes sense, but they should have included a separate microphone and a way to power that microphone from the camera itself.

[@abowden5079]

As per the comment 2 below this one, please make a video on the new one (RLC-823a) with tracking and 5x optical zoom in 4k. I don't understand why almost no one in the world has properly reviewed it as yet

[@chickenhawk926]

Thanks for not showing the zoom capability. Seeing that would be a deal breaker for me.

[@myutube6422]

I think because of you, I picked up the E1Pro, it couldn't stay connected to wifi. All of my other cameras all over the property are working fine. This one was within 10' of the router for testing. Their support appeared to be a robot, just asking you the same questions over and over. In the end, I had demand a RMA & I had to pay to return it. I appreciate your reviews, but that one camera and their support were pathetic.

[@LifeHackster]

Sorry to hear that.

[@AZBADBOYz]

Reolink.... PLEASE ADD a dark mode to the app!!!! The white background is blinding in the middle of the night when checking notices.

[@VideoNOLA]

Done. It has Dark Mode now.

[@AZBADBOYz]

@@VideoNOLA It does and it's wonderful!!

[@melangreathouse2209]

Happy Thanksgiving Lifehackster! When are you going to do an “ end of the year “ analysis of the best video equipment? I’ve grown to really appreciate the in depth analysis of each piece of equipment that you review. Blessings on you and yours.👌🏽🇺🇸🍗🍗🍗🍗🍗🍗🥇🍁🍁🍁💪🏼💪🏼🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🎯

[@LifeHackster]

Thank you..and I’m planning to make this video sometime next month..Happy Thanksgiving to you too...

[@ebrahim602]

Your really helpful man i really like your videos its full of info. I really want to ask you a question ? From your experience which 4k POE camera system is the ultimate and the best in the market ? Thanks alot again

[@Limatola11]

Review the montavue 8250 ptz camera please!

[@CopperCettle]

Note the tilt is only 90 degrees, why don't more cameras have a greater than 90 degree tilt, if installed at the bottom of a slight hill , you will nor be able to see up the hill, i had to shell out almost $300 for a camera with a greater than 90 degree tilt, 90 degrees is just not enough of a tilt up , for a lot of applications

[@steves5933]

Great test as always. I like the Camera. Just a shame they do not give it the starlight feature, as I get excellent night views from my Argus PT. The lack of two-way-sound is also a little disappointing. On the plus side, the speed of the preset changes is amazing, as is the picture quality. Thanks, LiveHackster.

[@LifeHackster]

Thank you.

[@Largamelion]

Yeah, 2 way audio would be a nice addition. I would also love to see PIR for better motion detection. Those 2 features would make these camera's nearly perfect.

[@Doctaj54]

Thanks Do you think Reolink will release a camera with lights and a speaker similar to the ones from Swann?

[@AuroraColoradoUSA]

Forget wireless audio. If you want audio, buy a Marantz MPM-1000U (or whatever the current version). Put it in a protected area and use an active USB extension (like Tripp-Lite's) to your PC. The sound is AMAZING. With a free equalizer app, you can easily filter the sound. It's AMAZING compared to all the garbage wireless mics I tried over the prior years. ZERO NOISE (had never experienced that from a microphone). It's pretty unbelievable really, after many years of use. Someday, in a few more years maybe the screen will clog up and it will need to be cleaned.

[@LifeHackster]

Thanks for the info..

[@jeffreyletempt7189]

I went to check out the Reolink deals and was very impressed with the $370.99 deal on the RLK8-800B4 you mentioned in your video. Still had 10 days left on the sale prices so I decided to do a little research. Almost ordered the RLK8-800B4 and this PTZ camera 2 days later, but the sale was still going to be in effect for another 7 days. Today I decided to order both items, but Reolink pulled the offer on the RLK8-800B4 about 6 days early for some reason. I emailed the, but have not received a response yet.

[@jeffreyletempt7189]

Reolink did the right thing and offered me the sale price on the system. Should be shipped on about 31 DEC, looking forward to getting everything!!

[@gojeffgordon24]

Nice review, but you really need a specific use I feel for a camera like that. For what it's worth Ring's POE outdoor camera is one of my favorites. Not cheap, but does well recording audio and the viewing angle is so wide, it can pretty much cover my whole back yard. Not good for license plate reading though with that wide viewing angle.

[@LifeHackster]

Yes, the ring has wide angle FOV.

[@Twelvegoldteeth]

I have this unit and a few others but opted out from placing it in front of my house because it’s so freaking obvious. I don’t want my neighbors thinking I’m spying on them(which I am not). It comes across as creepy to me-although, if it did have a “dome cover”, I would have installed it in the front of house.

[@LifeHackster]

True..it is creepy and intimidating.

[@Twelvegoldteeth]

John Smith Yeah, I have cameras all around my house and put them in places give some assurances that I’m not spying on my neighbors. Although, I do catch some of my neighbors property...in the end, if something does occur in the immediate surrounding property, I may be of “some” help. I live in Bronx, NY...so incidents DO happen here.

[@VideoNOLA]

Happily, this Reolink cam lets you define a "Privacy Area" that will not be shown or recorded. Showing your neighbors that feature might set their minds at ease. But I'd like to imagine that being "stalked" by a PTZ is a great deterrent to unwelcome visitors!

[@typxxilps]

out of stock and not on black Friday sale. there was a W or wireless version too I got 2 years ago even cheaper than sales price now .... from Amazon for 225€

[@ZafarAli-pi4kj]

Hi I have watched your video very informative and I now know the pros and cons of this camera however can you recommend a better Ptz camera or camera system Thanks.

[@Hexa8]

One question can this camera can be used other brand dvr or it has to be same brand camera and dvr?

[@gojeffgordon24]

Should be fine as long as the DVR is ONVIF compatible based on what the box had on it.

[@marcjackson9943]

Great vid, was going to buy one of these but im glad that ive seen this, as it does'nt look all that good from a visibility point of view. Do you/would you know if there are cameras out there (for Domestic use) that do have better visabiliy at a distance of 50ft that's a good all round product. I need something like a recording pan tilt telescope haha.

[@Pro1er]

"I need something like a recording pan tilt telescope haha." See if you can find a review for one of the "30X" Chinese off-brand cameras, they are sold under different brand names that may have minor feature differences but seem to use the same camera module. I have two different ones and the one I have up now I would re-purchase in a heartbeat. You can pick them up for under $200 USD. I'm actually thinking of buying another one as a backup for when my current one breaks. One negative is that the lens is not wide angle if that is something you need.

[@bulldogfit1584]

Another thorough video. Question. What security cameras are out there where WiFi is not needed and will still work with power outages? Ones that are homeowner friendly and a security company is not necessary for install. Thank you.

[@gojeffgordon24]

Any DVR/NVR system will keep recording in a power outage as long as you have a battery backup on the system. I have a DVR system that has a smaller APC backup that connects to the DVR power plug and the power splitter that goes to the cameras. It gets me about 2-3 hours in a power outage. You'll need a pretty good sized battery if you are trying to keep it up for a few days without power. That is the only limitation on keeping it recording. You won't be able to access remotely until the power is back up.

[@LifeHackster]

NVR or DVR setup..it is wired and should be plug and play..wiring depending on your situation can be easy or hard..

[@kchedville]

I bring up my Reolink Tabletop Computer software and now it tells me each time if do " Incorrect Password ", i don't remember setting a password when i first hooked up the Camera and installed the software (same Camera as in this video), what is a solution for this problem ?

[@ErickCarbajal18]

hello help me please, I bought a camera the same, but do not bring where to put the SD card, why will it ???

[@LordEduard]

Thanks to the author for the video !!!

[@jasonbodenheimer4017]

I must have a very old version of this camera. I'm experiencing the default home position of the camera is focused off into the trees after a reboot. Any idea how to set the "Home" position of this camera of where it focuses after a reboot? Great review.

[@jesusismygod4400]

I want to buy a reolink system with a pan/tilt camera, the fact that the pan/tilt camera has no audio I can can work with, but to spend so much money, and still not getting auto tracking is hard

[@tibikeresztes8207]

I'm currently looking for a pan & tilt wireless outdoor camera with solar panel, soo much choice almost too much...

[@idjpashka]

I don't like that it doesn't have built in mic and auto tracking. Do they have a model with those features?

[@waatao9856]

Man I want one but don’t know where to mount it

[@mikefa5891]

Thanks for the review as i am shopping for a security cam system. Video clarity is only good at 15 feet based on your video camera. Yes lack of audio is a big drawback. I checked your amazon link but saw no wireless systems ... Will you consider doing a review on the Night Owl ac powered wirelss system that has audio? (Night Owl Wireless Home Security Camera System with 4 AC Powered 1080p HD )

[@slader-hl1kk]

Kid on the footage looks like he is going crazy lol

[@blackiam6527]

When setting patrol points can it be set to patrol between 2 points going from left to right or visa versa or does it patrol in one direction only

[@foxiedogitchypaws7141]

I have a question. I have a 8 channel -4 camera security system by Swann. Can I use a camera not made by Swann with my other 4 camera's? I'm looking for one with better night vision, longer distance. Or can I use more the 1 different name brand camera with the Swann DVR? Thank you. I really enjoy your videos, they are easy to understand.

[@LifeHackster]

You will need a Swann camera to be compatible with their NVR.

[@stevey500]

LifeHackster, thanks for your great videos. Have you had a chance to check out Reolink's newest D800 cameras? What's new about them over the previous model 5mp cameras- color quality, etc? I am unsure of why I should spend an extra $25-30 for the newest 4k camera dome-style model.

[@LifeHackster]

I haven’t tested them yet but will do.

[@inhawaii4941]

Can you do a review on deep sentinel camera?

[@raymondayala416]

How do u setup the camera to go 180-270 degrees only I can’t figure it out it goes 360 degrees only.

[@mihamarinko2206]

Hello, nice review..I have also reolink system 4 cameras 5mp...and I want to add this also...but after your review I will probably skip it....no audio, no tracking options..., if camera change the position you get motion detection alert...already have to much fals alerts (bugs, foogs, sun, shadov and all this shit)...one question...now I have default 2tb hdd in NVR...if I put in WD purple which is made just for surveilance cameras...do you think I will get more smoothly operation?

[@LifeHackster]

Their hard drive the it came with is fast and good enough..I had no issues with mine..

[@lin7140]

RLC-423 is huge I am looking for a camera with at least 5MP or higher with optical zoom that can zoom clearly at 140ft. What do you recommend that isn't huge and won't stand out in the front of my garage where everyone can see it? I have been searching for months and can't find the right one. I am currently testing out the Arlo Ultra and I am very disappointed for the hefty price. Thanks

[@tasosa8258]

Hello. I have one question. If you connect the camera with ethernet, when i am out of home, can i connect from my mobile data (4G), to see live streaming what happens in my area?

[@LifeHackster]

Yes, you can using the app on your phone.

[@tonybedford3429]

Thanks for these reviews, I’ve gone this camera with the 4k system. Do you know if there is a bracket available to mount this camera on the exterior corner of a wall? Hoping this would give more coverage 👍🏼

[@ericb6390]

Yes google rlc 423 bracket

[@My_blue_worldPhotography]

Help! Im confused on which cam to get , i want one that can record and track passing cars in front of my house and show the number plate clear spatially at night , what do u recommend??

[@peterrocan2542]

Look at the Amcrest PTZ; it's a bit more expensive, but it's a much better camera.

[@bjenkins770]

I have a Zosi 5mp NVR that their tech support says is ONVIF protocol compliant and a Alptop poe PTZ ip camera that I would like to add to the Zosi NVR. The Alptop PTZ camera says it works with ONVIF compliant NVR's. I have no idea how to add this, do you have general instructions/recommendations for adding this new PTZ camera to the NVR? The Zosi IP cameras that came with the system are 5mp bullet style fixed lens cameras and plug right into the back of the NVR via an ethernet cable for pretty much plug and play operation. Can I plug the cable from this POE PTZ camera in the back of the NVR the same way or would I need to power the PTZ camera some other way? It says it requires 48v from poe switch or 12v dc. I really appreciate any recommendations or advice you have in advance.

[@ronh7510]

How is your reolink Argus echo holding up? Would you suggest it to use since the Wyze outdoor cam keeps getting delayed? I need something that doesn’t need a power outlet so the solar panel would suffice

[@LifeHackster]

Yes, the Eco has been working ok...

[@inhawaii4941]

Argus eco with solar panel is on sale for $67 on amazon right now

[@biglike7981]

Your real life review seems to run contrary to what Reolink advertises for this camera. They say "Incredible night vision up to 190 ft". Your video suggest the camera is useless at night after 15ft. Glad I didn't waste my time and money. I'm have an 810A and it's very problematic in the rain even on very low sensitivity. Was hoping this would do better but it appears to be worse. I'm confused as other review videos for this camera show much better nighttime vision.

[@SainLuke]

Any suggestions on any good PTZ cameras with audio?

[@LifeHackster]

With wired PoE, this is the only one I have tested...as to WiFi cameras..there is the Wyze cam pan..Reolink c2 and E1 models or even the Yi dome.

[@typxxilps]

Bought one and had been disappointed cause I had assumed that this would be using Argus 2 quality and technology like IR sensor to avoid the tons of false alarms. OK; we bought the Wifi Edition but that is not making the difference cause it is an additional option...

[@jairusmatias8249]

do i need nvr to use this camera? thanks

[@JOHNsEVERYDAYREVIEWZ]

Did you hear about how wyzecam is getting rid of their AI detection. ?

[@LifeHackster]

Yes, I got the email..but they are planning to have an in house one to replace it...

[@JOHNsEVERYDAYREVIEWZ]

@@LifeHackster oh I didn't see that part. Well that's good then. But probably will take a while.

[@cherubicchild5]

Does this work with reolink solar panels?

[@luissinsin]

Great review. I love that you did the license plate test to see if you can read the license plate from different distances. If you still have this camera connected, could you do the same test, but with the lens zoomed in? I need a camera that can read license plates from far away, and something that will work with the ReoLink system as I'm thinking of buying that one. Thanks.

[@LifeHackster]

I’m pretty sure it will be able to read license plates when it is zoomed in..you just need to position it in an area where the cars will be.

[@siniarch]

Awesome. Great to know.

[@Hans_appointed]

What is the running man test

[@LifeHackster]

Taking a snapshot of a moving person and see if it is blurry or not.

[@kchingk]

how does this compare with the amcrest

[@Scott976]

Do you need an NVR or can it just work alone

[@LifeHackster]

It can work with out an NVR..using software or accessing it through a browser.

[@willz6853]

LifeHackster how can I achieve this? On the install diagram it shows the camera going to the nvr via Ethernet then to the router. When I try to connect camera directly to router, the camera doesn’t connect

[@abdullahaslam1133]

Does the camera need a wifi connection???

[@LifeHackster]

Not if you hook it up with an NVR.

[@chrise202]

I haven't seen a camera yet which would record clearly a plate or a face during night-time. At this point they're just there to scare, but in terms of actual recording, its good for nothing.

[@MrEdwinhardesty]

I bought this camera and it stopped working about a month later. Reolink would not honor the waranty because I painted the camera green to blend in with the color of my house. I told Reolink "what does the paint have to do with the circuit board failing inside the camera". It would be nice if they could at least of repaired the old one but they said no, no, and no. I guess they want to be able to repair the old camera and re-sell it as refurbished. Reolink left a sour taste in my mouth and I won't be buying another one of their cameras.

[@MB-du4tz]

What's the best wifi wired doorbell without subscription? Thank you in advance

[@MB-du4tz]

@11 11 Thank you. I have my eyes on that one, but how can I get it in Canada as it's only sold in the US.

[@user-zc9zt2vl5s]

Is it better than the Google Nest Hello? I want a good doorbell system that supports homekit but there's nothing that really catches my eyes. I don't really like Google products and avoid the company at all costs.

[@lubakozubenko5299]

I have the nest and love it, perfect picture quality

[@steamhammer2k]

Better prices where you are. The C2 is almost half the price where you than in the UK even allowing for black Friday discount.... that`s rip off Britain for u......

[@LifeHackster]

Sorry to hear that..hopefully, it will get cheaper.

[@steamhammer2k]

I hope so I will not be buying it until it does Like you U tube videos. BTW very helpful Thanks CA

[@ikeo8666]

too bad you used reolinks own software to test it. That doesn't tell me anything

[@LifeHackster]

The camera I tested is Reolink..so the logical way to test it would be its own software right? I saw your other comment so tread lightly..

[@ikeo8666]

@@LifeHackster I'm not sure what the veiled threat is for but whatever. The point was that using the manufacturers own software is not a good enough test for the camera because most people who will buy these will use it with some other NVR or desktop solution. For example reolink decided not to use an IFrame interval on some of their cameras so it has massive amount of artifacts if you use something like blueiris or some other nvr. I dont know anyone who buys this kind of camera and uses the manufacturers software

[@LifeHackster]

You know what you did on your comments anyways..I’m not sure where you get your information but most people buy these cameras to work with Reolink NVR not the other way around. Reolink even post it on their site stating their cameras will only work with their NVRs..you might be able to use other brands but the manufacturer discourages it.

[@Largamelion]

@@ikeo8666 they sell complete bundles so to me it just makes perfectly sense to test these camera's with the included soft- and hardware.

[@hanswiedemann7214]

First two minutes bought and paid for advertisers

[@nibelungvalesti]

Looks like shit for the price. Night vision looks worse than Reolink 410. Hope it's just your settings.

[@michaeljigawigga2113]

pranks

[@patrickdumbuya7805]

Hi, I am wanted to know if reolink is compatible with hikivision Joystick for control

[@Avalanche2]

Is it me or do all the reolink cameras have a TERRIBLE field of view?

[@abcd124]

just you.