Reolink Trackmix's Brother - RLC-830A Security Camera Review

Today, we are going to review the Reolink RLC-830A which is basically the baby brother of the Reolink Trackmix. We will check out its features, unbox, setup, install and check out its video quality and run our security camera tests and see if this more affordable single lens Trackmix can be a good option for your security camera needs.
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Reolink Trackmix Review - • Reolink Trackmix Revie...
00:00 Introduction
00:27 Features
01:41 Unboxing
02:48 Installation
03:05 Setup
03:47 Settings
06:25 Video Quality
08:52 Testing
11:11 Thoughts
#lifehackster #reolink #RLC-830A
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[@Dave001968]

Best recorded audio I have seen on any of your camera reviews. Probably helps that the tracking keep the mike pointed directly on the target.

[@Pro1er]

If you're talking about the camera's audio it has the same problem as some other Reolink cameras where it sounds like the camera is under water. Hopefully you can turn off the noise filter on this model.

[@user-lu4qm3cs8i]

I would like to see the CX410 color nightvision integrated into the Trackmix series as I believe the color clarity is superior based on your previous testing. Also, would like full 360 degree ptz functionality. That would be amazing. As always, fantastic review 🇺🇸

[@LifeHackster]

I agree. The low light capability in a 4K sensor plus tracking. That would be great. Thanks for watching!

[@sirlesliechao]

I had the same thought about putting the larger sensor in better Optics from the cx410 in one of these. One of my ring cameras is going out, and I would totally put one of those at my house.

[@Robert.S.806]

@LifeHackser 8/2/23 You need to add a few feet higher to te top of your back fence to block the lights coming from your neighbors house behind you. 😎👍

[@Rockaland2]

Audio and video is outstanding ! it even felt like i was standing right in your yard the picture is that good.. I have a track mix and i think its the best camera i own for features and tracking.. Im impressed with this 4k camera and was thinking of building a NVR system from Reolink. I started with a Reolink Eco and thought it was better than blink at that time.. Reolink today is killing it with features and tech and its above the rest in quality !

[@OMASCULINISTA99]

I have 3 Reolink cameras and a Hikvision. I think Reolink has the best motion detection algorithm on the market. Very reliable. But it suffers deeply in the lack of advanced settings compared to a Hikvision and mainly, in the poor quality of HDR and colorful night images. Reolink has sharper and more beautiful daytime images despite weak HDR, but in color night mode it really takes a beating from Hikvision. Hikvision if well adjusted, allows you to see images almost in total darkness and with a very fluid FPS rate.

[@glenhamilton8375]

Your videos are rally good and thorough.

[@paulusm]

Is the Trackmix worth the money. The color vision at night was a bit disappointing. What IP security camera is currently your preference?

[@wckdewok]

How good is the Reolink app? It has an average low rating on the App Store. Is it just old or has recent updates enabled it be a functional app

[@user-sm5jc4nl1u]

Great video. You mentioned that you didn’t see the need for the E1 outdoor anymore, but I think the E1 out is very popular because of its small form factor (it’s cute basically). I wish Reolink made more smaller sized Poe cams……

[@ruudje2777]

The E1 looks more like a toy than the 830A.

[@nadhemaahmed8025]

I just buy a Sim this security camera but I have a problem with a flashlight on nighttime stay own I tried turn off money time but doesn't turn off do you have a solution for the

[@YukonHawk1]

Excellent review and testing as always. Really nice camera. I have the Trackmix POE, and it has been flawless. This camera may have a future spot for back yard. I am slowly getting rid of my wireless cams where it makes sense to have a POE one instead.

[@LifeHackster]

The trackmix is a pretty good camera and this one too especially that is a bit cheaper.

[@alinearaujo7824]

@LifeHackster I saw it on the website that has a description Trackmix Series WiFi. and Trackmix Series PoE and only Wifi CAM Add and PoE CAM Add I would like to know the differences between these 4 options please.

[@Lam_studio1987]

Hey @lifehackster, if you had to buy one security camera system to protect your family and house. Which one would you get? Swann, Lorex, Samsung, Reolink?

[@antoniocerasuolo757]

hi I will be connecting directly to the reolink NVR therefore it's not clear to me how i confiugure all those features you showed?? can you explain

[@scottwallace5179]

Do you still recommend trackmix or rlc-830a after all this time? Thanks

[@JonathanYankovich]

Please mention Home Assistant compatibility when talking about cameras! A lot of us nerds who love cameras also run Home Assistant (Frigate, etc)

[@DeltaWhiskeyBravo13579]

Great in depth demo. Thank you

[@Cortez77fr]

I was interested by this one to complete a Trackmix, on another side of the house, because no need to the zoom function here, but the smaller field of view stop me, I'll probably go to a Duo.

[@namine99]

How can you see the 24/7 playback on the Reolink app? My camera is the trailmix and it’s PoE but I can’t playback just any point in time in the app 😢

[@PatrickC139]

The e1 outdoor pro is supposed to have a slight zoom though isnt it? I think on this lineup (without the dual lens) they need to add a 3x zoom at least then they can phase out that e1 outdoor series for those that just want a non dual lens ptz that wont break the bank *cough .. 823a*

[@abyssiniahenry128]

The RLC-823a is only $117 more expensive than the E1 Outdoor.😬 ($50 more than the TrackMix)

[@LifeHackster]

Yes the E1 outdoor has a 3X zoom (not auto zoom) and by design it cannot vertically (tilt) track because it’s range is limited in tilting down. You really cannot install this taller than 9-10 feet.

[@Milpo2717]

Kudos! Because of your videos, I've taken the plunge. Tons of research later, I really feel Reolink is the best solution and value for the money. For me, we are starting with two RLC-830As and the 8CH NVR... In the next 3-6 months, I'll extend the system with a RLC-823A 16X for the long back yard, Duo Floodlight PoE for the drive way, and three POE Floodlights surrounding the home. Really appreciate the work put into these videos!

[@LifeHackster]

Thank you..and thanks for watching!

[@nadhemaahmed8025]

I like your video because you explained and you talking about all the details and you are very nice you say the truth but I wish if you make a videos about outdoor motion sensor solar light

[@antoniocerasuolo757]

second question which junction box can I use??

[@sudathchamin]

Hi brother want to CB8 ezviz camera review and other 360 ezviz camera also doing great work bro❤️

[@deepconcealmentholsters783]

Question, I have these Reolink cameras, but for some reason I’m having a hard time getting the app to work both on my phone and on my iPad. So I have it set up on my phone right now and when I go to my iPad and I have the app open I login and then they asked me for my username and password for the Camera. It says password isn’t correct and will not let me access the camera on the iPad. Is there any advice you have? Thank you.

[@martyb3783]

Great video! Thanks for making it!

[@Jay-sg2ww]

Wanted to thank you for all the videos you've done and time you have taken. I ended up going with a Eufy C24 Outdoor camera for what I needed and based on that I will be getting a Eufy doorbell and 1Eufy indoor camera. Can I give one suggestion to add to your testing. Motion detection alerts at night. Currently I have the Eufy C24 pointed at my two cars maybe 25 feet away and it doesn't detect motion till I'm about 10 feet away. Even at the front car doors it doesn't send a notification or turn on the spotlight. Your day time distance motion alerts are great with most cameras being in the 30-40 ft range. But maybe adding in the night motion alert would be helpful. Just a suggestion as you already do so much work to help use determine which cameras to go for. Thanks for everythingl

[@LifeHackster]

Good suggestion. I do test it once in a while and I know with the Eufy, the distance of detection decreases at night and particularly with this model, it is already limited in daytime compared to other wired or plugged in cameras. One thing you can do is have more lighting in the area and see if it helps. Thanks.

[@Kaienhere]

6:28 oh wow the recording quality is amazing, easily the best footage I've seen on your channel

[@sgtcharlie2512]

Can you do video on securty cams that we can use on pc, I do not own a phone, need cams for pc, thasnk you

[@ErossaanBooming]

How can you set up the camera seperate from the nvr?

[@alexmaza84]

Hello, I’ve got a really bad audio from 830A. I’ve read that this can be fixed by lowering the Noise Reduction filter but I cannot find that feature (as on TrackMixPoe). Anyone with that issue? The cameras - I’ve got plenty of them - are all updated to the latest firmware as on Reolink Download Center. Thanks

[@dickfirm9849]

Yo lifehackster,I'm in UK .live your videos,could you review the Winees L1 solar security camera if you come across it.Many thanks from England

[@Kaienhere]

I feel this type of camera is perfect for large backyards like yours because of the tracking, but in my case where I dont need a wide field of view this is like an overkill, I'll check the other reolink cameras though, the video quality is fantastic!

[@cruisin682002]

Which Reolink cam would you recommend for a tilt,pan,and track cam that doesn't need an Ethernet connection ?? Currently I am using WYZE Tilt & Pan, but getting disappointed in its performanceYOU ARE APPRECIATED WHOLE BIG BUNCHES !!!

[@victorvek5227]

Just curious - why aren’t you attached to your home’s wifi when running these tests? The rich notifications would come up a lot sooner that way, no?

[@desupernoodle]

Most people aren't connected to wifi when not at home

[@chibbyylol]

Likely to test the real world scenario of someone triggering the notification when you're not at home and you're on cellular service

[@victorvek5227]

@@chibbyylol makes sense. I’d like to know both wifi and cellular speeds then. Notification speed when you’re upstairs asleep at 3am is just as, if not more important than notification speed whilst running errands at the store.

[@LifeHackster]

I use cellular connection because most likely your phone will not be connected to WIFI when you are out of the house. Also, there is no difference between cellular data and WIFI ... because notification is just a small file size.

[@phillipzx3754]

Is that white cable with the power fittings permanently connected to the camera or can I remove it to make a bit "cleaner" install?

[@LifeHackster]

It is permanent but it sticks out on the base of the mount, so you can hide the wires by feeding in on to the wall or ceiling close to the wall for a clean install.

[@phillipzx3754]

@@LifeHackster Thank you. I'm waiting for the E1 Outdoor Pro but they're not available yet on the Reolink site.

[@LifeHackster]

Check this first -> kzbin.info/www/bejne/aV7JYpqujL2ZmKc @@phillipzx3754

[@hardrocksinterklaas9623]

No manual inside the box. PoE connected. No idea to get the mail function working. So no alerts coming.

[@LifeHackster]

Make sure push notifications are set to ON and in the schedule, choose which detections you want to be notified about.

[@ExperienceKevsworld]

I may have missed it, but can I use the app on my phone simultaneously with NVR PoE?

[@LifeHackster]

Yes.

[@ExperienceKevsworld]

Thank you I just ordered the 830a and an nvr. Thanks for you videos! @@LifeHackster

[@dr007md]

Sir, have you tried the AOSU brand?

[@LifeHackster]

Not yet! but will be testing their doorbell soon.

[@codyking1331]

Will you be reviewing the Reolink 1224a soon?

[@LifeHackster]

We will see. Thanks for watching!

[@CaydenThyGamer]

Hey LifeHackster! Can you make a video on the Eufy Doorbell 2k Pro? (Wired)

[@LifeHackster]

I have to check it out. Thanks.

[@DoCLov]

I like e1 outdoor Poe - it is not massive and does not attract attention. Been working fine for the past 6 month. I don’t use a tracking feature though

[@handle924]

E1 outdoor supports Reolink Cloud, that's about the only good thing of that camera. I wonder why Reolink does not making Reolink Cloud available to all cameras

[@YukonHawk1]

It is available for all of their camera s

[@cbluebeard]

Please tell Reolink to add audio options. Noise reduction on/off. And a 80hz low-cut option on/off

[@victorvek5227]

Lol. Like they’d listen. Customers have been begging for UI fixes for a decade to no avail. They haven’t even incorporated automatic software updates yet and that’s been requested / complained about in the officially Reolink Reddit community every day for at least 3 years straight now.

[@tombiggi1024]

How to setup without an NVR to be accessed remotely using the Reolink app ... not on the local area network. Camera is a TrackMix PoE.

[@gerryf7015]

Seems to be better than the E1 Outdoor POE. I'm disappointed in that camera. Seem to fail to track and loose its home position. Had hoped to be able to use it an an indoor ceiling POE camera. Currently testing it on my patio. Mostly failed. Would the Trackmix 830a be a better patio solution? Still looking for an indoor POE ceiling mount camera. Thoughts? Great review as always.

[@abyssiniahenry128]

I use the Trackmix(POE) for my front covered porch. Views my front door and my long driveway. Tracks deliveries to the front door and back.Returns to watch the package, door and vehicles. Two way talk is handy as well. For my back patio I use the RLC-823a(POE) to cover my big back yard. Really like this camera as well. Both fit their roles perfectly. Indoor POE PTZ you might be hosed. Not really many options for that. I finally just gave up and went to the Eufy P24 (S220 now) Love these cameras indoor although not POE. Mounts anywhere. Reolink for outdoor, Eufy for indoor. That way when I get an alert I can immediately tell if it's inside or outside alert.

[@LifeHackster]

The E1 outdoor PoE has issues.. also because of its design, it is not able to tilt down as far…that is in addition to all its issues that you said.

[@ExperienceKevsworld]

I got my cam and nvr. Everything loaded well without any issue. The only thing is that I do not have the detection alarm set. It just says failed to load.

[@anthonytielen868]

I would like to add or replace my Current reolink RLC-520A camera's. I don´t know wich one to pick for my situation. Can you help me out ?

[@dalesupertramp9234]

Can the tilt function look straight down?

[@alexandertopalov3344]

Once powered, can it send/receive via WiFi?

[@markskelly7939]

Will the camera detect a person/pet on the periphery of the image and pan over to it?

[@ronm6585]

Looks like a decent camera. Thanks L.H.

[@LifeHackster]

Thanks for watching!

[@dx2dx]

Hey LH, Any updates on making the “poor man’s LPR” video ? Will you be testing this in the future videos ?

[@rededwards3479]

Well done

[@atifmanzoor63]

Can anyone tell me is there an option for keeping the camera pointed at a certain spot and stop it from tracking someone

[@metales10]

If i connect it to my reolink nvr (16 channels) how will it display on my tv, or what features will it display

[@LifeHackster]

It will occupy a channel in your NVR and will display just like your other cameras. It will however have an option for pan and tilt controls.

[@MonkRX]

Do you record these tests at the highest available bitrates?

[@LifeHackster]

I keep all my testing at default except for the frame rates.

[@MonkRX]

@@LifeHackster Perfect, thanks. I was curious if dropping the frame rates would improve quality as well. (more bits per frame). I picked up a reolink system to play with because of your videos. Thanks for the reviews.

[@philc824]

Does the Reolink system require a static IP address or will dynamic work ?

[@LifeHackster]

Dynamic is fine.

[@user-rd9kb6ox1v]

I believe the night vision quality is inadequate. Once the spotlight is activated, visibility becomes significantly limited.

[@vincebaker3384]

When recording to the SD card will it record in a loop and rerecord over previous video. What is the maximum capacity for the SD card

[@abyssiniahenry128]

256 GB class 10 micro SD card is the maximum. FAT32 format. And it can overwrite the oldest footage

[@LifeHackster]

Thanks for answering.

[@edgfaz]

Can you help me i have to choose about this 2 , ezviz and TP-LINK, witch one you say to choose.. Tx

[@LifeHackster]

Either one is ok. EZVIZ as to their outdoor cams are metal while TP link are plastic. EZVIZ hasn’t released anything new lately.

[@edgfaz]

@@LifeHackster can you tell me witch one i buy .. thank you

[@lordlordson5041]

@@edgfazEzviz H8 Pro 3K. Reolink is crap, Ezviz works nice. Im using Ezviz and Eufy, also have Reolink E1 Outdoor(2x) back in box, it have too many issues (position, tracking, wi-fi signal…), but zoom is good, I’ve tried 5 diferent firmware versions, notyhing helps. Im using 3x Ezviz C8W Pro 2K, 1x Ezviz H8 Pro 3K(superior aganist others), 1x Ezviz C6 2K and 2x Eufy Outdoor Solo Cam 2k.

[@idontwantahandle._.]

Your hat kind of distorted the close ups.

[@RJ_Cormac]

The E1 needs to stay an economy camera line, Reolink needs to stop adding more advanced features. Especially when the core camera struggles with PTZ drift, and limited PTZ range (compared to the TrackMix, RLC-830A, RLC-823A). Reolink needs to continue advancing AAA+ features into the RLC camera models. Customers will be upset and disappointed if they spend $125 for the best E1 PoE outdoor and it won't stay centered on the monitor point! That's embarrassing, just keep the E1 & E1-Zoom (3x optical zoom) as indoor cameras to compete with Ring/Nest additional cameras. The E1-PRO is worthless just increasing the from 3MP to 4MP, unnecessary upgrade. $100 for the E1-outdoor is useless when RLC cameras can be purchased for $55-$200, are far superior design, and designed to be outdoor rated. The $160 E1 Outdoor 4K PoE Pro is absurd! $160 and it still has the PTZ drift and limited range of motion compared to the RLC cameras designed to be outside! The RLC-830A is $25 cheaper and far superior to the top of the line E1. E1 should stay in the Volkswagen beetle people's car market, and leave the RLC cameras as their superior outdoor PTZ cameras. I'll send you an email and stop venting!

[@dimatatari8953]

All Reolink are ip66. In cold winter like -20 is not gonna work. All their cameras are made under -14 degrees unfortunately.

[@sergiogustavo13]

This is an acceptable security camera but his main issue is the bug about the monitor point. When the follow people option is enabled, the camera will work for a few days then suddently it will be pointed backwards to the opposite of the monitor point. Then all configuration need to be done again, this is my issue from 3 months now and I'm getting tired of it. The Reolink support did not contact me yet back, I'll wait one week and I will send the camera back. It's a shame I wanted to buy 10 of them...

[@DryUrEyesMate]

Wow shocking a 4k camera can not read a number plate from 50feet in day light while stationary. So much ghosting at night time. Best to avoid imo. Thank you for making these video and helping me from purchasing a terrible camera

[@zuhairhlayel]

💐🌹👍🌷💐

[@dennisld4535]

motor noise is immaterial because the purpose of surveillance is to look for the face of the perpetrator!

[@LifeHackster]

Some people want their cameras to be discreet and doesn't want the motor noise to stand out and let people know that there is a camera.

[@dennisld4535]

got you @@LifeHackster

[@pfitz4881]

The Amazon reviews on this unit aren't very good.

[@anone3842]

Yes officer, see that transparent ghost there at 40 ft - they robbed my house 🙂

[@bonse1]

if they got in your house they wouldnt be 40ft away would they xD

[@LifeHackster]

True..but if they robbed your house, they should have come way closer than 40 feet..to rob it ;)

[@jsauerii]

Mine is going back, the sound quality is the worst of any device I have ever had, sounds like a mix of the environment, static, rain, waterfall, wind. echoes etc, All down a long pipe in a dark damn cave. I had 8 RLC-520 domes that had amazing sound pickup, the two upgraded RLC-520A's I picked up with this one to add AI to my existing 8 also have very poor sound pickup, its not as bad as this camera but just very weak pickup. Reolink has apparently lost control of its microphone usability in its more recent models.

[@jesmpk2298]

Beyond 10 feet at night its useless.

[@LifeHackster]

Here you go -> kzbin.info/www/bejne/anuokqehjK5ng9U

[@Robert.S.806]

8/2/23 That's just great. My Reolink cameras have Pet detection & Tracking. Now this new one has Animal detection & tracking. 🤦‍♂️🤷‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤷‍♂️

[@matthewhartley8756]

Are you sure? I don't think none of that's even correct anymore. After the new update, they did, they took away half of the stuff. They made it look like trash. You don't get no zoom capability anymore. You don't get no prepossession points. Whatever they're called, they ruin the camera now. Yet they're fiscally buy a g v r

[@thebigdoghimself]

At 7:35 it almost appears as if the camera fails to keep you in the image, not sure what's up with that? Sorry has go edit the time to 7:35.

[@LifeHackster]

Their algorithm seems to wait until the subject is on the edge of the FOV before initiating the tracking. Reolink's tracking are abrupt and jerky..that is probably why they set it like that. You can also adjust the speed of the panning too. I kept mine at default.