From surveillance cameras to video doorbells, there is only one step, which Reolink has just taken in turn. The firm is following in the footsteps of Arlo in particular and, more recently, Blink with its Smart Wired Doorbell with Chime, or Sonnette Filaire Intelligente avec Chime in French, if we close our eyes to the translation of chime. In any case, we appreciate the desire to offer a complete solution; the chime remains essential in our eyes with a doorbell, even connected.
2K+ video and person detection…but no packages
On the side of the doorbell itself, there is a 5 megapixel sensor associated with ultra-wide-angle optics allowing 2K+ recordings with a field of view of 140° on the horizontal axis and 98° on the vertical axis. . Infrared vision is also provided for the night.
This camera allows you to see visitors ringing the doorbell on your smartphone screen, but also to be alerted in the event of activity in front of the house thanks to motion detection. Recordings are also on the program, with the six seconds preceding the triggering of the camera as a bonus. A function that is reminiscent of the pre-roll Ring’s Video Doorbell 4. To limit alerts, Reolink additionally offers person detection as well as customizable motion zones.
On the other hand, parcel detection is for absent subscribers. A practical function, however, as we have seen with Google’s Nest Doorbell (battery). The camera’s field of view, despite its wide-angle optics, seems unable to cover the doorstep.
Ethernet or Wi-Fi, you have to choose
In addition to the camera, the Reolink Smart Wired Doorbell has a built-in microphone and speaker to respond to visitors, live or via pre-recorded messages. It should also be possible to associate these with motion detection in order, in particular, to scare away prowlers. A microSD port completes the equipment, to store recordings locally. Reolink specifies that one can use one of its recorders (NVR) and that an offer clouds is available.
If there is no battery, the Reolink doorbell must be plugged in; the manufacturer still leaves the choice between a wired connection or not to the Internet by offering two versions. The doorbell in PoE version (Power over Ethernet, a single cable for power supply and connection) is sold at the recommended retail price of €109.99. Provide an additional €10 for the Wi-Fi version.