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Reolink’s catalog welcomes two new cameras: the RLC-823A 16X and the TrackMix. Both bet on a zoom, with however very different approaches. The Smart WiFi Plug also makes its debut.
Reolink TrackMix
Introductory price 205.99 €
Reolink
185.39
194.39
185.39
194.39
How the pricing table works
Been loaded from Reolink side. While the surveillance camera specialist has just launched its first connected doorbell, other new products are already preparing to join its catalog: an outdoor camera with x16 zoom and a connected socket in August, as well as a dual-lens camera , the TrackMix, in September.
Close monitoring
Reolink has therefore decided to bet on zoom for its next camera. As its name suggests, the RLC-823A 16X offers 16x magnification. To do this, it is equipped with variable focal length optics. An important point since, if most cameras have a zoom, the latter is most often digital and therefore leads to a loss of quality. Reolink promises that it will be possible to zoom in on an object or person without affecting image quality.
The RLC-823A 16X is wall mountable and weather resistant. © Reolink
The zoom is also what makes the TrackMix camera special, although with a very different approach. This model completes Reolink’s range of dual-lens cameras, which has so far consisted of the Duo. It therefore carries two lenses, but, rather than shifting them to extend the field of vision, the manufacturer uses them to film in the same direction, in wide-angle with one and in x6 zoom with the other.
To do this, different focal lengths are used: 2.8 and 8 mm. Since we are closer to a x3 zoom with 1/3 “and 1/2.8” sensors behind these optics, a digital zoom is added in order to obtain a x6 magnification, but Reolink claims to have developed point one “advanced technology” to deliver quality images with this hybrid zoom.
The application simultaneously displays images from both TrackMix lenses. © Reolink
The idea here is to be able to observe possible intruders in close-up, while keeping an overview of the scene. Motion tracking is also provided to keep intruders in the field. Reolink even talks about dual tracking, to crop the telephoto image on intruders with the digital zoom, but also to pan and tilt the camera.
Like the RLC-823A 16X, the TrackMix is motorized. Both offer 8-megapixel sensors for filming up to 4K, infrared vision, detection of people, vehicles and (soon) animals, a microSD port, as well as a microphone and a speaker. The TrackMix also embeds LED projectors and is available in two versions: wifi and PoE (Power over Ethernet). The RLC-823A 16X should only be available in PoE version.
A connected plug as a bonus
In addition to these cameras, Reolink is preparing the launch of a connected plug, the Smart WiFi Plug. Three versions are planned, including a European one that we hope will be compatible with our French sockets (Type E); the visuals only show a type F socket on the front, with earth connection by two pins on the lathe. The features seem pretty basic. Remote control, programming and creation of scenarios will be possible with this socket to be connected via 2.4 GHz wifi. On the other hand, the monitoring of consumption does not seem to be part of it.
The Smart WiFi Plug will be marketed at the recommended retail price of €29.99. For its part, the TrackMix is displayed at €205.99 in its PoE version and at €215.99 in its wifi version, but a pre-order offer allows you to take advantage of a 10% discount. As for the price of the RLC-823A 16X, it has not yet been communicated.