The Reolink Duo Floodlight cameras (Wi-Fi/PoE) are the latest additions to the fleet of Reolink Duo cameras. Largely, the Reolink Duo 2 cameras received wide acceptability as against their predecessors.
Now, did Reolink build on the success of the Duo 2 in developing the Reolink Duo Floodlight cameras? This review will answer this question.
It is also worth mentioning that Reolink has a stand-alone device known as the Reolink Floodlight. This device is a Motion-Activated Floodlight for supported Reolink cameras. This review speaks to the Reolink Duo Floodlight cameras to see what compelling features are available, and the overall benefits derivable.
Let’s get started.
Overview and First Impressions of the Reolink Duo Floodlight Cameras (Wi-Fi/PoE)
The Reolink Duo Floodlight camera(s) come in the same unusual shape as their predecessors. When you open the camera package, you will find everything you need to set it up. If you opt for the Wi-Fi model, you will receive the camera itself with two antennas and a floodlight; a 1 meter Ethernet cable, mounting plate, mounting hole template, a pack of screws, quick start guide, a surveillance sticker, a 12 Volts 2 Amps power adapter, and a 4.5-meter power extension cable. If you go for the PoE model, you will receive the above-listed items except for the 12 Volts 2 Amps power adapter, and the 4.5-meter power extension cable.
Looking at the Reolink Duo Floodlight cameras, you will observe that the only distinguishing feature between the Wi-Fi model and the PoE model is the antenna connection on the Wi-Fi model. At the front of either camera, you have the camera’s dual 4k lenses that are capable of 180° field of view horizontally and 60° vertically. You will also observe 14 infrared LEDs that provide monochrome night vision. In between the dual lenses, you have the camera’s daylight sensor at the very top and the camera’s microphone below.
Taking a quick look at the bottom of either camera, you will see an obvious micro SD card and Reset switch enclosure, sealed with two screws. Below this is a screw mount and loudspeaker. Then at the back, you will observe a box that’s connected to the camera and houses a D.C power jack, an Ethernet port, and an LED port for the separate floodlights. At the top of the camera, you have another screw mount.
Moving further, you have the floodlights separately. This comes with two floodlights in the device and capable of 1800 Lumens output. In the middle, you have a screw mount to enable you attach the floodlights to the camera. Then at the back is a cable that should connect to the camera and a hanger.
How to set up the Reolink Duo Floodlight cameras
You can choose to set up the Reolink Duo Floodlight cameras before mounting them. If you are using the Wi-Fi model, you would have to power up the camera with its 12 Volts D.C adapter, plug the floodlight cord accordingly, and also an Ethernet cable to it and to your home router or modem.
Using an Ethernet cable for this initial setup is for easy integration with your home network. Once the Reolink Duo Floodlight camera has been integrated, you can take out the Ethernet cable. If you have the PoE model, you would have to power up the camera using your PoE switch, or PoE injector, and connect the floodlight cable accordingly. If you are not very familiar with PoE, you can have a full understanding of this in our Reolink RLC-1212A teaching.
When the Reolink Duo Floodlight camera is powered, the next step is to integrate it with the Reolink app. Simply open the app and in some cases, the Reolink Duo Floodlight camera will be automatically detected. If it is not automatically detected, there are three options you can use. Simply click on Add Device, scan the QR code, or select Input UID/IP, or LAN, and follow the proceeding steps.
When the Reolink Duo Floodlight camera is detected, simply tap on the thumbnail and set a password for the camera. The next step is to rename the camera, and after this, connect it to your home Wi-Fi network and you are done.
Features and Performance
The Reolink Duo Floodlight cameras have a very solid build, and their design is faultless. Both models are designed with 8 Megapixels resolution at 20 frames per second (4608 x 1728 default). They feature two lenses stitched digitally to produce a 180° Field of View Horizontally, and 60° Vertically.
A notable feature of Reolink cameras is their well-toned, crisp images and video. With an 8 Megapixels resolution, you get even more from the Reolink Duo Floodlight. Irrespective of the camera’s positioning, you get the right balance with regards to lighting and brightness from the dual lenses.
The floodlight designed along with the camera(s) is another remarkable feature. With 1800 Lumens output, you get a satisfactory nighttime capture of images and video. You can also configure the floodlights to function in Auto, Always ON at night, or ON as scheduled. In addition to this, you have the camera’s infrared LEDs providing up to 30 meters of visibility at night.
The camera is capable of detecting All Motion, Person Detection, Vehicle Detection, and Pet Detection (Beta). You can also configure the camera with Alarm Delay, Object Size, and Voice Alarm. With regards to push notifications, you can select what motion events you want to be notified about, and select ‘Allow Critical Alerts‘.
In addition to these, you also have motion zones that you can set accordingly. You can choose to have 24/7 recording, or just person, vehicle, and pet motion detection recording. If you are using SD card recording (maximum capacity of 256GB/Class 10), do note that with the high-resolution video clips, the card may get full quickly. Also, the traffic around the camera determines how often video clips are saved. With the Reolink Duo Floodlight cameras, you do not need a paid cloud subscription.
The Reolink Duo Floodlight cameras are also compatible with Reolink NVRs. The same NVR specifications applicable to the Reolink Duo 2 cameras (Wi-Fi/PoE) are the same for the Reolink Duo floodlight cameras. The screenshot below shows the specifications for the supported NVRs.
If you would like to have an NVR with your camera, do find links at the end of this teaching to get one.
Furthermore, with an IP66 rating, you have a wide deployment scope for these Reolink Duo Floodlight cameras and are assured of their optimum performance in any weather condition.
Evidently, the Reolink Duo Floodlight cameras feature two-way communication. This provides you full-duplex communication with your family members, visitors, and pets. There is also a functional siren that is loud enough to scare an unwanted visitor.
In concluding on the features and performance of the Reolink Duo Floodlight cameras, the Wi-Fi model supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. Then, with regards to voice controls, only Google Assistant is supported on both models.
Every feature you get with these cameras is easily accessible on the Reolink application. The app also has a vast array of features that you can play around with, to get the best from the Reolink Duo Floodlight cameras or any other Reolink camera you own. In addition, the app has a super-fast response time when you tap on a notification to see the Livestream.
Overall, the application has a nice user interface and a smooth user experience.
Reolink Stand-Alone Floodlights (Wi-Fi or PoE)
As mentioned in the introductory part of this article, Reolink has the stand-alone floodlights (Wi-Fi and PoE). This separate, stand-alone device, is motion-activated and features 2000 Lumens/4000 Kelvin floodlights. It is IP65-rated and suitable for any weather condition.
Now, this device has a light sensor built into it. With this, it is able to automatically turn ON its floodlights at night, and in the daytime, the lights stay OFF. It also has a scheduled mode that you can configure, for it to turn ON or OFF at specific times. Lastly on this, it is motion-activated, such that when motion is detected, the floodlights come ON and its inbuilt siren begins to blast.
Furthermore, you can manually adjust the floodlights in any direction, up to 240°. Also, you can adjust the brightness of the lights (via the Reolink app), as well as the volume of its siren (via the Reolink app).
This Reolink Stand-Alone Floodlight is compatible with specific Reolink IP cameras. When you integrate it with the supported cameras, you have a smart home security system with more features. However, do note that the entire features you can get with the device depend on the particular Reolink camera you are using. To see the list of compatible Reolink cameras, see this page.
Full Specifications of the Reolink Duo Floodlight Camera (Wi-Fi)
The specifications of the Reolink Duo Floodlight (Wi-Fi) camera are shown below.
Full Specifications of the Reolink Duo Floodlight Camera (PoE)
The specifications of the Reolink Duo Floodlight (PoE) camera are shown below.
Final Thoughts
Conclusively, we’ve seen so far that the Reolink Duo Floodlight cameras are very robust and domineering. They are suitable for anyone looking for a rugged, powerful, and versatile IP camera.
With the crisp images and video, coupled with the powerful floodlights, you are sure to get the finest details of events for a profound assessment. The spectacular motion detection performance further makes the Reolink Duo Floodlight cameras very dependable, as no event will elude you with their 180-degree FOV.
In comparison with the Reolink Duo 2 cameras, the difference isn’t much. If you already own the Reolink Duo 2 (Wi-Fi or PoE), you can simply get the stand-alone floodlight to complement what you already have in the Duo 2. Overall, the Reolink Duo Floodlight cameras are recommended for anyone looking into them.
Get the Reolink Duo Floodlight (Wi-Fi) on the Reolink Official Website
Get the Reolink Duo Floodlight (PoE) on the Reolink Official Website
Get the Stand-Alone Reolink Floodlights (Wi-Fi or PoE) on the Reolink Official Website
