REVIEW – Recently, I have been having a lot of gadget fun testing various security systems. While this has been fun, the ultimate goal is to be able to record everything around my home 24 hours a day every day. Now, don’t get me wrong; Statistically, I live in one of the safest neighborhoods in my town, but it is 2024 and things are getting crazy everywhere. While one security system would be ok for most people, I have a mixture of needs including places that can only accommodate a wireless camera and places where wired POE cameras are perfect. I also want to be able to view live footage and be able to playback past events/alerts. The system I am about to test is a combination of the Reolink DUO 3 PoE security camera, and their Argus Track WiFi camera.
What is it?
The Reolink 4K 12CH WiFi NVR features Wi-Fi 6 and 2.4/5 GHz Dual-Band WiFi. Its design includes a built-in 2TB HDD, supports 12MP/8MP/5MP/4MP HD Reolink IP Cameras, and provides 24/7 recording.
The Reolink Duo 3 PoE 16MP UHD Dual-Lens Security Camera features 180° Panoramic View, Motion Tracking, F1.6 Color Night Vision, Person/Vehicle/Animal Detection, and 2 Way Audio.
The Reolink Argus Track, 4K Solar Security Camera is a wireless outdoor camera. It comes with a 6W adjustable solar panel. It features 2.4/5GHz WiFi, 8MP Color Night Vision, AI Detection, and Auto Zoom Tracking.
What’s in the box?
- 1 x Argus Track WiFi Camera
- 1 x USB-C Cable
- 1 x Mounting Bracket
- 1 x Strap
- 1 x Hardware Kit
- 1 x Security Sticker
- 1 x User Guide
- 1 x Solar Panel
- 1 x Reolink Duo 3 PoE
- 1 x Waterproof Lid
- 1 x 1m Network Cable
- 1 x Mounting Plate
- 1 x Security Sticker
- 1 x Hardware Kit
- 1 x User Guide
- 1 x 12-Channel Wi-Fi 6 NVR
- 1 x NVR Power Adapter
- 1 x HDMI Cable
- 1 x USB Mouse
- 1 x 1m Network Cable
- 1 x User Guide
Hardware specs
Design and features
Reolink DUO 3 PoE camera
- 16MP UHD & COLOR NIGHT VISION: Featuring two 4K image sensors, this dual-lens camera brings 16 UHD clarity to you, ensuring no small detail goes unnoticed. The F1.6 super aperture and 1/2.7” CMOS sensor enable greater light intake, while 8x infrared LED lights unveil all night details up to 100ft.
- 180° PANORAMIC VIEW & MOTION TRACK: The dual-image stitching algorithms, coupled with 4-core SoC, create 180° panoramic views with less distortion & fewer blind spots. Thanks to the Motion Track feature that displays the complete movement of the target over time in one picture, you can save the hassle of viewing the entire video to find suspicious moments.
- SMART DETECTION & TWO-WAY AUDIO: Smartly detect person/car/animal movements from other objects, reducing false alarms. Upon motion detection, you’ll receive Push/email instantly and can talk with people by the cam side via 2-way audio directly through Reolink App/Client.
- PoE TECH & IP67 WEATHERPROOF: Only one cable handles both data transmission and stable power supply. (Note: DC power adapter is not included.) An easy setup for all-level users. Reolink Duo 3 PoE endures all weather conditions and facilitates ceiling or wall mounting. Ideal for versatile settings.
- SMART USER EXPERIENCE & TIME LAPSE: Enhance your surveillance efficiency with multiple smart features: remote live viewing, custom motion zones, and smart playback (up to 16x speed). Plus, time-lapse condenses long-term events into minutes, facilitating easy observation of transformations.
The DUO 3 is a simple design with 1/4-20mm mounts on the top and bottom, dual left/right lens on the front, and a power and POE attached cable on the back.
Argus Track
- Auto Tracking Technology: Automatically detects, follows, and records a specific vehicle, person, or animal in the cover area. The pan/tilt function will adjust the direction for moving objects to be tracked, enabling users to view them up close throughout their whole appearance from the viewing angle.
- 6X Hybrid Zoom: Not only ultra-wide view 4K clarity to see everything at a glance, but also a 6x hybrid zoom to show every detail! Easily switch between a distance view & close-up shot for a realistic monitoring experience. Nothing will ever be unnoticed and the premises are fully protected.
- Bright & Clear Night Views: 4K 8MP resolution delivers vibrant & colorful night vision. Equipped with an f/1.6 aperture sensor and two spotlights faces up to 30 meters (100 feet) can be identified day and night. Darkness is no more obstacle. Enhanced security with unparalleled clarity.
- Smart People/Vehicle/Animal Detection: Easily detects different moving objects. When motion is detected, spotlights and a siren are activated. Receive instant push notifications on your smartphone. Welcome guests can be greeted and intruders warned by the bright LED light and a loud siren.
- Flexible Storage Options: Always available to save camera footage without the need for a base station. Store recordings via mircoSD-card up to 128GB (not included). Advanced encryption technology will protect videos, preventing unauthorized access even in the event of camera theft or damage.
The Argus Track 4K Solar Security Camera, Wireless Outdoor Camera features a dual lens on the front and a single USB-C port on the back. The port is used for charging via power or solar.
Reolink 4K 12CH WiFi NVR
- 2.4/5 GHZ DUAL-BAND WI-FI 6: Experience heightened stability, accelerated video transmission, and minimized latency with our cutting-edge Wi-Fi 6 NVR, complemented by dual-band WiFi. Fortify your data security with the advanced WPA3 protocol, ensuring your information remains protected.
- EASY SETUP & CAMERA MANAGEMENT: Simplify your setup with effortless installation, as WiFi cameras connect seamlessly to the Network Video Recorder without the need for wiring. Enjoy ultimate convenience in managing all security cameras. (Initial network configuration requires Ethernet cables.)
- 24/7 RECORDING & LOCAL STORAGE: Enjoy continuous recording with ample storage (expandable to 16TB). Keep your property secure around the clock, with no worries about storage capacity. Your peace of mind is assured as all recordings are stored locally.
- LIVE VIEW & REMOTE ACCESS & NO EXTRA FEES: Stay worry-free about missing any motion events captured by your cameras. Enjoy the freedom to view live feeds and control your cameras from anywhere you are. (For two-way audio, a speaker needs to be added.) No additional fees are necessary.
- DIY SECURITY SYSTEM: RLN12W accommodates up to 12 cameras. All Reolink IP cameras, except battery versions, can be incorporated into the WiFi NVR, including E1 Pro, RLC-510WA, E1 Outdoor, TrackMix WiFi, Duo 2 WiFi, RLC-810WA, E1 Outdoor Pro, Video Doorbell WiFi, and other models. Join us to craft your customized surveillance system. (The PoE camera needs to be connected via an Ethernet cable and power adapter.)
The Reolink 12-Channel Wi-Fi 6 NVR is a simple slim metal box with a USB-A port on the front and LED indicator lights. The rest of the ports/connectivity are on the back. As shown below, on the back there is the power port, USB-A port for the mouse, HDMI port, VGA port, Audio port, LAN port, and 4 ethernet ports. Above the ports, there are 4 antenna jacks.
Setup
Setting up the Argus Track 4K Solar Security Camera is quite simple. Once it is fully charged, you then use the Reolink app to add the camera by scanning the QR code on the camera and adding it to your wifi. The process is straightforward and does not present any challenges.
Setting up the Reolink NVR and the DUO 3 takes a bit more work. Once you attach the antennas and connect the NVR to your network, you go through the setup process screen by screen. As shown below, I first connected the DUO 3 to the NVR and once the NVR setup process was completed, I could not see the camera. I usually never look at manuals, but in this case, I had to and quickly recognized that while this NVR supports POE cameras, it does not have POE ports. To connect the DUO 3 POE camera, I had to connect it to one of my POE network switches. The other option is to connect it to a regular network switch and also use an AC adapter which is not included. Once I connected it to my POE network switch, the NVR was able to see it on my network and use its IP to connect to it.
NVR Setup:
APP:
Performance
The Reolink 12-Channel Wi-Fi 6 NVR, DUO 3 16MP UHD Dual-Lens PoE Security Camera, and Argus Track WiFi Camera all perform well. I like the NVR including its recording capability and both of the cameras provide nice and clear views of real distance and close-up perspectives. Since the NVR does not have POE ports built in, I do think that an AC adapter should be included with their POE cameras. Otherwise, I am pleased with each component and the functionality. I have encountered a weird problem with the APP. I had an older Reolink camera that I got rid of and now that I need to remove it from the app, it will not delete despite repeatedly using the delete selection. Also, I have noticed that the Argus Track pan/tilt camera does not pan upwards once fully horizontal. The left, right, and down movements cover the full range.
Images from the app for the Argus Track WiFi Camera:
Images from the app for the DUO 3 Camera:
What I like
- The cameras provide good resolution/video quality
- All components are built well
- The NVR works well
- The ability to use multiple types of cameras
- The connectivity is rock-solid
- The pan and tilt function of the Argus Track WiFi camera
What needs to be improved
- POE cameras cannot be connected directly to the NVR
- I am unable to delete a disconnected camera from the app
Final thoughts
The Reolink 12-Channel Wi-Fi 6 NVR, DUO 3 16MP UHD Dual-Lens PoE Security Camera, and Argus Track WiFi Camera all work well. Each component is well-built, performs well, and provides good options for monitoring and recording round-the-clock security video.
Price: DUO 3 – $189.99, Argus Track – $209.99, NVR – $229.99
Where to buy:
Amazon – Reolink DUO 3 POE camera
Amazon – Argus Track security camera
Amazon – Reolink 4K 12CH WiFi NVR
Reolink website
Source: The samples of these products were provided by Reolink.
