Reolink RLC-823S2 4K PTZ Security Camera

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85%
91%
Video Quality
88%
Night Vision Performance
87%
Ease of Setup
92%
Build Quality
74%
Tracking Accuracy
82%
Smart Detection
80%
Audio Features
85%
Connectivity (PoE Setup)
89%
Weatherproofing
90%
Value for Money
81%
Storage Capacity
78%
App Experience
More

Overview

The Reolink RLC-823S2 4K PTZ Security Camera offers a comprehensive surveillance solution for both residential and commercial use. With advanced zoom and tracking capabilities, this camera provides crisp, high-definition video with an 8MP resolution. Its robust build and IP66 weatherproof rating ensure durability in harsh outdoor conditions. Ideal for covering expansive areas, it features a 16X optical zoom and automatic tracking, making it suitable for monitoring large properties. Whether you're securing a home or business, this camera delivers a complete surveillance experience with minimal setup requirements.

Features & Benefits

This Reolink security camera excels in both day and night visibility. The 16X optical zoom, paired with its 3D zoom function, offers exceptional clarity, enabling precise focus on distant objects. Its dual night vision modes—color and infrared—ensure visibility under various lighting conditions, while the 360° pan and 90° tilt provide wide coverage. With smart detection for people, vehicles, and animals, this camera reduces false alerts, making it ideal for areas with heavy movement. Additionally, Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology simplifies installation, requiring just a single cable for both power and data transmission.

Best For

This outdoor surveillance camera is perfect for homeowners who want reliable coverage of large areas, offering seamless monitoring with minimal intervention. It's also well-suited for businesses that require continuous monitoring and prefer reducing the complexity of their security setup. The camera’s powerful night vision and zoom features make it an excellent choice for those looking to capture detailed footage even in low-light conditions. Users who want a quick, hassle-free installation will appreciate the PoE technology, ensuring the camera is ready to use without complicated wiring.

User Feedback

Many users rave about the camera's 4K resolution, highlighting its ability to capture sharp and detailed footage even from a distance. The night vision, especially the color mode, is often mentioned as a standout feature, providing clear images in low-light conditions. However, some have pointed out that while the PoE setup is convenient, it’s important to use a high-quality PoE switch for optimal performance. Additionally, a few users have reported that the auto-tracking feature struggles in extreme weather conditions, which may limit its effectiveness in certain environments.

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Pros

  • The 16X optical zoom allows for detailed focus on distant objects, making it ideal for monitoring large areas.
  • Color night vision provides clear, vivid images at night, offering better visibility than standard infrared.
  • 360° pan and 90° tilt functionality ensure full coverage of the surveillance area without blind spots.
  • Power over Ethernet (PoE) simplifies installation, requiring just one cable for both power and data.
  • The weatherproof IP66 rating ensures reliable performance in various weather conditions, from rain to snow.
  • Smart detection reduces false alerts by recognizing people, vehicles, and animals, improving overall accuracy.

Cons

  • The auto-tracking feature may struggle in extreme weather conditions, affecting tracking accuracy.
  • Users may need a high-quality PoE switch for optimal performance, which can add to setup complexity.
  • Its bulky design and large size make it less ideal for locations with limited mounting space.
  • Some users experienced difficulty setting up the camera without technical knowledge of PoE networking.
  • The camera’s price point may be too high for those only requiring basic surveillance functions.
  • The 7.1 lbs weight makes it harder to mount in certain locations, particularly on flimsy surfaces.

Ratings

After analyzing verified user reviews from multiple global platforms and languages, the scores for this product reflect the authentic feedback from real users. Spam, bot-generated, and incentivized reviews were filtered out, ensuring that only high-quality, genuine feedback informed the results. The strengths and weaknesses identified in these reviews are balanced, providing a clear picture of the product's performance in everyday use across various conditions.

Video Quality
91%
Users are highly satisfied with the video quality, praising the sharp 4K resolution for clear, detailed footage. The high-definition output is especially appreciated for surveillance of large areas, providing crisp images even at long distances.
Some users mentioned that, while the video quality is excellent in ideal conditions, it can slightly degrade in low-light environments or under challenging weather, especially if the camera's zoom is pushed to its limits.
Night Vision Performance
88%
The camera's color night vision is a standout feature, delivering bright and clear images even in the dark. Users also commend its infrared mode, which ensures reliable performance in low-light conditions, making it ideal for nighttime surveillance.
A few users pointed out that the night vision can struggle with excessive glare or bright light sources, such as streetlights or car headlights, leading to some washed-out areas in the footage.
Ease of Setup
87%
Many users found the setup process straightforward, especially thanks to the PoE technology that simplifies installation with a single cable for both power and data. The included documentation and app made the process even easier for those new to security cameras.
A minority of users noted that while the setup is generally easy, it can be frustrating when dealing with certain network configurations or if a high-quality PoE switch isn't available, as it can impact the camera's performance.
Build Quality
92%
The build quality of this camera is consistently praised, with many users mentioning its solid construction and weatherproofing. The IP66 rating ensures it performs well outdoors, even in challenging weather conditions, making it a reliable choice for long-term use.
Some users mentioned that the camera is slightly bulky compared to other models, which might make it less suitable for discreet installations or if you have limited mounting options in tight spaces.
Tracking Accuracy
74%
26%
Several users found the auto-tracking feature useful, with the camera successfully following moving objects within its field of view. The ability to track vehicles and people over large areas was highlighted as an advantage for wide-scale surveillance.
Not everyone agreed on the accuracy of the tracking, with some users reporting issues in extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain or wind, where the camera struggled to keep up with fast-moving targets or missed tracking entirely.
Smart Detection
82%
18%
Users appreciate the camera’s smart detection capabilities, which accurately identify people, vehicles, and animals. This reduces unnecessary alerts and ensures users are only notified when important events occur, improving the overall surveillance experience.
A few reviewers found that the detection system sometimes misinterprets shadows or smaller objects, causing occasional false alerts. Some also felt the detection range could be improved in certain scenarios.
Audio Features
80%
20%
The two-way audio feature is often highlighted by users, as it provides added value for security and communication purposes. Whether for checking in with family members or warning off intruders, the built-in microphone and speaker work well for most situations.
However, some users mentioned that the audio quality isn't perfect, with occasional distortion during long-range communication or interference from background noise. The microphone could be more sensitive for clearer two-way conversation.
Connectivity (PoE Setup)
85%
The Power over Ethernet (PoE) setup is praised by users for simplifying installation, providing both power and data over a single cable. This makes it easy to position the camera without needing additional power outlets or adapters.
A few users faced issues with compatibility when using certain PoE switches or network configurations. While PoE generally simplifies setup, it can be a limitation for those with older networking equipment or specific network requirements.
Weatherproofing
89%
Users frequently highlight the robust IP66 weatherproof rating, which allows the camera to withstand rain, dust, and extreme temperatures. This makes it a solid choice for year-round outdoor surveillance, even in harsh environments.
A handful of users mentioned that while the camera handles weather well, extreme conditions like snow or heavy fog could affect the video quality, especially if the lens becomes obstructed.
Value for Money
90%
Many users believe the camera offers excellent value for its features, especially considering its 4K resolution, smart detection, and robust build quality. For those seeking reliable outdoor surveillance, it is considered a solid investment.
Some buyers felt that while the camera is well-priced for its performance, the cost of additional accessories, such as high-quality PoE switches, could add up, making it slightly less budget-friendly in the long term.
Storage Capacity
81%
19%
The support for microSD cards up to 512GB is appreciated, offering ample storage for video footage. This gives users the flexibility to store large amounts of data locally without needing additional cloud storage services.
However, some users noted that the storage capacity might not be sufficient for those who need continuous, high-resolution footage for extended periods, especially if they’re covering large areas with frequent activity.
App Experience
78%
22%
The app experience is generally considered user-friendly, allowing users to monitor footage, adjust settings, and receive alerts conveniently. Many appreciate the ease of access to live streams and camera settings from their smartphones.
A few users reported that the app can sometimes be slow to load or prone to connectivity issues, especially when remotely accessing the camera. Updates have been requested to improve stability and responsiveness.

Suitable for:

The Reolink RLC-823S2 4K PTZ Security Camera is ideal for homeowners, businesses, and property managers looking for robust, high-definition outdoor surveillance. With its advanced 16X optical zoom, 4K resolution, and reliable night vision, this camera is perfect for those who need comprehensive monitoring of large areas, such as driveways, parking lots, or large properties. Its weatherproof design (IP66 rating) makes it suitable for year-round use in a variety of climates, while the Power over Ethernet (PoE) setup simplifies installation for those who want a hassle-free experience. Users who prioritize smart features like motion detection for people, vehicles, and animals will also find it well-suited to reduce unnecessary alerts and improve overall security monitoring.

Not suitable for:

While the Reolink RLC-823S2 4K PTZ Security Camera excels in many areas, it may not be the best fit for users with specific needs or limitations. The camera’s bulky size and mounting requirements could make it less ideal for those seeking discreet or compact surveillance solutions. Additionally, users in extremely harsh weather conditions, such as heavy snow or fog, may experience issues with its auto-tracking accuracy and image quality, as noted by some reviewers. Those with limited networking experience or without access to a high-quality PoE switch might also face connectivity and performance issues during setup. For smaller spaces or less demanding environments, this device may be overkill, as it’s designed for more expansive surveillance needs.

Specifications

  • Resolution: Offers 4K UHD (8MP) resolution for high-definition video quality and detailed imagery.
  • Optical Zoom: Equipped with a 16X optical zoom for precise focus on distant areas and fine details.
  • Zoom Type: Supports a 3D zoom function for enhanced zoom control and focus precision.
  • Pan & Tilt: Provides 360° horizontal pan and 90° vertical tilt for extensive coverage.
  • Night Vision: Features color and infrared night vision modes for clear visibility in low-light conditions.
  • Field of View: Has a horizontal field of view ranging from 54.2° to 3.6° and vertical range from 41.7° to 2.1°.
  • Smart Detection: Capable of smart detection for people, vehicles, and animals to reduce false alerts.
  • Power Supply: Supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) for both power and data transmission via a single cable.
  • Storage: Supports microSD storage up to 512GB for local video storage.
  • Audio: Includes two-way audio with a built-in microphone and speaker for real-time communication.
  • Weatherproof Rating: Has an IP66 weatherproof rating, making it suitable for outdoor use in harsh conditions.
  • Operating Temperature: Operates in a temperature range from -10°C to +50°C, making it suitable for varied climates.
  • Frame Rate: Supports a frame rate of 25 FPS for smooth video playback.
  • Connectivity: Connectivity is supported via Ethernet or DC12V/2A power options.
  • Weight: Weighs approximately 7.1 lbs, offering a sturdy build without being overly bulky.
  • Integration: Can be integrated with other Reolink devices within the ecosystem for a comprehensive surveillance setup.
  • Setup: Designed for easy installation with PoE, allowing both power and data to be transmitted through a single cable.
  • Auto-Tracking: Includes automatic tracking capabilities to follow moving objects, ideal for surveillance of dynamic areas.
  • Video Compression: Supports efficient video compression standards like H.264 for optimized bandwidth use without sacrificing video quality.

FAQ

This camera is designed with a robust build and an IP66 weatherproof rating, making it highly durable in extreme weather conditions like rain, snow, and direct sunlight.

The camera supports Power over Ethernet (PoE), which simplifies setup by allowing both power and data to pass through a single cable. Connect the camera to a PoE switch or injector, follow the instructions in the app, and mount it in a suitable outdoor location.

The camera features a 16X optical zoom, allowing you to focus on distant areas with high precision, making it ideal for monitoring large properties or areas with fine details.

Yes, the Reolink RLC-823S2 has both color and infrared night vision modes, ensuring clear and detailed footage even in low light or complete darkness.

Yes, the camera features automatic tracking capabilities, allowing it to follow moving objects such as people or vehicles. However, users have reported that it may struggle in extreme weather conditions, like heavy rain or snow.

The camera offers a horizontal field of view between 54.2° and 3.6° and a vertical field of view between 41.7° and 2.1°, providing wide-angle coverage for large areas and the ability to zoom in for more detailed views.

This camera does not support direct Wi-Fi connectivity and relies on an Ethernet connection. However, it can be used with PoE for both power and data transmission over a single cable, making installation easier.

The camera supports microSD cards of up to 512GB for local storage. It also offers cloud storage options, which can be activated through the Reolink app for backup and remote viewing.

Yes, this camera can be integrated with other Reolink devices within the Reolink ecosystem, providing a unified surveillance solution. You can access all your cameras through the same mobile app or desktop software.

While the camera is weatherproof with an IP66 rating, users have reported that the auto-tracking feature may not perform well in heavy rain or strong winds, and performance may degrade under extreme conditions like freezing temperatures.