The Reolink RLC-823A 16X was launched earlier this yr, and because the title suggests, it’s primarily the identical as the prevailing Reolink RLC-823A, however the zoom has been elevated to 16x vs 5x.
That is the most costly digicam Reolink does. I might say that it’s fairly a distinct segment digicam because the zoom size means that is doubtless solely to attraction to individuals wanting to watch properties with a major quantity of land. It in all probability has extra attraction within the US, however rural properties and farms within the UK could admire the distinctive qualities of this digicam.
Specification
Reolink RLC-823A 16X vs RLC-823A
The optical zoom functionality is the principle distinction between the RLC-823A 16X and the usual RLC-823A. The RLC-823A 16X has a 16X optical zoom, whereas the RLC-823A has a 5X optical zoom.
The RLC-823A 16X additionally has a narrower area of view with simply 54.2° vs 105° with the digicam totally zoomed out.
The RLC-823A 16X is extra appropriate for rural areas with extra open land, whereas the RLC-823A is advisable for suburban or city areas the place a bigger area of view and highlight are extra necessary.
It’s price noting that my set up was in an city setting, so it was not likely optimum for testing.
Unboxing / Set up
The unboxing of the RLC-823A 16X reveals the digicam, guarantee and, waterproof lid set up guides, and a number of other equipment and components for set up.
The digicam has a stable and waterproof housing, making it appropriate for varied circumstances.
The bracket for the digicam is steel, whereas different PTZ cameras typically use plastic brackets. That is then separate from the digicam, and also you run the cable contained in the mount with them coming out the bottom of the mount.
This can be a enormous digicam, which is presumably off-putting for residence customers. My neighbours already suppose I’m a bit bizarre with the variety of cameras I’ve, so I’m positive they’ll have some ideas about this. That being stated, it’s so massive that you may’t actually miss it, so it’s doubtless a great deterrent.
Set Up
Organising the RLC-823A 16X is simple; you should use the Reolink app, however with this pattern, I used the Reolink Home windows software. The app routinely recognised the digicam on my community, and I simply needed to initialise it.
Each the Home windows and Android app offers a user-friendly interface for controlling the pan and tilt options and individual and car detection.
Blue Iris / NVR Integration
The RLC-823A 16X may be built-in with Blue Iris or an NVR for recording and storage.
For Blue Iris or different third-party NVRs, you’ll want to allow RTSP and ONVIF throughout the settings, below community and superior. The RTSP URL format is similar as different Reolink cameras:
rtsp://admin:[email protected]:554/h265Preview_01_main
The digicam helps motion-triggered, scheduled, or 24/7 steady recording, with movies saved to a micro SD card, Reolink NVR, or FTP server.
In Use / App
The Reolink app permits for distant administration and management of the digicam.
Customers can view stay footage, management the pan and tilt options, and arrange individual and car detection.
You may also entry the digicam on a pc utilizing both the Realink Home windows app or the browser to view both the IP of the digicam itself or in the event you use a Reolink NVR, you should use the IP of the NVR.
Movement Detection
The RLC-823A 16X options superior movement detection, permitting for correct detection with out a subscription. The digicam may be set as much as set off recording primarily based on individual and car detection.
I selected to not set up a microSD card at first, as I deliberate to make use of the Reolink NVR. Nevertheless, throughout the NVR, not all of the performance is out there like the opposite cameras. For instance, the NVR doesn’t appear to tag the movement detection as human or automobiles.
Nevertheless, as soon as I upgraded to the newest firmware that was launched in July 2023, the movement detection on the NVR appeared to work accurately.
Initially, when the digicam launched, it didn’t help auto-tracking, however this was enabled again in December 2022.
I believe for this to work accurately, it’s essential arrange the horizontal monitoring vary.
That is the primary time I’ve used auto-tracking on a digicam that’s positioned comparatively excessive up with plenty of foot site visitors. It really works fairly nicely, however it’s essential dial within the settings for the most effective efficiency. With it zoomed out, the digicam will solely observe when a topic is shifting out of the sphere of view. Compared, my Eufy Floodlight Digital camera E340, will lock on to the topic and auto-track it as they transfer. The Eufy works nicely for monitoring individuals coming into my property, however I think about it will be a bit erratic for extra public areas. The Reolink is best at extra public areas, however I count on it wouldn’t be pretty much as good at capturing as a lot element on a person topic.
I’ve not uploaded the auto-tracking footage, because it was monitoring random individuals on the road.
Worth and Various Choices
The RLC-823A 16X has an RRP of £314. After I began writing the evaluation, there was a small low cost of 4%, taking it all the way down to £ 301.43 with restricted inventory left.
Amazon has the RLC-823A 16X listed however it was out of inventory when this evaluation went stay.
The RLC-823A 5x zoom is £204.99 with a £249.99 RRP, then the Reolink TrackMix PoE is £189.99 RRP and on the time of publication, there was a £46 voucher obtainable taking it all the way down to £143.99.
Choices from competing manufacturers embrace:
- Annke CZ500 Extremely
- 4MP 25x optical zoom, which additionally has a restricted 55° FoV
- Annke CZ800 Extremely
- Hikvision DS-2SE4C425MWG-E(14F0)
- Twin lens restricted to 4MP with 25x zoom and a separate large lens (just like the TrackMix)
Total
The Reolink RLC-823A 16X is a wonderful 4K PoE IP digicam in the event you want the 16X PTZ capabilities.
The 16x optical zoom will clearly make this outclass cameras with a decrease zoom, however I can’t understate how spectacular it’s once you zoom in on one thing you’ll be able to barely see with your individual eyes.
As spectacular as it’s, I’d say the 16x zoom makes this fairly a distinct segment digicam in comparison with lots of the different Reolink cameras. The slender FoV limits attraction the attraction considerably, and also you want sufficient house to benefit from that 16x zoom.
It can work nicely in industrial settings or on properties with plenty of open land. The area of interest attraction of this digicam can also be mirrored within the pricing, as it’s the most costly digicam Reolink sells.
I’d be inclined to advocate the Reolink TrackMix PoE over the RLC-823A 16X for many residence customers. It’s nearly half the value; you get 6x hybrid zoom and the good thing about a zoom and large lens.
That being stated, in the event you want a high-zoom lens, then you’ll wrestle to discover a higher choice than the Reolink RLC-823A 16X.
That is very true once you examine it in opposition to the competing choices from the likes of Annke and Hikvision, which value considerably extra money.
Reolink RLC-823A 16X Overview
Abstract
In the event you want a high-zoom lens, then you’ll wrestle to discover a higher choice than the Reolink RLC-823A 16X. The picture high quality is superb, and it undercuts competing manufacturers. The downsides are that this lacks a highlight or superior digicam sensor implies that the low-light footage is black and white and the FoV is a bit slender in comparison with different Reolink cameras.
Professionals
- Zoom efficiency is excellent
- Very good 8MP 4K day time footage
- Auto monitoring pan tilt
Cons
- Slender area of view
- B&W low mild footage
- Restricted inventory availability
I’m James, a UK-based tech fanatic and the artistic thoughts behind Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Obsessed with all issues know-how, my experience spans from computer systems and networking, to cellular, wearables, and sensible residence units.
As a health fanatic who loves operating and biking, I even have a eager curiosity in fitness-related know-how, and I take each alternative to cowl this area of interest on my weblog. My numerous pursuits permit me to carry a singular perspective to tech running a blog, merging way of life, health, and the newest tech developments.
In my educational pursuits, I earned a BSc in Data Programs Design from UCLAN, earlier than advancing my studying with a Grasp’s Diploma in Computing. This superior research additionally included Cisco CCNA accreditation, additional demonstrating my dedication to understanding and staying forward of the know-how curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has constantly ranked Mighty Gadget as one of many prime know-how blogs within the UK. With my dedication to know-how and drive to share my insights, I purpose to proceed offering my readers with participating and informative content material.
Final replace on 2023-10-13 / Affiliate hyperlinks / Photos from Amazon Product Promoting API
