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I have previously reviewed the Reolink Altas PT Ultra, a pan and tilt camera with a 4K sensor that can capture true color night footage.
As impressive as this camera is, the pan-tilt design with auto-tracking requires a lot of power. Reolink tackled this issue by using a large 20,000mAh battery, which is compatible with a Reolink solar panel.
Living in the north of the UK where sunlight is scarce, my home is not well-positioned for solar charging. With the settings slightly increased, I only achieved about 8 weeks of usage. However, adjusting the settings and having good sun exposure can greatly improve performance, possibly eliminating the need to recharge the camera.
The new Reolink Atlas is a more basic version compared to the Altas PT Ultra. It removes the pan-tilt functionality and reduces the resolution to 2K 4MP (2560 x 1440) while retaining features like the ColorX low light sensor.
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Specification
Video & Audio Specifications
Image Sensor: 1/1.8″ CMOS sensor
Resolution: 2560 × 1440 (4 megapixels)
Lens: f=4mm, fixed
Video Compression: H.264/H.265
Field of View: Diagonal: 110°; Horizontal: 90°; Vertical: 50°
Infrared Night Vision: N/A
Color Night Vision: Yes (ColorX technology)
Frame Rate: Up to 15fps
Audio: Two-way audio with built-in microphone and speaker
Power Specifications
Battery Capacity: 20,000mAh rechargeable battery
Battery Life (Motion Detection): Up to 18 months (540 days) with 300s recording per day
Battery Life (Continuous): 1fps: Approximately 28 days per charge
Solar Panel Compatibility: Reolink Solar Panel 2 (6W)
Solar Charging Requirements: Motion Detection: ~10 minutes sunlight daily, Continuous 1fps: ~30 minutes sunlight daily, Continuous 3fps: ~60 minutes sunlight daily, Continuous 5fps: ~120 minutes sunlight daily
Interface & Connectivity
Power Port: USB Type-C (supports USB-A to USB-C cables only)
Storage: microSD card slot (supports up to 512GB)
Reset Button: Yes
Wireless Standard: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6)
Operating Frequency: 2.4GHz / 5GHz dual-band
Wireless Security: WPA/WPA2/WPA3
Bluetooth: Bluetooth V5.0
Software & Features
Supported OS: PC: Windows, macOS; Mobile: iOS, Android
Protocols: SSL, TCP/IP, UDP, UPNP, SMTP, NTP, P2P
User Access: Max 12 simultaneous streams (2 main & 10 sub streams)
Pre-recording: 2-20 seconds (10s default), adjustable frame rates 1/3/5fps
PIR Detection Range: Up to 10m (33ft), 100° horizontal
Recording Modes: Continuous recording, motion-triggered, pre-recording
AI Detection: Person, vehicle, and animal detection
Smart Home Integration: Google Assistant, Alexa compatible
Cloud Storage: Reolink Cloud (available in selected countries)
Environmental & Physical
Operating Temperature: -20°C to 55°C (-4°F to 131°F)
Operating Humidity: 20% to 85%
Weatherproof Rating: IP66
Dimensions: 126 × 78 × 76mm
Weight: 554g
Warranty: 2-year limited warranty
Features
The camera utilizes a 1/1.8-inch CMOS sensor capable of recording at 2560×1440 resolution (4 megapixels), delivering 2K quality footage. The device supports both H.264 and H.265 video compression formats, managing storage requirements while maintaining image quality. The camera operates at frame rates up to 15fps, with adjustable settings of 1, 3, or 5fps depending on power consumption requirements.
The field of view covers 110° diagonally, 90° horizontally, and 50° vertically, providing comprehensive area coverage. The fixed focal length lens measures 4mm with an F1.0 aperture, designed to maximize light gathering capability.
Due to the ColorX night vision technology, the camera can capture color images in low-light conditions without requiring infrared illumination. The system includes six integrated spotlights that can operate automatically based on ambient light conditions.
A unique feature is the pre-recording function, capturing footage for 2-10 seconds before motion detection triggers. This addresses the issue where traditional PIR sensors may miss the initial moments of an event.
Power Management and Battery Life
The camera houses a 20,000mAh rechargeable battery, providing substantial capacity compared to typical battery-powered security cameras. Under standard motion detection mode (recording 300 seconds per day), the battery can last up to 540 days. For continuous recording scenarios, battery life varies based on frame rate settings.
The camera supports solar charging through an optional 6W Reolink Solar Panel 2. For motion detection mode, approximately 10 minutes of daily sunlight is sufficient, while continuous recording requires 30-120 minutes depending on frame rate settings.
Connectivity and Network Features
The Atlas supports Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11ax) with dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz operation. Security protocols include WPA, WPA2, and WPA3 encryption standards. The device can handle up to 12 simultaneous streams (2 main and 10 sub-streams).
Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity is included for setup and configuration purposes. The camera integrates with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa for voice control functionality.
Detection and Alert Systems
The PIR motion sensor has an adjustable detection range up to 10 meters with 100° horizontal coverage. The device includes on-device artificial intelligence for detecting people, vehicles, and animals, reducing false alerts. Two-way audio communication is supported through built-in microphone and speaker components.
Storage Options
Local storage supports microSD cards up to 512GB capacity. The camera is compatible with Reolink’s Home Hub and Home Hub Pro systems for centralized storage management. Cloud storage is available through Reolink Cloud services in supported regions.
Physical Design and Durability
The camera measures 126×78×76mm and weighs 554g. The bullet-style housing carries an IP66 weatherproof rating for outdoor installation. Operating temperature range spans -20°C to 55°C, with humidity tolerance of 20-85%.
Power connection uses a USB Type-C port, compatible specifically with USB-A to USB-C cables. The design allows for wall or ceiling mounting without requiring mains power access.
Software and Management
The device operates through the Reolink mobile application for iOS and Android, plus desktop clients for Windows and macOS. Time-lapse recording functionality is included for creating compressed footage of extended periods. The camera supports various recording modes including continuous, motion-triggered, and scheduled recording.
The manufacturer provides a two-year limited warranty with the product.
Unboxing
The Atlas features a different design from previous battery-powered cameras, with a more bullet-shaped horizontal layout. The packaging includes the camera unit, mounting hardware, a USB-C charging cable, and comprehensive documentation. The camera also offers mounting options with straps for easy installation on poles or tree branches.
The build quality is solid, with a substantial weight reflecting the large internal battery. The white finish blends well with most exterior color schemes. An external antenna provides better wireless reception, and the mounting bracket allows for adjustable camera angles once installed. The included screws and wall plugs are suitable for most installation scenarios.
Set Up
The setup process is similar to other Reolink cameras, involving scanning a code to connect and pass over WiFi details via Bluetooth. The camera supports WiFi 6 and can operate on either the 2.4GHz or 5GHz band. Setting up with the Reolink Home Hub allows for recording to centralized storage, enhancing security.
Reolink App and Settings
The Reolink app interface remains clean and intuitive, providing easy access to different functions. Live viewing is responsive, and the app offers control over recording settings, detection zones, and notification preferences. The app supports multiple user accounts, push notifications, and timely alerts with thumbnail images.
Motion Detection
The motion detection system works reliably within the specified range, but lacks facial recognition compared to competitors. User-adjustable settings and custom detection zones help reduce false alerts. The pre-recording feature captures footage before motion detection triggers, addressing missed initial moments of events.
Day Time and Night Time Video Quality
The camera’s 2K resolution provides sufficient detail for security applications, capturing accurate colors and sharp images. The wide field of view offers comprehensive coverage without distortion. In low-light conditions, the ColorX night vision technology maintains color footage without infrared illumination, providing useful identification details.
Battery Life
The Reolink Atlas claims up to 540 days of battery life in Motion Sensor Trigger Mode, making it ideal for prolonged use without recharging. Solar charging enhances performance, and pre-recording adjustments can impact battery drain. The camera’s solar panel compatibility and extended battery life make it suitable for long-term security monitoring.
Price and Alternative Options
The Reolink Atlas is priced at £140, offering a more energy-efficient option compared to the Atlas PT Ultra and Argus 4 Pro. Alternative brands like Eufy and Arlo offer competitive options with unique features and pricing, catering to different user preferences and requirements.
Overall, the Reolink Atlas is a reliable and energy-efficient camera suitable for homes with limited sun exposure. Its long battery life, pre-recording feature, and ColorX night vision technology make it a valuable addition to the Reolink range, serving specific niche requirements in the market.
