Alternative to Reolink RLC410WS ?

[automaton]

I'm using Blue Iris with some Hikvision Cam's indoor which work great on WiFi (aside from the firmware update bricking which I used this forum to fix -- thanks!).

However I now need a WiFi outdoor cam. I cannot use PoE, and I don't want a separate WiFi router to make a wired cam into a wireless. The Reolink RLC410WS is exactly what I want (outdoor, video and audio, night vision etc), however I read on this forum a lot of warnings that they are not good especially with Blue Iris. So what I need is just a wireless outdoor cam that plugs in to the wall. The cameras as close to the router to signal is not an issue.

Was wondering if anyone had a recommendation on this. Thanks!

 

[mat200]

I'm using Blue Iris with some Hikvision Cam's indoor which work great on WiFi (aside from the firmware update bricking which I used this forum to fix -- thanks!).

However I now need a WiFi outdoor cam. I cannot use PoE, and I don't want a separate WiFi router to make a wired cam into a wireless. The Reolink RLC410WS is exactly what I want (outdoor, video and audio, night vision etc), however I read on this forum a lot of warnings that they are not good especially with Blue Iris. So what I need is just a wireless outdoor cam that plugs in to the wall. The cameras as close to the router to signal is not an issue.

Was wondering if anyone had a recommendation on this. Thanks!

HI Automaton,

Reolink = avoid.

Dahua has some wifi models... IPC-HFW1320xx

Note, it does not have a microphone

Costco carries it under the Q-see brand name for about $80 ( includes AC adapter )

There should be some newer models also, so take a look at the Dahua website and see what options they list under wifi.

[ note - wifi is not liked here for security cameras for numerous reasons, the biggest is reliability and disconnect issues / interference issues associated with attempting to run a streaming service over consumer quality wifi equipment. ]

 

[automaton]

HI Automaton,

Reolink = avoid.

Dahua has some wifi models... IPC-HFW1320xx

Note, it does not have a microphone

Costco carries it under the Q-see brand name for about $80 ( includes AC adapter )

There should be some newer models also, so take a look at the Dahua website and see what options they list under wifi.

[ note - wifi is not liked here for security cameras for numerous reasons, the biggest is reliability and disconnect issues / interference issues associated with attempting to run a streaming service over consumer quality wifi equipment. ]

Thanks for the reply. I'm in Canada, but they are indeed selling a Q-See WiFi model (Costco Wholesale). So that is an option. I will look at Dahua as well. They're also selling Arlo and Lorex products, not sure about those.

Offhand, do you know if the bullet style can be mounted against a vertical wall (instead of on the ceiling)?

I understand the reason why WiFi isn't well liked, and the reasons make sense I think. But in my application it's not security critical, and the connection is good enough for my personal use. So the convenience factor in my case is well worth it.

 

[mat200]

Thanks for the reply. I'm in Canada, but they are indeed selling a Q-See WiFi model (Costco Wholesale). So that is an option. I will look at Dahua as well. They're also selling Arlo and Lorex products, not sure about those.

Offhand, do you know if the bullet style can be mounted against a vertical wall (instead of on the ceiling)?

I understand the reason why WiFi isn't well liked, and the reasons make sense I think. But in my application it's not security critical, and the connection is good enough for my personal use. So the convenience factor in my case is well worth it.

Hi Automation,

AVOID Arlo.

Avoid cloud dependent cameras.

Lorex is ok - mostly Dahua OEM rebrand w/IVS features stripped out. Dahua OEM or Q-see retain the IVS features for products which have it, iirc the IPC-HxW1xxxx series does not have IVS features. Of course if you're using Blue Iris, it does it's own IVS equivalent calculations on the PC.

 

[looney2ns]

Thanks for the reply. I'm in Canada, but they are indeed selling a Q-See WiFi model (Costco Wholesale). So that is an option. I will look at Dahua as well. They're also selling Arlo and Lorex products, not sure about those.

Offhand, do you know if the bullet style can be mounted against a vertical wall (instead of on the ceiling)?

I understand the reason why WiFi isn't well liked, and the reasons make sense I think. But in my application it's not security critical, and the connection is good enough for my personal use. So the convenience factor in my case is well worth it.

Turret style will have less spider issue's than a bullet, but yes a bullet can be mounted on a wall.

 

[automaton]

Turret style will have less spider issue's than a bullet, but yes a bullet can be mounted on a wall.

Thanks for the feedback. I don't mind turret style but I assume it must be mounted to the ceiling, or it requires one of those 90 degree turn mounts? So figured bullet style would be easier to the wall.

 

[looney2ns]

Thanks for the feedback. I don't mind turret style but I assume it must be mounted to the ceiling, or it requires one of those 90 degree turn mounts? So figured bullet style would be easier to the wall.

Nope, a turret style dahua cam be mounted any way you need.

 

[automaton]

Nope, a turret style dahua cam be mounted any way you need.

Okay, I will take a look. I'm on AliExpress now, but it's very hard for me to find an outdoor WiFi camera with audio support, and the ones I do find often don't have the power cable with them and I'm a bit confused on what to buy. I wish the process was a bit easier.

 

[looney2ns]

Okay, I will take a look. I'm on AliExpress now, but it's very hard for me to find an outdoor WiFi camera with audio support, and the ones I do find often don't have the power cable with them and I'm a bit confused on what to buy. I wish the process was a bit easier.

Dahua does not show any wifi cams with audio.

 

[looney2ns]

And if you haven't yet, click on the wiki at top of page and read the cliff notes.

 

[mat200]

Okay, I will take a look. I'm on AliExpress now, but it's very hard for me to find an outdoor WiFi camera with audio support, and the ones I do find often don't have the power cable with them and I'm a bit confused on what to buy. I wish the process was a bit easier.

Hi Automaton,

Indeed the process is confusing, and some vendors do not help as they often are not fully honest in their descriptions.

I HIGHLY encourage you to re-evaluate using WiFi and re-consider using a wired IP PoE setup.

As is, you will have to run power to the camera already, so why not take an extra step and run cat5e/cat6 instead?

Remember if you do that you can leverage our experiences with quality IP PoE cameras and pick a good one, vs digging through possible WiFi options which will never work as well.

 

[automaton]

And if you haven't yet, click on the wiki at top of page and read the cliff notes.

Thanks, I am reading it now.

Techage seems to have a camera that has everything I want including a 12v power adapter (Techage 1080P WIFI IP Camera Indoor Outdoor Waterproof Network 2MP Audio Record Sound Wireless Camera P2P Onvif SD Card Slot Cam-in Surveillance Cameras from Security & Protection on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group). But I see from other posts here it's not recommended. So it's a tough spot I guess.

 

[mat200]

Thanks, I am reading it now.

Techage seems to have a camera that has everything I want including a 12v power adapter (Techage 1080P WIFI IP Camera Indoor Outdoor Waterproof Network 2MP Audio Record Sound Wireless Camera P2P Onvif SD Card Slot Cam-in Surveillance Cameras from Security & Protection on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group). But I see from other posts here it's not recommended. So it's a tough spot I guess.

Avoid the lesser known brands.. you will have more trouble than it is worth.

Go with Dahua or Hikvision OEM and international models.

See the cliff notes.

 

[automaton]

Avoid the lesser known brands.. you will have more trouble than it is worth.

Go with Dahua or Hikvision OEM and international models.

See the cliff notes.

I am reading the cliff notes now actually, but unfortunately none of the recommended brands have what I want (outdoor, WiFi, audio).

For your previous reply, I have a power outlet already right next to where I want to mount it outside with a outdoor covered lock box around the outlet. Running cat5/6 would be a massive amount of work, and I simply don't have the time or desire (I had a newborn). As it is my WiFi cams have been working amazing in the house for the last 3+ years, and they are only a few feet (inside) from where the outdoor one would be mounted.

I understand that it may not be what people on this forum recommend (rightly so), but sometimes it's the best solution. Just trying to find something that works in my situation.

It's unfortunate that it's easily filled by proprietary solutions (like Nest, Arlo, Reolink etc.), but very difficult to find non-cloud solutions for this. At the moment, sadly, Reolink remains my best option.

 

[mat200]

I am reading the cliff notes now actually, but unfortunately none of the recommended brands have what I want (outdoor, WiFi, audio).

For your previous reply, I have a power outlet already right next to where I want to mount it outside with a outdoor covered lock box around the outlet. Running cat5/6 would be a massive amount of work, and I simply don't have the time or desire (I had a newborn). As it is my WiFi cams have been working amazing in the house for the last 3+ years, and they are only a few feet (inside) from where the outdoor one would be mounted.

I understand that it may not be what people on this forum recommend (rightly so), but sometimes it's the best solution. Just trying to find something that works in my situation.

It's unfortunate that it's easily filled by proprietary solutions (like Nest, Arlo, Reolink etc.), but very difficult to find non-cloud solutions for this. At the moment, sadly, Reolink remains my best option.

Hi Automaton,

How important is the audio requirement vs. quality of camera?

 

[automaton]

Hi Automaton,

How important is the audio requirement vs. quality of camera?

I'm willing to compromise on the audio if it comes down to it.

 

[looney2ns]

If you can do without audio, I'd recommend this one, with a 3.6mm lens.
https://www.dahuasecurity.com/products/productDetail/5601
You can get it by contacting:
EmpireTech Andy

 

[automaton]

If you can do without audio, I'd recommend this one, with a 3.6mm lens.
https://www.dahuasecurity.com/products/productDetail/5601
You can get it by contacting:
EmpireTech Andy

Any reason why 3.6mm instead of 2.8mm?

Also that one appears similar to this one, but this one is 3MP - Dahua IPC HFW2325S W 3MP IR50M IP67 built in WIFI SD Card slot Network outdoor WIFI Camera replace IPC HFW1320S W IP Camera-in Surveillance Cameras from Security & Protection on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group not sure what the difference is to be honest.

 

[looney2ns]

Because 2.8mm is too wide to do much good to be able to id someone.
The 3mp one will be worse after dark. More pixels require more light. And the one I recommended will put less strain on your wifi network.
Do what you want, you've been given many options.

 

[automaton]

Because 2.8mm is too wide to do much good to be able to id someone.
The 3mp one will be worse after dark. More pixels require more light. And the one I recommended will put less strain on your wifi network.
Do what you want, you've been given many options.

Yes, many options. Thanks for the reply and information.