Reolink is bad, but is Annke better?

[manocormen]

Hi,

I'd like to buy my very first POE cameras for my recent Blue Iris server build.

Where I live, Reolink and Annke seem to be the only two viable options. Most other brands commonly mentioned here are either unavailable, overpriced, or sold through small websites I'd rather not rely on.

Initially, I was going to go for a couple of Reolink RLC-810A. I knew about their poor performance at night, but I didn't mind that, since they'll be pointed at an area that is well-lit even at night.

But then, I came across the threads mentioning compatibility issues between Reolink and Blue Iris --- lag, stutter, image artifacts --- seemingly related to substreams, h.264/265, RTSP, fixed frame rate, iframe... Weirdly, these issues don't seem to impact some people, and they may or may not be solved by an upcoming firmware from Reolink.

This all gave me pause, so I started looking at Annke and their C800 camera. But reading through Amazon reviews, people also complained about their Blue Iris compatibility, and some complaints sounded a lot like those about Reolink. So now I wonder if Annke might suffer from the same issues, but we just don't hear about them as much because Reolink sells more.

So I'm not sure which to buy anymore.

What do you think? Can someone vouch for Annke and the C800 regarding Blue Iris compatibility?

(If useful, the config I have in mind is main + substreams, h.265, basic AI-detection, with Blue Iris running on 13th gen Intel-based server)

Thanks.

 

[looney2ns]

Stick with International version's of Dahua or Hikvision cameras.
Since you don't say what region you are from, which always helps for recommendations,
We have a trusted vendor that is a member here, that ships most anywhere in the world.
EmpireTech Andy | IP Cam Talk
EmpireTech-Andy @ Amazon.com
Empire Technology Co., Ltd - Small Orders Online Store, Hot Selling and more on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group

EmpireTech | Security Protection | Security Cameras & NVRs

Building security systems for home and business offices. Protecting customers' personal safety and property security. All the security cameras and NVRs we sell are of great quality and at affordable prices.

empiretech01.com

 

[mat200]

Hi,

I'd like to buy my very first POE cameras for my recent Blue Iris server build.

Where I live, Reolink and Annke seem to be the only two viable options. Most other brands commonly mentioned here are either unavailable, overpriced, or sold through small websites I'd rather not rely on.

Initially, I was going to go for a couple of Reolink RLC-810A. I knew about their poor performance at night, but I didn't mind that, since they'll be pointed at an area that is well-lit even at night.

But then, I came across the threads mentioning compatibility issues between Reolink and Blue Iris --- lag, stutter, image artifacts --- seemingly related to substreams, h.264/265, RTSP, fixed frame rate, iframe... Weirdly, these issues don't seem to impact some people, and they may or may not be solved by an upcoming firmware from Reolink.

This all gave me pause, so I started looking at Annke and their C800 camera. But reading through Amazon reviews, people also complained about their Blue Iris compatibility, and some complaints sounded a lot like those about Reolink. So now I wonder if Annke might suffer from the same issues, but we just don't hear about them as much because Reolink sells more.

So I'm not sure which to buy anymore.

What do you think? Can someone vouch for Annke and the C800 regarding Blue Iris compatibility?

(If useful, the config I have in mind is main + substreams, h.265, basic AI-detection, with Blue Iris running on 13th gen Intel-based server)

Thanks.

Hi manocormen

Annke .. I know some of their models are Hikvision OEM .. there was a nice Hikvision 2MP cube camera many liked here that was a Annke rebrand of Hikvision ( OEM ) .. that Annke had old firmware on and members had to update the firmware to reduce security holes .. after that it was a nice camera to have.

Some of Annke more affordable cameras can only handle H265 .. thus I suspect that is not as good as H264 for some 3rd party algorithms ... thus I would look for cameras that can handle both H264 and H265 and the usual ONVIF standards ( rtsp .. )

Annke I have noticed does have some good quality Hikvision OEM cameras as well as other low cost cameras which I would try to avoid ( smaller sensor .. H265 only )

re: Amazon reviews

For security camera, do be cautious as many Amazon Reviewers ( and reviews at other sites which are not security camera related ) tend to have reviewers who know little about the subject matter, and thus you get poor quality reviews on both extremes .. ( high star ratings, and low star ratings )

 

[SodFather09]

Reolink is junk . Stay very far away .

 

[manocormen]

Understood. Thank you all for the suggestions.

 

[mat200]

FYI - real world example of Reolink cameras ( Reolink DUO and Trackmax iirc .. )

Guy catches package thief, clearly needs more cameras

ipcamtalk.com

 

[TonyR]

.....Weirdly, these issues don't seem to impact some people, .......

If I were on the fence about anything Reolink (except their doorbell), IMO spending some time reading the comments in the link you provided above to YT would have me running AWAY quickly.

 

[Triad]

Had to Chime in on REOLink

I Have 3 REOLink Cameras:

Argus 3 Pro - Only works with REO App, No ONIVF. REO App limits resolution to less than the Camera is Sold For. When on AC (Plugged in) is still treated as a Wireless and forces disconnection to save Battery.). Motion Detection varies with weather, horrible on Overcast days. Internal Voltage issue, initial recordings are white and fade in. After Downloading for a while the Battery voltage is lowered and the recordings start with an image and not a White blast, but as the Battery charges the whie blast returns.

E1 Outdoor Pro - Constantly needs rebooting, Rebooting is built into the Camera Settings, locks up if you switch to the next video during playback. Sometimes needs to actually have power removed to get it running and Vehicle detection is horrible, Pointed at a Mailbox and 25% time is does not detect the truck. Have a Second None Reolink IP Camera recording all the time and have documented the detection failures for the last 4 months. Horrible Camera.

Duo 2 Wifi - Works reasonable well, but it is a 2 lens camera stitched to one image and the images are not aat the same levels so their is a distinction between the two lens. REO's response Adjust it, I have tried everything and no match can be made.

REOLink App - constantly updated - one bug fixed another bug or two added.

REOLink is Mass Marketed and Mass Produced which keeps them going, but IMHO is the Worst possible choice.

Hope this saves someone some aggravation.