The Reolink 823A is a smart security camera with four infrared LEDs, an impressive 5X optical zoom, and color night vision. Featuring a sturdy design and waterproof housing, it’s ideal for outdoor use. Plus, it supports 360° pan rotation and up to 90° tilt rotation, which allows it to monitor large areas.
Interested to find out more? You can find all the specs and details in our Reolink 823A review. Let’s dive in.
8MP Plug-And-Play Security Camera With Smart Detection
Reolink RLC-823A
The Reolink RLC-823A is an indoor/outdoor camera that allows you to set up motion zones, filter videos by detection zones, and schedule recordings. It features impressive lighting, tilt/pan/zoom capabilities, 4K sensors, and two-way audio. The images are crystal clear even at night, and you can zoom in for crisp close-ups. Reolink can also distinguish people and vehicles from other objects, preventing false alarms.Check PricePros
- 3840 X 2160 (8.0 MP) 4K ultra HD video resolution
- 360° pan and 90° tilt with 5x digital zoom
- Built-in siren and spotlights
- Color night vision
- 2-Way audio
- 24/7 recording
- Person/vehicle detection
- No charging required
- Smart home integration
Cons
- The installation can be challenging
- No emergency calling
- Doesn’t support cloud storage
Scoring
Exceptional Performance and Smart Features
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Design - 96%
96%
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Performance - 98%
98%
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Quality - 97%
97%
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Usability - 97%
97%
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Value - 98%
98%
Summary
The Reolink RLC-823A isn’t the cheapest security camera out there, but it offers good value for the money. Featuring 4K ultra HD 8MP resolution, it delivers sharp, crisp images in vivid colors. Overall, I was impressed with its performance and capabilities. In our tests, it performed well during both daytime and nighttime surveillance. After you install it (which is perhaps the most challenging part!), you can set it up in minutes and control it via the Reolink app. Plus, you can create motion zones, schedule recordings, and replay all the saved videos on your phone or computer.
Reolink Design
The Reolink 823A looks completely different from other models, such as the Reolink Lumus or Argus 2. The white body is made from aluminum and has a matte finish and rounded corners.
Underneath it, you can see a glossy black component that includes the following:
- Motorized varifocal lens
- 3 spotlights
- 4 Infrared LEDs
- 1 daylight sensor
The mount has four pin holes for screws. Since the camera cannot be used in a free-standing position, it needs to be installed on a wall. Make sure you have some serious heavy-duty screws to ensure they are well secured to their mounting locations.
What’s on the back of the camera?
If you check the back of the camera, you’ll see a micro SD card slot, network cable slot, and power cable slot, plus a built-in speaker and microphone. There is also a reset button.
The Reolink 823A isn’t a wireless security camera, but it can record videos and be charged simultaneously using one network cable. This eliminates the need to charge your camera every few days or keep replacement batteries on hand.
You’ll also get a waterproof lid that protects the cable from rain and snow.
How does the RLC-823A work?
This PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) camera can be used for video surveillance in or outside your home. It’s also suitable for warehouses, stores, or office buildings, as it can shoot in 4K ultra HD.
Here’s what happens when activity is detected:
- The Reolink 823A starts recording.
- You receive a push alert to your smartphone via the Reolink app. Users can also choose to be notified by email.
- Next, you can view a live feed or watch previous recordings.
- There is also the option to set up an audio siren, which may go off and deter intruders.
The 823A is IP66 certified weatherproof and can operate in any location with a temperature between 14° and 131° Fahrenheit and 20% to 80% humidity.
Features
Some of the top features of the Reolink 823A camera include:
- Large viewing area: 360° pan, 0° to 90° tilt, and 5x digital zoom
- Color night vision: This security camera really shines when it comes to image quality. The footage is clear even at night, allowing you to see the smallest details.
- 2-Way audio: The sound quality is impressive, too. You can hear what’s going on outside your home or office and use the audio output to talk back.
- Real-time alerts: You’ll receive email alerts or push notifications whenever your Reolink camera detects movement.
- Motion zones: The 823A dome camera allows you to set up custom detection zones. For example, you can prioritize specific areas around your home and then adjust the motion sensitivity level for each location (if you use two or more Reolink cameras).
- Person and vehicle detection: This indoor/outdoor camera can distinguish people and cars from other objects.
- Advanced recording capabilities: The Reolink 823A can be set to record 24/7 or only when motion is detected. Choose the first option for high-traffic areas and the second option for low-risk areas around your home or office. The camera also supports scheduled recording.
- Smart home integration: Connect your security camera to Google Assistant / Amazon Alexa or control it via the Reolink app.
- Time-lapse videos: The camera allows you to create beautiful time-lapse videos in 4K and share them with your friends on social media.
- Multiple pairing: Use one or more Reolink security cameras and control them from a single dashboard via the app.
The Reolink App
The Reolink app has a user-friendly interface and takes minutes to set. It works with any Reolink security camera, making it easy to see what’s going on.
Let’s take a quick look at its features:
- View up to 16 channels on the screen at once
- Set up detection areas and motion zones
- Manage all your Reolink cameras in one place
- Share the footage with your friends on social media
- Set up email alerts and push notifications
- Control the camera’s pan-tilt-zoom capabilities from your phone
- Play back videos
- Capture single or multiple images
- Schedule recordings
Users can install the app on Android or iOS devices. If you prefer to download it on your computer, note that it works with both Windows and Mac OS.
What’s in the box?
The Reolink 823A camera system comes with the following parts and accessories:
In the box, you’ll get:
- Reolink 823A security camera
- Power adapter
- Network cable (1 meter)
- Wrench and screws
- Waterproof lid
- Mounting template
- Surveillance sign
- Quick start guide (x2)
In addition to these accessories, you’ll need an Ethernet or NVR cable and a micro SD card. If you plan to install your camera under the ceiling, you can purchase a bracket from Reolink.
Setup & Usability
This dome camera comes with a quick start guide, but the installation is quite challenging.
You will have to physically mount the camera using screws and probably a drill and then run an Ethernet cable or NVR cable from the device to your router or NVR. A PoE injector may be needed if the router or NVR is not close enough to your camera.
Ideally, install the camera angularly 7 to 10 feet above the ground to maximize its detection range. Make sure you have a power outlet close by.
Once the camera is installed, take these steps to set it up:
- Insert a micro SD card in the designated slot. Close the cover tightly.
- Download the Reolink app to your phone.
- Connect the camera to the app.
- Select the Smart Home option.
- Enable the camera you want to add to Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
- Launch the Amazon Alexa or Google Home app and follow the instructions provided.
The Reolink 823A takes some time and effort to install, but the setup is quite straightforward. Depending on the layout of your home, you may need to call an electrician to help you out.
How easy is it to use?
This indoor/outdoor camera is relatively easy to use thanks to the Reolink app. Plus, you don’t have to recharge it.
Additionally, the 823A does not require a subscription. Your only job is to install it and check the notifications on your phone.
Where are the videos?
This security camera doesn’t work with Reolink Cloud, but you can store up to 256GB of data on a micro SD card. That’s enough space for about 97 hours of footage.
If you opt for 24/7 recording, connect the camera to Reolink NVR. The 823A can work with or without an NVR. You may also store the footage on an FTP server, but this option requires some technical know-how.
Reolink RLC-823A Specifications
| Model | Reolink 823A |
| Type | Indoor / Outdoor |
| Size | 5.35″ x 7.91″ |
| Weight | 3.9 pounds |
| Video Quality | 3840 X 2160 (8MP), 4k Ultra HD |
| Night Mode | Full color or grayscale, 60 Meters (190ft) |
| Field of View | Horizontal: 27°-96°; Vertical: 21°-69°; Pan: 360°/ Tilt: 90°/ 5x optical zoom |
| Power | Power over Ethernet (PoE) |
| Operating Frequency | 2.4GHz/5GHz |
| Motion Detection | Yes |
| Person / Vehicle Detection | Yes |
| 2-Way Audio | Yes |
| Local Storage | Yes; SD card compatible |
| Cloud Storage | No |
| Siren | Yes |
| Live Streaming | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | 14°F to 131°F |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Returns | Varies by retailer |
| Warranty | 2-year limited warranty |
| Price | Check Price |
Should You Buy the Reolink RLC-823A?
I would recommend the Reolink 823A if you’re looking for the following in a security camera:
- High-quality footage: This dome security camera has impressive lighting, tilt/pan/zoom capabilities, and 4K sensors. Thanks to these features, it offers top-tier image quality even at night.
- No subscription fee: The 823A camera can be a great choice for DIY surveillance. You’ll only pay for the actual device, with no strings attached.
- No charging required: If you go on a vacation, you can leave your camera on without having to worry that it’s going to run out of power. Plus, it supports 24/7 recording, a feature that’s not usually available on battery-powered cameras.
- Suitable for harsh weather conditions: The Reolink 823A is certified waterproof and weatherproof, making it suitable for those living in old or rainy climates.
Click here to learn more about or buy the Reolink RLC-823A security camera.