The Reolink Atlas Security Camera: subtlety, security and clarity in spades

I live in a well-to-do area – one that I grew up in at a time when you didn’t need to lock your door, and the kids could feel safe mucking about in the park till all hours. Today, though, it feels I have to lock all doors whether I’m inside or outside of the home. The suburb itself isn’t high in its crime statistics, however you do get the occasional drunkard passing by, or dodgy looking kids on bikes casing certain houses. Even in Perth’s poshest suburbs there’s reason to boost your home’s security.

So my partner and I hooked up a new security camera that didn’t involve a whole lot of hassle- the Reolink Atlas Security Camera and Solar Panel 2.

The Altas security camera is a discreet looking device that’s big on security. Its big 20,000 mAh battery and impressive Solar Panel 2’s 6-watt solar charging makes for a compelling set-and-forget solution for outdoor surveillance. In fact, the Atlas boasts up to 540 days of battery life on a single charge, and runs indefinitely with just an hour of sunlight a day.

The camera features 4K capture which is clear as day; pan/tilt coverage; night vision and optional solar power – of course (hence the panel); This jmeans it can be installed pretty much anywhere, even where mains power isn’t available.

As for clarity, the Atlas has this in spades, providing sharp 2K video that’s usually enough to capture useful details — faces, licence plates, movement — and its smart motion detection helps reduce false alarms by distinguishing between people, vehicles, and other motion.

Its pre-recording feature captures a few seconds before motion is triggered, and is particularly handy to catch what leads up to an event — often crucial if someone loiters outside before actual motion. With its wireless design and solar charging combined, this means installation is flexible as you don’t need wiring.

The solar panel does need to be wired to the camera though. Still, it means you can pretty much pop this beauty anywhere. We’ve test-driven the product and can vouch that even night vision delivers full-colour clarity in ultra-low light.

Quick, smart and very handsome in design. What more could I want from a security device?

Antonino Tati

The Reolink Atlas Security Camera retails for $229, available from reolink.com/au. The solar panel is sold separately but check out their website for options.

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