Today we are writing our Reolink Duo 2 PoE Review to share everything about this camera from Reolink.
In 2021, the company gave us its Reolink Duo Camera, which brought mixed opinions among users. Some praised it, while others claimed it did not meet expectations. But for the Duo 2 PoE, will it be the same?
In this Reolink Duo 2 PoE Review, we will share information you need to know more about the camera. We will see if this latest offering is worth considering.
Reolink Duo 2 PoE Packaging
The Duo 2 PoE arrived in a typical Reolink package with a white and sky blue colour scheme. In front, you will see an image of the product with its name and company branding. The sides of the box show more features and details.
Inside, the Duo 2 PoE ships with other items, which include the following:
- 1m Network Cable
- Mounting Plate
- Waterproof Lid
- Mounting Hole Template
- Surveillance Sticker
- Quick Start Guide
- Screwdriver
- Pack of Screws
Reolink Duo 2 PoE Review – Design and Functionality
Our first look at the product for our Reolink Duo 2 PoE Review gave us insights into its design/functions.
The Duo 2 PoE looks significantly different from other dome or bullet-style IP cameras. It resembles a compact floodlight and is ideal for people who want to hide it.
One of the best things about this camera is its external build since it is entirely metal. It has a monochromatic colour scheme and beautifully carved edges emphasising its modern aesthetic.
It has no ventilation grilles or other marks besides the Reolink branding on its sides.
The top part of the camera has a screw hole for attaching the mounting kit for convenient installation. You will find another screw hole below the camera to keep it stable.
Overall, the Duo 2 PoE has an excellent design. Its compact body and two effective lenses. With its IP66 protection rating, you can place it anywhere without worrying about damages. It is safe from water, moisture, and dust.
Let us check the features of this product in our Reolink Duo 2 PoE Review. These elements will help you decide if the camera suits your needs and preferences.
Are these upgrades worth the purchase? Let us find out.
Key Features of the Reolink Duo 2 PoE
Two Cameras in One
This upgrade from the original Duo PoE can stitch two views into one without gaps and overlapping. It gives you a smoother image with a double field of view.
High-quality 4K UHD
The Duo 2 PoE records crystal-clear videos with expanded perspective and 4K UHD resolution, resulting in finely captured details.
Different Night Vision Modes
Spotlights and infrared lights make captured images brighter. Plus, you can switch between various night vision modes and choose between watching in colour or black & white.
Advanced Detection and Two-Way Audio
Earlier in our Reolink Duo 2 PoE Review, we mentioned this camera improved significantly from its predecessor. It is more intelligent with its human, vehicle, and pet detection. Plus, it has a built-in mic and speaker, which you can use to respond to a person, car, or pet.
Dual Surveillance with One-Time Installation
This camera allows dual wide-field surveillance using a single network cable for transmitting data and power. Plus, it only requires a one-time installation, making it more convenient and secure.
Perform Great Even in Bad Weather
With the Duo 2 PoE, you do not need to worry about cold, heat, or powerful water jets. It has a waterproof housing that can withstand harsh weather conditions.
Flexible Options for Storage
The Duo 2 PoE supports continuous, scheduled, or motion-triggered recording. In addition, you can save videos to a microSD card, FTP server, or Reolink NVR.
Timelapse for Cinematic Experience
The timelapse feature offers a cinematic experience by allowing you to capture dynamic processes. Take videos of the sunrise or sunset in accelerated videos at a panoramic 180-degree ultra-wide viewing angle for added immersion.
Compatible with Reolink NVR
The Duo 2 PoE works perfectly with the Reolink NVR and other compatible security camera systems. Connecting it with an NVR is excellent when storing videos for long periods or running multiple cameras.
Accurate Alerts
The Duo 2 PoE activates alerts by sending push or email alerts to your device when the camera detects danger.
Remote Live Viewing
You can still remotely check what is happening via the mobile app when you are not at home. The Duo 2 PoE has a 180-degree wide-angle camera, allowing you to see more.
Easy and Convenient Playback
Aside from playback, you can quickly find the information you want to see using filters and timelines.
Customised Motion Zone
Reolink values your privacy, so the company ensures you can customise the motion zone to your preferences. With the Duo 2 PoE, you will find settings to set where the camera can detect movement. Later in our Reolink Duo 2 PoE Review, we will discuss its performance in detecting humans and objects more.
Hands-free Control of Cameras
The Duo 2 PoE works with Google Assistant and Alexa. You can ask these two voice assistants to follow commands conveniently, like showing the front door. See what is happening via Google Nest Hub or a Chromecast-enabled TV,
Different Versions Satisfy Different Needs
Reolink provides four variants of the Duo 2 series cameras. These include Duo 2 PoE, Duo 2 WiFi, Duo 2 LTE (cellular battery camera), and Duo 2 (WiFi battery camera). You can find what you need for your environment.
Specifications
Audio and Video Specifications
- Image Sensor: 1/2.7″ CMOS Sensors
- Video Resolution: 4608 x 1728 (8MP) at 20 fps
- Video Format: H.265
- Lens: F=2.0, f=3.2mm fixed
- Field of View: 180° (Horizontal), 60° (Vertical)
- Day & Night: Automatic switching with IR cut filter
- Infrared Night Vision: 30 meters (LED: 6pcs/20mil/850nm)
- Audio: Two-way audio
- Power
- POE: IEEE 802.3af, 48V Active
- DC Power: DC 12V⎓2A, below 12W
Interface
- Power: DC power port
- Ethernet: One 10M/100Mbps RJ45 port
- Storage: Micro SD card slot (Max. 256GB)
Software Support
- Browser Supported: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari
- Supported Operating Systems: Windows and Mac OS for PC, Android and iOS for smartphones
Product Dimensions and Warranty Information
- Dimensions: 195 x 103 x 56mm
- Weight: 680g
- Warranty: 2-year limited warranty.
Hands-on with the Reolink Duo 2 PoE
We used the product for two weeks for this Reolink Duo 2 PoE Review to note everything about its performance. It went through multiple tests for us to determine if it was worth considering or not. Before we jump to see how well (or not) it worked, let us briefly discuss setting it up.
Camera installation is straightforward and only involves a few steps. We screwed the two top holes of the metal plate onto the wall.
Next, we snapped and secured the camera mount arm to the plate. After this, we screwed the bottom hole to stabilise the Duo 2 PoE.
A ball joint keeps the camera attached to the mount. We tightened the ball joint using the supplied Allen wrench when we adjusted the camera angle.
The Duo 2 PoE is highly versatile and has more settings in the mobile app, Windows program, or browser interface. However, tweaking the settings will depend on the preferences of each user.
The Reolink mobile app is downloadable via iOS and Android. It provides access to all settings, controls, and functions for all Reolink cameras. But of course, some options are exclusive to specific camera models, like the twin lens of the Duo 2 PoE.
Reolink continues to provide regular updates for the app to reduce bugs and maintain optimal performance.
The Duo 2 PoE seamlessly delivers a stitched panoramic view with a single video stream.
Aside from having a broader view than its predecessor, its vertical field is longer. As a result, we can see and monitor more areas, making it better for surveillance.
We also appreciate its sharper image that 4K delivers than the original Duo camera with only 2K resolution. We see the significant difference when doing digital zoom to see the objects at a distance.
Another thing we find notable is its advanced H265 codecs that cut down occupied storage space. It keeps file sizes reduced even if it records 4K images.
The Smart AI Detection works excellently and does not send false alerts. This camera performs reliably and can detect humans, cars, and pets.
We are impressed with the pet detection since the original Duo does not have this feature. Also, we get the appropriate notifications when the camera detects anything.
Reolink Duo 2 PoE Review Summary
The Duo 2 PoE is an excellent product with many improvements from the original Duo. It is a comprehensive camera that delivers what it promises.
During our tests for this Reolink Duo 2 PoE Review, its image and video quality impressed us. It also performed seamlessly, especially in providing the appropriate notifications from its Smart AI detection.
The camera has excellent low-light performance, Smart AI detection, and user-friendly software. It is also versatile with its numerous customisable settings.
Although slightly more expensive than its predecessor, this product will exceed your expectations, and we highly recommend it.
For more information about the Duo 2 PoE, visit the Reolink official product page.
