Reolink Security Surveillance Cameras

Equa Sells, Installs and Manages Cameras

Equa supports their customers with camera installs. We help with selection, acquisition, and installation. We have worked with a variety of manufacturers and are open to research and help customers with potential new manufacturer evaluations as needed.

Although capabilities vary between devices and their apps, all security cameras allow you to monitor motion and sound through live or recorded video. Some of the features that differentiate them are resolution (1080p, 2K, 4K, 8K), motion tracking, alarms, notifications, AI activity detection, picture notification, two-way audio, user sharing, cloud storage, NVR CCTV, and local SD card storage. Most are compatible with hubs such as Alexa, and Google Home.

The Reolink Security Cameras

Reolink security camera selection can be useful in both home and business settings. They have options that provide up to 4K video, 2 way audio, and customized notifications.

The cameras are designed for easy setup and delivers image quality, providing clear views of expansive areas. They are designed with integrated spotlight, color night vision, wide viewing angle (Rotate 355° horizontally and 140° vertically through the apps), rechargeable battery, PoE or direct power.  Something to note is that in firewall settings when attempting to connect using wi-fi, you must open the full range of udp ports as the camera connects using random udp ports. We recommend a segregated network.

The wired cameras generally cost more to install because of the time it takes to properly run cable (around $600 per camera). If true continuous recording is required or preferred, the wired power cameras would be the preference. Wired cameras typically have better video and audio availability and quality based on camera specifications due to a steady connection. These cameras aren’t easy to move around due to cabling restrictions. They also can be susceptible to power outages.

Solar Security Surveillance Cameras

Solar powered cameras get their power from sunlight that powers a battery that powers the camera. This type of camera generally isn’t a continuously running camera, it uses a sensor that is triggered by motion and sound. They can be wi-fi or LTE cameras. Wi-Fi has its distance limitation depending on obstacles, too many and you will have issues. Another way of describing LTE is cellular. LTE require sim cards from a cellular provider so you’ll need to ensure there is decent cellular signal in the area to have good results.

This type of camera is beneficial when running wires would leave wiring exposed, the work to run the cabling would be cost prohibitive, or just no easy availability of electricity. They tend to cost less to install (around $200 per camera). Places like farms, cabins, construction site, or remote personal property use solar cameras successfully.

Key things to consider is how much sunlight the area gets. Generally speaking, the best locations should get at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. The lower amount of sunlight means eventually the battery will drain and you will have to unmount the camera and manually recharge which can be very inconvenient and counterproductive. Many of these cameras do have an option to be connected hardwired to power but then we wouldn’t call them solar anymore.