I Tested the Reolink OMVI 2i Ultra: An Outdoor 4K Camera That Won’t Overreact to Every Little Noise

Once the camera is firmly mounted on the wall, it’s a relief to see it operate without mains power or a network cable; only the cord to the solar panel remains. The solar panel is relatively compact and dense compared with some rival models, such as the Tapo C675D Kit.

The solar panel sits directly above the camera, allowing a compact footprint. It’s also possible to move it a few meters away using a 3.5-meter extension and an additional small wall mount (screws and plugs included). A welcome option if you install the camera under an awning, roof overhang, or on a north-facing facade.

Everyday use

The image quality is one of the more impressive aspects of this hands-on. The upper, fixed “bullet” module delivers a highly detailed 4K view. However, while the Net stream can take advantage of this resolution (a solid Wi‑Fi coverage is necessary—fibre is a minimum if you want to know what’s happening at home while you’re away), the Fluid mode will drop the quality to ease viewing when the connection is poorer (896 x 512 pixels, about 672 kbits/s instead of 2 Mbits/s in 4K). Its vertical and horizontal orientation can be adjusted manually (up to 26° and 180°).

Beneath that, the PT module, motorized horizontally and vertically, records in 3K and can pivot through 355°. The two views thus offer complementary functions. It’s also possible to opt for Net feed on the panoramic upper module and Fluid feed for tracking (resolution drops from 2,880 x 1,616 to 896 x 512). And vice versa, of course.

With the SyncTrack system, a target detected by the fixed camera is tracked by the turret, while the former keeps an overall view. This setup ensures constant surveillance of the area even if motion distracts the sensors. The camera, however, does not offer simultaneous tracking of multiple subjects. Detection can distinguish people, vehicles, and animals, without facial recognition: you’ll know someone passed by, but you won’t get an alert that identifies them as a household member or intruder.

In practice, the reliability of this detection impressed us most. At our test site, reflections on window edges and nearby walls did not throw it off, unlike some other recent models we tested. This observation holds for our setup, and it weighs more in assessing the product than a long list of features.

The 6-watt solar panel recharges a removable XXL 10,000 mAh battery. Oriented due south, it was enough to cover consumption during our hands-on with everything set to maximum (net stream, 15 fps, AI recording, lighting, etc.). However, it remains to be seen whether it can also survive winter without being recharged, given that Reolink advertises up to six months of autonomy without the solar panel, but with only five minutes of daily recording.

In winter, shorter, cloudier days will reduce recharge, while motion detection, floodlights, and remote viewing will continue to draw on the battery. It’s worth noting that the first mains-charge of the battery took several hours. 10,000 mAh on slow charge—be prepared for a wait.

The integrated LEDs light up quite well. Coming home after sunset, they help when exterior lighting is off. Their very cold white balance, however, lacks warmth. And if you don’t want the camera to be visible at night, the infrared capture is also perfectly capable, whether for the wide view or the tracking camera.

Although not overly loud, the siren is clearly audible, and the microphone picks up sounds at a satisfactory level. You can have a fairly smooth two-way conversation with a person, knowing that, like most of these devices, there is a slight delay of a few tenths of a second between speaking and hearing.

The solar panel of 6 watts recharges a removable XXL 10,000 mAh battery. Oriented due south, it managed to cover the power draw during our hands-on with all features maximum (live feed, 15 fps, AI recording, lighting, etc.). Nevertheless, we will need to see whether it can also endure winter without recharging, since Reolink advertises up to six months of autonomy without the solar panel, but with only five minutes of daily recording.

In winter, shorter and cloudier days will reduce charging, while motion detection, floodlights, and remote viewing will continue to draw on the battery. Incidentally, the first charge from AC took several hours. 10,000 mAh on a slow recharge—patience is required.

Reolink OMVI 2i Ultra: Clubic’s verdict