There are now many solutions proposed by various manufacturers for home safety. Building a video surveillance system, which is smart, safe and economical, is one of the first objectives of those who come home.
In this article we test Reolink Argus 2, which on its side has several appreciable characteristics: it is a wireless camera , therefore battery-operated, but which may not need to be recharged. . This is what we talk about.
Unboxing
Let's start with the sales package. Indeed from the packaging. Yes, because alongside the camera we also tried the solar panel which, optionally, connects to the camera, so as to recharge it without the need for an electrical outlet .
We will come back to this shortly, but it is clear right away that this is a solution that allows you to keep the battery always charged.
The sales package is quite rich. Beyond the camera, there is also a magnetic wall mount: a really convenient, but above all minimal, attachment and detaching solution.
It is also possible to fix the camera with a small bracket included in the package, which also features a cover for the camera, which can also be positioned outside.
In the package there are also screws for fixing to the wall, as well as a small safety cord and Micro USB cable to recharge the battery. The latter is removable and can be purchased separately.
The second unboxing, on the other hand, conceals a small solar panel, with an attached microUSB cable to be connected to the camera, to ensure non-stop power.
Also in this case, in the package there is a bracket for connecting the panel to the wall, in addition to the screws necessary for correct fixing.
How it is made
The camera has an oval shape, it almost looks like a small white egg, with a completely black front. It is a particular shape, different from the classic rounded or square ones.
It is very minimal and modern , and the absence of threads makes it even more pleasant when fixed to the wall. On one side there is the microSD slot, while on the back of the battery there is the input for the MicroUSB charging connector.
On the lower part the classic screw entry for fixing, which can be not used if, instead, you choose the magnetic attachment, which actually seems to us the preferable solution, both for convenience and aesthetics.
From an aesthetic point of view, Reolink Argus 2 is absolutely appreciable, even for its small dimensions, which are well suited even inside apartments.
Configuration and use
Using Reolink Argus 2 is extremely simple, just as the first configuration is simple and immediate. Just connect the battery, open the Reolink app (available free for Android and iOS), scan the QR code available behind the camera, connect to the WiFi router, and start using it.
It is also possible to establish a direct connection between smartphone and video camera, so as to use the system even without an internet connection at home.
The main screen of the app shows the camera panel in the foreground, and it will be sufficient to click on it to start the live video stream. The camera offers a 1080p quality, with clear, sharp and fluid images, both during the day and in the dark, thanks to the night vision, which still allows you to clearly distinguish the various details present inside the room.
Of course, it is possible to activate push notifications for movement, so as to be notified in real time of any movement recorded by the sensor. During our tests we never saw any problems: the notifications were always punctual, both with the phone on and in standby.
The camera also has an integrated siren, which can sound as soon as movement is recorded. It is probably the least functional feature. First of all for the volume, really too low, certainly not able to alarm the neighborhood.
Furthermore, the siren lasts only a few seconds, after which it will turn off without the need for user intervention. In short, the audible alarm does not remain active until the user decides to turn it off, but will be silenced automatically after a few seconds.
In short, the siren is not able to alarm, but only to inform any attacker that he has been caught, perhaps putting him on the run.
Other technical characteristics
The room also features a two-way audio system. It is therefore possible to listen to the sounds recorded by the device, but also to send audio messages, as if it were an intercom system. It is equipped with IP 65 certification , therefore suitable for outdoor use, without having to worry about the rain.
It offers a very wide viewing angle of 130 degrees, which allows you to have a complete overview of the room, even from close range. Moreover, it will soon be also compatible with Alexa and Google Home , being able to ask voice assistants to play the video stream on a smart speaker with integrated display.
Solar charging
The real novelty, then, also concerns the charging method. And in fact, in addition to the possibility of conventional recharging via an electrical socket, the Reolink system also uses a solar panel . It is possible to combine it with the camera for non-stop charging, which will eliminate any kind of worry about the lack of power.
Not only that, this system allows you to position the camera outdoors, without having to worry about having an electrical outlet nearby, and without having to carry out masonry work to pass any power cables to the first available light point.
Conclusions
The Reolink Argus 2 chamber has many arrows in its bow. First of all the aesthetics, pleasant, minimal and modern, with a really interesting magnetic wall attachment system, comfortable to use, and beautiful to the eye.
Other points in favor are the total absence of wires, and the possibility of recharging it via a solar panel, which ensures an almost infinite longevity, also making it very versatile and easy to install anywhere in the home, without having to worry about having a electric socket. The sound alarm is faulty, in terms of duration and intensity, while the notifications to the smartphone are punctual and precise.
It costs 119 euros on Amazon; if you need to install it outside, the advice is to also combine the solar panel, which costs just € 28.99.
You can also buy on the official website at the price of 110 euros and using the discount code macreo10off you can get a 10% discount.
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