Reolink’s battery-powered security cameras can record for days without subscription fees

Reolink’s new Altas PT Ultra is the company’s first battery-powered security camera that allows for continuous all-day recording, doesn’t require power access so it can be placed almost anywhere, and captures 4K video to a microSD card instead of the cloud, posing fewer security risks and eliminating subscription fees.

There are already many battery-powered security cameras that simplify installation, but their small batteries limit them from recording for more than a day without needing to be recharged. To solve this problem, Reolink’s Altas PT Ultra is equipped with a built-in 20,000mAh battery. The company says that the battery has enough power to record for up to eight days at 12 hours a day, or four days at 24/7 non-stop recording.

Having to charge the camera weekly takes away from the convenience of being battery-powered, but through the desktop and mobile apps, the Altas PT Ultra can be programmed to capture video only when motion is detected by the passive infrared sensor or on a specific schedule, helping to extend battery life. Reolink says the camera can operate for up to 16 months on a single charge when set in “standard operating mode.”

For consumers with more demanding recording needs, Reolink sells an optional 6-watt solar panel accessory that can be installed near the camera. The company claims that a 10-minute charge from the solar panel can power the camera for 24 hours, while a full day of charging can extend battery life to 120 days, depending on the features you use.

Video is shot at 4K at 15fps through a wide-angle lens, but the Altas PT Ultra can pan the camera 355 degrees horizontally and tilt 90 degrees vertically, allowing you to track and keep moving subjects in the frame while recording. It also has full-color night vision capabilities, two-way audio with built-in speakers and microphones, and support for Wi-Fi 6, allowing you to stream footage from the camera over your wireless network from its 512GB microSD card.

Reolink also unveiled its first battery-powered smart doorbell. Like its Altas PT Ultra security camera, footage is recorded locally to a microSD card of up to 256GB, so there are no subscription fees to store recordings in the cloud.

No wiring is required for installation, but the doorbell can be plugged into a hard drive for continuous power or used with an existing door chime. On a full charge, the company estimates that the doorbell’s 7,000mAh battery will keep going for up to five months under “typical usage,” though that period could be significantly shorter if you’re in a busy neighborhood where motion-detecting recordings are common.

Video is recorded in 2K at 15fps, but the aspect ratio is perfectly square so the doorbell’s wide-angle camera can capture visitors from head to toe, including packages delivered to your front door. It also has two-way audio communication via speaker and microphone, and Wi-Fi for streaming video to a desktop or mobile app.

Both the Reolink Altas PT Ultra and Battery Doorbell will be available from September 25th, with pricing details to be announced at that time.