As the demand for home security solutions continues to grow, Reolink has stepped up with its innovative Altas PT Ultra camera. This advanced surveillance camera promises high-quality video, flexibility, and a few innovative features. After testing it and the Reolink Battery Doorbell camera for a few weeks, it’s safe to say my house is now a Reolink home.
The Reolink Altas PT Ultra is a visually appealing security camera that combines functionality with a sleek aesthetic. Its modern design is complemented by a robust build, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The camera is designed to withstand various weather conditions, with an outstanding weatherproof rating. This durability ensures that the camera can operate effectively in rain, snow, and extreme temperatures, which the Canadian winter will surely put to the test.
One notable feature is the camera’s pan-tilt capability, which allows for a versatile viewing experience. The camera can swivel horizontally and vertically, enabling you to easily monitor large areas. This flexibility makes it ideal for larger properties or areas requiring comprehensive surveillance. For this test, I set up the Reolink Altas PT Ultra above my garage, overlooking my vehicles and some of the street.
“The Altas PT Ultra is equipped with a 4MP resolution sensor, delivering stunning video quality that outshines many competitors in its price range.”
Setting up the Reolink Altas PT Ultra was very user-friendly, thanks to the detailed instructions provided in the packaging and the Reolink app. Not to mention a sticker that shows you the exact distance the screws need to be. This meant I didn’t need to measure anything. I mostly just applied the sticker to the brick and drilled the holes where it was on the sheet. The camera is powered by a miniature solar panel, so I took that into consideration when placing the camera. However, there is a version of this camera without the solar panel that boasts up to a week-long life cycle without needing to charge, which is impressive.
The Reolink app simplifies the installation process. Once connected to your Wi-Fi network, the app guides you through the setup and configuration steps. Users can adjust various settings directly through the app, including motion detection zones, alerts, and video quality. Even those who are not particularly tech-savvy will find the setup process manageable and intuitive.
The Altas PT Ultra is equipped with a 4MP resolution sensor, delivering stunning video quality that outshines many competitors in its price range. The clarity of the images is impressive, capturing fine details even from a distance with the video feed being sharp and vibrant during the day and most impressively at night.
One of the standout features of the Altas PT Ultra is its advanced night vision capabilities. Unlike many cameras that rely solely on infrared for night monitoring, the Altas PT Ultra offers colour night vision. This innovative feature lets the camera capture detailed color images in low-light conditions, providing a clear view of what’s happening in complete darkness. This functionality is handy for security monitoring at night when most incidents occur.
The pan-tilt feature is one of the Altas PT Ultra’s most significant advantages. With a 355-degree horizontal rotation and a 90-degree vertical tilt, you can easily cover a wide area without needing multiple cameras. This flexibility allows you to adjust the camera’s angle remotely via the app, ensuring you can monitor specific areas as needed.
Reolink has integrated intelligent motion detection technology into the Altas PT Ultra. This feature distinguishes between people, vehicles, and other movements, significantly reducing false alarms. When motion is detected, the camera sends instant alerts to your phone, informing you about any real-time activity. The customizable motion detection zones also enable you to focus on specific areas, further enhancing the effectiveness of the surveillance. After a few days, I needed to lower the detection zone so it wouldn’t go off whenever a car drove down the street.
The Altas PT Ultra includes two-way audio, allowing you to communicate with anyone within the camera’s range. Whether it’s a delivery person or a visitor, you can speak directly through the app. The decent audio quality makes it easy to have conversations without distortion.
“If you’re looking for a reliable, high-performance camera that combines advanced features with user-friendly operation, the Reolink Altas PT Ultra should be at the top of your list.”
The Reolink Altas PT Ultra offers multiple storage options, enhancing its value as a security solution. Users can opt for local storage via a microSD card (up to 512GB) or choose cloud storage for an additional fee. The local storage option is particularly appealing for those who prefer to avoid subscription costs while still having access to recorded footage. This flexibility allows you to customize your storage solution based on your needs and preferences.
The Reolink app plays a crucial role in the overall user experience of the Altas PT Ultra. The app is well-designed and easy to navigate, offering a straightforward interface for accessing live feeds, adjusting settings, and reviewing recorded footage. Users can easily switch between camera views and adjust settings such as resolution and alert notifications.
However, I have had occasional connectivity issues during my time, particularly during the evening. While these instances are not overly common, they can be frustrating when you need to access live feeds quickly. Overall, the app enhances the user experience, providing a seamless way to control and monitor your camera.
The Reolink Altas PT Ultra is surprisingly competitively priced. Given its advanced features and high-quality performance, it represents excellent value for money. Many cameras in this price range do not provide the same level of video quality or functionality, making the Altas PT Ultra a worthwhile investment for anyone serious about home security.
Despite its many strengths, the Altas PT Ultra is not without its issues. While the build quality is impressive, some users may find the camera’s size and weight a bit cumbersome, especially for those looking for a more discreet option. The camera relies heavily on a stable Wi-Fi connection. If your network is weak or unstable, you may experience interruptions in video quality or connectivity, and the app sometimes has connection issues with the camera.
The Reolink Altas PT Ultra is a robust and feature-rich surveillance camera that offers exceptional performance for home security. With its impressive video quality, advanced night vision, flexible pan-tilt functionality, and intelligent motion detection, it stands out in a competitive market. While it has some minor drawbacks, such as size app issues, the overall value and functionality make it a compelling choice for anyone seeking to evolve their security setup.
If you’re looking for a reliable, high-performance camera that combines advanced features with user-friendly operation, the Reolink Altas PT Ultra should be at the top of your list. Its ability to deliver high-quality surveillance with the convenience of remote control makes it a worthy investment for your peace of mind.
