Reolink Elite Floodlight WiFi Review

I previously reviewed the Reolink Duo Floodlight PoE back in 2023, which was essentially the same as the Reolink Duo 2but withtwo big floodlights bolted to it.

They later released the Reolink Duo 3, both in WiFi and PoE versions, but did not release a corresponding floodlight camera.

The Reolink Elite Floodlight WiFi is different from the previous model and the other Duo cameras. The camera has been completely redesigned with mounting and power more like other floodlight cameras on the market.

In particular, this does not have a DC barrel port or any Ethernet connectivity. It is instead wired directly into your mains, or alternatively, you can wire it into an unterminated power lead.

The camera itself has been redesigned and basically looks like the Reolink Argus 4 Pro

Specification

Summary of Key Differences

Reolink Duo Floodlight WiFi Pros:

• Much brighter lighting (15W floodlight)
• Slightly more IR LEDs for night vision
• Broader coverage area for lighting
• Ethernet and WiFi Connectivity

Reolink Elite WiFi Pros:

• Wi-Fi 6 support and WPA3 security
• Higher storage capacity (512GB)
• More advanced smart detection features (zone alerts)
• Supports 24/7 recording and time-lapse
• More compact and lighter design

In reality, the main difference most people should be aware of is the different mounting and connectivity between the two floodlight cameras.

The Reolink Duo Floodlight WiFi is installed in the same way as the other Reolink Duo cameras and has a DC barrel port for power, meaning you need to run a cable from a power socket to it.

The Reolink Elite WiFi is wired directly into the mains, though you can buy an unterminated mains power lead and wire it up this way. The mounting design is much more durable than that of the Reolink Duo Floodlight. This lacks an Ethernet port.

Key Features of the Reolink Elite Floodlight WiFi

The Reolink Elite Floodlight WiFi combines security monitoring with intelligent lighting in a single device. This dual-lens security camera offers comprehensive protection for residential and commercial properties through its advanced feature set.

Ultra-Wide 180° Panoramic Coverage

The camera utilises dual-lens technology with advanced image stitching to deliver seamless 180° panoramic coverage. This wide field of view eliminates blind spots and provides complete monitoring of large areas such as driveways, courtyards, and commercial premises. The horizontal coverage spans 180° whilst maintaining a 59° vertical field of view, capturing detailed footage across expansive spaces.

4K Ultra HD Recording Quality

Recording at 5120×1552 resolution with 8 megapixels, the camera delivers sharp 4K footage at 20fps. The dual 1/2.7″ CMOS sensors work in tandem to produce high-quality video streams, with main stream bitrates ranging from 3072Kbps to 8192Kbps. The f=2.8mm fixed lens with F=1.6 aperture allows more light capture for improved image quality in various lighting conditions.

Powerful LED Floodlight System

The integrated floodlight system produces up to 3000 lumens of brightness, illuminating areas up to 12 metres away. Users can adjust both brightness levels and colour temperature, ranging from 3000K warm light to 6000K cool white light. This flexibility allows the device to serve both security and ambient lighting purposes depending on requirements.

Intelligent Motion Detection and Alerts

AI-powered detection algorithms can distinguish between people, vehicles, and animals, reducing false alerts. When motion is detected, the system can activate multiple deterrent features including the built-in siren (up to 105dB), customisable voice alerts, and floodlight activation. Real-time notifications are sent directly to mobile devices, keeping users informed of any activity.

Advanced Perimeter Protection

The camera supports sophisticated monitoring zones including line crossing alerts, zone intrusion detection, and loitering alerts. Users can define specific areas within the camera’s field of view and configure different alert types based on their security requirements. This targeted approach allows for more precise monitoring of critical areas.

Wi-Fi 6 Connectivity

Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 support ensures stable connectivity across both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. The enhanced wireless standard provides faster data transmission speeds and improved range compared to previous Wi-Fi generations. WPA3 encryption protocols offer advanced security for wireless communications.

Flexible Storage Options

The camera supports multiple storage methods without requiring subscription fees. Local storage is available through microSD cards up to 512GB capacity, enabling continuous recording even during network outages. The device also supports FTP/NAS server storage and is compatible with Reolink NVR and Home Hub systems.

Night Vision Capabilities

Dual night vision modes provide round-the-clock monitoring. Infrared night vision extends up to 30 metres using nine 850nm LED arrays with automatic IR-cut filter switching. Colour night vision is available when the floodlights are active, maintaining full-colour footage in low-light conditions.

Smart Home Integration

Voice control compatibility with Google Assistant allows hands-free operation of the floodlight and camera functions. Users can control lighting and access live footage through voice commands, integrating the device into broader smart home ecosystems.

Weather-Resistant Design

IP66 weatherproofing protects the camera against dust and water ingress, making it suitable for outdoor installation. The device operates in temperatures ranging from -10°C to +55°C and humidity levels between 10% and 90%, ensuring reliable performance across various weather conditions.

Versatile Installation Options

The compact design (174x184x295mm) weighs just 1.3kg and supports multiple mounting configurations. Both wall and ceiling installation are possible, with adjustable camera and light angles providing optimal positioning flexibility. The device can be mounted on existing junction boxes or directly to walls using the included hardware.

Two-Way Audio Communication

Built-in microphone and speaker enable two-way audio communication, allowing users to speak with visitors or deter intruders remotely. This feature adds an interactive element to the security system, enabling real-time communication through the mobile app.

Unboxing

The box contains the main camera unit, mounting hardware, wire connectors, and comprehensive installation documentation. Reolink included an unterminated power lead as an alternative to direct mains wiring, but I am not sure if this would be included in the retail versions, it wasn’t inside the box itself.

The build quality feels solid throughout, with the camera housing constructed from durable materials designed to withstand outdoor conditions. The floodlight elements are well-integrated into the overall design, creating a cohesive appearance that doesn’t look like an afterthought bolted onto a security camera.

Physical Installation

The physical installation of the Reolink Elite WiFi is far different from other Reolink cameras but similar to other floodlight cameras.

For most people, you’d likely want to swap out an existing outdoor light which already has electrical wiring run outdoors. If you need to drill holes in your wall, then it is going to be a much more challenging installation.

 For me, Reolink were kind enough to include an unterminated power lead, and I mounted it at the entrance to my shed, where the old Reolink Floodlight is mounted. With this, I fed the power lead through a slot in the door.

Then, for installation, there is a rear mounting plate which has a cutout in the rear allowing you to wire it in over the top of where the wires come out, or there is a small hole in the base that has a rubber plug that can be used to run a cable into.

Like many floodlight cameras, there is a convenient cable and hook system allowing you to hang the camera while you wire it up.

Wiring is simple, for me I didn’t need to turn the power off at the mains, I just left it unplugged, you then use the included cable connectors, then the camera slots on to the mount and is held in place with two screws.

The mounting design feels more robust than the previous Duo Floodlight model, providing better long-term stability. The adjustable camera and light angles offer good flexibility for optimising coverage and lighting direction.

Set Up and Connectivity

Beyond the physical installation, the camera is set up exactly the same as every other Reolink camera.

The device pairs easily with the Reolink app, and the setup wizard guides users through the configuration process step by step.

I opted to pair this up with the Reolink Home Hub and was impressed that I was able to get it to connect. The hub is located on the other side of my house, there is no way one of my Ubiquiti access points would provide a signal good enough for this.

Reolink App and Settings

The Reolink app provides comprehensive control over the Elite Floodlight WiFi’s features. The interface is intuitive and well-organised, making it easy to access both basic and advanced settings.

Motion Detection Configuration

The motion detection settings offer granular control over sensitivity levels and detection zones. Users can configure separate sensitivity settings for people, vehicles, and animals, allowing for customised alert preferences. The AI detection algorithms work well in practice, significantly reducing false alerts compared to basic motion detection systems.

Lighting Controls

The floodlight controls are well-implemented within the app. Users can manually adjust brightness levels, set colour temperature preferences, and configure automated lighting schedules. The motion-triggered lighting works reliably, with adjustable duration settings ranging from a few seconds to several minutes.

Recording Options

The app provides multiple recording modes including motion-triggered, scheduled, and 24/7 continuous recording. The addition of time-lapse functionality is a welcome feature that wasn’t available in the previous Duo Floodlight model.

Smart Detection Features

The advanced perimeter protection features work as advertised. Setting up virtual fences, zone intrusion alerts, and loitering detection is straightforward through the app interface. These features add significant value for users who need more sophisticated monitoring capabilities.

Motion Detection

The motion detection is generally accurate in distinguishing people and animals from general motion (as there are no vehicles for it to identify in my back garden).

Fine-tuning sensitivity and defining accurate detection zones significantly reduces false positives caused by moving branches, shadows, or small animals like birds at the periphery. The ability to create separate schedules for different detection types (e.g., disable vehicle alerts overnight) adds useful flexibility. Triggering the floodlight, siren, and notification upon detection works reliably with minimal delay.

Day Time Video Quality with Sample Footage

During the daytime, the footage is excellent. This captures footage with a resolution of 5120 × 1552  vs 4608 × 1728, so you lose a bit of height in favour of width. It doesn’t seem like a lot, but in my screenshot, it makes a noticeable difference.

The overall image quality shows improvement over the previous Reolink Duo Floodlight. Images appear more detailed and brighter, with better colour reproduction and contrast. The dual-lens stitching works seamlessly, with no visible seams or distortion at the junction points.

The 180° field of view captures impressive detail across the entire frame. Text and faces remain legible at reasonable distances, and the camera handles varying lighting conditions well throughout the day.

Floodlight and Night Time Video Quality with Sample Footage

Considering that the camera component of the Reolink Elite WiFi looks strikingly similar to the Reolink Argus 4 Pro, it is disappointing that it doesn’t use the same 1/1.8″ ColorX image sensor. It instead uses the 1/2.7” CMOS sensor similar to the old Floodlight camera. I suppose this is likely due to the floodlights.

However, the performance is good, as you’d expect, in low light with the floodlights off, the camera records in black and white. When motion is detected, the floodlights switch on and the footage turns to colour.

The floodlights are technically less bright than their predecessor, but in my garden, they provide more than enough illumination.

You should try to angle the floodlights so that the light isn’t hitting anything too close by. I have a wall to the right of the floodlight, and the illumination against the wall can create some glare and inconsistent lighting in the footage it captures.

Price and Alternative Options

The Reolink Elite WiFi has an RRP of £130.

The Reolink Duo Floodlight WiFi has an RRP of £160 and appears to be no longer available on the Reolink website, but is still available on Amazon for £159. It has been as low as £110 during Black Friday, but is typically priced higher than the Elite WiFi.

The Reolink Duo 3 isn’t a floodlight camera, but it does have bright spotlights and is a suitable alternative if you don’t require very bright lights. This is available for £160 and has been as low as £128. This is available in POE or WiFi models.

Eufy has various floodlight cameras, which all have pan and tilt functionality for 360° surveillance including:

• Eufy Floodlight Camera E340 with an RRP of £219 but available for £169 – This is a dual lens camera with a wide-angle lens and an 8x smart zoom lens.
• Eufy Floodlight Cam S330 with an RRP of £239 but available for £159.
• Eufy Floodlight Camera E30 is a new camera with an RRP of £150.

Other options include:

• Ring Floodlight Cam Wired Plus, which has an RRP of £160 and requires a subscription.
• TP-LINK Tapo C720, which is more basic than the others but a bargain at £98 RRP.
• Arlo Floodlight Outdoor Security Camera, which is the only floodlight camera that can be used in battery mode and is available with an RRP of £260.
• Arlo also has the wired floodlight for £160 – it is a different design from the other floodlight, but mostly the same specification, other than the wired power.

Overall

The Reolink Elite Floodlight WiFi is an excellent floodlight camera at a reasonable price. The 180° panoramic coverage works well for wide-area monitoring, and the image quality during daylight hours is excellent. The smart detection algorithms effectively reduce false alerts, and the customisable detection zones add significant value for users with specific security requirements.

It doesn’t offer significant performance or feature improvements over its predecessor, but the alternative wiring and mounting design will be appealing to anyone with existing mains-powered outdoor lighting. If you already have cables in place, this is a far better solution than the older floodlight model, and the build quality feels much better.

While there is not a massive difference in performance, the Reolink Elite Floodlight WiFi  does still offer superior performance than the Reolink Duo Floodlight WiFi.

Overall, the Reolink Elite Floodlight WiFi delivers solid performance and good value, making it a reasonable choice for users whose requirements align with its strengths. The upcoming AI Video Search feature could further enhance its appeal when it becomes available in mid-2025.

James Smythe( Editor-in-chief )

I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.

As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.

In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.

I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.