When it comes to pan and tilt outdoor security cameras, it's essential to have one that comes with either a long battery life or can be connected to a solar panel for continuous power. It also has to have exceptional video resolution and clear night vision. Today, 4K HD and color night visions are excellent features to look for in a pan and tilt security camera and a PIR motion sensor, which allows you to adjust the sensitivity to meet your needs. I was lucky to test a new pan and tilt outdoor security camera by Reolink that has all these features and more. They sent me their new Atlast PT Ultra 4K HD Pan and Tilt Security Camera, and here is what I found while testing this new security camera.

REOLINK Altas PT Ultra - 4K Continuous Recording Security Cameras Wireless Outdoor, First 10s Pre-Record Option in Home Battery Camera, 500 Days Battery Life, ColorX Night Vision, Home Hub Compatible

List Price: $229.99

New From: $229.99in Stock

What is Reolink Altas PT Ultra 4K HD Security Camera?

Reolink Altas PT Ultra Security Camera unboxed GearBrain

The Reolink Altas Ultra PT 4K HD Security Camera is the ultimate home surveillance solution that delivers industry-leading performance and convenience. As Reolink's newest flagship camera, the Altas PT Ultra combines cutting-edge technology with user-friendly features, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to enhance their home or business security system.

At the core of the Altas PT Ultra is its 4K Ultra HD recording capabilities, which provide stunningly clear video resolution. With this level of detail, you can capture sharp and vivid images, ensuring you don't miss any crucial moments. The camera is equipped for 24/7 continuous video capture, offering round-the-clock surveillance and peace of mind. Whether you're watching your home, office, or business, the Altas PT Ultra ensures that every detail is recorded in high definition.

One of the standout features of the Reolink Altas PT Ultra is its revolutionary full-color night vision. Unlike conventional night vision cameras that rely on infrared, the Altas PT Ultra captures vivid, full-color images even in low light or complete darkness. This feature enhances security during nighttime, providing clear and recognizable images of any potential threats or activity around your property. It's an essential upgrade for anyone serious about surveillance and something that truly has to be seen to be believed.

Storage is another strong point for the Altas PT Ultra. With a generous 512GB of local storage, you can store days' worth of footage without needing a separate storage device. In addition, the camera offers subscription-free cloud storage options, allowing users to back up their recordings securely in the cloud without any extra costs. This means you can access and review your footage anywhere, anytime, without worrying about running out of space or losing critical data.

The camera also offers impressive pan and tilt functionality, allowing you to control the camera's direction and field of view remotely. With 360º viewing angles and zero blindspots, the Altas PT Ultra gives you comprehensive property coverage. Its auto-tracking feature ensures that the camera automatically follows the subject once motion is detected, ensuring nothing goes unnoticed.

Battery life is another area where the Reolink Altas PT Ultra excels. With a powerful 20,000mAh battery, this security camera provides extended runtime, ensuring it can continue operating for long periods without frequent recharges. The Altas PT Ultra is compatible with the Reolink solar panel for those seeking a more sustainable and convenient power solution. This allows for continuous power, so you never have to worry about your camera going offline.

How to Set Up the Reolink Altas PT Ultra Security Camera

Use Reolink app to add Reolink Altas PT Ultra camera to your camerasGearBrain

Before starting the setup process for your Reolink Altas PT Ultra Security Camera, it's essential to check the Wi-Fi signal strength at the installation location. A weak signal can negatively impact the camera's performance. Consider using a Wi-Fi extender or repeater to boost the signal if needed.

Step One – Set Up the Camera Using Your Smartphone

1. You can download the Reolink App from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) on your smartphone.
2. Power on the camera by pressing and holding the power switch for two seconds.
3. Open the Reolink app and click the "+" button in the top-right corner of the screen to add a new device.
4. Scan the QR code on the camera (located on the back or bottom of the device). Both work, but the one on the bottom is especially useful if you need to reconfigure the camera after installation.
5. On the Add the Device screen, follow the instructions to configure your Wi-Fi connection. Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your smartphone and follow the app's step-by-step guide.

Step Two – Charge the Camera

1. Before installation, make sure the camera is fully charged.
2. The LED indicator will show the charging status:
   • Orange LED: The camera is charging.
   • Green LED: The camera is fully charged.
3. Once charging is complete, reinstall the rubber cover over the charging ports to protect them from the elements.

Step Three – Install the Camera

1. To maximize the detection range of the PIR motion sensor, install the camera 7 to 10 feet (2 to 3 meters) above the ground.
2. Ensure that motion detection is optimized by installing the camera so that objects move side-to-side across the camera's field of view rather than approaching vertically.
3. Depending on the mounting surface, follow these steps:
   • Use the supplied installation template for ceiling or wall installations to mark where you need to drill the holes.
   • Install the mounting base and secure the camera to the base using the two short screws provided.
   • Use the provided mounting strap to mount on a pole or tree. Thread the strap onto the board and secure it tightly to the pole or tree, as shown in the instruction manual.

Use mounting bracket to install Reolink Altas PT Ultra camera either on the wall or ceiling. For testing, we used the wall.GearBrain

Step Four (Optional) – Install the Reolink Solar Panel

If you plan to power the camera using a Reolink Solar Panel, install the panel next to the camera at this stage. The panel can be installed on a wall, ceiling, pole, or tree. Follow the installation instructions provided in the manual or the app.

Step Five – Complete Setup Using the Reolink App

Once installed, use the Reolink app to fine-tune the camera's settings. You can:

• Set up viewing options for live feeds.
• Configure alerts and notifications for motion detection.
• Customize motion detection zones.
• Adjust other features to secure the outside of your home more effectively.

Now, your Reolink Altas PT Ultra Security Camera is ready to provide high-quality surveillance and peace of mind, with 24/7 recording and advanced features at your fingertips!

Reolink Reolink Altas PT Ultra camera home screen in appGearBrain

How much does Reolink Altas PT Ultra 4K HD Security Camera cost?

Reolink's newest pan and tilt 4K HD outdoor security camera, Altas PT Ultra, has an MSRP of $209.99 for just the camera and $229.99 for the Altas PT Ultra and Reolink Solar Panel 2. Both are currently on sale, and I recommend you check the Reolink website for the current sale price. You can also pick one up on Amazon.

See Pricing on Reolink

You might wonder if this is a reasonable price for an outdoor 4K HD pan and tilt security camera. Well, it is. The Reolink PT Ultra with a solar panel at $229.99 is a good price for an outdoor 4K HD pan and tilt security camera with advanced features such as color night vision, auto-tracking, and a PIR motion sensor. Here's why:

1. 4K Ultra HD Quality: The camera offers high-definition 4K video, providing exceptionally clear footage critical for identifying faces, license plates, and other details.
2. Pan and Tilt with 360º Viewing: The camera's pan and tilt capabilities allow for comprehensive coverage of large areas, reducing the need for multiple cameras.
3. Color Night Vision: Unlike standard night vision, color night vision offers more detailed footage in low-light conditions, improving security around the clock.
4. Auto-Tracking and PIR Motion Sensor: These features allow the camera to detect and follow moving objects, minimizing false alerts and ensuring reliable motion detection.
5. Solar-Powered: Including a Reolink Solar Panel provides continuous, eco-friendly power without constant battery charging, making it a cost-effective solution in the long run.
6. Subscription-Free Local Storage: With 512 GB local storage and the option for cloud storage, the Reolink PT Ultra eliminates recurring subscription fees, adding to its long-term value.

Considering the range of advanced features and the inclusion of a solar panel for continuous power, $229.99 represents excellent value for anyone looking to enhance their home security system.

REOLINK Altas PT Ultra - 4K Continuous Recording Security Cameras Wireless Outdoor, First 10s Pre-Record Option in Home Battery Camera, 500 Days Battery Life, ColorX Night Vision, Home Hub Compatible

List Price: $229.99

New From: $229.99in Stock

Performance - How did the Altas PT Ultra camera perform for us?

After testing the Reolink Altas PT Ultra Security Camera for a few weeks, I found it a reliable and feature-rich outdoor security solution. We installed the camera on a shed about 20 feet from our house, and it handled the distance perfectly, thanks to its Wi-Fi 6 compatibility. With a Wi-Fi 6e router, our smartphone consistently showed three out of four bars of connectivity, so there were no issues with the signal.

Installation was straightforward. We followed the instructions in the Reolink app, and everything worked without a hitch. One tip I'd suggest: connect the camera to your home Wi-Fi inside the house before mounting it outside. This makes the installation process easier since the camera is already connected to your network.

We used a Reolink solar panel to power the camera, which I highly recommend. Though it's an additional cost, it's worth it because you won't have to worry about recharging the battery or losing power during outages. The solar panel kept the camera running without issue, providing uninterrupted surveillance.

Local storage is another great feature. The camera supports up to 512GB of local storage, eliminating the need for monthly cloud storage subscriptions and providing easy access to recorded footage.

Screenshot of Daytime video for Reolink Altas PT Ultra cameraGearBrain

Screenshot of Night time video from Reolink Altas PT Ultra cameraGearBrain

Video Quality and Night Vision

The standout feature of the Altas PT Ultra is its 4K video resolution, which is simply stunning. The daytime footage is crystal clear, but the color night vision impressed me the most. It's some of the best I've seen in all the outdoor security cameras I've tested. The video quality at night looks almost like daytime footage, making it easy to spot details even in low-light conditions.

Pan, Tilt, and Auto-Tracking

The camera's pan and tilt functionality worked seamlessly, allowing us to scan the property using the app's controls. It provides full 360º coverage with no blind spots, which is incredibly useful for monitoring large areas. The Reolink app itself is simple to use, and it allows you to set no-tracking zones to avoid recording your neighbor's yard, enhancing privacy.

The auto-tracking feature is a game-changer. I've tested similar features before, but Reolink's version offers impressive customization options. You can choose to track people, vehicles, or animals, and you can even set a time limit for how long the camera should continue tracking an object once it stops moving. This flexibility worked well in my tests and reduced the number of unnecessary alerts.

auto tracking settings in Reolink appGearBrain

Fine-Tuning Motion Sensitivity

Speaking of alerts, you can adjust the horizontal tracking sensitivity and the alarm range to minimize false notifications. This customization is essential for a security camera, especially in outdoor environments where wind, trees, or passing vehicles can trigger false alarms.

Who Should Buy Reolink Altas PT Ultra Camera?

The Reolink Altas PT Ultra camera is ideal for various users, particularly those seeking a comprehensive, high-quality security solution. Here's who should consider buying it:

1. Homeowners with Large Properties: The camera's pan, tilt functionality, and 360º viewing angle make it perfect for homeowners with large yards or outdoor spaces needing thorough surveillance. Its ability to auto-track people, vehicles, and animals ensures no area is left unmonitored.
2. People in Areas with Low Lighting: The full-color night vision feature is invaluable if you live in a neighborhood with limited lighting or need to monitor dark spaces. It provides excellent clarity in low-light conditions, making it easier to spot details at night.
3. Privacy-Conscious Users: The Reolink app allows users to set no-tracking zones to avoid capturing footage from neighboring properties, making it an excellent option for those who value privacy.
4. Users Seeking Long-Term Power Solutions: For those looking to minimize maintenance, the solar panel compatibility offers continuous, eco-friendly power without frequently recharging the battery, particularly useful in areas with ample sunlight.
5. People Who Want High-Quality Video Surveillance: The 4K Ultra HD resolution provides exceptionally sharp footage, making it ideal for capturing detailed videos for security purposes or peace of mind.
6. Individuals Who Prefer Local Storage: If you don't want to deal with subscription fees for cloud storage, the Reolink Altas PT Ultra's 512GB local storage is a perfect solution. It offers plenty of space to store footage without additional costs.
7. Tech-Savvy Users: If you appreciate smart, customizable features like auto-tracking, motion sensitivity adjustments, and smart alerts, this camera is designed for you. The easy-to-use Reolink app lets you fine-tune the camera's performance to suit your needs.

Auto tracking setting in Reolink appGearBrain

Summary

Overall, the Reolink Altas PT Ultra delivers an exceptional blend of high-quality video, smart features, and ease of use. It is an excellent choice for anyone considering upgrading their home or business security system. Its solar-powered option, color night vision, pan/tilt capabilities, and customizable auto-tracking set it apart from many competitors.

The Reolink Altas Ultra PT 4K HD Security Camera sets a new standard in surveillance technology. With 4K Ultra HD recording, full-color night vision, 512GB local storage, 360º viewing angles, and auto-tracking, this camera has features to keep your property secure. Continuous power via solar panels and its long-lasting battery further enhance its reliability.

In short, the Reolink Altas PT Ultra is perfect for those who prioritize high-resolution video quality, advanced tracking capabilities, long-term power solutions, and customizable privacy features. It is a versatile and top-tier choice for various security needs, home or business. This camera offers comprehensive protection and peace of mind.

Reolink 6W Solar Panel Black, Non-Stop Solar Power Supply for All Wireless Battery Camera Outdoor, Compatible with TrackMix/Argus PT Ultra/Duo 2/Eco Ultra/3 Ultra, Waterproof, Adjustable Mount(Black)

List Price: $39.99

New From: $39.99in Stock

Pro

• video resolution - 4K UHD
• Exceptional color night vision with long-distance viewing capabilities
• Flexible Wi-Fi connectivity - works on Wi-Fi 6, 5 GHZ, and 2.4 GHz connections
• Wide FOV - 360 Degrees with auto tracking
• There are no monthly fees for video storage - store locally
• Works with solar panels

Cons

• two-way talk is delayed
• No smart home security system integrations
• Price (if not on sale)

Check out The GearBrain, our smart home compatibility find engine. It can help you find, buy, and connect any smart device. It can even help you find other smart devices or systems compatible with your existing smart devices, such as Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa-enabled devices.

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