Dual-Lens Cameras: What You Need To Know

Through their two eyes, people explore the world in an extended vision. This inspired Reolink to ingeniously incorporate the concept of dual lens, which strives to push the boundaries of redefining home security. This ground-breaking innovation breaks the limitations of single-lens cameras, enabling users to keep an eye on everything in a wider view or a dual-view. With Reolink Dual-Lens Series, endless possibilities are unlocked for the future.

A dual-lens camera is composed of two lenses that see the same scene from two perspectives. Both lenses create two separate images through a wide-angle lens with a field of view more than human vision. Dual-lens cameras open up a new world of possibilties. This guide will explore everything you need to know about this brand new series.

Introduction and Development of Dual-Lens Cameras

Dual-lens cameras have been around for centuries, with the earliest dual-lens reflex camera (TLR) being invented in the late 1800s. At the time, photographers first had to use a ground glass screen to view the image. Once the image is in focus, the camera is adjusted, and the ground glass screen is switched for a photographic plate.

This concept heavily influenced the Rolleiflex, which came in the 1920s and marked a turning point in the development of dual-lens cameras. TLRs were developed to improve the focus ability of film cameras, and they quickly became popular among photographers.

Dual-lens cameras offer more advanced features than single-lens cameras, including improved focus, wider camera angles, auto tracking and auto zoom. Dual lenses allow for different focal length coverage using a telephoto lens and a wide-angle lens, which is ideal for capturing both close-up and wide-angle shots.

Reolink launches a new camera series called Duo 3 alongside the current Duo 2 lineup. The first model, Duo 3 PoE, has a super clear 16-megapixel resolution that shows really sharp details. It uses Power over Ethernet, making it easy to set up without tricky wires. This camera works well for both new users and people who need a serious surveillance setup.

How Reolink Uses Dual-Lens in Security Cameras

For as long as people have realized that what they see through their own eyes is limited, they started to broaden the horizon with new tech, thus redefining the boundaries of the world. Therefore, Reolink recognized the limitation of one-lens cameras and decided to push the boundaries of traditional security by introducing the revolutionary dual-lens camera series.

Two technologies are used in dual-lens security cameras: dual-lens camera video stitching, and the auto-zoom tracking system, which combines a wide-angle and telephoto lens.

1. Video Stitching Technology in Dual-Lens Security Camera

The video stitching technology dual-lens security camera is a type of surveillance camera with two lenses that are able to take two separate videos concurrently. This allows the device to create a 180° ultra-wide video field of view, which is great for covering large areas and providing more comprehensive protection. The two videos are then blended together seamlessly with advanced image stitching algorithms that clean up any blurring due to object or camera movement.

For instance, the Reolink Duo 2 PoE utilizes this video stitching technology and also offers 4K Ultra HD resolution, 8 LED spotlights for color night vision, and smart detection capabilities which accurately recognize persons and vehicles.

Thanks to the PoE technology of the Duo 2 PoE, it is enough to achieve dual wide-field surveillance through just one network cable to transmit power and data. Not only does this dual-lens design give users added protection but it also ensures that no important details are missed out since both cameras provide double the coverage.

2. Auto-Zoom Tracking in Dual-Lens Security Camera

AI zoom and auto tracking system combines a wide-angle lens and a telephoto lens, allowing for continuous zooming and panning in order to cover a wider area than traditional single-lens cameras.

Dual-lens security camera uses two lenses to keep constant focus on a subject or object, which makes its auto tracking and auto zoom functionality stands out among other competitors. The two lenses work together to provide an accurate view of the subject being tracked. The wide-angle view and the zoom-in view are displayed in the footage at the same time, so you won't miss a single detail to ensure the safety of your backyard or parking lot.

Furthermore, this system can be used to monitor areas where there may be multitudes moving around at the same time, ensuring full coverage within the entire space.

Reolink's Trackmix dual-lens security cameras are some of the most advanced dual-lens cameras on the market, offering auto-tracking capabilities that regular PTZ (pan, tilt, and zoom) cameras can't match. This camera can auto track the object and show it in both the panoramic and zoomed views. And with 4K 8MP Ultra HD resolution it captures images with great details and can help you discover more details when zooming in. This series has WiFi and PoE versions.

The WiFi version can transmit videos over 2.4/5GHz WiFi. You can install this camera quickly and nicely. If you choose the PoE version, the camera can transmit videos and be charged simultaneously via only one Ethernet cable.

Benefits of a Dual-Lens Security Camera

These cutting-edge dual-lens security cameras bring a whole new level of surveillance effectiveness and provide enhanced clarity and coverage. Let's explore the various benefits of these innovative cameras have to offer.

180° Panoramic View and No Hidden Threats

Sometimes, the extra lens in dual systems acts as a wide-angle snapper. This offers a different viewpoint and allows the user to record 180° panoramic view in a single shot without getting closer. With its extensive coverage, these cameras leave no hidden threats unnoticed, ensuring comprehensive protection for your loved ones.

Video stitching also enhances this benefit, as it merges multiple videos from both lenses to produce a wide field of view footage. By simply clicking the Reolink App, you can seamlessly access the 180°-wide footage.

Focus the Target with Rich Details

Dual-lens improve the focusing speed of a device and result in sharp, detailed footage. During recording/capturing, both camera lenses take footage simultaneously, which is processed together to result in better-looking results.

The upgraded auto-zoom tracking feature ensures nothing escapes your watchful eye. When motion is detected or when using the auto-zoom tracking feature, the camera may initiate an automatic zoom-in to capture more details about the subject.

Easy to Use

Dual-lens security cameras also allow for easy installation and setup. Gone are the days of complex installations and frustrating configuration processes. With two cameras in one device, all you need is a few simple steps, and you'll have it up and running in no time. Moreover, you can control everything seamlessly at your fingertips through the Reolink App.

Multiple Versions to Cover All Needs

Reolink has introduced a versatile range of dual-lens series to cater to various surveillance scenarios. To meet distinct surveillance requirements, they have launched multiple versions suitable for different setups. Whether you prefer a wired, wire-free, PoE, WiFi, or 4G LTE option, Reolink's online store offers corresponding models, ensuring peace of mind not only at home but also on campsites, construction sites, or any other location where you need reliable security coverage.

Common Applications of Dual-Lens in Cameras

In addition to security cameras, the dual-lens technology has found its way into various other types of cameras to enhance the overall user experience.

Dual-Lens Doorbell Camera

As the name implies, these cameras are fixed at the front door to monitor what's happening outside. Its two lenses combine to provide comprehensive footage of your doorstep – proving an effective deterrent against pesky porch poachers and other suspicious individuals.

Some of them use motion detectors which prompt the camera to start recording as soon as someone comes within range. An alert is immediately sent to your phone, and you can watch the footage on the camera app.

Dual-Lens Cell Phone Camera

The trend of dual-lens on smartphones started in 2011 with HTC's EVO 3D. It was a groundbreaking phone at the time, as it was one of the first to use two lenses for 3D photos and videos. Since then, dual-camera smartphones have come a long way.

After the EVO 3D, other phone brands started to use dual-lens technology for other purposes. For example, the iPhone 7 Plus and Samsung Galaxy Note 8 used dual-lens to introduce (limited) optical zoom capability to their devices.

On the other hand, LG's G series from 2016 used dual-lens to allow their device to take wider angle shots. Finally, Huawei and Honor's 2017 flagships utilised dual-lens which worked together rather than separately. This method allowed proper depth-of-field photos with sharper detail and fancier effects.

Dual-Lens Car Dash Cam

A dual-lens car dash cam is placed in the car and can record the road ahead of the driver, the car's interior, or a 360-degree view of the vehicle's surroundings.

This type of camera is especially beneficial because it allows you to capture footage from your surroundings when driving.

This can be invaluable if you are involved in an accident or witness something suspicious. In addition, dual camera dash cams typically offer multiple perspectives compared to single-lens dash cams, making them ideal for recording large vehicles.

Twin-Lens Reflex Camera

The twin-lens reflex camera is one of the earliest applications of dual-lens. One of the lenses is used for taking the picture, and the other is the viewfinder – where the user looks through to compose the image. This design was first used in the late 19th century and mainly functioned as a film camera.

For starters, the dual-lens allow for more accurate focusing. With the secondary lens, the user can see what the final image will look like before taking the picture, ensuring the composition is perfect. Futhermore, the placement of the lenses makes it easier to take photos in dim lighting conditions.

Twin-lens reflex cameras are no longer common as they were phased out just before the introduction of digital cameras.

FAQs

What is dual-lens security camera?

A dual-lens camera is composed of two lenses that see the same scene from two perspectives. Both lenses create two separate images through a wide-angle lens with a field of view more than human vision.

What is the advantage of dual-lens security camera?

The advantage of a dual-lens security camera lies in its ability to capture more detailed and vibrant footage. The two lenses work in tandem to provide better depth perception and improved image quality. This results in sharper image quality and wider field of view, making it an ideal choice for distinct surveillance requirements.

Are dual-lens security cameras difficult to install?

No, dual-lens security cameras are not significantly more challenging to install than traditional single-lens cameras. They follow similar installation procedures, and many models offer user-friendly setup processes.

Conclusion

With all their advantages, dual-lens cameras are an excellent fit for any security system. This is not to say their single-lens alternatives are unreliable; both work just as well depending on your needs. With features like enhanced coverage, auto-zoom tracking, and ease of use, these cameras outshine their single-lens counterparts in several ways.

What do you think about dual-lens cameras? Are they better than the single-lens cameras? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!