Reolink TrackMix WiFi Review: Top Features and User Experience

Reolink’s TrackMix series combines dual-lens technology with PTZ functionality in their security cameras. This series offers various models, including PoE, WiFi, and 4G versions. In this comprehensive guide, we'll thoroughly review the WiFi model and share real user experiences.

Reolink TrackMix WiFi Design and First Impression

After opening the box, I wasn’t surprised to see that the TrackMix WiFi has almost the same design as other versions in the series. For example, the only difference between the TrackMix PoE and WiFi versions is the presence of antennas. The TrackMix WiFi features a white casing at the top with the new "Reolink" logo in gray and two external antennas on either side, likely to enhance WiFi connectivity.

The body below the casing is black. Different colors give the TrackMix series a more professional appearance than other Reolink models, in my opinion. It includes dual lenses along with two LED lights above them for night vision.

Overall, the camera's build appears durable and weather-resistant, likely to be suitable for various environmental conditions.

Reolink TrackMix WiFi

4K Dual-Lens PTZ Camera with Motion Tracking

4K 8MP UHD, Wide-Angle & Telephoto Lenses, Pan-Tilt-Zoom, Auto-Tracking, Person/Vehicle Detection, 2.4/5 GHz Dual-Band WiFi, Two-Way Audio.

Learn More about Reolink TrackMix WiFi

Installation and Setup

I usually complete the initial setup first and then mount the camera on the wall or ceiling. Since I already had the Reolink app, I simply scanned the camera's QR code, connected it to my WiFi, and configured the video resolution, frame rate, detection range, and other settings.

The TrackMix WiFi features a mount at the top, designed for wall or ceiling installation. Because it can automatically track objects, I decided to install the camera outside, choosing a wall that faces my driveway. The entire installation process was quite straightforward. I only needed a screwdriver to attach the mount to the wall and then place the camera on it. Overall, the installation was easy and smooth for me.

Top Features and Performance

Based on the product specifications, I tested several key features, and most of them turned out to be great and useful.

Video Quality - From 1080p to 4K

I believe one of the biggest advantages of Reolink cameras is their excellent video quality. Most models offer resolutions up to 4K. The TrackMix WiFi is also a 4K camera, but it includes a 1080p telephoto lens as well. The 4K lens provides a wide-angle view with great clarity and rich details, while the telephoto lens is designed for close-up shots. Surprisingly, the quality of the 1080p lens is better than expected; it captures basic details effectively and serves as a good complement to the 4K images. Most importantly, it can capture distant objects for a closer view. Overall, I find the combination of the 4K wide-angle lens and the 1080p telephoto lens to be excellent.

Smart Tracking - Dual-views

This series is called 'TrackMix,' which suggests that Reolink aims to highlight the camera's ability to automatically track and follow objects. So, I’ll focus on its pan, tilt, and zoom capabilities. The camera offers a 355-degree pan and a 90-degree tilt. I especially like the lens-driven zoom from the 1080p telephoto lens, which supports up to 6x hybrid zoom. This combination provides a dual view with both stationary footage and close-up perspectives in just one picture.

Night Vision - Two modes

At night, the TrackMix WiFi performs well with two night vision modes. The infrared mode provides black-and-white footage, which is sufficient for nighttime surveillance. However, when the spotlight is activated, the camera delivers color night vision. Personally, I find the spotlight a bit distracting, as it makes the camera more noticeable and visible.

Storage - MicroSD card

Regarding storage options, like most Reolink WiFi cameras, this device only supports local storage via a MicroSD card or through the Reolink NVR. Unfortunately, if you are new to Reolink cameras, you'll need to purchase the NVR separately. The TrackMix WiFi is compatible with MicroSD cards of up to 256GB. You can choose to save either motion-triggered events or continuous recordings to the SD card.

Other Features- Two-way audio, spotlights, siren

The TrackMix WiFi also has other basic features, such as two-way audio. The camera includes a speaker and a microphone. So I can communicate with the person in the footage through the Reolink app. I initially set the camera to record when motion is detected at night and configured the alarm sirens and spotlights to activate under those conditions. The siren produces a loud, prolonged sound, and the spotlights seem bright enough, in my opinion.

In-App Functionalities

I also focused on the Reolink app because, while reading internet comments, I found that many people dislike the app's UI. This motivated me to share my own opinions.

Recording schedule

According to the product specifications, the TrackMix WiFi supports both motion detection and scheduled recording. I set up the recording schedule in the app's "Camera Recording" section. The default mode is motion recording, but I enabled scheduled recording from 8 AM to 11 AM. The entire configuration process was smooth. Later, I switched back to motion recording. To access the motion-triggered recordings, you can either press the "Playback" button when the dashboard is vertical or tap the folder icon when your phone or tablet is in landscape mode. Simply select a clip, and it will start playing.

Check out the video below:

PTZ control

I really enjoy using the PTZ control through the Reolink app on my smartphone. Once you open the app, just tap the "PTZ" button to access various navigation options. By pressing and holding the up, down, left, and right buttons, you can turn the camera in any direction. Alternatively, you can drag the circle in the middle of the arrows for navigation. On the left side of the navigation pad, there's a zoom button that controls the min/max toggle for the telephoto lens. When you zoom in on an object, there's a slight delay of about 2 to 3 seconds, which isn't too long.

You can also adjust the pan and tilt speed. I selected a middle speed, but I was curious about the maximum and minimum speeds, so I experimented with them. The slowest option moves at a steady pace, while the fastest option may cause some details to overlap.

Motion sensitivity

In addition, the Reolink app allows you to configure motion sensitivity and detection types. The sensitivity ranges from 1 to 50, with higher values indicating greater sensitivity for motion detection. You can also adjust sensitivity levels for different detection types, such as high sensitivity for people, medium sensitivity for vehicles, and low sensitivity for pets.

Pros and Cons

After testing this camera, I’ve identified its strengths and weaknesses.

Pros:

• Great video quality
• Combination of telephoto and wide-angle lenses provides more details
• Robust build for outdoor use
• PTZ functionality is easy to use

Cons:

• No cloud storage option
• Some app features are hard to find
• A little bit bulky and heavy

Final Verdict: Is the Reolink TrackMix WiFi Worth Buying?

For under $200, I believe the TrackMix WiFi is the best PTZ camera I have ever tested. I really appreciate the dual view created by its two different lenses, and the video quality is impeccable. You can enjoy 4K clarity alongside smooth 1080p resolution in one device. The auto-tracking functionality is generally effective, making it suitable for professional monitoring, not just residential use.

However, if you're looking for a model with cloud storage, you should think twice before purchasing. This camera only offers on-premise storage via a MicroSD card and Reolink NVR (which needs to be purchased separately). Compared to other Reolink cameras, the TrackMix WiFi is heavier and larger, so it may not be the best option for those needing a compact device. Make sure to weigh the advantages against the downsides before making your final decision.

FAQs

How long does a Reolink TrackMix battery last?

There are two versions of the TrackMix battery: the TrackMix LTE and the TrackMix LTE Plus. The TrackMix LTE features a 5200mAh battery, which can last up to 10 hours when set to continuous recording (based on lab data). In contrast, the TrackMix LTE Plus is equipped with a 155Wh 10.8V 14.4Ah battery and can last up to 72 hours continuously when using smart battery mode.

What is the difference between TrackMix WiFi and PoE?

The most significant difference is their connectivity. The WiFi version connects to the internet wirelessly, while the PoE version connects via Ethernet cables for both internet access and power.

Conclusion

Overall, the Reolink TrackMix is an excellent PTZ camera suitable for professional monitoring. It has a robust build that can withstand various environmental conditions, and the two lenses provide a comprehensive view. However, it lacks a cloud storage option and is a bit heavier and bulkier than some alternatives.