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Dahua is a well-known Chinese OEM that specializes in video surveillance equipment. They also offer their equipment to other rebranders. Reolink is a smaller Chinese company that rebrands products from their parent OEM.

Both Dahua and Reolink boast an impressive catalog of security cameras. These range from PoE, PTZ, wire-free cameras, and storage devices such as NVRs.

So let’s compare some of their well-known products and see what exactly separates Dahua from Reolink.

Dahua vs Reolink Overview

Dahua is a partially state-owned and publicly traded company based in China. It was created in 2001 and specializes in video surveillance products. They are also sought out by other brands who wish to rebrand Dahua products as their own. A few such brands include Amcrest, Montavue, and Lorex.

Reolink is also a Chinese-based company that was founded in 2009. Their parent company is a separate Chinese OEM named Shenzhen Baichuan Security Technology.

Dahua sells almost every type of security camera under the sun and is more targeted at businesses or resellers. Whether they are PoE, Wire-free, Panoramic, Thermal, or video doorbells. They also introduced other devices such as network switches, NVRs, and DVRs. (along with a huge collection of highly specialized video surveillance equipment)

Reolink is more end user focused and specific when it comes to its products. They offer a similar variety of security cameras. But, they make it a point to simplify their catalog and tailor their products for both businesses and consumers alike.

Reolink has a cloud storage feature. This includes a free plan for a single camera and starts at $3.49/month for extra cameras. Their mobile application on both iOS and Android has somewhat mixed reviews averaging at 3.1/5. This is because of small bugs and connectivity issues despite providing all the necessary features.

Year Founded
2001
2009
Customer Focus
Business Leaning
Mix of Business & Consumer
Aggregate App Reviews
3/5
2.9/5
Cloud Platform Name
-
Reolink Cloud
Cloud Subscription Features
-
Cloud StorageSmart / AI NotificationsRich App PreviewsAdvanced App Features
Cloud Subscription Costs
-
Free Plan Available - Standard Plan starts $3.49 / $6.99 / $10.49 / Month
Note: PoE & Coax cameras typically require a connected NVR, DVR or surveillance software package (like Blue Iris) to gain access to desktop, mobile or browser apps along with availing of Intelligent Video Surveillance (IVS) Features. The specs below are based on integration with the manufacturers recommended NVR / DVR.

Mid-Range PoE Head to Head

Key Differences

The Dahua camera has an integrated siren and it can also be used for two-way communication. The Reolink camera does not have such audio-based features.

The Reolink device has an 8MP camera that records footage at a 4K resolution of 3840x2160. Meanwhile, the Dahua counterpart has a 4MP camera with a resolution of 2688x1520.

On top of that, it has a smaller image sensor with a size of 1/2.7" while the Reolink device has a 1/2.49" sensor.

Both cameras can record low-light footage in infrared. However, the Dahua camera has the extra option to record in full-color night vision. This is due to its advanced sensors and in-built spotlight.

For storage features: both cameras support MicroSD, NVR, and FTP. But on top of that, Dahua supports NAS as an extra feature.

For interoperability protocols, both support RTSP and P2P. Also, the Dahua camera has ONVIF and CGI while the Reolink camera supports Synology.

Either camera supports very different protocolst. Thus, we recommend prioritizing these interoperability features when deciding between these two.

Price
Two Way Audio
Yes
No
Integrated Siren / Alarm
Yes
No
Resolution
4MP: 2688x1520
4K / Ultra HD / 8MP: 3840x2160
Image Sensor Size
1/2.7"
1/2.49"
Night Vision Type
InfraredFull Color (via Spotlight)
Infrared
Spotlight
Yes
No
Storage Options
microSDNVRNASFTP
microSDNVRFTP
Interoperability
ONVIFRTSPCGIP2P
SynologyRTSPP2P
Number of Video Streams
3
2
Max Supported Frame Rate
30fps
25fps
Smart Motion Detection Features
Person DetectionVehicle DetectionObject Detection
Person DetectionVehicle Detection
IP Rating
IP67
IP66
Smart Integrations
-
Google Assistant
Apps
AndroidiOSBrowser App
AndroidiOSWindowsMacBrowser App

Key Features in Common

Both cameras have a bullet-type chassis and use PoE to receive power and send data. They also have decent IP ratings which qualify them for both indoor and outdoor environments.

Both of them include an in-built microphone and so, can record audio on their streams. During low-light conditions, they can both record footage in low-light infrared.

Both cameras have fixed-focus lenses. Because of that, they cannot perform any PTZ functions.

Case Type(s)
Bullet
Bullet
Camera Location
IndoorOutdoor
IndoorOutdoor
Data Type
IP
IP
Camera Wire Type
Wired Data & Power
Wired Data & Power
Power Options
PoEDC Power
PoEDC Power
Data Transmission
PoE
PoE
Integrated Microphone
Yes
Yes
Lens Type
Fixed Focus
Fixed Focus
Night Vision Functionality
Yes
Yes
Motorized Pan Feature
No
No
Motorized Tilt Feature
No
No
Optical Zoom Feature
No
No
Cloud Subscription
None
None

High-End PoE Head to Head

Key Differences

The Dahua N43BU82 turret-style camera is way more expensive than the Reolink RLC-822A. Yet, it offers two-way communication facilities and an in-built siren.

The Dahua camera can record footage at 30fps and produce three different streams. The Reolink camera can only record footage at 25fps onto two video streams.

However, the Reolink camera can record 4K (3840x2160) footage using its 8MP camera. The Dahua camera can only record 2K-ish footage (2688x1520) using its 4MP camera.

Both cameras support RTSP and P2P. But Dahua takes it a step further and includes support for ONVIF and CGI as well.

The Dahua camera supports NAS, FTP, NVR, and MicroSD for storage. The Reolink counterpart supports all the above except for NAS.

One noteworthy feature of the Reolink camera is the motorized lens. It can perform optical zoom while the Dahua camera cannot perform any PTZ functions.

Also, the Reolink camera has smart integration with Google Assistant, Chromecast, and Nest. Dahua cameras do not support these smart features.

Price
Two Way Audio
Yes
No
Integrated Siren / Alarm
Yes
No
Resolution
4MP: 2688x1520
4K / Ultra HD / 8MP: 3840x2160
Image Sensor Size
1/2.7"
1/2.8"
Lens Type
Fixed Focus
Motorized
Night Vision Type
InfraredFull Color (via Low Light Sensor / Tech)
Infrared
Storage Options
microSDNVRNASFTP
microSDNVRFTP
Interoperability
ONVIFRTSPCGIP2P
RTSPP2P
Number of Video Streams
3
2
Max Supported Frame Rate
30fps
25fps
Smart Motion Detection Features
Person DetectionVehicle DetectionObject Detection
Person DetectionVehicle Detection
IP Rating
IP67
IP66
Optical Zoom Feature
No
Yes
Smart Integrations
-
Google AssistantChromecastGoogle Nest Hub
Apps
AndroidiOSBrowser App
AndroidiOSWindowsMacBrowser App

Key Features in Common

The Dahua N43BU82 and Reolink RLC-822A are both turret-style IP-based security cameras. They have IP67 and IP66 ratings respectively. This rating qualifies them as weatherproof and ready for use outdoor installations.

Both of them use PoE to receive power and transmit data. They can record low-light footage using infrared. Along with that, they can include audio in their footage.

Unfortunately, neither of them can perform panning and tilting. However, the Reolink camera can perform optical zoom.

Case Type(s)
Turret
Turret
Camera Location
IndoorOutdoor
IndoorOutdoor
Data Type
IP
IP
Camera Wire Type
Wired Data & Power
Wired Data & Power
Power Options
PoEDC Power
PoEDC Power
Data Transmission
PoE
PoE
Integrated Microphone
Yes
Yes
Night Vision Functionality
Yes
Yes
Spotlight
No
No
Motorized Pan Feature
No
No
Motorized Tilt Feature
No
No
Cloud Subscription
None
None

High-End Wi-Fi Head to Head

Key Differences

Both cameras support 2.4GHz Wi-Fi. But the Dahua camera has the extra option for wired Ethernet data transmission. The Reolink camera doesn’t include this but instead supports 5GHz Wi-Fi.

The Reolink camera supports audio-based features such as recording audio, two-way communication, and sounding the siren/alarm.

The daylight footage captured by the Reolink device is more accurate, thanks to its 5MP camera. It records footage at a maximum resolution of 2560x1920. The Dahua counterpart uses a 4MP camera with a resolution of 2560x1440.

The Reolink camera has a motorized sensor that allows it to perform optical zoom. The Dahua camera has a fixed focus lens which cannot perform any PTZ functions.

The Reolink camera includes full-color night vision with an in-built spotlight. The Dahua camera only supports infrared night vision.

Price
Data Transmission
2.4GHz WiFiEthernet
2.4GHz WiFi5GHz WiFi
Integrated Microphone
No
Yes
Two Way Audio
No
Yes
Integrated Siren / Alarm
No
Yes
Resolution
4MP: 2560x1440
5MP: 2560x1920
Image Sensor Size
1/3"
1/2.7"
Lens Type
Fixed Focus
Motorized
Night Vision Type
Infrared
InfraredFull Color (via Spotlight)
Spotlight
No
Yes
Storage Options
microSDNASFTP
microSDNVRFTP
Interoperability
ONVIFRTSPCGI
RTSPP2P
WDR
Digital WDR / HDR
Unsure
Smart Motion Detection Features
-
Person DetectionVehicle Detection
IP Rating
IP67
IP66
Optical Zoom Feature
No
Yes
Smart Integrations
-
Google AssistantChromecastGoogle Nest Hub
Cloud Subscription
None
Optional
Apps
AndroidiOSBrowser App
AndroidiOSWindowsMacBrowser App

Key Features in Common

Both cameras have a bullet-type chassis and send data wirelessly. Yet, they need a wired connection for DC power.

Both devices record footage at 30fps. Along with that, it includes two simultaneous streams for storage and real-time monitoring.

Despite having different lenses, they cannot perform any panning or tilting.

Case Type(s)
Bullet
Bullet
Camera Location
IndoorOutdoor
IndoorOutdoor
Data Type
IP
IP
Camera Wire Type
Wireless Data & Wired Power
Wireless Data & Wired Power
Power Options
DC Power
DC Power
Night Vision Functionality
Yes
Yes
Motion Activated Recording
Yes
Yes
Continuous Recording
Yes
Yes
Number of Video Streams
2
2
Max Supported Frame Rate
30fps
30fps
Motorized Pan Feature
No
No
Motorized Tilt Feature
No
No

High-End PTZ Head to Head

Key Differences

The Dahua 6CE445XANR uses a 4MP camera to record footage on a 2560x1440 resolution. Meanwhile, the Reolink camera records 4K footage (3840x2160) on an 8MP camera. It also includes an in-built spotlight.

Both devices support NVR, FTP, and MicroSD for storage. On top of that, the Dahua camera includes NAS as an optional feature.

For interoperability protocols, the Dahua camera supports ONVIF and the Reolink supports P2P. Fortunately, they both support RTSP.

The Dahua camera can perform optical zoom for up to 45x while the Reolink camera has a poor optical zoom that peaks at 5x. However, the Reolink camera supports full integration with Google Assistant, Chromecast, and Nest Hub.

Price
Power Options
PoEDC PowerAC Power
PoEDC Power
Integrated Microphone
No
Yes
Integrated Siren / Alarm
No
Yes
Resolution
4MP: 2560x1440
4K / Ultra HD / 8MP: 3840x2160
Night Vision Type
InfraredFull Color (via Low Light Sensor / Tech)
InfraredFull Color (via Spotlight)
Spotlight
No
Yes
Storage Options
microSDNVRNASFTP
microSDNVRFTP
Interoperability
ONVIFRTSP
RTSPP2P
Number of Video Streams
3
2
Max Supported Frame Rate
30fps
25fps
Smart Motion Detection Features
Person DetectionVehicle DetectionObject Detection
Person DetectionVehicle Detection
IP Rating
IP67
IP66
Optical Zoom Magnification
45x
5x
Smart Integrations
-
Google AssistantChromecastGoogle Nest Hub
Apps
AndroidiOSBrowser App
AndroidiOSWindowsMacBrowser App

Key Features in Common

Both cameras are IP-based PTZ cameras. They both have weatherproof IP ratings of IP67 and IP66 for the Dahua and Reolink cameras. (respectively)

Both of them have the same image sensor size of 1/2.8" and include a motorized lens. Therefore, they can perform all three PTZ functions. (Motorized Panning and Tilting with Optical Zooming)

Both devices can be used for two-way communication. Along with that, they also offer both infrared and full-color night vision capabilities.

Case Type(s)
PTZ
PTZ
Camera Location
IndoorOutdoor
IndoorOutdoor
Data Type
IP
IP
Camera Wire Type
Wired Data & Power
Wired Data & Power
Data Transmission
PoE
PoE
Two Way Audio
Yes
Yes
Image Sensor Size
1/2.8"
1/2.8"
Lens Type
Motorized
Motorized
Night Vision Functionality
Yes
Yes
Motorized Pan Feature
Yes
Yes
Motorized Tilt Feature
Yes
Yes
Optical Zoom Feature
Yes
Yes
Cloud Subscription
None
None

The Dahua vs Reolink Verdict

So, this has been the comparison between Dahua and Reolink. As you can see, both have very different features which make it difficult to decide on a fixed brand.

Most Dahua products are quite expensive, (compared to Reolink) but in some cases, they tend to have better features. So when picking out a device, we recommend considering where you will install it and what sort of information you are hoping to monitor from it.

With that being said, which brand do you think is the most ideal for your home or office? Let us know in the comments below.

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