Best Optical Zoom Security Camera – Reolink vs Annke

Looking for a security camera with excellent zoom capabilities without splurging on an expensive PTZ camera? Today we’re comparing two impressive bullet cameras with varifocal lenses: the Reolink RLC-811A featuring 5x optical zoom and the Annke ACZ800 with 4x optical zoom. Let’s dive into how these cameras perform in real-world situations.

Why Choose a Varifocal Lens?

The main advantage of choosing a security camera with a varifocal lens over a fixed lens is flexibility. If you’re unsure about the exact lens requirements for your situation, an optical zoom lens allows you to adjust based on your specific needs. This is particularly useful for monitoring gates or entrances where you need to identify people or read license plates from a distance.

Technical Specifications Face-Off

Both cameras pack impressive features, but there are some notable differences:

Resolution and Frame Rate

• Both cameras record in 4K (3840×2160)
• Reolink RLC-811A: 25fps
• Annke ACZ800: 15fps

Lens Specifications

• Reolink RLC-811A: 2.7 to 13.5mm varifocal lens (5x optical zoom)
• Annke ACZ800: 2.8 to 12mm lens (4x optical zoom)

Shared Features

• POE (Power over Ethernet) support – single cable for power and data
• ONVIF compatibility
• Full-color night vision with built-in spotlights
• Standard infrared night vision
• Smart detection (human and vehicle differentiation)
• Two-way audio with alarm siren capability

Storage Capacity

• Reolink RLC-811A: Up to 256GB micro SD card
• Annke ACZ800: Up to 512GB micro SD card

Real-World Performance Testing

Daytime Performance

In our testing at various distances, both cameras showed impressive capabilities:

At 20 meters:

• License plate visibility was challenging due to sun glare
• Annke showed slightly better performance in reading plates
• Both cameras provided clear overall images

At 15 meters (in shade):

• Both cameras easily captured readable license plates
• Image quality was excellent from both units

At 10 meters:

• Nearly identical image quality
• Crystal clear license plate visibility
• Excellent detail retention

Zoom Performance

When testing at 4x zoom (maximum for the Annke), both cameras performed admirably:

• At 20 meters, both cameras could clearly read license plates and identify people
• The Annke showed slightly sharper image quality
• The Reolink’s additional 5x zoom capability provided even clearer license plate readings and person identification

Operational Differences

• The Reolink demonstrated faster zoom speed and autofocus capabilities
• Reolink’s spotlights proved brighter for color night vision
• Both cameras performed well in standard infrared night vision mode

Final Verdict

Both the Reolink RLC-811A and Annke ACZ800 prove to be excellent choices for security surveillance, each with their own strengths:

Reolink RLC-811A advantages:

• Higher frame rate (25fps vs 15fps)
• Extended 5x zoom capability
• Brighter spotlights for night vision
• Faster autofocus and zoom speed

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Annke ACZ800 advantages:

• Slightly sharper image quality
• Larger storage capacity (512GB vs 256GB)
• Competitive price point

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For monitoring gates or entrances where identification is crucial, either camera would serve as a cost-effective alternative to more expensive PTZ cameras. Both units excel at their primary functions of reading license plates and identifying people at various distances, making them solid choices for property security.

The final choice might come down to specific needs: if you prioritize faster frame rates and extended zoom range, the Reolink RLC-811A is your best bet. If maximum storage capacity and slightly sharper images are more important, the Annke ACZ800 would be the better choice.