What's the go-to doorbell camera today (Aug 2026)?

[mooch91]

I think my Amcrest AD410 is finally giving up. Image is grainy, as I suspect the sunlight has gotten to it. Seeking to identify options for a decent and readily available replacement.

My requirements are as follows:

• No subscription and no subscription potential.
• Powered by a standard 16V/24V doorbell transformer.
• Wifi (I wish I had POE, but wifi has been stable).
• Can handle a high-sunlight installation (with respect to both video quality and durability).
• Ideally uses mechanical external chimes like the AD410.
• Has advanced event detection built in - can do motion for people/vehicles instead of just general motion detection.
• Compatible with Synology Surveillance Station.
• Decent app interface. I dislike the Amcrest app and, unfortunately, the AD410 would never link with the Dahua app, though I find it to be a better interface. Synology is good for recording footage but very poor for doorbell interface.

Thanks!

 

[Jim_OS]

It’s quite simple: a doorbell like that doesn’t exist. With some compromises, you could go for a Reolink doorbell Wifi (not the Reolink battery-powered doorbell model!), but you really ought to read the relevant thread here - at least the last few pages. You’ll also find my "ideal" doorbell specifications in there.

 

[mooch91]

Thanks, I'll check out the Reolink (though I must admit I'm confused at all of the different options after a quick Amazon search...). Thanks!

 

[TonyR]

Thanks, I'll check out the Reolink (though I must admit I'm confused at all of the different options after a quick Amazon search...). Thanks!

Essentially there's a POE (wired) version and a Wi-Fi (with wired power) version and each can be had or black or white.

NOTE: You then chose black or white which determines the aspect ratio: black is 4:3, wider than high; white is 3:4, taller than wide as below:

Black: H: 135° V: 100°. D: 180°;White: H: 100°. V: 135° D: 180

The above info found on Reolink's site => here.

 

[Flintstone61]

I have the AD110 so i'm afraid i can't offer much assistance. it's pretty much like the AD410. Hasn't broken so I haven't replaced. It pretty much sees the same thing as the porch cam. And it's facing North. Will never see the Sun.
Just like my Driveway in January. I have it linked to the NVR Amcrest 4116, and the Amcrest View Pro App, which is a cousin of the Dahua DMSS app. It see's all the other brand cameras, where as the Dahua App is finicky about that.

 

[Jim_OS]

I'll check out the Reolink

The biggest limitation is simply that

Ideally uses mechanical external chimes like the AD410.

it’s not possible. While there are "DIY guides" on how to do it retroactively using additional hardware, it isn't possible out of the box. With the Reolink Battery Video Doorbell (2nd Gen), that would be possible right out of the box, but that raises other questions as well.

I personally started out with an Amcrest AD110 here and later switched to an Imou DB61i - which is the same Dahua OEM model as the Amcrest AD410. Unfortunately, both the AD110 and the DB61i failed after about ~ two years of operation and the current Dahua doorbell models - specifically the DB41(AB/W) or DB43BB-BTR - have been further "stripped down" by Dahua; they neither support an existing doorbell/chime via a chime kit nor offer ONVIF capability.

 

[elvisimprsntr]

I have two Lorex B451AJD-E and one B862AJD-E.

View attachment 248461


Neither support ONVIF nor have a public API, but do support multiple simultaneous RTSP streams. Their app is decent, I have them tied into my security system using an inductive current sensor on the transformer and motion sensors, and have the cameras integrated into HomeBridge.




At the moment they are only available for purchase if you contact them directly. Previously they would go on sale during Black Friday or Cyber Monday for up to 50% off.

Lorex 4K Wired Video Doorbell (Wired, 32GB)

This doorbell is NOT like other doorbells; this is the FIRST EVER 4K DOORBELL. Have you counted how many times your doorbell rings? It's a lot! That's why it is so important to have a view that shows it all. With the expansive head-to-toe view and crystal clear 4K Resolution, you can truly see...

www.lorex.com

 

[adolphora5]

Interested in SMART alerts video camera / doorbells ONLY - meaning alarms on break-ins and burglaries. Not any movement detection for 2026 please!

 

[mooch91]

The biggest limitation is simply that

it’s not possible. While there are "DIY guides" on how to do it retroactively using additional hardware, it isn't possible out of the box. With the Reolink Battery Video Doorbell (2nd Gen), that would be possible right out of the box, but that raises other questions as well.

I personally started out with an Amcrest AD110 here and later switched to an Imou DB61i - which is the same Dahua OEM model as the Amcrest AD410. Unfortunately, both the AD110 and the DB61i failed after about ~ two years of operation and the current Dahua doorbell models - specifically the DB41(AB/W) or DB43BB-BTR - have been further "stripped down" by Dahua; they neither support an existing doorbell/chime via a chime kit nor offer ONVIF capability.

I haven't gotten through the whole thread yet, but what is the issue with the V2 Reolink? Not sure I understand.

 

[Jim_OS]

Are you referring to the Reolink Wi-Fi Doorbell - specifically the old version 1.0 versus the newer V2 and V3 versions?

I can't say anything about the V3 version; I only tested the V1 version last year, and I've been using the V2 version for a few weeks now.

1. As previously mentioned, you wanted to use your existing doorbell/chime with it if possible. That isn't possible.
2. In my opinion, the included chime doesn't have a very long range. I actually just mentioned this in this post: New Reolink Wired POE Doorbell Cam ?
3. Other users - and I myself - experience regular timeouts when accessing the web GUI and adjusting settings. In my opinion, this is likely because the hardware inside the doorbell (e.g., the CPU) isn't particularly powerful. My doorbell is also integrated with my Dahua NVR and Home Assistant. When you add the load from accessing the web GUI on top of that, the hardware seems unable to handle it. However, when I access the doorbell and change settings solely via the Reolink app, I haven't encountered any timeouts so far.
4. The motion detection function cannot be completely disabled.
5. Because of point 4: Whenever the camera switches between day and night modes (and vice versa), it detects this as motion, triggering two recordings every day. I haven't found any information or a solution for this yet.

• Can handle a high-sunlight installation (with respect to both video quality and durability).

I can't really evaluate this point yet, as I haven't been using the Reolink Doorbell long enough. However, the doorbell is mounted on the west side of the house, so the sun shines directly onto it from around midday onwards. When we had a heatwave here about two weeks ago with temperatures reaching around 35°C, the camera at least survived it. How long it will continue to withstand this - in terms of years - remains to be seen.

It goes without saying that direct sunlight affects the image quality. Here is what it looks like right now, for example.



Note: Currently, the brightness setting in the Reolink app is at 128 (on a scale of 0–255), and HDR is disabled.

 

[mooch91]

Are you referring to the Reolink Wi-Fi Doorbell - specifically the old version 1.0 versus the newer V2 and V3 versions?

I can't say anything about the V3 version; I only tested the V1 version last year, and I've been using the V2 version for a few weeks now.

1. As previously mentioned, you wanted to use your existing doorbell/chime with it if possible. That isn't possible.
2. In my opinion, the included chime doesn't have a very long range. I actually just mentioned this in this post: New Reolink Wired POE Doorbell Cam ?
3. Other users - and I myself - experience regular timeouts when accessing the web GUI and adjusting settings. In my opinion, this is likely because the hardware inside the doorbell (e.g., the CPU) isn't particularly powerful. My doorbell is also integrated with my Dahua NVR and Home Assistant. When you add the load from accessing the web GUI on top of that, the hardware seems unable to handle it. However, when I access the doorbell and change settings solely via the Reolink app, I haven't encountered any timeouts so far.
4. The motion detection function cannot be completely disabled.
5. Because of point 4: Whenever the camera switches between day and night modes (and vice versa), it detects this as motion, triggering two recordings every day. I haven't found any information or a solution for this yet.

I can't really evaluate this point yet, as I haven't been using the Reolink Doorbell long enough. However, the doorbell is mounted on the west side of the house, so the sun shines directly onto it from around midday onwards. When we had a heatwave here about two weeks ago with temperatures reaching around 35°C, the camera at least survived it. How long it will continue to withstand this - in terms of years - remains to be seen.

It goes without saying that direct sunlight affects the image quality. Here is what it looks like right now, for example.

View attachment 248495

Note: Currently, the brightness setting in the Reolink app is at 128 (on a scale of 0–255), and HDR is disabled.

Didn't even realize there was a V3, I only see mention of the "video doorbell" (wifi and POE options) which I assumed were "V1", and the "battery video doorbells" which I thought were V2 (though the battery has a power option to keep the battery topped off). Now I see on their website there is a "battery second gen" which I guess is the V3?

Attached a snapshot of my current AD410 which you can see has gotten fuzzy. It faces east and gets hot sun during the mornings here in the northeastern US. It also has a built-in battery (used to manage the external chime in some way) which I replaced once because it swelled. It generally seems to "run hot".

 

[TonyR]

• Can handle a high-sunlight installation (with respect to both video quality and durability).

FWIW, one of my two Reolink video doorbells has been facing west for 3 years now, has hit 151°F on its face and not a hiccup. Also, there's no overhang so it gets rained on as well....

Post in thread 'New Reolink Wired POE Doorbell Cam ?'

Jun 29, 2023

Speaking of the Reolink doorbell, this is the 4th day in a row of temps in the low to mid 90's here, the afternoon sun hitting the one at my side door and raising its temp to 151°F....hasn't missed a beat yet.

• TonyR

• 
• 

 

[Jim_OS]

AD410 which you can see has gotten fuzzy.

Yes, the fact that the image eventually looks "washed out" is a known issue with the AD410.

built-in battery (used to manage the external chime in some way) which I replaced once because it swelled.

Yes, the fact that the built-in battery eventually "swells" is a known issue, and intense heat from strong sunlight just makes it happen even faster.

My Imou DB61i - which has since failed as well - is identical to the AD410, and I previously owned an Amcrest AD110. So, I know the problems that can crop up with these devices.

Didn't even realize there was a V3

There is the Reolink Doorbell (Wi-Fi or PoE), available in V1 and V2 versions, and there is reportedly a V3 version as well. I recall seeing information about this somewhere in the Reolink FAQs. However, I have never actually seen the V3 version at any retailer; who knows where in the world or in which region it is sold.

These V1, V2, and V3 versions are unrelated to the battery-powered model, which was released later. Now there is also the "Doorbell (2nd Gen)" you mentioned, which has only been on the market for a few months.



There is the Reolink Doorbell (Wi-Fi or PoE), available in V1 and V2 versions, and there is reportedly a V3 version as well; I recall seeing information about this in Reolink's FAQs at some point. However, I have never actually seen the V3 version at any retailer. Who knows where in the world - or in which region - it is being sold.

These V1, V2, and V3 versions are unrelated to the battery-powered model, which was released later. Now there is also the Doorbell (2nd Gen) you mentioned, which has only been on the market for a few months. Since it is so new, I cannot say much about it myself. For instance, it isn't entirely clear to me whether it provides a continuous RTSP stream when powered via a doorbell transformer. According to the latest information I have, they are apparently still working on this, and there are some beta firmware versions available. The advantage of the Doorbell (2nd Gen) for you would be the ability to connect an existing doorbell or chime to it. However, you do need the "RLA-PK1 Power Kit" for that; this is likely similar to the chime kit included with the Amcrest AD410. I also can't say or judge whether the Doorbell (2nd Gen) might still have any "teething troubles," because I haven't actually tested it myself.

If using your existing doorbell or chime isn't a top priority for you, just get the Reolink Doorbell Wi-Fi. And if you want to get it at a particularly good price, check the Reolink eBay shop to see if you can pick up a refurbished model - here in Germany, they pop up there every now and then for around €50. At that price, you really can't go wrong.

 

[mooch91]

Thanks again @Jim_OS . I found the following on Reddit which helped explain the differences to me.



Based on this info, the "battery" models are no good for me. I want something that will stream continuously. So only the POE/wifi model will work, despite the fact that it doesn't work with a mechanical chime.

The "2nd gen" also appears to be a "battery" model, and the Reddit post would lead me to believe it does NOT stream continuously when powered by a transformer, EXCEPT to SD card. Again, no good for me (at least not in current form); I need it to stream to my NVR.

That said, I can't find much about different "versions" (V1, V2, V3) of the POE/wifi model. Amazon seems to show a V2 of the POE unit, but from what I've read, it seems most of the changes in features with this model have come through firmware upgrades over time.

 

[Jim_OS]

and the Reddit post would lead me to believe it does NOT stream continuously when powered by a transformer,

As previously mentioned, to the best of my knowledge, Reolink is currently working on firmware - apparently already available as a beta version to select users - that will allow the RTSP stream to remain continuously available when the camera is also powered via a doorbell transformer. Of course, I have no way of knowing right now whether this will actually come to pass or if Reolink might ultimately fail to pull it off.

I need it to stream to my NVR.

Regarding the RTSP stream and your NVR: I don't know exactly which NVR you have - and yes, with some NVRs, cameras can only be integrated via their RTSP stream - but typically, if the option exists, you would connect a camera to an NVR using ONVIF. That is how I set up my Reolink Wi-Fi Doorbell with my Dahua NVR.



So, even if a future Reolink firmware update were to make the RTSP stream available 24/7, the question remains as to what would happen with ONVIF.

I can't find much about different "versions" (V1, V2, V3) of the POE/wifi model.

I used to know what the differences were at one point, but unfortunately, I’ve forgotten them since then. The only thing I can still recall is that only one chime could be connected to the V1, whereas multiple chimes could be connected starting with the V2. I’ve forgotten the rest of the differences.

If that

despite the fact that it doesn't work with a mechanical chime.

works for you, then you don't need to give it much more thought. Just get the V2 of the Reolink Doorbell Wi-Fi and you're all set.

 

[TonyR]

As previously mentioned, to the best of my knowledge, Reolink is currently working on firmware - apparently already available as a beta version to select users - that will allow the RTSP stream to remain continuously available when the camera is also powered via a doorbell transformer.

I'll wager they'll work extra hard at it since TP-LINK claims their battery or transformer-powered Tapo video doorbell will stream RTSP if a jumper is installed AND not on battery alone.....and if TP-LINK is not just blowing smoke.

Excerpt:

"For battery-operated cameras and doorbells, only select models—specifically the Tapo D235, D225, and TD25—support RTSP streaming when connected via a hardwired setup with a jumper cable and the "always-on mode" activated."​

​

Tapo Camera ONVIF and RTSP Common Questions | TP-Link

Get answers to common questions about using Tapo cameras with RTSP and ONVIF protocols. Covers compatible models, ONVIF Profile S, stream URLs, ports, NVR and NAS clients, and remote access tips.

www.tp-link.com

 

[mooch91]

As previously mentioned, to the best of my knowledge, Reolink is currently working on firmware - apparently already available as a beta version to select users - that will allow the RTSP stream to remain continuously available when the camera is also powered via a doorbell transformer. Of course, I have no way of knowing right now whether this will actually come to pass or if Reolink might ultimately fail to pull it off.


Regarding the RTSP stream and your NVR: I don't know exactly which NVR you have - and yes, with some NVRs, cameras can only be integrated via their RTSP stream - but typically, if the option exists, you would connect a camera to an NVR using ONVIF. That is how I set up my Reolink Wi-Fi Doorbell with my Dahua NVR.

View attachment 248535

So, even if a future Reolink firmware update were to make the RTSP stream available 24/7, the question remains as to what would happen with ONVIF.


I used to know what the differences were at one point, but unfortunately, I’ve forgotten them since then. The only thing I can still recall is that only one chime could be connected to the V1, whereas multiple chimes could be connected starting with the V2. I’ve forgotten the rest of the differences.

If that

works for you, then you don't need to give it much more thought. Just get the V2 of the Reolink Doorbell Wi-Fi and you're all set.

Good point about RTSP. I probably want the ONVIF functionality for my connection to Synology Surveillance Station.

Any feedback on the Reolink app?

Can it allow you to "take doorbell calls" without sending notifications of motion? Will it allow smart motion alerts to continue to your NVR if not set to notify through the app?

Unfortunately can't do this with the Amcrest app. It's either all or nothing - you can take calls but need to get motion alerts as well; if you turn the motion alerts off, you get no notification of calls.

 

[Jim_OS]

Regarding Synology SS: The PoE and Wi-Fi versions are directly supported by SS. I’m not sure about the situation with the Doorbell (2nd Gen), though.

I can’t comment on the Reolink app or its notification features, as I don’t use the app for that purpose. I handle everything via Home Assistant.

Edit: I need to add a sixth point to the five mentioned under #10, because it happened again here today. For some reason, the Reolink app sometimes displays the chime as "unavailable," suggesting it needs to be reset. Yet, even when it shows as unavailable, it still rings when someone presses the doorbell button. Afterward, the Reolink app shows it as available again.

Just a side note: These issues apply to my setup and the current firmware version. I cannot say whether or how this applies to other users.