A standard PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) camera operates on a 'one movement, one loss' principle. While it's turning to investigate a suspicious noise at the gate, it's no longer watching the main entrance. The Reolink OMVI 2i Ultra breaks this pattern by equipping the device with two independent cameras. The upper module is a wide-angle 4K lens that continuously records the entire scene, while the lower module is a 5-megapixel PTZ unit capable of rotating 355 degrees and focusing on what the upper lens has captured. Both streams are recorded simultaneously, and the user can switch the PTZ camera's focus to any point within the wide-angle view at any time. The solution, which Reolink calls SyncTrack, is essentially a simple division of labor. One camera is responsible for the overall context, the other for the details. This avoids the compromises inherent in conventional PTZ cameras.
The device debuted at IFA 2026 in Berlin and will go on sale in late October, priced between $200 and $250. This is already the third generation of such dual-camera solutions from Reolink in 2026, each offering its own balance between functionality and ease of installation.
The OMVI 2i Ultra is completely wireless. The removable 10,000 mAh battery, according to the manufacturer, provides up to six months of autonomous operation. To maintain the charge, a 6-watt SolarEase solar panel is included, which, according to Reolink's calculations, requires about half an hour of sunlight per day. This is significantly less than competitors, which, according to the manufacturer, need one to two hours. Of course, these figures should be treated with caution until independent tests, especially in variable weather conditions.
The camera supports dual-band Wi-Fi 6, features a microSD card slot for up to 512 GB (without the need for a paid cloud subscription), color night vision with two spotlights, a siren, and has an IP65 protection rating. The device's weight with the bracket is about one kilogram, suggesting a solid construction rather than a miniature gadget for a shelf. This robustness, according to the engineers' design, serves as a deterrent in itself, even before the siren is activated.
Unlike flagship competitor models that require connection to the mains or a special base station, the OMVI 2i Ultra offers true installation freedom. The absence of the need to run cables or find a free outlet makes it an ideal solution for mounting on a fence, house wall, or any other location where a wired connection would be difficult or unsightly. This is a step towards more practical and convenient video surveillance, where the user chooses exactly where they need a camera, rather than adapting to the limitations of wired infrastructure.