The Reolink ColorX Series has innovative features that enhance low-light surveillance capabilities. Understanding how to utilize the spotlight effectively is essential for optimizing nighttime monitoring. In the following sections, we will introduce the spotlight and guide you on adjusting its settings for the best performance.

Applies to: CX410, CX410W, CX810, E1 Outdoor CX, Argus 4 Pro, Reolink Altas PT Ultra.

Note: If your camera is not one of the models listed above, refer to How to Configure Spotlight Settings for Your Camera for instructions on how to set up the spotlight.

This article will be divided into the following sections:

1. Reolink ColorX Spotlight Characteristics

2. Spotlight Settings of Reolink ColorX Series

3. How to Configure Spotlight Settings

1. Reolink ColorX Spotlight Characteristics

Reolink ColorX technology enables the camera to capture true-to-life color details in low-light environments, making it ideal for nighttime surveillance. In low-light conditions with sufficient ambient light, the camera does not need to rely on IR or spotlights for illumination. Instead, it leverages the superior capabilities of the lens to address the challenge of nighttime lighting. This allows the camera to achieve bright full-color night vision while reducing power consumption. For battery-powered cameras, this provides a low-power solution for nighttime illumination, saving battery life and extending operational time. Additionally, the camera offers better discretion at night, avoiding the visibility and insect-attracting effects of IR or spotlights.

2. Spotlight Settings of Reolink ColorX Series

PoE & WiFi Cameras (plug-in)

Part 1. Spotlight Mode Introduction

The spotlight of the ColorX PoE and WiFi cameras (plug-in) has 4 modes:

  1. Off: Keep the spotlights off. Even when the spotlight is turned off, the camera can still have full-color night vision with faint light source.
  2. Timer Mode: The spotlight will automatically turn on at the start time and turn off at the end time you set, regardless of day or night or motion events.
  3. Auto Mode: When there is a faint light source, the camera can achieve full-color night vision without activating the spotlight. The spotlight will only automatically turn on when the environment is very dark and there is insufficient light. Additionally, the brightness of the spotlight will automatically adjust based on changes in the surrounding light conditions.
  4. Smart Mode: When there is a faint light source, the camera can achieve full-color night vision without activating the spotlight. The spotlight will only turn on automatically when the environment is very dark and there is insufficient light. Its brightness will adjust according to the surrounding light conditions. Additionally, within the specified time range, if motion is detected, the spotlight will shine at the brightness you have set. If no motion is detected, the spotlight will remain on and will not turn off until there is enough ambient light.

Part 2. Spotlight Brightness

In addition to the modes mentioned above, the spotlight settings also include brightness adjustment. What functions does the brightness adjustment affect, and in which modes is it applicable? Here is an introduction to the spotlight brightness logic:

  1. Manually activated spotlight: The brightness is set to the level you configured.
  2. Spotlight in Timer Mode: The brightness is set to the level you configured.
  3. Spotlight brightness range in Auto mode: The brightness is automatically adjusted within the range of [1~your configured brightness] based on the ambient light level.
  4. Smart mode based on alarm detection status
    • When an alarm is detected: The spotlight brightness is set to your configured level.
    • When no alarm is detected: The brightness is automatically adjusted within the range of [1~ your configured brightness] based on the ambient light level.

Battery-powered Cameras

Part 1. Spotlight Mode Introduction

The spotlight of the ColorX Battery-powered cameras has 2 modes:

  1. Off: Keep the spotlights off. Even when the spotlight is turned off, the camera can still have full-color night vision with faint light source.
  2. Auto Mode: When there is a faint light source, the camera can achieve full-color night vision without activating the spotlight. The spotlight will only automatically turn on when the environment is very dark and there is insufficient light. Additionally, the brightness of the spotlight will automatically adjust based on changes in the surrounding light conditions.

Part 2. Spotlight Brightness

The spotlight settings, including the adjustable brightness, affect the following functions:

  1. Manually activated spotlight: The brightness is set to the level you configured.
  2. Spotlight brightness range in Auto mode: The brightness is automatically adjusted within the range of [1~your configured brightness] based on the ambient light level.

3. How to Configure Spotlight Settings

You can check the methods below to manually turn on/off or configure the spotlight for your Reolink ColorX series camera via different platforms:

  • Via Reolink App

    Part 1. How to Manually Turn On/Off the Spotlight

    Launch Reolink App and log in to your camera. Then enter the live-view page and tap the Spotlight icon to manually turn it on/off.

    Flashlight

    Part 2. Configure the Spotlight Settings

    Step 1. Log into your camera and go to the Camera Settings > Light page.

    go to the Camera Settings Light page

    Step 2. Tap Spotlight, you can adjust spotlight brightness.

    Tap the Spotlight adjust spotlight brightness

    Step 3. Then tap Modes to set the spotlight mode. Select a spotlight mode based on your needs.

    ColorX PoE & WiFi Cameras (plug-in): There are four modes: Off, Timer Mode, Auto Mode, Smart Mode. If you choose Smart Mode, you can also configure a specific time period during which the spotlight brightness will increase to your configured spotlight brightness when certain types of alarms are detected. This helps to serve as a deterrent and warning.

    modethe smart mode

    ColorX Battery-powered Cameras: There are two modes: Off and Auto Mode.

    battery spotlight mode

  • Via Reolink Client

    Part 1. How to Manually Turn On/Off the Spotlight

    Launch Reolink Client and log in to your camera. On the live view page, please click the Spotlight button, and then the spotlight will be manually triggered. Then click it again to turn it off.

    the spotlight

    Part 2. How to Configure the Spotlight Settings

    Step 1. Launch Reolink Client and choose Camera Settings > Light > Spotlight.

    turn on spotlight at night

    Step 2. Configure all the settings for the spotlight. You can adjust spotlight brightness. Then click the drop-down arrow of Modes to unfold the spotlight modes option.

    ColorX PoE & WiFi Cameras (plug-in): There are four modes: Off, Timer Mode, Auto Mode, Smart Mode. 

    modes

    If you choose Smart Mode, you can also configure a specific time period during which the spotlight brightness will increase to your configured spotlight brightness when certain types of alarms are detected. This helps to serve as a deterrent and warning. smart mode
    ColorX Battery-powered Cameras: There are two modes: Off and Auto Mode.battery spotlight mode client

  • Via Reolink Web browser

    Applies to: CX410, CX810, CX410W, E1 Outdoor CX.

    Part 1. How to Manually Turn On/Off the Spotlight

    Step 1. Input the IP Address of your camera on a web browser and log in to your camera.

    See how to find the IP address of your camera.

    web browser login

    Step 3. Click on the bulb icon in the top right corner and the spotlight on the camera will be turned on. Click it again to turn it off.

    click the spotlight

    Part 2. How to Configure the Spotlight Settings

    Step 1. Click the Device Settings gear icon in the top right corner.

    Click the Device Settings gear icon

    Step 2. Go to Camera > Light > Spotlight. Now you may configure the spotlight settings. You can adjust spotlight brightness. Then click the drop-down arrow of Light Modes to unfold the spotlight modes option and select a spotlight mode according to your demands.

    If you choose Smart Mode, you can also configure a specific time period during which the spotlight brightness will increase to your configured spotlight brightness when certain types of alarms are detected. This helps to serve as a deterrent and warning.

    set up spotlight

  • Via Reolink NVR (new UI)

    Applies to: RLN8-410 (hardware version H3MB18/N2MB02/N3MB01/N7MB01), RLN16-410 (hardware version H3MB18/N6MB01), RLN36 and RLN12W.

    Part 1. How to Manually Turn On/Off the Spotlight

    Go to the preview page of your camera on the NVR monitor. Click the Spotlight button to manually turn on the spotlight of the camera. Click it again to turn it off.

    the spotlight icon

    Part 2. How to Configure the Spotlight Settings

    Step 1. Log in to your camera on the NVR monitor and enter the live-view page. Click the Settings icon.

    click NVR setting

    Step 2. Go to Camera > Light > Spotlight. Now you may configure the spotlight settings. You can adjust spotlight brightness. Then click the drop-down arrow of Light Modes to unfold the spotlight modes option and select a spotlight mode according to your demands.

    ColorX PoE & WiFi Cameras (plug-in): There are four modes: Off, Timer Mode, Auto Mode, Smart Mode. If you choose Smart Mode, you can also configure a specific time period during which the spotlight brightness will increase to your configured spotlight brightness when certain types of alarms are detected. This helps to serve as a deterrent and warning.

    go to the light page

    ColorX Battery-powered Cameras: There are two modes: Off and Auto Mode.

    battery spotlight mode NVR

Through this article, you can understand the working logic of the ColorX camera's spotlight and how to configure it based on your specific scene and needs.