This article provides a brief introduction to WDR and HDR. It also guides you on how to set up HDR and WDR for the Reolink cameras.

Applies to: CX410, ColorX Series P320X, CX410W, ColorX Series W320X, CX810, ColorX Series P330X, CX820, ColorX Series P335X, E1 Outdoor CX, E Series E530X, RLC-823S1W(IPC_NT18NA68MPW), RLC-823S1(IPC_NT18NA68MP), RLC-823S2(IPC_NT18NA68MP), P840, P850, W840, RP-PCB8MZ, RP-PCV8MZ, RP-WCB8MZ, Reolink Video Doorbell (Battery), D340B, Reolink Video Doorbell PoE, D340P, Reolink Video Doorbell WiFi, D340W

What Is Dynamic Range Enhancement?

Dynamic Range Enhancement is an image processing feature designed to improve image quality in high-contrast scenes where bright and dark areas coexist.

In such lighting conditions, images may become overexposed in bright areas or lose detail in darker regions, making it difficult to clearly capture important details across the entire scene. Dynamic Range Enhancement addresses this issue by balancing exposure between highlights and shadows.

When enabled, it helps preserve more detail in both bright and dark areas, resulting in a more balanced, clear, and natural-looking image, especially in challenging lighting environments.

HDR & WDR in Reolink Cameras

In some Reolink cameras, you may notice the terms HDR and WDR being used interchangeably. Although the names differ, they both refer to the same image enhancement technology designed to improve video quality in challenging lighting conditions.

HDR (High Dynamic Range) and WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) are different names used in the security camera industry to describe the same image enhancement function, which is referred to as Dynamic Range Enhancement. This feature improves image quality in high-contrast scenes by balancing bright and dark areas, preserving more details across the entire image.

The naming of this feature may vary depending on the camera model or the software platform you are using (Reolink App or Client). Some cameras may display the option as HDR, while others show WDR, but the underlying functionality and visual effect are identical.

NOTE: Please refer to the actual option shown in your software interface.

How to Set Up HDR or WDR

Here is a step-by-step guide for configuring HDR or WDR on different software platforms. 

NOTE: When the camera is added to an NVR, HDR or WDR can be configured on all Reolink interfaces.
When the camera is added to a Home Hub Series, HDR or WDR can only be configured via the Reolink App or desktop client; configuration via the monitor or web interface is not supported.

  • Reolink App

    Step 1. Log in to your camera on the Reolink App. Go to Camera Settings > Display

    • Standalone Camera:
      HOME  DISPLAY
    • Camera Added to NVR:
      add to nvr  add to nvr
    • Camera Added to Home Hub Series:
      add to hub  add to hub

    Step 2. Click Image Setting. Then turn HDR or WDR on or off, depending on your preference.

    img setting  wdr  HDR  WDR

  • Reolink Client

    Step 1. Login to your camera via the Reolink Client. Go to Device Settings > Display > Advanced page. 

    client setting

    Step 2. Turn HDR on or off, depending on your preference.

    HDR client

  • Reolink Web Browser

    Note: Web interface configuration is unsupported for battery-powered cameras.

    Step 1. Login to your camera on a web browser. Go to Camera Settings > Display > Advanced. 

    web settingweb advance

    Step 2. Turn HDR on or off, depending on your preference.

    web HDR

  • Reolink NVR (Monitor Connected)

    Step 1.  Connect a TV/monitor to the NVR via an HDMI/VGA cable.

    monitor

    Step 2. Set it up on the NVR monitor after adding the camera to NVR only. Go to Camera> Display > Image Settings.

    nvr camera setting

    Step 3. Turn HDR or WDR on or off, depending on your preference.

    nvr wdr