Creating a timelapse video of your construction project can be an incredibly rewarding experience. It lets you document progress in a visually captivating way, whether you're a construction company showing your skills to prospective clients or a homeowner recording a dream project from the first shovel to the finishing touches. But to capture every crucial moment without a hitch, you need the right equipment—one that’s reliable, flexible, and affordable. That’s where the Reolink RLC 811WA steps in as the best IP camera to use for construction timelapse, offering a great combination of price, image quality, and features.
In this blog, we'll explore why the Reolink RLC 811WA is an ideal solution for construction timelapse, focusing on its key features, ease of use, and compatibility with the TimelapseRobot software—a combination that lets you achieve high-quality, long-term construction timelapse videos effortlessly.
Why Choosing the Right Camera Matters for Construction Timelapse
Capturing Progress Over Time
Construction monitoring has never been easier, but doing it in a way that’s engaging and visually impactful requires more than just clicking random shots. Construction projects evolve dramatically—from laying the foundation to raising the structure and finishing the final details. Recording these changes through a long-term timelapse provides a perspective that can't be experienced in any other way.
Long-Term Timelapse Challenges
Creating a long-term timelapse presents its own set of challenges. You need a camera that can withstand outdoor conditions, capture high-quality footage consistently, and connect easily to a software platform like TimelapseRobot, which turns still images into stunning videos. Many cameras simply don’t cut it—they might be too complex, too expensive, or lack critical features like sufficient resolution or reliable weatherproofing. The Reolink RLC 811WA, however, checks all the right boxes.
Introducing the Reolink RLC 811WA: The Best IP Camera for Construction Timelapse
1. High-Quality Footage that Captures Every Detail
For an impressive construction timelapse video, image quality is paramount. The Reolink RLC 811WA comes equipped with an 8-megapixel sensor, capturing footage at a 4K Ultra HD resolution. While the image quality is decent for its pricetag, it offers solid performance and ease of use, making it a great value choice. Additionally, Reolink cameras are super easy to use, making them a great choice for capturing every brick, beam, and bulldozer movement in vivid detail. When viewing your final timelapse, this high level of detail provides an immersive experience, allowing you to see every aspect of the construction from start to finish.
2. Outdoor Durability and Weatherproof Design
One of the biggest challenges of long-term timelapse photography is exposure to the elements. Construction sites are often dusty, muddy, and exposed to unpredictable weather conditions. The Reolink RLC 811WA is designed for exactly these situations—its IP66-rated weatherproof casing makes it a reliable partner, rain or shine. Whether facing snowstorms in winter or sweltering heat in summer, this camera can handle it, ensuring your timelapse continues without interruptions.
3. Easy Integration with TimelapseRobot Software
The Reolink RLC 811WA is one of the few cameras that works seamlessly with TimelapseRobot, the first timelapse solution allowing you to create professional timelapses using an IP camera. You control the camera using the Reolink mobile app, which allows you to remotely operate the camera anytime from anywhere in the world. Simply enter the FTP credentials provided by TimelapseRobot. The TimelapseRobot platform handles all the images captured by the camera, providing a comprehensive image archive, automation alerts to notify you if something isn't working correctly, a sharing page, embed code for easy integration, and a video render engine to convert the images into timelapse videos, making the entire process smooth and efficient without the need for bulky, costly gear.
4. Affordability Without Compromising Quality
Professional-grade timelapse setups can be notoriously expensive. From high-end cameras to specialized housings and mounting gear, costs can quickly escalate, making long-term timelapse creation out of reach for many people. The Reolink RLC 811WA, however, is a cost-effective alternative that doesn’t skimp on quality. One of the key benefits is that after the construction project is complete, you don't have expensive gear lying around with no use—you can repurpose it as a surveillance camera, extending its value even further.
While the camera features built-in WiFi connectivity, we’ve developed a custom setup that integrates an LTE modem for ultimate flexibility. This bundle enables you to insert an LTE SIM card and remotely control the system without relying on WiFi, making it ideal for remote locations. If you’re interested in purchasing this LTE-enabled bundle, contact us via our contact form or email us at contact@timelapserobot.com. This solution strikes the perfect balance between price and performance, whether you're a professional or a hobbyist documenting personal construction projects.
How to Use the Reolink RLC 811WA for Construction Timelapse with TimelapseRobot
Setting Up Your Camera
Setting up the Reolink RLC 811WA is straightforward. First, position the camera in a spot where it can capture the entire construction site. Ideally, this spot should be slightly elevated and offer an unobstructed view. The camera’s 5X optical zoom provides flexibility in framing your shot—allowing you to capture the broader context or zoom in for specific details. This zoom lens is particularly useful, eliminating the need to worry about bringing the right lens to the construction site.
Once positioned, connect your camera to the TimelapseRobot platform. After naming and choosing a plan for your camera in TimelapseRobot, you will receive FTP server credentials. Using the free Reolink app, simply enter these FTP credentials into the camera. Once the camera uploads the first picture to the FTP server, it is successfully connected.
You can find an easy to follow setup guide in our Capture Device Database.
Capturing the Timelapse
Using TimelapseRobot with the Reolink RLC 811WA gives you complete control over how you capture your timelapse. You can schedule image captures to align with different stages of construction—for instance, more frequent captures during critical phases like foundation work or framing. TimelapseRobot’s user-friendly interface makes these adjustments simple, allowing you to modify capture rates as needed.
Editing and Creating the Final Video
Once your footage is captured, TimelapseRobot takes the hard work out of video creation. The platform allows you to compile and export your construction timelapse video, resulting in a professional, polished final product.
Why Reolink RLC 811WA Stands Out in the Market
Comparisons with Competitors
Many IP cameras on the market promise high-quality images, but few are specifically suited for construction monitoring and long-term timelapse purposes. Compared to popular brands like Arlo or Nest, the Reolink RLC 811WA stands out because of its robust design, affordability, and seamless integration with TimelapseRobot. While other cameras may excel at short-term monitoring, they often lack the durability and features needed for a long-term construction timelapse project.
Real-Life Success Stories
Consider a recent residential project where a construction company wanted to showcase their capabilities to future clients. They installed the Reolink RLC 811WA on-site and used TimelapseRobot to capture the entire construction process—from breaking ground to final touches. The ability to check progress anytime from anywhere without visiting the site was a significant benefit. Additionally, rendering videos in between allowed the company to always have the latest progress available for events and social media, keeping the public up to date and interested. The resulting video was not only a stunning visual piece but also a compelling marketing tool that set the company apart from competitors. Such real-life examples demonstrate the power of pairing the Reolink camera with TimelapseRobot, making the process accessible even to those with little prior experience.
Common Questions and Concerns
"Why Not Use a DSLR?"
Some might argue that DSLRs are still the best option for professional timelapse projects. While DSLRs undeniably offer exceptional image quality, they are also costly, require bulky gear, and demand considerable expertise to operate over the long term. The Reolink RLC 811WA, paired with TimelapseRobot, offers a simpler, more cost-effective alternative without compromising the quality needed for an engaging timelapse video.
"Can It Handle Months of Exposure?"
Absolutely. The Reolink RLC 811WA is built to withstand the harshest conditions—its durable weatherproof design ensures continuous operation in both summer heat and winter snow. Many users have successfully captured projects spanning months or even years, attesting to the camera's longevity.
Conclusion: The Reolink RLC 811WA and TimelapseRobot—A Perfect Match
Creating a timelapse video of your construction project doesn’t have to be a daunting or costly process. With the Reolink RLC 811WA and TimelapseRobot, you get a powerful, simple, and affordable solution that captures every stage of your construction journey in stunning detail. Whether you're a builder aiming to attract new clients, or a homeowner excited to document your personal project, this combination is the ideal choice for creating a long-term timelapse without the headaches.
Ready to start your timelapse journey? The Reolink RLC 811WA and TimelapseRobot are waiting to bring your construction project to life, frame by frame.