Name: REOLINK REOLINK 5MP PoE Security Camera, Surveillance Outdoor Indoor for home, Person/Vehicle/Pet Detection, Time-Lapse, Work with Smart Home, 100ft IR Night Vision, Support 512GB SD Card, RLC-520A(Pack of 2)
Brand: REOLINK
Price: 84.69 USD
Availability: InStock

Directory/Security Cameras/REOLINK 5MP PoE Security Camera, Surveillance Outdoor Indoor for home, Person/Vehicle/Pet Detection, Time-Lapse, Work with Smart Home, 100ft IR Night Vision, Support 512GB SD Card, RLC-520A(Pack of 2)

The breakdown

4 axes, scored the same way across every security cameras we log.

Image Truth7.5

Detection Brain8.0

Subscription Honesty9.5

Price Honesty8.5

Spec, translated

The 5MP resolution captures 2.5 times more pixels than standard 1080p cameras. In practice, this allows for more effective digital zoom on recorded video to identify details like faces or license plates from a distance.

Lab notes

The observations that actually change the buying decision.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) means running a network cable to each camera. This is vastly more reliable than Wi-Fi but requires significant installation effort, potentially including drilling.

The camera's main strength is its data independence. Support for a 512GB microSD card, local NVR, or an FTP server means no mandatory cloud fees—a rarity in this market.

On-device AI detection for people, vehicles, and pets is a feature typically found on more expensive cameras. It processes alerts locally, reducing false notifications from irrelevant motion.

The box does not include a PoE switch or injector. A power source is a required, separate purchase, adding a small but necessary cost to the initial setup.

Why you should buy

This is for the DIY-inclined user who is comfortable running Ethernet cables and wants a reliable, wired security setup without monthly subscription fees. For those prioritizing local control over their data and high resolution on a tight budget, the value is substantial.

Why you should skip

Anyone seeking a simple wireless or plug-and-play experience should look elsewhere, as PoE installation is a small construction project. Users who expect a camera to work immediately out of the box will be frustrated by the lack of an included power supply.

What buyers actually say

Themes pulled from real owner reviews, not marketing copy.

Pros

On-camera detection reduces false alerts.
No mandatory cloud subscription fees required.
Supports large local storage via microSD card.
5MP resolution is a notable step up from 1080p.
Power over Ethernet provides a stable connection.

Cons

Requires running Ethernet cable for installation.
Power source (PoE switch/injector) is not included.
Specific smart home compatibility is undefined.
Build quality and weather-sealing specs are unlisted.
Time-lapse feature only works in the Reolink app.

Full specifications

Source: manufacturer + retail catalog · synced today.