REOLINK RLC-520A 5MP PoE Security Camera with IR Night Vision
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Product description
For a security setup that needs wired network coverage, the REOLINK RLC-520A pairs PoE power and data over one Ethernet cable. Need to monitor an entryway or garage after dark? Its 5MP video and infrared night vision help capture detail day and night. Person, vehicle, and animal detection can make alerts more specific, while flexible recording options suit different monitoring routines.
How it fits
This indoor/outdoor turret camera is designed for a fixed Ethernet connection rather than Wi-Fi. PoE carries power and data through one network cable, which can keep a ceiling- or wall-mounted installation straightforward. Its IP67 weatherproof rating supports placement outside as well as in spaces such as a garage or hallway. For a wired camera layout, that approach can be a practical alternative to choosing a Wi-Fi model and planning around a wireless connection.
The camera records 5MP video at 25 fps and captures ambient sound with its built-in microphone. Infrared night vision reaches up to 100 feet, giving it a defined role in monitoring outdoor approaches or indoor areas with limited light. Smart detection covers people and vehicles, with animal detection supported when the camera firmware is updated to the latest version. This helps tailor motion alerts to the activity types the camera is designed to recognize.
Why it’s worth it
The RLC-520A gives you several ways to organize footage: continuous recording, motion-triggered recording, or scheduled recording. Save video to a microSD card, a Reolink NVR, or an FTP server, depending on the recording setup you prefer. Time-lapse is also available through the Reolink App, useful for condensing a longer process—such as a construction project or 3D print—into a shorter video.
Customer feedback often highlights picture clarity, night viewing, and ease of installation. Opinions are more mixed on app connectivity and motion detection, so those experiences can vary. Overall, the camera’s useful distinction is its combination of wired PoE installation, smart detection, and multiple recording approaches in one indoor/outdoor unit.
Tech summary
- Type: Wired PoE turret security camera
- Video: 5MP, 25 fps
- Night vision: Infrared, up to 100 feet
- Detection: Person, vehicle, and animal
- Weather rating: IP67
- Recording: microSD card, Reolink NVR, or FTP server
- Audio: Built-in microphone
- Mounting: Ceiling or wall
Practical questions
Does the RLC-520A connect over Wi-Fi? No. It uses a wired Ethernet connection for network data and supports PoE for power over that cable.
What can power the camera? Use a compatible PoE source, such as a Reolink NVR, PoE switch, or injector, or a DC 12V power adapter. A power supply is not included.
Can it record time-lapse video? Yes. Time-lapse recording is available through the Reolink App. For regular footage, recording can be continuous, motion-triggered, or scheduled, with storage options including a microSD card, Reolink NVR, or FTP server.
Should you buy it?
Choose the RLC-520A if you want a fixed wired camera for indoor or outdoor monitoring, with 5MP video, infrared night vision, and detection for people, vehicles, and animals. Its PoE connection and flexible recording options make it well suited to a home or workspace where Ethernet-based security coverage is the priority.