Reolink RLC-1212A 12MP PoE Bullet Camera: features, specs and who it suits

The Reolink RLC-1212A is a wired outdoor bullet camera with a 12-megapixel sensor. It runs on Power over Ethernet, so a single network cable carries both its power and its footage, and a 700-lumen spotlight lets it record in colour at night. It suits homes with a driveway, yard or entrance to cover, where running a cable is practical.

What 12MP means compared with 4K

The camera records at 4512 x 2512 pixels, about 11.3 million pixels in each frame. A 4K (UHD) camera records 3840 x 2160, about 8.3 million. More pixels let a camera cover a wider area at the same level of detail, or keep more detail when you zoom into a recording to look at a face, a parcel or a car.

The trade-off is that higher resolution typically produces larger files, which fill storage faster and need more network bandwidth. That matters most if you record continuously or have several cameras.

Power over Ethernet: one cable for power and data

PoE sends power and data down the same Ethernet cable, so there's no need for a power outlet near the camera. Under the Ethernet standard, a single cable run can typically reach up to 100 metres (328 feet), which makes it practical to mount cameras under eaves or on a garage.

The power has to come from somewhere, though: a PoE switch, a PoE injector, or a network video recorder (NVR) with PoE ports. None of these is included, and neither is a DC power adapter, so plan for one before installing.

Night vision: spotlight and infrared

At night, the camera has two ways to see. Its 700-lumen spotlight lights the scene so it can record in full colour, which helps with details such as the colour of a car or clothing. Infrared LEDs give black-and-white night vision without visible light, a better choice where a bright light would bother you or your neighbours.

Person, vehicle and pet detection

The RLC-1212A tells people, vehicles and pets apart by their shapes. For each type, you can set a motion detection zone and an alarm delay, to cut down on unwanted alerts. Shape-based detection generally produces fewer false alarms than plain motion detection, which can be triggered by moving branches, shadows or rain. A zone that leaves out a busy pavement or road helps further.

Recording and viewing

There are three ways to record:

• NVR: connect it to a network video recorder to manage it and record to the recorder's hard drive.
• microSD: a card of up to 512 GB in the camera itself (sold separately).
• NAS or FTP: save recordings to network-attached storage or an FTP server on your network.

To view and control the camera, the Reolink app and client run on Android, iOS, Windows and Mac, and a web browser can show the live feed through the camera's IP address.

Who it suits

It suits homeowners who want a detailed, wired camera for a driveway, yard or entrance, and people building a system around an NVR or a PoE switch. Because it needs an Ethernet cable run, it's easiest to fit during renovations, in new builds, or where cables can be routed through an attic, soffit or wall.

What to check before you buy

• Power source: you'll need a PoE switch, injector or PoE NVR; none is included.
• Cable route: plan where the Ethernet cable will run from the camera to your network, and how it will enter the building.
• Storage: decide between an NVR, a microSD card or a NAS, and check the capacity you'll need for 12MP footage.
• Network: check that your network and devices can handle the camera's higher-resolution footage.
• Privacy: aim the camera and set detection zones to cover your own property, and check local rules on recording neighbours or public areas.

The short version

• A 12MP (4512 x 2512) wired outdoor bullet camera powered over Ethernet.
• A 700-lumen spotlight for colour night vision, plus infrared for black and white.
• Tells people, vehicles and pets apart, with a detection zone and alarm delay for each.
• Records to an NVR, a microSD card of up to 512 GB, or NAS/FTP.
• Views through the app and client on Android, iOS, Windows and Mac, or in a browser; PoE switch, injector, NVR and power adapter not included.

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