Reolink RLC-1240A 12MP PoE Security Camera: features, specs and who it suits

The Reolink RLC-1240A is a 12-megapixel bullet security camera that gets its power and its video connection through a single Ethernet cable. It is built for outdoor use on a house, business or yard, with a wide lens, night vision and detection of people, vehicles and animals. Here is what the specs mean in practice.

What 12MP and a 145° lens give you

Twelve megapixels is far more detail than a typical 4MP or 5MP camera records, so you can zoom into a recording and still read fine features. Reolink pairs it with an upgraded 2.8mm lens and a 145° viewing angle. A short focal length like 2.8mm typically gives a wide scene, which suits covering a driveway, yard or entrance from one point. Wide lenses make distant subjects smaller, so it helps to think about how far away the area you care about is.

Higher resolution also means larger files, so recording storage and network capacity matter more than on a lower-resolution camera.

Colour and infrared night vision

For low light, the camera has a 3000K warm light for colour footage in dark conditions. In complete darkness, it switches to infrared night vision, which records in black and white. Reolink says both modes give clear footage.

Two-way talk

Two-way talk lets you speak through the camera and hear people near it, using the app. It is useful for speaking to a delivery driver or telling someone to step away from a gate.

Person, vehicle and animal detection

Smart detection sorts motion into persons, vehicles and animals, which Reolink says reduces false alarms from things like passing shadows. The brand adds that its animal detection has been improved. The camera supports 12 online streams and up to 20 user accounts, which can suit a household or small business with several people who need to view it.

Weather and tamper resistance

IP67 is a grade of protection against dust and temporary immersion in water, and it is typical for outdoor cameras. IK10 is the top level on the IK scale for impact resistance, which is why Reolink calls the camera vandal-resistant. It has a swivel bracket within its body for adjusting the angle. It is a fixed, non pan-tilt camera, so you aim it by hand during installation. The unit measures about 4.6 x 4.6 x 3.4 inches and weighs 1.3 lb.

Power over Ethernet and recording

PoE sends power and data along one cable, which can simplify installation, since you don't need a power outlet at the camera. Reolink says a single cable handles 4K video transmission and power. A DC adapter is not included, so a PoE switch or injector is required to use PoE. The camera is designed for recording to an NVR (network video recorder).

Who it suits

It suits homeowners and small businesses who can run an Ethernet cable to the mounting spot and want one wide camera with a lot of detail. It is less suited to places where cabling isn't practical.

What to check before you buy

• Cabling: confirm you can run Ethernet to the location and know the maximum cable length in the manual.
• PoE source: check you have a PoE switch, injector or compatible NVR, since a DC adapter is not included.
• Recorder and storage: high-resolution video needs enough storage and bandwidth.
• Mounting and aim: because it is not a pan-tilt camera, plan the angle and height in advance.
• Privacy and rules: follow local rules about recording public areas and neighbours' property.
• Network security: use strong passwords and keep the firmware up to date.

The short version

• A 12MP bullet PoE security camera with a 145° wide-angle 2.8mm lens.
• Colour night vision with a 3000K light, plus infrared night vision and two-way talk.
• Person, vehicle and animal detection, 12 online streams and up to 20 user accounts.
• IP67 weatherproofing, IK10 vandal resistance, and a swivel bracket for aiming.
• PoE power and data over one cable; PoE switch or injector required and not included.

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