Reolink RLC-540A 5MP PoE Security Camera: features, specs and fit

The Reolink RLC-540A is a 5-megapixel turret-style security camera that is powered and connected through a single Power over Ethernet (PoE) cable. It is built for doorways, driveways, yards and entrances where you want a clear picture day and night. Here is what its main specs mean and what you need to have in place before it works.

What 5MP and a 130° view give you

A 5MP sensor records more detail than the 1080p cameras that were common a few years ago, which typically helps when you need to make out a face, a number plate or a parcel on a step. Reolink pairs it with a 2.8 mm lens and a 130° diagonal field of view. A short focal length like this covers a wide area, such as a porch and part of the lawn, though subjects far from the camera will appear smaller than they would with a narrower lens.

Colour night vision with warm light

Many cameras switch to black-and-white infrared at night. The RLC-540A has 3000K warm lights so it can keep recording in colour. Reolink says the brightness is adjustable, with strong light to make an intruder aware they are being recorded and a gentler setting that is less intrusive for neighbours. Colour footage can help identify clothing or vehicles, which infrared often can't.

Smart detection and alerts

Basic motion detection reacts to anything that moves, including branches, rain and passing headlights. Reolink says this camera separates person, vehicle and animal events, which typically cuts down on false alarms. When it detects motion it sends an alert to your phone. Two-way talk lets you speak through the camera, for example to greet a courier or tell a visitor you are on your way. The account can be shared with family members so several people can view the camera from different devices.

Built for the weather

The listing describes a metal housing with IK10 vandal-proof protection and IP67 weatherproofing. IP67 generally means the enclosure is sealed against dust and can withstand temporary immersion in water, so rain and snow shouldn't be a problem. IK10 is the highest level on the impact scale used for enclosures. Reolink says the camera suits both indoor and outdoor mounting.

Power, recording and storage

PoE carries power and video over one network cable, which simplifies wiring because you don't need a separate power outlet at the camera. It does mean you need PoE equipment at the other end, such as a PoE switch, a PoE injector or a PoE network video recorder (NVR). The listing states clearly that the NVR, switch or injector and the DC power adapter are not included.

For recording, Reolink supports 24/7 recording to an NVR, and the camera accepts a microSD card of up to 512GB for local storage. The brand notes there is no monthly fee for this local-storage setup.

Who it suits

It suits homeowners and small businesses that want a wired camera with reliable power and a stable connection, and who are comfortable running a network cable to the mounting spot. It is a less natural fit where cabling is impractical, since it isn't a battery or Wi-Fi camera.

What to check before you buy

• PoE equipment: confirm you have, or plan to buy, a PoE switch, injector or NVR, since none is included.
• Cable run: measure the distance from your network gear to the mounting point and check the maximum Ethernet cable length allowed.
• Field of view: think about the area you need to cover and whether 130° at 2.8 mm suits the distance involved.
• Storage: decide between a microSD card and an NVR, and check the card sizes the manual supports.
• Privacy and rules: check local rules about recording public spaces or neighbouring property, and about audio recording.
• Mounting: check the wall or ceiling surface and that the cable entry can be sealed against the weather.

The short version

• A 5MP PoE turret camera with a 2.8 mm lens and 130° diagonal view.
• Colour night vision using adjustable 3000K warm lights.
• Person, vehicle and animal detection with phone alerts, plus two-way talk.
• IK10 vandal-resistant metal housing and IP67 weatherproofing.
• Records to a 512GB microSD card or an NVR; PoE equipment and DC adapter are not included.

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