REOLINK 5MP PoE Security Camera RLC-520A (Pack of 2) - Clear 5MP

In this review the REOLINK 5MP PoE Security Camera RLC-520A (pack of 2) is examined for homeowners and small business users who need dependable, high-resolution coverage without a complicated install. The single biggest reason to consider these cameras is the combination of 5MP Super HD clarity and smart detection that reduces false alarms, making them a practical choice for monitoring entrances, driveways or backyard areas. Setup is straightforward for anyone with basic network skills thanks to PoE, and the included audio capture and time-lapse features add useful flexibility.

Key Features

• 5MP Super HD: Captures detailed 2560x1920 video at 30 fps so faces and license plates are clearer than standard 1080p options.
• Smart Detection: Person, vehicle and animal detection helps cut down on nuisance alerts by identifying likely threats with on-device algorithms.
• PoE Installation: Power and data over a single Ethernet cable simplifies installation and creates a reliable plug-and-play connection with compatible NVRs or PoE switches.
• Time-Lapse Recording: Lets you compress long events into short clips for project monitoring or scenic captures using the Reolink App.
• Flexible Recording: Supports 24/7, motion-triggered, or scheduled recording to microSD (up to 512GB), Reolink NVR or FTP for multiple storage options.
• Night Vision and Sound: Infrared night vision to about 100 ft and a built-in microphone for ambient audio that provides extra context to recorded events.

Who It's For

These cameras are best for DIY homeowners, small business owners, or renters who want a robust outdoor or indoor system with minimal cabling fuss. The PoE capability makes them especially appealing to users who already run network cabling or who plan to add a Reolink NVR for centralized management.

People who need deep third-party interoperability should check compatibility before buying; while many find these cameras work well with Reolink systems, some users reported mixed results with certain third-party software. If you require a wireless setup or need an included power adapter, consider alternate models.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent image quality for the price, with clear daytime and strong night vision detail.
• Smart person/vehicle/animal detection reduces false alerts and focuses attention on real events.
• Simple PoE setup and multiple recording destinations give flexible installation and redundancy.
• Time-lapse and built-in microphone add useful features beyond basic video capture.

Cons

• Compatibility outside the Reolink ecosystem can be mixed, so advanced integrations may need testing.
• MicroSD card and NVR are not included, adding to total system cost for continuous recording.

Specifications

Resolution	5MP (2560x1920) at 30 fps
Night Vision Range	Approx. 100 ft IR
Detection Types	Person, Vehicle, Animal (animal detection requires firmware update)
Power & Connectivity	IEEE 802.3af PoE or DC 12V adapter (adapter not included)
Local Storage	microSD up to 512GB (not included)
Audio	Built-in microphone for ambient sound recording

Our Verdict

The REOLINK RLC-520A pack delivers strong value for users who want crisp 5MP images, reliable PoE installation and smarter alerts without complex setup. It is particularly well suited to homeowners and small businesses that plan to use Reolink NVRs or app-based monitoring; just budget separately for storage media or an NVR if you need continuous recording. Overall, it is a pragmatic choice for clear, dependable surveillance at a reasonable price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the camera work over a single Ethernet cable?
Yes. It supports PoE (IEEE 802.3af) so power and data can be delivered through one Ethernet cable when used with a PoE switch or injector.

Can it record without a cloud subscription?
Yes. Recordings can be saved locally to a microSD card up to 512GB, to a Reolink NVR, or to an FTP server without requiring a cloud plan.

Will it detect pets and animals?
Animal detection is supported but requires the camera firmware to be updated to the latest version to enable that mode.