Reolink 1212A VS 811A - Comparing 12MP and 8MP Security Camera Video Quality - Which One Is Better?

[@paulmiyagishima7655]

Greetings from Torrance! Fantastic comparison video. To me, the 811 seemed more pleasant to the eye. The 12mp just didn't make things much better(or at all). We tend to think that more mega pixels is better, but there is much more like frame rate and compression to consider. FOV is also really important. Being able to capture more area than just a better front view. I love when you do the running man test, but maybe start from one side off screen to the other side. I usually see criminals on youtube running away or walking from one direction to the house while carrying a package. Its hard to see detail even during the day when some one is in motion. Anyways, thanks again for another awesome video. Keep up the great work!

[@LifeHackster]

Thank you, Paul.

[@B_K13]

@paulmiyagishima7655 ​ @LifeHackster Just received RLK16-1200B8-A. Smart 12MP PoE Security System With 24/7 Recording, hoping they will upgrade their software to rectify the night-time framerate. Also waiting on delivery for the Reolink Duo Floodlight PoE. 4K PoE Floodlight Camera with Dual Lens for 180° Field of View. Changing out the old flood lights I have. We'll see how they all work out.

[@dennisbaker9247]

You don't realize just how Huge those 811a's are until you unbox them. My wife was like " you aren't putting those commercial cameras on our house" ... LOL

[@wuinstongquezada]

Definitely the 811a have the better quality day and night

[@Robert.S.806]

You need to add to the top of that back fence. Them very bright orange lights on your neighbor's house wash out everything. 😎😎😎😎👎🏽

[@LifeHackster]

I know. One neighbor’s lights are on a timer up to 1-2 am and the other one are ON 24/7. It does however shows real life performance of these cameras and how they perform with backlighting and ambient lights.

[@Robert.S.806]

@@LifeHackster have you installed the firmware for your Reolink RLC-811A camara ? You will really like the Pet Detection feature if you have pets!

[@mpxz999]

I really like these cameras. No. The night time view isn't the best. But my home always has 4 adults in it at night, and two dogs. In contrast to this, when we were robbed, they broke in from a window in the backyard around 10 in the morning when the dogs were at the groomers. Case in point : a camera that provides a clear image during the day, and a subpar image at night, at a killer price; is something I'd recommend to anyone who works during the day! Get something, ANYTHING up! Cameras will not stop a determined criminal, but they will provide you with key answers: - when did they get in? - how long were they inside? - how many people were there? - and if they're really dumb, maybe even show us who they are. SOMETHING is better than nothing. Sorry for rambling. The 8xx Reolink cameras look great to me. Thanks!

[@LifeHackster]

Sorry to hear that you were robbed. I agree, it is way better to have anything than nothing at all. Reolink cameras are pretty affordable for a IP PoE NVR system.

[@josephj6521]

Sorry you were robbed. Best to have knowledge how it happened to implement a preventative measure than not knowing. I thought the daytime camera 820a had the best image. I understand at night it only has infrared which is still very good.

[@beencraftn6612]

Cameras wont stop a determined criminal, I agree, but a .45 will! ;)

[@jtcustomknives]

This is why the wife and I both carry a gun. If you make it last the camera then you won’t make it past a bullet.

[@jcm9698]

@@beencraftn6612 unfortunately they weren't home to put the criminal six feet under....

[@mccue2439]

The 1212 has a 4512 pixel width and a 118 Degree Horizontal FOV = 38.2 Pixels per degree. The 811A has a 3840 pixel width and a 105 Degree Horizontal FOV = 36.6 Pixels per degree. If you get the 1212, you are paying for a better image across a wider field of view, but the video compression probably degrades the image to be similar or slightly less than the 811A..... In the end, I think you should only get the 1212 if you want a wider Field of View.

[@kurts3779]

I'm suffering from choice paralysis with all the Reolink camera's.

[@dertbom]

It seemed to me the 811A had better day quality, and the 1212A had better night.

[@BoxBuilderIdaho]

Probably god-damned an actual review that had real data in it with real information than a normal human being could use and not some gobbledygook talking about gobbledygook shit literally this is what the cameras look like side-by-side this is how well it's going to zoom in and take a picture and this is how well it's going to grab a license plate in motion.. the internet needs to sit down and take note on this review and understand this is how people would like to have their information presented to them...

[@LifeHackster]

Thank you.

[@KurtDoucet]

Is the 1212A better now after the adjustment with the new lens? Or will the 811A remain the better choice?

[@rodrobinson6111]

I think 820A was the better picture for me. I also like 811A, but 820A would be a choice for me. Thanks for another informative video.

[@LifeHackster]

You are welcome.

[@josephj6521]

Thank You for all these valuable reviews. It’s doing my head in trying to choose a brand. Hikvision too expensive for no better daytime vision compared to Reolink, Dahua not impressed, Annke is much cheaper but many reviewers aren’t impressed. Reolink has great daytime quality but night needs work (infrared is good). Shame I cannot mix brands up unless there is an NVR & app that allows it. Subscribed. 👍

[@PatrickC139]

I really like the Reolink 811A just fine as other people mentioned. Both it's color night vision and it's B&W night vision looked better to me. I really like these side by side videos. Sometimes it's hard to tell the difference when you see them one at a time but next to each other then you can totally spot the differences. Good vid as always .thanks lifehackster.

[@bennylloyd-willner9667]

I agree, but I was a little disappointed with the overexposed image when he is close to the camera, maybe that can be manually set better than the auto.

[@LifeHackster]

Thank you, I appreciate it.

[@balifreak23]

@lifehackster what realink cameras dont have ghosting or is there a setting that can fix it?

[@21boxhead]

TURNING THE SPOT LIGHT ON IS NOT "COLOR NIGHT VISION"

[@tonymontana897]

So then why is the lesser expensive 8mp camera so much better than the more expensive 12mp ?? The 12mp video quality is actually rubbish compared to the 8mp. On paper, it should wipe the floor with it, but it is embarrassingly hopeless. I wouldn't waste my money on a so called "upgrade" to 12mp. People are under the illusion that the higher the Mp, the better. Not always the case, which is why videos like this are very important for those who do their own due diligence before falling for the false hype.

[@PatLyoutubepage]

awsome comparison of the 3 cameras. I do like the wider field if view on the 1212a compared to the 820a/810a even if its a less common aspect ratio. If zoom is important then the 811a is better. for me having both the 1212a with 810a is the most ideal since one camera can be for far objects and the other for up close. night vision 811 looks overexposed when up close further back its about the same with the 1212.

[@LifeHackster]

I agree. The aspect ratio of the 1212A is more vertical compared to 16:9 and might be good for a 2nd story install. In a usual 8-10 feet high install, you will get more of a sky view just like in my setup.

[@Hdhfhhdh]

⁠@@LifeHacksterI believe you can rotate sideways the camera to position it to get less sky view

[@Moes_Prep_and_Tech]

Call me Crazy but the 8mp one looks more Detailed

[@LifeHackster]

You are right.

[@edrobinson8447]

Your videos are excellent. You're a natural. 811a wins for me, particularly at night when you want them to work.

[@LifeHackster]

Thanks 👍

[@ManTimeT.V.]

811A looks great to me. Looks like this is the one I'll be ordering from Reolink. They actually have them on a 15% off sale right now. Might be worth it to grab 2 of them :) Now the hard part, getting data cables from my basement router up to my attic to run wires on the front and back of my house. Thanks for your videos. I really like this channel.

[@DryUrEyesMate]

The 811A only has a problem at night since its image sensor is too small to be utilised with an 8MP camera. For superb nighttime footage without ghosting or noise, I would recommend using a 1 1/8" sensor as the minimum and a 1 1/2" sensor as the optimum size.

[@PixelVogue]

I am looking at these 2 but can't decide, leaning more towards the 811A but is there anything better than both of these a year later?

[@richgetz]

pixels in sensors are like megahertz in CPUs. More isn't better. Better is better. Size and quality of the pixel matter more than the quantity, just as instructions per clock (IPC) matters more than speed.

[@comk135]

Thanks for the great comparison. I didn't see any image tests of RLC-811A @ max 5x optical zoom setting?

[@TheSkepticSkwerl]

The 811a Dominated this except night vision. 1212a I'd leave in IR mode at this quality. man reolink struggles at night. what the heck

[@liliansiu7746]

Hi, I really like you videos. Are you able to review Swann 12MP cameras please ?

[@lexuschin8304]

If hikvision turbo HD 8.0 comparison reolink 811A 😅

[@laurent_bocquet]

It looks like Reolink doesn't provide the 2.8mm cams anymore, replaced with 4.0mm 😞

[@DJDynamik]

The 820A was a clear winner for daylight.

[@ruudje2777]

Both have a 8 MP sensor, but the 820A has a slightly bigger sensor and catches more light compared to the 811A so it should be a little better.

[@UnKnown-jp1bv]

Hey Guys, Im kinda confused....I came across this video after the purchase so shame on me for not researching KZbin first. Anyway, I bought the 12mp PoE Surveillance Kit with Smart Detection & Spotlights but the model that is listed on my receipt and online says: RLK8-1200B4-A. Is the one I bought the same as the 1212A they just changed a few things on mine since the video or we talking two totally different set ups? Thanks

[@jasmines6380]

So it's between 811a/b?? and cx410 plz help

[@vardagsteknik6576]

I think your neighbour lights really bugs these night test out.

[@LifeHackster]

I know. One of them have their backyard lights 24/7.

[@vardagsteknik6576]

@@LifeHackster is it possible do do this night clips in another direction in your yard? You'r doing a really good job with your videos.

[@LifeHackster]

@@vardagsteknik6576 this is the only place I have a 50 foot stretch…the one I test WiFi cameras (side) only goes up to 40 feet and occasionally my side neighbor also has his light on but only up to 11pm.

[@vardagsteknik6576]

Bummer. Keep up the good work :)

[@souk-tv]

What is the dome equivalent to the 811a? Do all three of those cameras have support for AI/Human detection and Google assistant support?

[@LifeHackster]

There is the 822A which I also reviewed a while back but it is only 3X zoom.

[@tdmdchannel2339]

@@LifeHackster I wouldn't say the Turret 822A is equivalent to the 811A. It doesn't have the key feature of the 811A (Color Night Vision, 2 way audio & Spotlight, 5X Optical). I'm personally looking forward for a real equivalent of the 811A in Turret Form. I prefer Turret camera, they look a lot nicer on a house in my opinion. I don't mind 3X optical since it's smaller in size but they other feature will be a good improvement over the 820A/822A. As always, nice review!

[@TK-123]

POE is best for consistency

[@LifeHackster]

I agree.

[@zartius]

i bought 820a for my front balcony but i need more vertical view so i consider change it with reolink with 2.8mm lens .I consider 1224a (its the same with 1212a i think but turret), any other options from reolink so i can use my d20 junction box already installed without breaking the bank? Thank you !

[@tedc6694]

Anyone else notice a surprising lack of reviews on lorex cameras? I wonder why

[@GA-cy8hm]

Hey LH! Any chance you will do a Reolink DUO POE vs. Reolink RLC-811A? Thank you for making great vids!👍

[@LifeHackster]

I'm not sure. We will see. Thanks.

[@jamzvera496]

Ok, I have decided to go with the Lorex. 6 4K camera with 3TB NVR for $699! Was this or this set of 811A with 2TB NVR for a couple of dollars more. But I could not pass on the rich notifications from Lorex.

[@LifeHackster]

True. Reolink needs to work on this feature. Supposedly they are working on it.

[@jamzvera496]

@@LifeHackster I really hope they do! Was really wanting the Reolink set but could not pass on the Lorex set for that price!

[@chrisbrewinbland3881]

Fantastic review, I’ve just purchased 2 811a, one for the front and one for the rear, they will be installed high up on a 2 storey house, so I don’t think the slight over exposure will be a problem for me, I have ordered an 833a for the front entrance, might consider a cheaper model just for the side gate, as doesn’t need to be high quality, more for filling up the screen, as looks odd having a blank square, thanks again for this review, it was very helpful in me choosing which camera would suit my property

[@Thiago-tr1ur]

Does your 1212A camera have a 4mm or 2.8mm lens?

[@88theps3user]

Hey chief can you do a video with HomeKit compatible cameras

[@gdglock]

Great job! Impressed with your details.

[@NOC-H]

Seems like the 12 had much better sound. Thanks for this vid. It helps me a lot.

[@silentpc498]

The following must also be observed with the RLC-1212A: When the camera is used independently or with RLN36/RLN16-410, the resolution is up to 12MP. When connected to RLN8-410, the resolution is up to 8MP. Beachten muss man auch noch folgendes bei der RLC-1212A: Wenn die Kamera unabhängig oder mit RLN36/RLN16-410 verwendet wird, beträgt die Auflösung bis zu 12MP. Wenn sie an RLN8-410 angeschlossen ist, beträgt die Auflösung bis zu 8MP.

[@ribinmathew3482]

Thank you for all the videos. Can you please do a review of RLC-1224A? I know you have reviewed RLC-1212A and was wondering if there are any significant difference between RLC-1212A and RLC-1224A.

[@vincekara9446]

At a glance the 1224 is a turret camera with same specs as the 1212 bullet camera.

[@wendyfukuhara1]

Thank you for your reviews. There are so many to choose! Which reolink camera has all these features: 4K Wired connection with network video recorder Motion activated color night vision weather proof human/ vehicle/pet detection two way talk

[@Atum_Ra]

Anyone know what the reasoning for Reolink to always be lowering the night time frame rate is? You'd think if a cam can handle 30fps during the day it would be the same at night. If that's they case why would Reolink handicap them?

[@dreamsroman]

agree

[@QH96]

low fps, higher exposure allowing better night vision

[@ekcoupe5059]

Did an update fix the 1212?

[@Tazman1966]

I want full notifications, my wife only wants notifications on the front door. Is there any way to set up different notifications for different users?

[@LifeHackster]

Now, I haven't tried it but as long as your wife has a different Reolink account and you shared the camera to her, she can set her own notifications.

[@Rockaland2]

The 12mp has better Audio 12 Fps is Bad. and its njot really the Pixels its the frame rate, Lens, and software and angles you put it at.. I would get 12pm just for the better audio alone..

[@conspiracytheory9396]

You did a great job pal. Thanks for this.

[@Arc1675]

What's going on with your shorts at the 8:30 mark? Is that your phone flashing through your pocket?

[@LifeHackster]

It’s my phone.

[@Hfdtjcdyojbg]

Why disappear at the end lol

[@manny1524]

Can you check how well the 1212A performs if you run it at 8mp 25fps? The 1212A has a better sensor so I’m thinking it might perform better then the 811A running it at 8mp

[@Samzep]

Have put there latest update for 811a and if so many false notifications?

[@LifeHackster]

I didn’t physically update it but it is in auto-upgrade in the app.

[@TroubledKiwi]

Does anyone have a review on the Reolink RLC-820A? It seems no one does..

[@jaturnley]

The 810A and 820A have identical specs, the only difference is the housing. I've found various reviews for both with a quick search.

[@Abyssdiver]

He shows some footage from that camera in the video did you watch the whole thing? As well it is the same camera as the RLC 810a that I currently have 4 of them and I also have 2 RLC 510a. Great cameras the pod style may work for you but I needed the bullet style for my installation. I plan on 2 more cameras for my complete 8 camera NVR. Just trying to decide the last 2 it will probably be the same RLC 810a that I currently have 4 of as they seem to be pretty good. I don't need the spotlight feature because I have POD LED lights with motion sense on every corner of all my buildings.

[@TroubledKiwi]

Thanks I've seen daytime just not night time I'll look

[@jaturnley]

@@TroubledKiwi I'll tell you up front that nighttime performance from Reolink is sub-par in their class overall. There really aren't any awesome choices, but even among the ones out there, Reolink is at the bottom - if there's any motion at all, you get nothing but a smear once the sun goes down. If night performance is a priority, I would look at something like the Annke NC800 that Lifehackster recently reviewed - but be warned that you will pay a premium for anything with a starlight sensor.

[@TroubledKiwi]

@@jaturnley I would agree it leaves stuff to be desired. The lack of adaptive IR is whats throwing me off, currently have lorex so it just surprises me. I already ordered the reolink bundle but I think it'll be okay for the distances I'm covering...I hope LOL

[@s.u.6198]

best videos on Reolink !

[@LifeHackster]

@s.u.6198...Thanks for watching!

[@shadow.banned]

If these had Starlight sensors like Wyze, they'd be killer.

[@DryUrEyesMate]

The majority of starlight cameras employ 1 2/8" sensors, which are horrible for pairing with an 8MP camera. The optimum sensor would be 1 1/2" or 1 1/8" sensors at the very least. Unfortunately, too many people prioritise mega pixels over good image sensors.

[@Phamine]

If you turn off night vision, is there ghosting in the video images?

[@LifeHackster]

I’m guessing you are also asking with their spotlights off…if that’s the case..it is just a black screen..these are not low light sensors.

[@schwarzschuh]

Very good review! Thank you a lot.

[@darrenbolton5853]

I currently use ring stick up Poe and find the quality poor capturing number plates. 25ft. I’m thinking of changing to reolink Poe. What would you think would be a best option? Thanks

[@LifeHackster]

Any wired PoE IP NVR security cameras are better in video quality than WiFi based cameras.

[@victorvek5227]

Truth be told - they all suck at reading plates at night. The IR will typically always bounce off the reflective properties of most license plates. Sucks

[@irishRocker1]

Night mode probably lowers framerate to double exposure I would guess.

[@jfbaro2]

Waiting for REOLINK to launch a WI-FI/LTE, 8MP, Dual Lens. 16X optical zoom, battery powered security camera that can detect faces and plates and only notify me when an unknown person or car (plate) is detected

[@johnski3575]

Are you still reviewing reolink camera any upgrades for 2023?

[@DynaDomCOD4]

Why does 1212a picture look terrible and squished.

[@stupidusername38]

this confirmed my thoughts that i'll stick with the 811a

[@LifeHackster]

I agree. The 811 is pretty good plus the flexibility to adjust your FOV.

[@AGILISFPV]

Wish you wouldve shown the license plate at night. Nice video though thank you.

[@KaiFootikum]

For me it looks like that RLC-1212A is much better at night in both modes (color video & IR)...

[@victorvek5227]

Has anyone experienced the 1224a yet?? It’s been out since February 2023 and surprisingly, I’ve yet to see a review on it.

[@garysanchezphotography]

Reolink RLC-811A seems a better image to this photographer except that the IR image seems over exposed at 10' on the Reolink RLC-811A, maybe the lights are too bright.

[@toneman8478]

I'm looking for a WIFI dome vandal proof outdoor camera that is wireless for the internet but hardwired for power.. any recommendations

[@LifeHackster]

I did a video recently of Reolink’s vandal proof PoE cam - kzbin.info/www/bejne/iX7JYnafZ72thsU

[@toneman8478]

@@LifeHackster Can that be mounted vertically such as onto a garage wall instead of ceiling and can you put a link of the type of SD card to buy for that model

[@LifeHackster]

@@toneman8478 Yes, you can.

[@ruudje2777]

The sensor of the 12 MP is bigger than that of the 8 MP but still the 8 MP seems to have better image quality.

[@artsunspot]

Does anybody know why are no RLC-1212A available in the Reolink Store Germany?

[@CMK-Security]

I would love to see a Review of the new 1020a which is already in Sales for some time now - but seems to be widely unknown without any reviews 🤔

[@TheThx1138]

Hey quick question....I have an issue with a 1212 camera whereby it loses it's connection with the ReoLink NVR and dings every 30 seconds or so. I've tested the ethernet run and it's fine. It sounds like you have a similar alarm going on in your video. Can you tell me what that is?

[@user-hv7pv1em8t]

I ordered the 811A. After upgrading the firmware, could not get zoom or focus to work. Tried the troubleshooting steps but still the same. Could not get a real person on the tech support line. Sent an email and waiting for a reply. So far, not impressed.

[@SpotOnTechNL]

The 811A is a truely amazing camera. The only plus side for the 1212A is basically that it's.... well, it's round and more sleek :) The 811A is rather bulky. Though if thats a huge issue then there is a Turret version of the 811A which is the RLC-822A, however that has only 3x optical zoom - so I'm not sure in what other areas it may differ.

[@SpotOnTechNL]

@@joe102674 yes that's correct, but what is your point in that? 842A is a totally different camera. Only IR, no Spotlight, Dome cover that makes the lens so much less sharp, etc. Unless the use of the camera is to be vandal proof I would *never* advice a dome.

[@k8ble]

will you do a comparison with a 75ohm coax?. or which one do you think works best.

[@bennylloyd-willner9667]

Another question: are there settings for the IR night vision? The 811A (who is my choice ATM) overexposes face and body when close compared to the 1212A so that's the only test that 1212A wins IMO. I need the wide angle and two way audio so the 820A isn't an option.

[@LifeHackster]

No IR setting on all 3.

[@bennylloyd-willner9667]

@@LifeHackster bummer, but thanks for the info. Maybe some smart software can fix a bit of the image.

[@theultimatetowerofterrorre301]

Thanks nice informative video. I was wondering if it would be worthwhile to upgrade from my current Amcrest 8MP camera pointing at the street in front of my home, to a 12 MP camera which might allow me to read license plates of cars when they drive by (My neighbor directly across the street had his car stolen less than a week ago in direct view of my camera.) Based on your video there is only a very modest improvement in resolution, I I really need to be able to see plates at around 100ft to be useful. So bottom line is that I dont think paying >$100 for a new camera will be useful. Thanks for the video!

[@DryUrEyesMate]

They have a different image sensor something that no reviewer will talk about I wonder why that is?

[@jfbaro2]

AV1 codec would improve things

[@DEV1LSREJ3CT]

Will you be reviewing the new Swann 12mp MEGA HD 😂 POE cameras? I originally bought the 4k bundle after a previous review and would like to upgrade if you give us the nod 😊🙏🏻

[@ronm6585]

Great review, thank you.

[@techpa6646]

So 12MP is not worth, 8MP looks better...???

[@Esmax666]

Do you a table who compare de dectection speed / distance of all you tested Cam?

[@k8ble]

did you put the black letters over the refective? tape or is that the way they come.

[@Lgaribayjr]

Has anyone heard of eyemax security cameras? If so, do yal recommend them?

[@Sal3600]

The cheaper one one better in every category except the filed of view. The text clarity in the number plate especially!

[@MrMoe158]

You need the 8MP Playback Function

[@privateundisclosed4448]

It seems to me that the 820 a camera is a bit lighter than the 1212 a or the 811 a. Also, For some reason, the 820 a seems to be a little bit clearer but that can be because of the possible lightness in the video in this particular camera. Is anyone else see this as well?

[@rokees5507]

Dose this camera work wireless or it has to be connected directly to the router modem

[@roomchaos]

Did the 10 feet marker move on its own 3.46

[@bennylloyd-willner9667]

That's what they call "ghosting" in the image 😁(or it was just the wind)

[@LifeHackster]

I just noticed that …it is a bit windy here lately…Or just my backyard ghost ;)

[@roomchaos]

@@LifeHackster I'm gonna say ghost since the other markers did not move lol also great content as always 👍

[@mikesahle1193]

Thank you 🙏 great 👍🎥📸📺 educational too.

[@billywest7065]

The 820 kicked the other cameras butts😂

[@mohammedaldhahbi5433]

Is 1212a the same camera with model B1200?

[@bennylloyd-willner9667]

Great video, just what I've been looking for. The 1212A isn't available for me in Sweden yet, but after this I won't wait for it to get in stock. I probably go for the "old" 811A. I have a question tho, are the image adjustment features the same for all three, there is a big difference in quality and colours @6:24?

[@LifeHackster]

Only brightness settings in the app for the 811 and 820. The 1212A has shadows/brightness settings.

[@gyrateful]

It has: brightness, contrast, saturation, and sharpness, so you can tweak them. Factory setting are a bit over saturated I have 810a (x4) and 811a (x2)

[@_Fluky_]

тебе занесли и ты рекламируешь эти поделки, реолинк это китайский дешман за большие деньги, будем называть все своими именами, это обман и мошенничество

[@zuhairhlayel]

👍👏💐

[@PilotVBall]

Turn that yard into a forest. Plant some trees!

[@RaiderLacrosse29]

I think the 1212 is SLIGHTLY better as far as image quality. but that improvement is very small. and not enough to justify paying extra for.

[@abin26]

Can the reolink nvr connect to router via wifi?

[@nal_er]

The link to the 1212A camera is missing. Also when I found the 1212A on Reo's website the specs are slightly off 4512X2512. Please advise! Did they fix the problems in the slightly altered version?

[@ruudwilschut9095]

I've noticed this also. I think it's a pretty big change in specs. They should have changed the name from 1212A to 1212B to be distinguished from each other.