Reolink AI POE Cameras Compared - 12MP vs 8MP vs 5MP Video Quality Day & Night

Today, we are going to check out the newest AI (Artificial Intelligence) PoE IP NVR cameras from Reolink. I have the 5MP - RLC-510A, 8MP 4K quality - RLC-810A and the new 12 MP 4096x3072 pixel resolution RLC-1220A. On this video, we will compare the specs and features of these cameras and also I'll show you the video and audio quality day and night and see which model of Reolink PoE NVR cameras will be a good choice for your home.
I'll be setting this up with Reolink's NVR and I'll be doing a Part 2 video when I replace my Swann 4K system with Reolinks... I'll be testing more the person and vehicle detection then when all cameras are setup and see if Reolink's AI is reliable enough that I will turn ON alert notifications.
00:00 Intro
02:00 12MP Ultra HD PoE Camera specs
02:59 Camera Features Comparison
05:10 Video & Audio Quality Daytime
08:55 Side by Side Comparison
09:52 Video Quality at Night - Night Vision ON
12:33 Video Quality at Night - Motion Lights ON - Color recording
15:49 Motion Alert Notification Speed (Person | Vehicle Detection ON)
16:51 Detection Distance Test
17:46 AI Person Detection Reliability & Settings
18:28 Confusing Settings in the App
19:20 Final Thoughts
#lifehackster #reolinkAIcameras #reolink12mp
Shop: (Paid Links)
Reolink RLC-510A - amzn.to/3n6JSfC
Reolink RLC-520A- amzn.to/3n6JSfC
Reolink RLC-810A- shrsl.com/2o6uy
Reolink RLC-820A - amzn.to/3nkaJVi
Reolink RLC-1220A -shrsl.com/2o6uw
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[@leatherindian]

These are the cameras I’ve been looking at and your review answered ALL my questions. That was worth a subscription. Well done!

[@LifeHackster]

Thank you. I appreciate it.

[@ahh_nai]

I came across your video as I am looking to upgrade my security system, and wow you are amazing. I love your reviews, how you test out each camera. Best channel for honest camera reviews. You rock!

[@uglyjoe4390]

Thank you for an excellent honest review. Showing side by side displays really helped. And it’s always good to end the review with which one you prefer.

[@LifeHackster]

Glad it was helpful!

[@steves5933]

Great Video, LifeHackster. I was waiting for your test of the RLC-1220A. It seems to me as pretty convincing. I can't wait for the follow up, when you install the NVR.

[@DS_92]

Excellent! I don't think anyone does as in-depth as you do! God bless your wife for sacrificing your home with holes everywhere to test and operate new cameras haha! Really love this channel and hope it continues to grow.

[@cryengine_x]

lol if you notice he has a second board attached to his siding, so he screws that to his home once, after that all camera mounts are just tearing up that secondary piece of wood not his house

[@wolfman1549]

It’s really nice how your notifications keep going off while you’re making the video

[@Largamelion]

I 've been waiting for this video for a while now. Funny that it's finally there the day that I ordered my RLC-510a :). Thanks and looking forward to part 2!

[@LifeHackster]

Thank you.

[@Largamelion]

@Brandon DiGuilio I think it's alright but I have quite a bit of light up front from the street so it's hard to tell. I leave infrared off but do use black & white mode. I noticed that it gives a lot more false alerts with coloured mode at night. Alert-wise it is quite reliable during the day. However, I and one of my colleagues did notice that the app sometimes doesn't alert immediately when your phone has been inactive for a while. As soon as you turn it on, the alerts are there. Battery saver is turned off for the Reolink app.

[@Largamelion]

@Brandon DiGuilio no worries man, I really think they're a bargain for what they do. The vehicle/person detection might not be perfect but it's gotten to a point where I don't have to disable my alerts anymore. I still have my two old 410's at the back of my house but they only record motion. They're impossible to configure for accurate alerts. I'm quite sure I will replace them with A-versions in the future. Best thing about these cameras is the image quality and the fact that you don't need any subscription.

[@boyka1827]

I'm glad I found this channel. A high-quality camera review channel. You can tell this guy invested lots of his time in every single video. I'm trying to get the high-quality 4k cameras for clarity on top of the ring cameras that I'm having. Ring cameras, they are good but they are 1080p.

[@LifeHackster]

Thank you. I appreciate it.

[@jordantaylor5552]

Thanks for the excellent straight to the point video. I was going to get the 5 meg but decided I needed 8

[@cranny41]

Thanks so much for taking the time to make this video mate .... so helpful.

[@LifeHackster]

My pleasure!

[@johnpoltrock1816]

Thanks for doing this! It helped me decide which to go with. Got the 12s and they’re awesome!

[@damagecontrol7]

Great job! You make the most detailed cctv reviews. Thanks

[@LifeHackster]

Thank you. I appreciate it.

[@ChinitFxt]

Dope the night vision on the 12mp is crazy plus fast notification

[@jkfl32238]

Amazing channel! You go so in depth it's incredible! The time spent is just amazing! If only more channels would be like you! You have my subscription!

[@derikdang8829]

Thank you LifeHackster for the thoroughly reviews of the Reolink IP camera reviews. Keep up the great works.

[@databang]

Thanks for your informative and comprehensive comparisons.

[@---GOD---]

5MP looks like it has a much wider vertical angle 8MP looks like it has good picture quality 12MP looks like a waste of money

[@michaelmitroff2318]

I honestly think he forgot to change the aspect ration of the 12mp to 16:9

[@IAmZen_007]

@@michaelmitroff2318 it’s 4:3

[@Koj0]

Lmao foreal

[@somethingelsehere8089]

but the night performance of the 12MP one was killer.

[@igla2187]

Thank God for this summary of the video 😜

[@BrianKlimes]

Great comparison and information- helps me make some decisions on which camera to get for some projects and my house. I like the RLC-810A cameras on this video.

[@andrewharris131]

Awesome Thank you so much for all your patience and hard work.

[@LifeHackster]

You are welcome.

[@GGiblet]

You really do such a great job on these!!🙌👏👏👏

[@JeffBujak]

Thank you so much for the detailed review. This was exactly what i was looking for.

[@KiiiNG_ABE]

Wonderful review my brotha! This definitely helped me determine a proper set up.! You the man 💪🏾

[@ourkid2000]

Well done! That was really thorough work!

[@LifeHackster]

Thank you.

[@mattjohnson7835]

Well done! I have Reolink at home and my small business. The small business has an NVR system, which I like. I currently have 4 cameras on the NVR, but it can hold 8 and it provides the POE out to the cameras. I will watch #2 when I get more time.

[@hosslife645]

Spot on video with details! Thanks brother:)

[@chequesmar8970]

The best video about security cameras... 👏

[@BuddysDIY]

Solid review my man. Just set up my 8mp Poe system today. I was considering getting 4 12mp cams as a add-on down the road. I think the im gonna stay with the 8mp.

[@mardaliakhmedov9434]

How are they? Do you recommend?

[@inthedarkwoods2022]

bad decision

[@WarTitan888]

I think the biggest reason that the 8mp looked better than the 12mp was the frame rate difference. A five frame per second difference may not sound like much but it is.

[@bkbrown5881]

Nice job on this. Very informative.

[@rodrobinson6111]

Great video!! 12mp was the best! Looking forward to the next videos. Thanks!!

[@eacquaah1383]

Your videos are excellent. Thank you!

[@Bootzey73]

Thanks for the review!

[@jeremynewell9903]

Very practical video, thanks!

[@geomatrix5452]

Always great reviews from you! Thanks. I would like to have liked to see the RLC-1220A in 16:9 view though.

[@KeyBored101]

I'm looking forward to the next video

[@indranisbrunswick3260]

Excellent informative and well done. Thanks man.

[@LifeHackster]

You are welcome.

[@Hendmejd]

Best review which I have seen for those cameras

[@LifeHackster]

Thank You.

[@rWirthlin420]

12mp at night even can see the phone light up in your pocket. Great review of the 3 cameras. I can already tell I want a mix of the 12mp and 8mp cameras

[@Aqua_Man84]

Hey love the video man.. been looking at these cameras for my home and what a great review. Quick, to the point and loads of info and details. Appreciate the time you took out to do this and will be purchasing next week. Thanks again and keep up the good work. You have a new sub 😉🙏

[@GITSSAC]

Which ones did you end up getting? Do you recommend what you got?

[@mje1625]

What an amazing video! So informative! Thank you for taking the time, effort and expense to produce this video! You earned a like and subscriber!

[@LifeHackster]

Thanks so much!

[@user-cw3nb8rc9e]

Great video test. Good effort.

[@Luke75298]

Very good test bro, thanks.

[@0doubledseven589]

Big improvement at 8MP. 12MP was nothing to write home about. Good vid thanks.

[@aceramone4820]

EXCELENT REVIEW One of the best reviewers I've seen on KZbin. Thanks. I am able to make my decision and even saved some $$.

[@LifeHackster]

Thank you. I appreciate it.

[@daijoubu4529]

For the curious one, the 5MP (as most others Reolink 5MP) have an Omnivision OV05a10 sensor, 8MP Sony Starvis IMX415, 12MP OmniVision OS12D40, you can determine the sensor by looking at the firmware filename

[@okyguzman8916]

Thanks!!! Definitely sony sensor makes the difference. As expected sony its #1 at picture quality and motion. Hopefully Reolink use another sony sensor for the next 12MP release since they discontinued current 12MP the product for obvious reason

[@xxrs2009]

interesting, so the RLC-833a also has the sony IMX415 sensor?

[@explod329]

The 8 MP looked and performed the best for me. I currently own the 8MP system and couldn't be happier. I tried a few of the 12MP cameras and returned them.

[@MBBeier]

Thank you so much for your outstanding videos! Its quite a jungle out there, but you really put the quality into perspective... ... I don't mind the hard wiring (in fact prefer NOT having to worry about battery), I was looking at ARLO ESSENTIALS, EUFY CAM 2 PRO and Reolink 5x0 & 8x0 - your videos made it very obvious that despite what review sites says, its not even close - completely different level of video quality. Thank you sir.

[@LBstrikesagain]

Very thorough review Thank you

[@LifeHackster]

Glad you liked it

[@jorgelbarral]

Great review. Very detailed. Also loved to see the guava tree in the backyard :)

[@joseucoelho1]

amazing review well done! thanks!

[@LifeHackster]

Thanks for watching!

[@2loudspeakers]

Very helpful indept video!

[@carlos.75]

Great review definitely will help me make an educated decision on my purchase.

[@EveronesInvited]

The man did a nfl combine with the license plates. Much respect

[@TontosVotanPaSocialistas]

Great review. I've just received 5MP Camera System. I tested it for 3 days now and I have to say it is very good, but I have EZVIZ 4K 8MP 4CH NVR System, Annke NVR 4K (4 cameras SHD , 4cameras 4K 8MP) , both POE and they are far better in all aspects.

[@macster1457]

8MP looks best during daytime.. 12MP for night time.

[@Twelvegoldteeth]

True BUT understand, if you’re using them for your front yard or where you can get another light source...the 8mp looks really good in color mode at night. I use night vision for the backyards but color for the front and it looks GREAT.

[@macster1457]

@@Twelvegoldteeth yup. so if I were to buy these, I would def get the 8 MP one.. but, Im happy with my Wyze cams.. even more now with the v3 😉

[@HDBoyWonder]

Does ReoLink typically release NVR software or camera firmware updates that correct or improve camera sensor’s images? Does ReoLink or any security camera vendor use 12-or 16-bit p/p HDR cameras?

[@gervas4935]

@@Twelvegoldteeth Good idea

[@jackal6902]

I don’t see the value of the 12 at all.

[@stanleygavin9439]

Very, very well done! Thanks for doing such a good job. You’ve really helped me make the decision to get the 8 MP camera system.

[@LifeHackster]

Thank you. I appreciate it.

[@donaldstephens11]

Best review ever.

[@ICHOOSETHEENDING]

Excellent video! it's very informative!

[@LifeHackster]

Thank you.

[@MorganMadej]

Thank you for an excellent video analysis, so comprehensive and detailed! Looking for the best and most suitable system can be a Dilemma? Looking forward to your next video, needless to say I have subscribed!

[@Tommy-Handsome-and-Smart]

Thank you, very helpful.

[@markd.songsandstuff7728]

Thanks for all your videos. You help people make better decisions before they buy. In my front yard I've been experimenting with my Blink XT2, Reolinks Argus PT, Argus 3, 510A, 810A. At night with my outside lights on (Argus 3 spotlight off), they all switch to color night vision except for the 810A. The 810A stays in black/white IR. I assume it needs more lumens to switch unless it is because it faces the street a little more than the other cameras. In the app I can set it to color 24/7 but at night this reduces the view. As your video shows, Reolink's 12MP needs more lighting to switch to color at night. So far Reolink's human vehicle detection is working good for me. There are better color night vision cameras like Hikvision ColorVu but they are more expensive.

[@MrMoe158]

Had nine cameras 4K 8mp put up last month and i love them. Upgraded my hard drive from 3TB to 9TB and eventually down the road i will upgrade again to 12TB

[@jaycranmer2001]

Did you use a third party hdd or did you use reolinks hdd storage?

[@ronm6585]

Thank you.

[@MrFreeze79]

I was kind of upset that I received my 8mp cameras today when just finding out the new 12mp cameras are now coming out!! but, after watching this video I'm quite happy that I bought the 8mp cameras. thanks!!

[@nitishsingh...6862]

Ur review is super... 😍

[@grayman4232]

Decisions decisions decisions so much to choose from out there, thanks.

[@MrMicra945]

Great review

[@luisortho1165]

Thanks 😎

[@Airbag888]

Reolink IP Cams went the way of the RTX3k series graphics card... great reviews, no stock

[@metaltuman]

First of all - to see the difference viewers must change the youtube quality options to 4k UHD (if its available for this video) and have the monitor that support this quality. The main parametr for CCTV is pixel density. 2Mpx camera with motorzoom or cheap robot with motorzoom can give us the same result. If you record video in 12Mpx you must increase the storage space. It's not a problem if you configure only motion detection record, but in case of big zone activity it's will be much complicated. Installers don't like to chose different lenses cameras for each installation, it's not a good practice. Try to use Axis lens calculator. It's good tool to understand how to chose a right camera (not only Axis) for client requirements. Wide-angle cameras have some optical problems like distortion. As for me it's better to use several 4Mpx cameras with 40-70°. Thanks for video.

[@classicsalsa3589]

Funny how 8mp looks the best out of 3 during the day and 12mp is the best at night..

[@kenmunford4971]

need to merge the 8 and 12 to get the best of both. i.e 12 for night vision and 8 daytime for sharper picture

[@ILL21]

Spoiler Alert 😂

[@surgep]

Awesome was looking forward to this one

[@SperVxo]

I wish it would send a picture in the notification. On Logitech circle 2 with HomeKit you can even start the video in the notification panel. Really nice. I’m getting the 8mp any day now :)

[@barfingmonkey8956]

Magandang umaga.

[@DevD750]

I have 4 8mp cameras im installing next week and I just order 2 of the 12mp cameras. Thanks for the review. Also do we have an updated dvr / ring home security video coming up soon. Your last one was 2017. Great video!!

[@iandudgeon7007]

Thank you for your excellent review. I discovered this company today (I’m in the UK); I currently have a Nest Cam IQ and I’m bitterly disappointed with it for innumerable reasons. Here in the UK, we don’t appear to have any of these new cameras yet, but there is a sale on currently for the 4K 8mp system RLK8-800 B4. I appreciate that this older camera (and recorder) doesn’t have the person and license plate recognition, but leaving this aside, can I expect similar quality of video and general performance to this new 8mp camera please? The sale price is a few hundred $ less than retail (which seems like a great bargain), but obviously not if these new offerings are going to leave it for dead! Many thanks.

[@thehashslingingslasher19]

Great review, wash that fence!

[@largelarry2126]

Something I did was replace all my outdoor flood lights with halogen lights. LED lights don't produce much IR light and are of little help for your cameras at night. On the other hand halogen lights make a lot of IR light and will make a huge difference after dark even at longer distances.

[@luanpham7469]

Great idea ! I will do it to see if any better.

[@deetaylor]

@@luanpham7469 did it help?

[@desertfox12345]

Apparently not.@@deetaylor

[@matthoyt4015]

With any of the AI reolink cameras that accept a memory card in the camera it's self, will the camera record both on the camera memory card and NVR at the same time, acting as a back up, if the NVR system gets compromised? I am thinking of purchasing the reolink RLC-810a and RLC-822a. Keep up the good work on the cameras!

[@Bara885]

You're the reason I bought 5 blink cameras just by watching your reviews on them. Now from experience I'm telling everybody out there who watches these videos, please don't buy raggedy ass blink cameras. Not only they making you pay for the clips recorded by your own camera but the delay on motion detector is horrible. After few days of the installation everything changed from good to terrible.

[@katosellers257]

Best review .8 mp its best .

[@Eman-bz1te]

Nice

[@joebrewer5885]

You need to do a complete install, from where to buy, what to buy, how to connect, with advantages and disadvantages of various components. Cloud vs NVR storage. First thing burglars should take is the NVR. Can you mix and match components? I want to install a system but can't find answers to basic questions.

[@jeremywilson8334]

Yes, that would be a very helpful video

[@garylavery9993]

Amazing reviews thank you! Will these cameras work with synology surveillance station? These three models are not listed on the synology webpage as "approved compatible" reolink cameras list but I was wondering if they will work anyway.

[@RustyDemons1987]

Thanks for the video. Do you find the person/vehicle detection reliable? I just upgraded my NVR so I can make use of the new features, just waiting for it to arrive. I am hoping it works well for push notifications because even playing around with sensitivity and motion zones I get so many false triggers. Thanks

[@Nareimooncatt]

Do you think the 12MP is inherently better at night, or was it perhaps picking up some of the background lights differently that made it reduce the exposure for the clearer picture. I'd be curious to see an indoor comparison, or similar situation with no background lighting, to see if the other cameras do better.

[@abc123fhdi]

You should show the license plate when doing the night vision demo as well. I wish ring also had vehicle detection in addition to person detection, or maybe even animal detection in case you notice your yard being torn up by wildlife and want to identify the culprit.

[@jameela1058]

Would you choose the 8MP or 12MP Reolink camera to monitor a pool area? Also any pro/cons of bullet vs turret style?

[@stayanonymous6430]

Thanks for the outstanding comparisons! Do you know which companies provide IP cloud storage for these residential cams? I do not think reolink provides it for these cams at this time and have not had much success googling any 3rd party cloud service providers. Thank you!

[@franky9868]

Great video! Can I ask you if I should pick 520a or 510a for my office indoor? They look quite identical from many perspectives

[@Preske]

the 12MP looks like it's squished from 16:9 to 4:3

[@FalcoINC]

Wait a min....you list the cameras in reverse order? At 9:05 you list them as the 12, 8, and 5 but are pointing to the ones I though was the 5, 8, 12? No wonder the 5MP looked amazing lol. It had to be the 12mp one? great video and demo but Im totally confused on which one is which lol

[@paulmiyagishima7655]

Wow. A lot to digest. I agree with some of the viewers about the 8mp being better during the day, but the 12mp being better at night. The alert detection being so fast is very impressive. If you are concerned about possible intruders or burglars these cameras will alert you the quickest. Because there are so many porch pirates I am hoping that these cameras will capture license plates or at least more detail of people coming by your home. Can't wait for part 2. Thanks again!

[@UKEdward]

Thanks for your video review. I just looked at this system on Amazon UK. People are complaining in the amazon reviews that the DVR has no fast forward function for playback and only one USB port. Is this correct?

[@jenr89]

Really nice review! Two questions please. Does the RLC-810A have two way audio, meaning that I can talk from the app through the camera? Also, is there a siren I can trigger on demand? Thank you in advance!

[@LifeHackster]

No on both. Sorry.

[@g33s0n6656]

Your content is amazing! Could you please tell me how the size of the mounting base compares from the RLC-810A to the RLC1212A? Thankyou

[@frankgrunder8242]

Hope you get your hands on the new Ezviz C3W Pro cam soon....

[@OfficialMarkZuckerberg]

I would love it if you could connect their battery powered cameras to the NVR harddrive through wifi. Im not sure if you can but that would be a huge benefit if you wanted to monitor something away from the house when you're on a NVR set up.

[@LifeHackster]

You can only do it with their wired or plug in WIFI cameras and not battery powered ones because it will drain the battery quick.

[@OfficialMarkZuckerberg]

@@LifeHackster I suppose that makes sense since it's recording constantly and not just triggered on.

[@mobgma]

4:3 ASPECT RATIO IS A DEAL BREAKER ....

[@Samzep]

You mean no deal hahah

[@ArdnthatN00b]

4:3.. "The new way"

[@lutfidwedari]

Thanks for the video! I have some question after seeing it. Are the cameras able to send AI motion detection events without an NVR? What about the ONVIF support for person and car detection? Would I get this motion entities in a software like Home Assistant?