This review compares the Reolink RLC-810A and the Reolink RLC-811A to reveal the benefits inherent in both models.
There is never a better time to invest in a surveillance camera. Having one makes you feel a lot safer and provides evidence in the event of a security breach. The Reolink RLC-810A and Reolink RLC-811A cameras show up in this regard. There are so many security cameras available today, and it might be dicey making a choice. But be rest assured that you are in the right place; we have several security cameras we’ve reviewed to the satisfaction of our readers like you.
As we review the Reolink RLC-810A vs. Reolink RLC-811A, you will get a full understanding of both, and in the end, be able to make an informed decision.
Let’s get started.
Reolink RLC-810A Review Summary
Firstly, the Reolink RLC-810A comes in three variants. The RLC-810A (2.8mm), RLC-810A (4.0mm), and RLC-810A (6.0mm). The differences between them are in their Lenses, Field of View, and Night Vision Distance. The RLC 810A (2.8 mm) has a lens specification of f-2.8 mm, and F-2.0, while its field of view is 101° to the horizontal, 55° to the vertical and a 30-meter night vision distance.
The RLC 810A (4.0 mm) has a lens specification of f-4.0 mm, and F-2.0, while its field of view is 87° to the horizontal, 47° to the vertical, and a 30-meter night vision distance.
Then the RLC 810A (6.0 mm) has a lens specification of f-2.8 mm, and F-2.0, while its field of view is 53° to the horizontal, 33° to the vertical, and a 40-meter night vision distance.
Asides from these, every other feature of the Reolink RLC-810A models is the same. The primary selling point of the Reolink RLC-810A is its 8 Megapixels video resolution (3840 x 2160, 25 frames/sec). The camera delivers impressive 4k video feeds in the daytime and at night, it comes through with its 18 pcs infrared LEDs.
The Reolink RLC-810A is an outdoor, bullet-IP camera, and primarily a Power over Ethernet (PoE) camera. It is IP66 rated and can also be powered up with a 12 Volts, 1 Amp, D.C adapter with less than 12 Watts of power.
The Reolink RLC-810A performs smart motion detection and can identify all motion, humans, cars, and pets (beta). This therefore eliminates false alarms and delivers only preset accurate notifications. Before we move on, do take a look at the full specifications of the Reolink RLC-810A below (the 2.8 mm).
Reolink RLC-811A Review Summary
The Reolink RLC-811A has just one model. It looks just like the RLC-810A but with some added features. Beginning with, it has a lens specification of f-2.7 to 13.5 mm, and F-1.6 to 3.3, while its field of view is 105° – 31° horizontally, and 55° – 17° vertically. The camera’s night vision range is a 30-meter distance with 4 infrared LEDs. In addition to this, the Reolink RLC-811A is designed with spotlights (5 pcs, 6500K, 450 Lumens) to enable colored night vision.
The primary selling point of the Reolink RLC-811A is its 8-megapixel video resolution (3840 x 2160, 25 frames/sec), 5x zoom, and powerful spotlights that provide colored night vision.
The Reolink RLC-811A is also an IP66-rated outdoor, bullet-IP camera, and primarily a PoE camera. It can also be powered up with a 12 Volts, 1 Amp, D.C adapter with less than 12 Watts of power. Similar to the 810A, the Reolink RLC-811A can perform smart motion detection for all motion, humans, cars, and pets (beta). In addition to these, both camera models are capable of two-way communication, micro SD card storage (up to 256GB), and voice controls with Google Assistant only. The full specifications of the Reolink RLC-811A are shown below.
How to Set up the Reolink RLC-810A and Reolink RLC-811A
The Reolink RLC-810A and Reolink RLC-811A are both rugged IP cameras that you can mount anywhere. But make sure to consider cabling since both are PoE cameras. If you are not sure how PoE connections work, do check out our review of the Reolink RLC-1212A as this is taught there extensively.
When you receive either the Reolink RLC-810A or Reolink RLC-811A, you will find everything needed to set up the cameras. These include a quick start guide, a mounting template, a 1-meter Ethernet cable, a waterproof Lid, pack of screws, a wrench, surveillance sticker, and the camera itself.
Before mounting either the Reolink RLC-810A or Reolink RLC-811A, first loosing the screws at the back of each camera, which houses the micros SD card compartment. Then insert your SD card and screw the cover back into position. The next step is to take the mounting template and paste it on the wall. Drill three holes as indicated, insert the provided anchors, and screw the camera’s mounting base to the wall.
You can then use the provided wrench to adjust the camera’s viewing angle by turning the screw anticlockwise, and then clockwise when the positioning is right. After this, you are done with the mounting process. The next step is to power up the camera and integrate it with the Reolink app.
As mentioned earlier, the Reolink RLC-810A and Reolink RLC-811A are both PoE cameras. You may choose to power them up with a PoE switch, PoE injector, or a 12 Volts D.C adapter (not included in the box). Once this is done, integrating it with the Reolink app is a very easy process.
Note: Ensure to use the waterproof Lid to protect the Ethernet cable connection.
To integrate either camera(s) with the app, first ensure your mobile phone is connected to your home Wi-Fi network or the network your camera will use. Then open the app, and it should automatically detect either the Reolink RLC-810A or the Reolink RLC-811A since they are on the same Local Area Network. Tap on the camera that’s displayed and you will be asked to create a password for the camera. After this, rename the camera and you are done with integrating the camera with the app.
Camera Performance
Now that either the Reolink RLC-810A or Reolink RLC-811A has been integrated with the Reolink app, you should already be seeing the Livestream from either camera. You can begin to play around with the camera’s features and settings.
There are several features you can configure to get the most out of your camera. You can configure motion detection notifications for humans, vehicles, and pets, as well as motion zones. The 24/7 recording option is also available, and both camera models support Reolink NVRs.
You have the ability to zoom in 5 times on the Reolink RLC-811A and achieve the concise area of coverage you want. However, this feature is not available for the Reolink RLC-810A.
You can configure both camera models to sound their alarm when motion is detected. But on the Reolink RLC-811A, you have the added advantage of the spotlights. These come ON automatically at night and can be used to scare away potential intruders before they make moves to break in.
The siren and spotlights both complement each other, but you can tweak their settings depending on where you live, so as not to make your neighbors uncomfortable.
With regards to night vision performance in black-and-white, both camera models feature infrared LEDs that provide night vision up to 30 meters. However, the Reolink RLC-810A performs far better in this regard than the Reolink RLC-811A because it has more infrared LEDs. But with the spotlights on the Reolink RLC-811A, you get colored night vision and better illumination.
You have two-way communication on the Reolink RLC-810A as well as the Reolink RLC-811A. With this, you can speak while viewing the Livestream and it is heard from the camera’s loudspeaker. The person on the other end can equally speak and the camera’s microphone picks this up to your hearing on the Livestream.
With regards to voice controls, only support for Google Assistant is available on either the Reolink RLC-810A or Reolink RLC-811A. You can go ahead to set up your smart device with either camera.
Overall, both cameras perform satisfactorily, but let’s see the reasons why you may consider one over the other.
Why should you consider the Reolink RLC-810A?
The only reason why you would consider the Reolink RLC-810A over the Reolink RLC-811A is that it is more affordable.
Why should you not consider the Reolink RLC-810A?
Even though the Reolink RLC-810A is an 8-megapixel camera, it does not have spotlights and this may be a deal breaker for you.
The Reolink RLC-810A is a Power over Ethernet (PoE) camera. This means the camera cannot directly be connected to a Wi-Fi network. You must have to use an Ethernet cable with the camera. If where you want to mount the camera is longer than 1 meter, then the Ethernet cable included in the box will not be enough.
If you own a router or switch that is not PoE Enabled, you would have to get one, or a PoE Injector. You can also purchase a 12 Volts, 1 Amp D.C adapter to power up the camera, or even a Reolink NVR.
Why should you consider the Reolink RLC-811A?
The major distinguishing factors that the Reolink RLC-811A has over the Reolink RLC-810A are that it is built with spotlights and has 5x zooming capability. The Reolink RLC-810A does not have spotlights or zoom.
Why should you not consider the Reolink RLC-811A?
The same reasons why you may not consider the Reolink RLC-810A are applicable to the Reolink RLC-811A. It is a PoE camera and it requires you to deal with cables. If you don’t already own PoE devices like a switch, injector, 12 Volts 1 Amp D.C adapter, or a Reolink NVR, you would have to get at least one of these.
Final Thoughts
The Reolink RLC-810A and Reolink RLC-811A are extremely rugged outdoor IP cameras that can give you the home or office surveillance you require.
The RLC-811A obviously edges the RLC-810A with its spotlights, zoom, and CMOS sensor, but aside from these both cameras can rival.
The Reolink RLC-810A and Reolink RLC-811A are both PoE cameras and if you are a newbie with PoE connections, you may not like the idea that you have to deal with cables. But again, a lot of users like PoE connections as they believe it is more reliable. Overall, both cameras are dependable and perform satisfactorily.
You may want to see our review of the Reolink RLC-511W and Reolink RLC-511WA.
