Reolink RLC-811A Specs & Ownership Analysis

A documentation-driven look at the Reolink RLC-811A: 4K PoE, 5x optical zoom, local storage, RTSP/ONVIF, power draw and the buyers it fits best.

Updated September 13, 2026 · SecurityVerdicts research desk

The Reolink RLC-811A is a useful reference model for local-first wired surveillance because it combines 4K resolution, PoE power, a motorized 2.7-13.5mm lens, local storage and documented third-party protocols in one camera.

Best fit: homeowners or small businesses that can run Ethernet and want continuous local recording, optical framing flexibility and integration with an NVR, NAS or self-hosted software.

Verified specifications

FieldDocumented value
Resolution3840×2160, 8MP
Lens2.7-13.5mm motorized, 5× optical zoom
Horizontal FOV105° to 31°
Power802.3af PoE or 12V DC, under 12W
Local storagemicroSD up to 512GB, Reolink NVR, FTP
ProtocolsRTSP and ONVIF documented for RLC-series PoE cameras
Weather ratingIP67
AIPerson, vehicle and animal detection

Why the lens matters

The 105°-31° horizontal range makes this much more flexible than a fixed 2.8mm camera. You can install it for wide coverage and then tighten the scene around a driveway, gate or other evidence zone without relying on digital zoom.

Local-first strength

Reolink explicitly documents standalone RTSP and ONVIF support for the RLC-811A product class. The camera can also record 24/7, by schedule or by motion.

Tradeoffs

It is a wired camera, so installation is more involved than battery systems. It is also physically larger than many consumer Wi-Fi cameras. The upside is predictable power, continuous recording and a direct local-network path.

Verdict

If you want a camera that behaves like surveillance infrastructure rather than a cloud accessory, the RLC-811A is a strong architecture fit.

Sources: Reolink product page · Reolink protocol matrix. Compare it in the Security Camera Model Database.