Review on 📷 REOLINK RLC-511 PoE Camera: 4X Optical Zoom, Auto-Focus, 5MP Super HD, Smart Home Compatible, IP Security, IR Night Vision, Remote Access via Phone App by David Plunkett

In its current condition as of July-August 2019, I believe the Reolink RLC-511 security camera has manufacturing defects. Below are my observations. I suggest taking them seriously before buying this camera. I have been using PoE security IP cameras for 6 years. I tested many brands. The Reolink RLC-511 in its current state... has these issues. The first of these renders the camera unusable.1. I have now tested two of these models in a week of installation for moisture damage. I assure you that despite being IP66 rated, these cameras are not weatherproof. It only takes a simple 5 minute downpour to render these cameras unusable. Yes, you can take the camera off and dry it to stop it fogging up, but I don't see the point in that. Please see my screenshot for proof.2. These cameras tend to lose focus when turning IR mode on and off between day and night. I was willing to deal with this by having my surveillance software restart the camera at dawn and dusk, but not with all the other issues along with it. Please see my screenshot for proof. The date in this screenshot is different due to automatic reload and lack of synchronization with NTP.3. This camera has an inherent audio ground hum. No joke. I have an audio system and I understand the rumble of the earth and the sheer power. I connected this camera to a separate clean power supply from the main power supply and I still can't get rid of the hum of live and recorded audio from the built-in microphone. Not good. Listen to the Audio Ground Hum video clip (use headphones if necessary). This clip also includes a video auto focus issue that occurs every day when auto switching from daylight to night time. Other thoughts. IR is quite bright. At night you can't get a good picture if it's pointed at the ground within 15 feet of where it's installed. Rather than emitting diffuse wide IR, it is very focused and literally blurs the area it hits. However, when this camera is aimed at an area where the IR is further away, it works well, although the IR is still highly concentrated and little spread. This can be corrected with external lighting or additional IR lighting. Otherwise, it's very easy to install and use with factory and third-party monitoring software, and all other features I've tested work as expected. The picture is quite good for its price. Unfortunately I have to return them all due to previously reported manufacturing defects. Reolink, if you're reading this, pull yourself together. I have a feeling you are literally testing the public with the current RLC-511 build.