Best Microsd Cards For Reolink Cameras

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Overview

When it comes to monitoring your home or business, Reolink security cameras are a popular choice due to their excellent image quality, user-friendly features, and robust performance. However, to maximize their capabilities, especially regarding local storage, choosing the right microSD card is crucial. In this article, we will explore the best microSD cards for Reolink cameras, ensuring you get the most efficient and reliable solution for your surveillance needs.

Technical Features

Before diving into specific microSD card recommendations, let’s establish what makes a good card for your Reolink camera. Ideally, the best microSD cards for Reolink cameras should include:

  • Storage Capacity: Reolink cameras typically support microSD cards up to 128GB or even 256GB, allowing for ample video storage. A higher capacity card means longer recording times between overwrites, especially important for continuous recording setups.

  • Speed Class: Look for cards labeled at least as Class 10, UHS-I (U1), or even U3. A higher speed class ensures that video is recorded smoothly, reducing the risk of frame drops, especially for 4MP or 5MP cameras that generate a lot of data.

  • Durability: Security cameras are often exposed to different environmental conditions. Choose cards that are waterproof, shockproof, and temperature resistant to ensure reliability over time.

  • Read/Write Speeds: Look for microSD cards offering high read/write speeds to ensure quick and efficient data transfer and recording. This aspect becomes critical for recording high-resolution videos without lag.

After these considerations, let’s delve into some top microSD card options suited for Reolink cameras.

  1. SanDisk Extreme Pro 128GB

    • Speed: Up to 170MB/s read, 90MB/s write (UHS-I U3)
    • Durability: Waterproof, temperature-proof, shock-proof, and X-ray-proof.
    • The SanDisk Extreme Pro series is famous for its speed and reliability. Ideal for high-resolution video recordings, this card can handle 4K recording and ensures that your Reolink camera never misses a frame, even during critical moments.

  2. Samsung EVO Select 128GB

    • Speed: Up to 100MB/s read, 90MB/s write (UHS-I U3)
    • Durability: Water-resistant, temperature-resistant, and magnetic-proof.
    • The Samsung EVO Select offers excellent performance at a competitive price. Its strong write speeds are beneficial for camera streams, making it a fantastic choice for 4MP Reolink models. Plus, the EVO Select often comes at a lower price point compared to its SanDisk counterpart without sacrificing quality.

  3. Lexar Professional 1000x 128GB

    • Speed: Up to 150MB/s read, 90MB/s write (UHS-II)
    • Durability: Shockproof and temperature-resistant.
    • While more focused on high-end photography, the Lexar Professional series delivers fantastic speeds and reliability, ideal for surveillance applications. Its UHS-II capabilities are overkill for many users but provide peace of mind when capturing critical video footage.

  4. Kingston Canvas React Plus 128GB

    • Speed: Up to 300MB/s read, 260MB/s write (UHS-II)
    • Durability: Water-resistant, shock-resistant, and temperature-resistant.
    • Although this card is primarily targeted towards high-resolution content creators, it pairs effectively with Reolink cameras that support higher bitrates. If you plan on utilizing multiple camera channels and need to guarantee performance, the Kingston Canvas React is an excellent choice.

  5. Teamgroup MicroSDXC 128GB (Plus)

    • Speed: Up to 100MB/s read, 80MB/s write (UHS-I U3)
    • Durability: Waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof.
    • Teamgroup cards are generally less well-known but often provide excellent performance relative to their cost. This option stands out as a budget-friendly choice without sacrificing speed, meeting the necessary standards for Reolink cameras.

Setup & Installation

Installing a microSD card in your Reolink camera is a straightforward process, but there are a few tips to ensure smooth operation:

  1. Power Down: Before inserting or removing the microSD card, make sure your Reolink camera is powered off to prevent any damage to the card or the camera.

  2. Insert with Care: Open the microSD card slot, usually located near the power input or on the bottom of the device. Gently insert the card until it clicks into place, ensuring it’s oriented correctly according to the slot design.

  3. Turn On the Camera: Once the card is securely in place, power on your camera. Most Reolink cameras will automatically detect the card and prompt you to format it if needed.

  4. Format the Card: Formatting prepares the card for your camera’s specific file system requirements. You can do this via the Reolink app or web interface. Be aware that formatting will erase all existing data, so ensure you have a backup if necessary.

  5. Set Up Recording Schedules: After successful installation, configure your recording preferences through the Reolink app. You can choose between continuous recording, scheduled recording, or event-based recording (motion detection or alerts).

Smart Features & Integration

Reolink cameras offer a suite of intelligent features designed to enhance your security experience. Using the Reolink app, you can access your camera’s live feeds, playback recorded footage, and adjust settings directly from your smartphone. Highlights of the app include:

  • Live Streaming: Access real-time video feeds on the go.
  • Notifications: Get instant alerts for motion detection or other events.
  • Playback and Download: Easily view recorded footage, choose specific time frames, and download important clips.
  • Smart Home Compatibility: Some Reolink cameras can integrate with smart home systems, including Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, allowing for voice-activated commands and integration into your broader smart home ecosystem.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Enhanced Security: Coupling a reputable microSD card with your Reolink camera provides reliable, continuous local storage. You won’t have to worry about an internet outage compromising your footage.
  • Cost-effective: Local storage often provides a more budget-friendly solution compared to subscription-based cloud storage.
  • Quick Access: Having footage stored locally allows for easy playback and review without reliance on cloud services.

Cons

  • Storage Limits: Depending on the capacity of your microSD card, you may eventually need to rotate or delete footage to free up space, especially if your camera has a high resolution and records continuously.
  • Potential Loss: If a thief were to gain access to your camera, they could also remove the microSD card, eliminating access to your stored footage.
  • Data Management: Managing video files requires periodic attention to ensure important footage is retained and efficient recording schedules are maintained.

Final Expert Recommendation

In choosing the best microSD cards for Reolink cameras, I recommend prioritizing speed, capacity, and durability. The SanDisk Extreme Pro remains a top-tier option for serious users who demand fast speeds and reliability. The Samsung EVO Select and Lexar Professional options are excellent alternatives for those seeking similar performance at varying price points. Together, these choices ensure seamless video recording and playback for your Reolink security setup. Investing in the right microSD card will ensure your Reolink camera operates efficiently, providing peace of mind and reliable monitoring.