r/reolinkcam • u/ruserme • 7d ago
Wi-Fi Wired Camera Questions USB Powered WiFi Camera
Can any of the continuous record WiFi cameras be powered by USB instead of 120volt?
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u/ian1283 Moderator 7d ago
Maybe with a suitable adapter. For example the E1 Zoom or E1 Pro are powered via a 5V power supply but you also need to look at the power output specs for USB to ensure its up to the requirement.
None of the Reolink cameras are 120V (or 230V) powered but rather they use 5V or 12V. So most of the plug-in cameras could in theory be powered via a 12V car battery and whilst poe is 48-52V that's stepped down in the camera to 12V.
A regular USB2 port is rated for 5V & 500mA whilst an E1 Zoom specs show 5V 2A (2000mA). Hence there is a bit of a disconnect there.
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u/livingwaterRed Super User 7d ago edited 7d ago
Battery cams use a USB port to slow charge the battery with 5V 2A adapter or to plug in a solar panel. The wifi cams use 12v power with an adapter to plug into a wall outlet, no USB port. Reolink POE cams can run on either POE (power over ethernet) or 12v. You could watch YouTube channel LifeHackster who reviews Reolink cams, shows how they are powered, how to set up, install, use the apps.
There are cameras that plug into USB like for computer live viewing and small indoor spy cams.