Reolink 8CH 5MP PoE home security camera system review

Reolink 8CH 5MP PoE home security camera system (review) is equipped with 8 PoE ports on the NVR video recorder, making the security system flexible enough to work with up to 8 Reolink PoE, bullet or dome cameras.  The camera kit comes with 60ft network cables, which allows for easy installation and set-up. After connecting the security cameras to the NVR ports, recording and live views can be seen within seconds via an HDMI monitor.

This was actually the second 5MP security system I bought to replace my aging Q-See 720P system. Unfortunately, the first system I bought (ZOSI) was crippled by a really poor phone app. Since I usually live-view or playback when I’m away from home, the app is a crucial component. After returning the ZOSI system, I did a lot more homework, including watching a number of YouTube videos. The Reolink app looked to have the best functionality and ease of use, so that’s the system I chose. Get more on Reolink 8CH 5MP PoE home security camera system review.

Reolink 8CH 5MP PoE home security camera system specs

PoE Network Video Recorder Specifications

• IP Video Input: supports 8 IP cameras
• Video Outputs: Monitor or HDTV via VGA, HDMI
• Compression Format: H.264
• Playback: 4 cameras play simultaneously
• HDD Installed: Pre-installed a 2TB HDD
• HDD Capacity: 1x internal port, 1x external port, 4TB for each port(support up to 8TB in total)
• Power over Ethernet Sockets: RJ45 X 8
• USB Port: USB 2.0 x 2
• Working Temperature: -10?~+45?(14°F~113°F)
• Remote Access: iPhone/Android Phone, Windows/Mac PC

PoE IP Camera Specifications

• Image Sensor: 1/2.7″ 5Megapixel CMOS (2560 x 1920)
• Lens: 80°@4.0mm
• Night Vision: 65-100ft, 18pcs IR LEDs
• Audio: Built-in Mic
• Viewing Angle: Horizontal: 80°, Vertical: 58°
• Power: Power over Ethernet
• Working Temperature:-10?~+55?(14°F~131°F)

More Features

5 Megapixels Incredibly Clear Videos

These 5MP IP cameras have a pixel resolution of 2560×1920, that is, 2.4X the resolution of 1080p Full HD, and even 1.4X the resolution of 1440p Super HD. You will definitely have the best chance to see every image details as you wish.

24/7 Recording and Monitoring

• 2TB HDD Pre-install. The 2TB hard drive can be replaced up to a 4TB hard drive.
• Allow you to install an external hard disk drive via e-SATA for more storage (up to 4TB).
• Support all cameras recording at the same time (up to 8 cameras).
• If you want longer recording, try motion detection recording, which will trigger recording only when motion is detected.

PoE – Easy Setup, Even for a Beginner

A real plug and play security system, and features PoE (Power over Ethernet), with a single network cable connecting each IP camera to the NVR for power supply and video signal transmission. It comes with 59ft 8Pin network cables which save much time and cost to look for wires. It can run up to 270ft via CAT5 and 330ft via CAT6 8-pin Ethernet cable.

So Easy Remote Access

You can use Reolink APP (IOS/Android) and Client (Windows/Mac) to access the camera. Get live streaming and other control on mobile device, stay informed whenever there is a thing.

Smartest Way for Alerts

The PoE camera security system detects moving objects and trigger alerts when dangers occur. Whenever a motion event is detected, the surveillance camera will trigger alerts by immediately sending alert e-mails and pushing notifications to your device.

Work with All Types of Reolink Cameras

The 5MP PoE NVR works perfectly with all Reolink 5MP and 4MP POE IP cameras and WiFi cameras for 24/7 recording, motion detection alerts, live views, playback and more other features.

Compare Reolink 8CH 5MP PoE home security camera system (review)

Reolink 8CH 5MP PoE home security camera system review

Design

It is cylindrical in size and dimension is 14.76 x 7.68 x 11.42 inch. It weighs around 13.5 pounds.

Installation

Installation was straightforward. This is a PoE (Power over Ethernet) system, so I used my existing BNC cables to pull the new CAT5 cables. I made up a plywood drill guide to accurately drill the screw and cable holes in my soffits. This is one improvement I could suggest: I wish Reolink would provide a molded plastic drill template, as this would make camera mounting easier. With the cameras installed and the CAT5 cables in place, all that’s left is to hook up the NVR. Initial programming could hardly be easier – far more user-friendly than my old Q-See system.

Last step was installing the apps on my phone and tablet, and this too was a snap, with a QR scan taking care of most of the process. There’s also a Windows client that lets me view and control the system from my laptop.

Phone app

The phone app is excellent. On opening the app, it automatically goes to your most recent view. This is great, as I most often check the camera at my front door to look for packages when I’m away, or to see who’s at the door before deciding whether to answer. To save bandwidth, the phone app view is medium-res, but there’s a cool feature called “Clip” that gives you a high-res closeup you can drag and zoom around the overall view. Rotate your phone, and the view instantly switches to full-screen.

Recording

The playback feature is also excellent. It’s quick and easy to navigate to the time period you want to replay. Simply tap the date and then select the time block (the recordings are saved in roughly 1-hour blocks). Drag the slider to find the exact period you want to replay, then tap the camera icon for a still photo or the movie icon to start recording video. I do wish there was a 30 second skip forward/back option, as this would make finding the exact moment of interest a little easier. Photos and videos are saved to local storage, but you can also set up a cloud account and have them upload automatically.

Remote control

The app also supports remote control PTZ (pan/tilt/zoom) cameras if you decide to add one or more to your system. The system comes with 4 cameras, but the NVR supports up to 8, so you have room to upgrade.

Push alerts

The system also supports push alerts to your phone. You can choose which cameras to send alerts and choose the portions of their fields of view to ignore so as to reduce false alarms. The motion detection is very sensitive, so I’d recommend selecting only the key ares, like your front steps and mailbox lid. Alerts are almost instantaneous.

What is the alternative of Reolink 8CH 5MP PoE home security camera system?

1. Amcrest UltraHD 4K (8MP) Outdoor Bullet POE IP Camera

This camera has the best quality recording capability at the lowest price possible. The camera is PoE equipped IP camera and needs an NVR recorder or device of that kind. Another up to date feature is this camera has an SD card slot to store the recording. SD cards are far more advanced, fast and energy-efficient for recording stuff hours after hours. HDDs are noisy power consuming and obviously slow. Having an SD card storage system is quite a feature in my opinion.

The Amcrest UltraHD 4K (8MP) Outdoor Bullet POE IP Camera is a simple and low effort required to install.  it can be used for household works, you can use it to install a surveillance system around your house or to keep an eye on a small place. 

This is not a full-fledged surveillance system. It is far more simple and both power and cost-efficient for household usage.

The recording quality is also very good. HD recording is not easy to get from a security camera but this camera can record HD videos.

2. IP Security Camera 1080P, POE Outdoor Surveillance Security Camera

This IP security camera 1080p, PoE Outdoor Surveillance Security Camera is by far the cheapest security camera with awesome features to offer. It costs around 32 bucks yet comes with features like 3D noise reduction, Waterproof and so much more. This low price and awesome features make it more convenient to use in a small house.

From the name “IP Security Camera 1080P” it can be guessed that the camera is capable of full HD 1080p recording. It also has a 3D noise reduction feature. Real-time alerts via email and 3^rd party apps including a snapshot of that moment and motion detection. 

The camera is waterproof and the design of the camera is highly durable which can withstand the harsh environment of outdoor thus it can be used outside during rain or snow or any extreme weather.

This is just a security camera only not a full-fledged surveillance system. NVR recording system, remote accessibility can be initiated separately via a 3^rd party app which great for remote access and household usage.

3. Reolink 5MP PoE Camera (Pack of 2) Outdoor Indoor Video Surveillance Work

It is the same manufacturer as the first surveillance system we have talked about. This is the smaller or home-based version of the first one. Instead, 4 IP cameras provide 2 IP cameras with lower storage capacity for a bit lower price tag. This is a clever business strategy from the manufacturer because you definitely do not want to spend the same amount of money on your home security as you would have spent on your business or office place.

Full HD recordings and long-distance night vision. Free software, remote access from smartphone and laptop or personal computer.

As it is designed for household usage, it is not a full-fledged surveillance system. NVR recorder is needed to be bought additionally.

Best PoE Security Camera Buying Guide

Here comes the section where I guide you thoroughly so that you can buy your desired security camera within your budget overcoming all those confusion you had before reading this article.

Price

The first thing you need to set up your mind is to select the price range based on your needs. For instance, if you are aiming to put your home under security surveillance then you should go for the lower-priced version of the professional or business class which comes with a bigger price tag and obviously with equipment more than what needed which you can use to cover your office place under security surveillance.

Packaging contents

Once you have done that your second target would be looking up at the Packaging box contents. The of doing that you are looking for equipment as much as possible packed inside your budget. That is why looking out for more packaging box content at the same price. For packaging box contents information, visit the manufacturer website or the website where you are buying it from.

Night Vision

Security surveillance means mostly security during night time. I mean the night is the scariest part. Without night vision your surveillance camera is of no use. So, no matter what you look for into a security camera you must look for night vision mode. If not, no matter how updated the technology of the camera maybe.

Large storage

To do long-time surveillance or some kind of place that needs surveillance for a long period of time because of the absence of human beings during that period then large storage capacity is a compulsory feature. But for surveillance on a daily basis, a place like your home, small to medium surveillance recording storage capacity is enough. 

Playback Capacity

Sometimes an unwanted event occurs in covering multiple camera range. To playback that scene you might need to play all the cameras simultaneously to get a summed-up idea about the incident. That is why you need to pay attention to this feature if your security surveillance system capable of doing multiple playbacks simultaneously or not.

Operating Temperature

Another most important feature you should put emphasize on is the operating temperature of the devices you are using in your security surveillance system. If you live in a country where the temperature often gets below freezing point then you should consider buying a surveillance system that is able to withstand such low temperature. Otherwise, your security system will be of no use in case of providing surveillance data. The same goes for African or desert-like temperatures, when the temperature gets over 50 degrees Celsius or above these systems are often known to fail. That is why you should look for this feature while buying it.

Durability

The surveillance cameras are often used in the outside environment. We all know the outside environment can be quite harsh on our digital devices. That is why you should look for a compact and durable surveillance camera while purchasing it.

So, in short, I can say you need to set up your mind and fix your required budget. Then find a camera or surveillance system within your budget that fulfills most of your requirements. Thus you can have the best security camera or surveillance system within your budget.

I did not mention any price of the selected products because it varies from place to place and it also depends on how are you buying it. To get a price information, detailed specification and packaging box contents visit the manufactures website.

Which one is better PoE VS Wi-Fi Camera?

There is a common curiosity among the people interested in buying security cameras or surveillance systems that is which one is better PoE cameras or Wi-Fi cameras? And why it is better? Well in this section of this article I am going to try to clarify that dilemma.

Wi-Fi cameras use an internet connection and a power source to provide security surveillance covering a certain area. The surveillance capability depends on the bandwidth of the internet connection and the area covered by that network. Due to low coverage, the camera often fails to provide security surveillance for a wide range of areas.

On the other hand, the PoE camera uses a single wire to do both operations, this ethernet cable network has a much larger range of coverage and more reliable than an internet-based network system. 

This is why I think PoE cameras are better than Wi-Fi cameras

The PoE surveillance systems offer a comparatively wide range of surveillance coverage at a much cheaper rate. Wi-Fi-based networks are unreliable and hard to operate and costly too. And it also requires a power source nearby. That is why This Power over Ethernet technology is far more advanced and popular over Wi-Fi-based surveillance network.

Another point is to consider that PoE Cameras are comparatively power-efficient and easy to install than Wi-Fi cameras. Because unlike Wi-Fi cameras PoE cameras are simple and easy to install because they use a single wire to transfer both power and data.

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