REOLINK 8CH 4K/8MP Security Camera System with 2TB HDD RLK8-800B6

I previously owned a different (cheaper, different brand) wifi-based system, that did well, but had the downfalls of requiring internet to work, and also couldn’t record continuous (it would be like 5 or 10 second gaps between recordings, and also if multiple cameras engaged recording motions at once, sometimes it would miss some events). This system is a full standalone system that only requires internet for the app should you chose to use it. This 4K system is a significant image improvement, and has a pretty good night vision range too. Being 4K, it allows you to make out smaller details easier, such as license plates, or see a little further than lower resolution images. Audio quality I rate as moderate. I bought the 6 camera system, but just using 5 cameras for now, at 4K and including audio, it gets to roughly 6.5 days of recording on the 2TB drive so far before writing over old videos with my experience. I also really like the wired system vs wifi systems now, the image quality, and frame rate is much better, and also eliminates any network interference issues or artifacts from data transmission (which I ran into sometimes with my previous WiFi systems). Also being a POE system, no other wires for power needed, nor have to worry about any batteries to change or recharge. Running the wiring (to hide it professionally) is a big task, I ran mine behind the siding in places and then down through my subfloor/basement, this can be a drawback vs wifi, as it does require a mechanically inclined person, or recommend hiring someone to do so. I originally was curious if enough wiring was included to run all the wires, and indeed it was (just barely on one camera). Initial setup is a little quirky with the mouse included with the control unit, almost would need a keyboard, because typing is more difficult using a mouse to access a digital keyboard on screen, but once setup, I do everything else with the app now. The app does take getting used to, to learn the different functions and what they do, it is more robust than the previous type I had. I can do everything remotely with the app that I have noticed, including fully rebooting or updating the control unit (I think I remember having to enable something to allow for remote access on the control screen, or leave it off if you chose to only use the control unit locally). I have grown to really like it once I learned it. Very impressed indeed, and well worth the price (I caught it on a lightning sale). Would recommend this brand , and specifically this model to anyone interested.

So easy to install. We use PoE so single plug in. Ran wires through attic, so that was a little work, but excellent clarity. I likenthat there are 3 clarity options. Very happy.

The camera system is top of the line for residential Security Systems. My mistake was I ordered the nvr and a few cameras from Reolink.com. The nvr (network video recorder), was dead on arrival when I opened the box. When I plugged it in for the first time there were no lights or fan noise. There was a spark when I plugged in the power supply. I have never been so frustrated by a customer service department. I ordered the items on Nov 25th and its now Jan 8th and I still don't have the replacement. I have emailed customer service probably 10 or 12 times and all they do is send me a page out of their trouble shooting manual telling to disconnect all cameras and then check the nvr. It's like they never understood the nvr had never been hooked up to any cameras. I understand any electronic device may be a lemon sometimes, but to treat their customers like they are complete idiots. By the way, I'm a retired electrician with a background in electronics and I know when you plug in a power supply with no load hooked to the nvr there should not be an arc shoot out of the socket. If I had purchased this from Amazon, I wouldn't have to talk to customer service at all. They send you a postage paid return label and new unit and tell you they must receive the defective item by a certain date or your credit card will be charged for the new item they sent. I finally got tired of waiting and ordered another nvr from Amazon. It arrived 4 days later and was easy to install the cameras. I'm very impressed with the picture quality (4 K) and the app that controls the system. It's not the product, its Reolink.com.

This is a really good system. This is my first surveillance system and I am not a professional, so take that into account. I read reviews and some comparisons before pulling the trigger. Ended up getting this knowing some of the shortcomings. Easy to install if you have DIY capabilities. Had to drill some holes and fish some wires. Install is clean and looks professional. Just connect the wires to the NVR and go. NVR software was pretty easy to setup. Clarity during the daylight is amazing. I am recording in 4K but displayed on a 1080P HD Samsung TV. Amazing! Would look better on a 4K TV. The attached pics are from the app which is at a reduced quality. You can stream to the app at full 4K if desired. Some limitations: 1. Zoom is digital (pixel enlargement), so image will lose quality as you zoom. 2. Movement detection is digital/pixel based so will pick up anything that moves within the pixels. Moving shadows, branches, spider webs. Because of this I have alarms shut off. Software allows you to jump to movement triggers. Some other camera/NVR options have thermal imaging to help with this. 3. Night vision is good but focuses light toward the center which limits the distance if the camera is angled downward. This can be seen in some of the attached night images. Peripheral distance is limited. 4. License plates reflect light, including infrared. You won't be able to read them at night through the cameras. NVR software is intuitive. Mouse isn't the greatest but works. Keyboard integration would be nice. Phone app is pretty good. So many options it takes a while to navigate them all. Both the software and app allow masking private areas to not record and areas to track motion. Overall pretty happy with the purchase and quality. Would buy again and recommend to others.

There are pros and cons but I purchased this as a second system for another building. So obviously I'm a believer in the first system. It's not perfect. Motion detection sucks. You have to do a lot of manual scanning if you want to find an event because you can't rely on motion. Night vision is good. Resolution is very clear up to 10 or 15 ft and it starts to fade the further you go. Still clear enough to read a license plate at 30 ft. Tech support is a little difficult to navigate. If you can find the email they will get back to you but not on the weekend. Thankfully I haven't had any real issues. I only look at the system if there's an issue. I turned it on one day and noticed a camera was out. Next time I turned it on it was back on and hasn't gone off since. I've had the first system a couple years and generally can say besides the motion and the manual searching sometimes I'm very happy. Been very reliable. I added a second system to the same app and all I did was scan the q code and it was instantly connected and running. The initials set up on the first system was a little more to it but even I could do it so I wouldn't worry too much.. may want to install some wider viewing angle cameras because it may take a few to get all the way around the building depending what you're trying to view

This is really ans exceptional system. I purchased these cameras and dvr in 2020. They were easy to setup and the mobile app worked flawless. They have been running strong for 6 years now. I highly recommend them for anyone who needs a reliable camera system with an easy to use mobile app.

I do not recommend this reolink security cameras as it won't last long. You'll have issues connecting to view your camera on your phone. And no it won't be because of your service. My service is great in my area. I had these cameras installed 2 years ago. I went with this reolink since I purchased a wireless reolink security camera when I was doing a renovation with no power. Well the wireless one stopped connecting to the network last month. Had it little less then 3 years. Now these wired cameras are not connecting to my phone. Started getting a message "device disconnected" so I checked to make sure my wife was working and it is. This happened a lot with both the wireless and the wired in the past 3 years till the wireless one just stopped connecting completely. After doing some internet searching it seems to be an issue with this brand. I tried contacting the support but since they are overseas you don't get a response till next day and they don't even read as they will tell you to do what you already told them you have tried. They will ask for a receipt of purchase not sure why since they won't replace it as it's been 3 years. Good product if it works as intended but it has issues and for the price to last for just 3 years and the headache of it not connecting when needing it most it's not worth it.

Finally had the chance to install this unit and I must say I'm impressed with the video quality. Out of the box the NVR recognizes the cameras. Cable install is no joke but well worth the work for the quality and security it provides. To fellow DIY'rs, here's how I tackled the project: If you decide to purchase this unit, please do your utmost diligence to read up what the unit can and cannot do through REOLINKs website. PRE-INSTALL: 1. Upon unboxing, I suggest to test run the whole unit to ensure everything works and that you're still within your return window if you happen to dislike the product. 2. Take note of the model# of the NVR and the cameras. 3. Go to REOLINKs support page and update the firmwares on the NVR first! Then each individual cameras through the NVRs interface. Step by step guide is available with REOLINKs support page. 4. OPTIONAL: if you plan to upgrade the storage, this is the ideal time to do so as well. 5. Take note of your settings such as your admin account and pw. Then set the unit aside for later install. 6. Plan your cable runs to and from your planned NVR location! INSTALL: 1. Initiate and execute your pre-planned cable runs. The provided CAT5 cables are adequate for this unit. I suggest CAT6 cables (not included) if running longer cables. Also, complete all cable runs BEFORE installing cameras with 2 to 3 ft of slack at the endpoints. 2. Connect the cables to your NVR unit and power it on. 3. OPTIONAL: I suggest acquiring from your local hardware store 6 to 8 (or more) waterproof 4in roundboxes with covers. This will minimize the amount and size of holes you'd be drilling through your property wall. 4. Install the cameras at the endpoints. If using roundboxes, you can prep mount the cameras on the covers then install. 5. Before moving on to the next camera, have someone to liveview the feed to adjust camera angles, etc. I used google duo video chat with a partner to make things easier. 6. Repeat steps 4 and 5. 7. Once all camera's are installed, wait for night time for outdoor camera's for further adjustments. Such as whitewashing due to IR lights from the camera. 8. Give yourself 2 days minimum to observe recording to address any issues with lighting, shadows, etc. 9. Fine tuning can be done through the NVRs interface. 10. If youre happy with the results, then your project is a success! Congrats! NOTES: I'm using my unit as a standalone system that is locally backed up. Any networking notes can be obtained through REOLINKs website along with guides how to manually update firmwares without network connectivity. To fine tune video captures, please research/read-up on cam bit rates with 4k cams.