8CH 4K/8MP Home Security Camera System with 2TB HDD RLK8-800D4

For reference I have worked in I.T. for over two decades and have installed security DVRs before. But I honestly believe anyone with the ability to follow simple instructions and capable of minor troubleshooting should find this system very easy to install and use. This is the first DVR I've set up that provides POE to the cameras via the built-in switch. This greatly simplifies and cleans up the installation. Many of the problems I see in these reviews can be fixed via simple troubleshooting. I haven't actually had to contact Reolink support so I can't really comment on how available or helpful they are. I just wanted to point out a few of the negative things I've seen posted and offer a few tips/explanations. Cameras/Channels cutting out - When you're running your cables in the ceilings and walls, steer clear of electrical interference. Don't let the network cables touch existing wiring or things like light fixtures. Also avoid heat - like ductwork if at all possible. This can all mess with any kind of network traffic and especially 4K video feeds. It can certainly be more difficult, especially if you've never run wiring before but it is definitely worth the extra effort to route the cables properly. Complaints about video quality - I can verify this NVR absolutely records in 4K. The streams that you watch on your phone/PC/monitor are reduced quality for performance purposes. Even the "Clear" setting isn't near 4K. To access the full 4K video, you have to download the recorded files. This too can get confusing because unless your computer/device has a 4K GPU, you may not be able to play the files with a native media player. I installed this unit at a satellite office out of town and have not exported any files directly from the NVR but I have downloaded files remotely. These files are typically 1 to 3 GB in size. To edit or crop the videos, you will need a video editor capable of working with 4K video. This also allows you to remove the slight fisheye effect of the wide angle lenses if desired. The clarity of the video is outstanding for a system in this price-range. Frame captures are near photographic quality if you have good lighting. All of that said, if you do not have the resources to actually work with 4K video, I highly recommend setting the cameras to a more manageable resolution like 1080P. The files are smaller and just about any modern computer can work with them. These settings can be adjusted and you can change them back at any time. Complaints about outdated software - I'm not sure where this is coming from. The apps for mobile devices are as good if not better than those we've used and continue to use for more traditional DVRs. The Windows app works perfectly as well. I have no complains whatsoever. Perhaps if you're having trouble viewing the feeds, the upload speeds at the location of the NVR may not be sufficient for the resolution settings you're using. Limited camera positions - the cameras are tight in their housings but you can rotate and tilt them within the housing. You do need to install the plate close to the angle you want but someone reported that it has to be perfect and that's simply not true. If you're way off you would run into problems but I would guess you have maybe 15 to 20 degrees of play in either direction. Overall I am impressed with the quality of this system. The video is excellent quality and the night vision works great as well. Again, I have no complaints so far. I just ordered two more cameras to add to our current installation. If anything changes and we begin to have problems I will definitely be back to add to this review.

These cameras have great quality and were easily installed. The night vision is good and they seem reliable as cameras go. My Reolink app keeps disconnecting from my system, but I can’t fault the cameras. I am not a techie, but I think these cameras are worth the price.

Was tired of changing batteries on my wireless cameras. Love the PoE quality and simplicity. Getting the system up and running along with the app was very simple and straight forward. Hooked up the NVR to my big screen via HDMI so I don’t need an extra monitor in a closet like typical setups. The camera mounts very easily to its base (screw down base/ line up camera tabs onto base and twist till it stops) Pros: Tech support was great, fast email and responsive. Cons: Wish the horizontal view angle was better, had to upgrade one of the cameras to get the coverage I needed. Even though system is less than 1 year old and tech support pushed though a firmware upgrade, this system does not fully support the RLC-1224a 12M camera. Had to lower camera resolution to 8M. Once you set and adjust the camera, there’s no set screw or any way to lock the camera or its ring from moving out of position (it’s snug so I’m hoping it’s enough).

Wired is always better, IMHO. The wi-fi models offer lots of frills and monitoring options. I just wanted something that records and I can check if an issue arises. Hooked it up, plugged it into HDMI-2 input on monitor and have added 2 cameras so far, no issues. Upgraded the firmware to latest, file needs to be written on a flash drive formatted FAT-32 on a Windows computer. I couldn't get it to work by writing it with my Mac, maybe you can. Drive is a little noisy, shouldn't be an issue to replace when it dies as it looks like it's just treated as storage and the OS is just firmware on the controller board. I'm going to order the Amazon Basics Wireless Mouse as suggested in the "Ask A Question" section, will update if it works or not. No interest in checking on the web or using a phone app to access it. This thing just uses a HDD with spinning discs and basic processor, probably not going to be a great experience. I appreciate that we don't HAVE to hook this up to our home network and let it on the internet. I'm giving 5 stars because it was exactly what I was looking for. If you need it for on-the-go access and serious security threats it may not be a 5-star experience. Picture is clear. Night vision works great. Waterproof connectors are nice. Cables are nice but unlikely to be long enough for all your cameras so now is a good time to learn how to wire an RJ45 plug. Good news is they now have "pass-through" connectors which make the process a helluva lot easier. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B098DX9RJ9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1 When attaching the cameras to the mounting rings be sure to turn hard enough to feel a click. Trying hard to think of a "Con" but I researched these and watched some videos so there were no surprises. I'll update the review with wireless mouse info and anything else that pops up. *update* The Amazon Basics wireless mouse linked above works perfectly. Plugged the receiver into the front USB port, turned on the mouse and that was it. I turn the mouse OFF when done using it because battery will die a slow death and someone could potentially start playing with the mouse but not know it's "live". With the input on a different source they could potentially click on something to negatively affect the NVR. Anyway, yay for the Amazon mouse!

Very good cameras, easy to setup. Remember to upgrade firmware to the latest to have all available features that comes with new firmware. No issues at all in connectivity. Camera power source is through Ethernet(PoE). Motion detection can be setup for car, person and/or pets. 24/7 recording with NVR and 2tb SDD integrated expandable up to 6tb of storage. 4 Dome cameras included with 8 channel ports in the NVR and you can install up to 12 cameras. No lag/delay at all, 0.02ms probably. Night vision IR/Color. Reolink is the way to go for my home security system.

Dynamite camera. I'm using the power over ether POE and so less cables to run outside. The 4K video is outstanding. We had some loser keep hacking our wireless cameras and so this NVR is perfect. I'm personally not hooking mine up to the router either since sending the mothership manufacturer information is probably a possibility too. The video software is easy to learn even without reading any manuals. Exporting video to a thumb drive for archive is easy. I'm not using the phone app or wepage connection so don't know about those (heard one used flash video which is not secure) Things that might shock you 1) The mounting turret is more like a key, make sure the camera is pointed the right way on it before mounting the bracket/turret the camera sits on - no problem. 2) The DVR doesn't allow you to delete videos....ever! Really makes sense after you think about it. Conversely after less than one month your hard drive will be full and it will write back on top of itself....so get anything interesting off that hard drive or upgrade size hard drive. The rain season here hasn't started but the book says not to submerge the cameras but the YouTube videos show it being sprayed down (suspiciously without an RJ45 connection). So far so good Reolink !

I purchased a Reolink camera, expecting to be able to check it anytime, anywhere on my phone, but the actual experience has been very disappointing. Issues: 1. Only works on the same Wi-Fi The camera only works when connected to my home router. When I try to use mobile data outside, it cannot connect at all, making remote monitoring impossible. 2. Misleading official claims The official description says it supports remote viewing, but mobile data simply doesn’t work, which is misleading. 3. App performance is poor Even on Wi-Fi, the app sometimes lags and the connection is unstable, making the overall experience frustrating. Summary: If you want to view your camera remotely using mobile data, Reolink is not suitable. This basic functionality does not work, which is very disappointing.

I purchased this after trying another equivalent brand, which ended up with two failed units, so I just gave up. Good: Easy to setup; Great control/options Bad: Cameras that come with this don't have a really wide angle; connectors for cameras have two additional connectors, presumably for other cameras, not sure, that are too big to hide under siding like the CAT cable can be. Still need to solve that, looks terrible; the CAT cable is super cheap. Test before you route it, I found out the hard way, one was no good. So had to go purchase a new cable. Also the cables are not very long, it doesn't say, but I think they are 50 feet. Also, the software via the interface is lacking compared to the phone app. e.g. for playback, you are unable to filter by trigger type. Also, there is no ability to zoom, at least that I can find.

My installer who installs security cameras for a living, had never installed a Reolink system before and was very impressed with the product. He commented, he wished he had Reolink for his home.

The best camera i have ever used 👌🥰

This cameras has excellent video quality and is easy to set up. Reolink OP❤️

Wast of money, Vey bad quality, must pay another 500 dollar for accessories which is not even included in. Do not buy it my friend.