Very nice, right to the important points review! Thank you. After many hours of research, Reolink it is! I'll start with the 4 cameras, then add a couple more later on.
G'day, I've got my 13th Reolink camera on its way (RLC823A). All of the others are only 2K. I have recently repositioned several of the cameras to get improved coverage. I now have most set for motion recording. The new camera will mainly be for "Sentinal" duties and will allow us to get closer looks at the activity on the street.
My 6 months of experience with the Reolink cameras (Lumus, 820A and 811A) and NVR is that they are not 100% at picking up motion. Recording only motion events will not capture every event. Recording full time is recommended if you want to guarantee catching everything. I've driven up my driveway in full view of the cam during the day and it didn't trigger. 99% of the time it does but odd times they all don't. Otherwise the system and cameras are great and I will continue to add to it. Mobile app is great (iOS) and the PC app is not quite as good. Updating each POE camera's firmware requires connecting a monitor to the NVR as apps or browsers aren't supported for updating.
I definitely don't like the 3 pigtail connectors at the camera. What's the point of PoE if you have to deal with the other 2 connectors? I realize you only need one but then what to do with the other 2. Now I have to install a back-box to hide the unused connectors. Kinda stupid in my opinion. Now I have to deal with a disconnect point somewhere- either in the wall or outside. Just design it so I can bring my custom length CAT6 wiring right to the back of the camera and be done with it. This almost turns me away from purchasing an otherwise nice system.
It detects as "pet", but yes. I mean, my dog does anyway. You'll need to tweak the sizes though if your chickens are free range, as those also trigger alarms!
There is only 1 thing that wasn't covered. Pretty much every review video I've watched (yours and others on RUclips), fails to mention if the mobile app works WITHOUT an internet connection (i.e. LAN-only WiFi). A lot of companies are now requiring Cloud-based accounts. However, if your internet connection goes down or you want be off-grid, you can't access your system with the mobile app. So... does the Reolink mobile app work in a LAN-only WiFi scenario WITHOUT an internet connection?
Excellent question, and apologies for not covering it. I unplugged my Starlink line and turned off mobile data to try this out: both the mobile and desktop app were able to view the feeds fine. So that's a yes; although admittedly that's a short term test. I'm not sure the ramifications of being without internet for a prolonged period, it's possible the local routing would break down at some point without a WAN connection.
Are you able to run the wire of the camera on the back directly through the middle of the back mounting plate to instantly make it go inside your house and not have a cable visible on the outside? And how big does the drilled hole need to be to fit the required (PoE) cable(s) through? And how do you go about mounting these on walls pointing down-ish? I see on the camera itself saying "UP"
Thanks a lot for this very instructive video!! So if I understand correctly, if I have let's say 6 cameras directly on PoE connected to my NVR, and 4 others on a PoE switch through my network, I have to get a 16 channels NVR even if I have only 6 "real" cameras connected directly to my NVR? Am I right? Thanks again!
Very informative review , thank you Just wondering if the system can be accessed by several different family phones , so we all have access to the system ?
Btw they don’t sell a 4 channel nvr that nvr can support up to 36 cameras but you have to have a Poe switch the nvr does not provide power. (at least from last time I looked it up)
Is there any form of payment or subscription required in order to view the cameras remotely via the internet? Also, does the DVR require a hardwire connection to the internet or does it support wifi? Thank you for a great comprehensive video.
Thanks for the kind words, xefour. No subscription is required unless you want their cloud storage plan. Just viewing remotely can be done anywhere, for free. Ethernet is required though, there's no Wi-Fi built-in.
I have one question. Can be programmed to be constant recording during a time an the remaining time to record on trigger event? The idea is to record during the time the shop is open and let it in trigger during the night. Very good and detailed review.
@@MakeUseOf In addition to this can you deactivate a camera on a timed schedule such for recording pets inside but only when I'm not home or some sort of geotaging? Thank you
Does power over internet bog down your internet speed? If I’m using a lot of internet at home (streaming, gaming, etc) while continuously recording, do I require a super high speed internet connection?
If you're using the built-in PoE from this unit, it'll have no effect on the rest of your network. This connects through a single cable back to your main network, through which you then view the live feeds etc / use the app. So this creates its own network, with its own IP space, completely separate from yours. BUT, if you connect cams from eleswhere on your network, such Reolink Wi-Fi cameras, then record from those 24/7, you may get some slowdown. You don't need a faster internet, no. Stick to plugging the cameras only into this unit though, and there'll be no effect on your home network.
Mate I bought this exact bundle recently but now contemplating to return it. Coz I feel the turret cameras are overheating. The casings are too hot. Especially at night (I guess coz of the IR). Did you notice it too? Cheers, Sydney AUS
How many camera can it record at the same time? I read one source saying 16 is the maximum cameras the DVR can record at the same time. Can I have more than 16 cameras by adding another DVR? Do you think this is possible?
Hmm, I've never noticed a light at night - it's infrared, no spotlight features on this one. That said, do you want them to not be noticed? Better to not make yourself a target than have to deal with the aftermath!
@MakeUseOf Thanks for responding. I get what you're saying. The set up will be one for the driveway but I'll also have another above the front door, which I would prefer isn't noticed in the dark (with any kind of lights showing etc) as I have had clients previously say they felt uncomfortable whilst waiting to for me to open the door. But I was able to switch off the surrounding lights on my current WiFi cloud camera (which I'm about to flush down the toilet) hence my question on whether I'm able to do this on the Reolink cameras. Can I also ask, did you mention you can view the cameras on a device (for example a mobile phone) with the cameras plugged directly into the wall/plug socket with having to use an nvr?
Yes, you won't be able to record more than 8 sources on an 8 channel NVR, but you can still view the 9th one through the app, as all the Reolink cameras work with that (smartphone or desktop). You can still record the 9th camera (it doesn't need to be wireless, by the way, it could also be a separate PoE camera that doesn't go to the NVR) - but it will only be recorded locally to the it's SD card (if it has that, most do outside of the NVR cameras).
Yes, you can record only motion events, doesn't have to be 24/7. You can disable recording remotely through, but you can't shut off the power or shutdown completely I don't think.
Hi. I have been looking at this system for a few days now, what I see I like but unfortunately the review's are awful and it's putting me off are the camera's and services for help really that bad or can I just ignore the review's ?.
Thank you for getting back to me,the main problems I've seen are those on Amazon/trustpilot where the camera's don't seem to last long and that they keep cutting out and the service you receive is rubbish it takes a long time to get through if you actually manage to do so and found them unhelpful I'm not one for taking a lot of notice of the review's but just seems to be a lot of them many thank
These aren't - Reolink does have some models that are compatible - support.reolink.com/hc/en-us/articles/900000616606-Which-Reolink-Cameras-can-Work-with-Amazon-Alexa . That said, I've tested other cameras with Alexa integration in the past, and the time it takes to parse the right command, then go to the cloud and fetch the feed to display... it's not worth the effort compared to just opening the smartphone notification and viewing locally.
Hello .Do you think that is good Camera for a Barber shop ,I looking forward for good quality of video,I gonna open my business and I want good security Camera .pls let know
Its a pity it only works with reolink, ive been using hiwatch NVRs, and they work with any onvif camera which is the majority, ive been changing from hikvisiona nd hiwatch to reolink, mostly because of your videos, but in a network that already has a load of cameras up, i cant it seems change the NVR to a reolink....
Yeh, this is the main limitation - though it's not a hard lockout, some third-party cameras will work, but nothing is guaranteed and it'll be a limited feature set. I was keen on trying UniFi Protect too, but similarly, it literally only works with UniFi cameras.
@@MakeUseOf I dont suppose youve tried any hikvision/hiwatch cameras with them. If they did work I might go all in with Reolink. Great video as always :-)
@@tyroneharris4200 ive been using several hikvision NVRs with a mixture of reolink and other brand IP cameras, what I mean is that i can ionly reply a hikvision NVR with a reolink NVR if all the cameras are reolink, ie reolink cameras work with anythink, but reolink NVR only works with reolink cameras....otherwise I would change to using just reolink everything, but I have clients already with numerous hiwatch/hik IP cameras
@@MakeUseOf Thank you. I will look for that. On mine I didn't see object detection. All I saw was sensitivity. But I'm not quite sure which level of real link I have. Thank you.
Very nice, right to the important points review! Thank you.
After many hours of research, Reolink it is!
I'll start with the 4 cameras, then add a couple more later on.
G'day, I've got my 13th Reolink camera on its way (RLC823A). All of the others are only 2K. I have recently repositioned several of the cameras to get improved coverage. I now have most set for motion recording. The new camera will mainly be for "Sentinal" duties and will allow us to get closer looks at the activity on the street.
My 6 months of experience with the Reolink cameras (Lumus, 820A and 811A) and NVR is that they are not 100% at picking up motion. Recording only motion events will not capture every event. Recording full time is recommended if you want to guarantee catching everything. I've driven up my driveway in full view of the cam during the day and it didn't trigger. 99% of the time it does but odd times they all don't.
Otherwise the system and cameras are great and I will continue to add to it. Mobile app is great (iOS) and the PC app is not quite as good. Updating each POE camera's firmware requires connecting a monitor to the NVR as apps or browsers aren't supported for updating.
can you trust them? they are chinese
I definitely don't like the 3 pigtail connectors at the camera. What's the point of PoE if you have to deal with the other 2 connectors? I realize you only need one but then what to do with the other 2. Now I have to install a back-box to hide the unused connectors. Kinda stupid in my opinion. Now I have to deal with a disconnect point somewhere- either in the wall or outside. Just design it so I can bring my custom length CAT6 wiring right to the back of the camera and be done with it. This almost turns me away from purchasing an otherwise nice system.
What about detecting animals on your property? I have chickens I want to monitor for predators. Thanks
It detects as "pet", but yes. I mean, my dog does anyway. You'll need to tweak the sizes though if your chickens are free range, as those also trigger alarms!
Thanks for a such a detailed and informative review. Much appreciated. My RLK8-820D4-A arrived today 🙂
How have you found it? I'm looking at this?
The internal HDD is limited to 6TB but expansion is possible using the eSATA port on the back.
Thanks James, this was helpful! Appreciate the review
Thanks for this informative review. Greatly appreciated.
Good review. You answered almost everything I had questions about!
There is only 1 thing that wasn't covered. Pretty much every review video I've watched (yours and others on RUclips), fails to mention if the mobile app works WITHOUT an internet connection (i.e. LAN-only WiFi). A lot of companies are now requiring Cloud-based accounts. However, if your internet connection goes down or you want be off-grid, you can't access your system with the mobile app. So... does the Reolink mobile app work in a LAN-only WiFi scenario WITHOUT an internet connection?
Excellent question, and apologies for not covering it. I unplugged my Starlink line and turned off mobile data to try this out: both the mobile and desktop app were able to view the feeds fine. So that's a yes; although admittedly that's a short term test. I'm not sure the ramifications of being without internet for a prolonged period, it's possible the local routing would break down at some point without a WAN connection.
@@MakeUseOf Awesome! Thanks for testing it. I will be in a similar Starlink setup soon as well. So this is really helpful.
Are you able to run the wire of the camera on the back directly through the middle of the back mounting plate to instantly make it go inside your house and not have a cable visible on the outside? And how big does the drilled hole need to be to fit the required (PoE) cable(s) through?
And how do you go about mounting these on walls pointing down-ish? I see on the camera itself saying "UP"
EXCELLENT very clear summary.
Thank you.
Thanks a lot for this very instructive video!! So if I understand correctly, if I have let's say 6 cameras directly on PoE connected to my NVR, and 4 others on a PoE switch through my network, I have to get a 16 channels NVR even if I have only 6 "real" cameras connected directly to my NVR? Am I right? Thanks again!
Yes, exactly. It's the recording capability rather than physical connections that's the problem.
great combo you got James
Very informative review , thank you
Just wondering if the system can be accessed by several different family phones , so we all have access to the system ?
Yes, it's not tied to one device - just login to the same account. You can even access it from your PCs.
Btw they don’t sell a 4 channel nvr that nvr can support up to 36 cameras but you have to have a Poe switch the nvr does not provide power. (at least from last time I looked it up)
Is there any form of payment or subscription required in order to view the cameras remotely via the internet?
Also, does the DVR require a hardwire connection to the internet or does it support wifi?
Thank you for a great comprehensive video.
Thanks for the kind words, xefour. No subscription is required unless you want their cloud storage plan. Just viewing remotely can be done anywhere, for free. Ethernet is required though, there's no Wi-Fi built-in.
Thank you very much for this video. In the meantime, is there a preview in the messages as you mention at 12:35 ?
I have one question. Can be programmed to be constant recording during a time an the remaining time to record on trigger event? The idea is to record during the time the shop is open and let it in trigger during the night. Very good and detailed review.
Yes! You can set both a timed schedule and motion activated at the same time, for each individual camera.
@@MakeUseOf In addition to this can you deactivate a camera on a timed schedule such for recording pets inside but only when I'm not home or some sort of geotaging? Thank you
Nice video, Can you view the POE turrets & say a reolink video doorbell all from the same app? Thanks
Does power over internet bog down your internet speed? If I’m using a lot of internet at home (streaming, gaming, etc) while continuously recording, do I require a super high speed internet connection?
If you're using the built-in PoE from this unit, it'll have no effect on the rest of your network. This connects through a single cable back to your main network, through which you then view the live feeds etc / use the app. So this creates its own network, with its own IP space, completely separate from yours. BUT, if you connect cams from eleswhere on your network, such Reolink Wi-Fi cameras, then record from those 24/7, you may get some slowdown. You don't need a faster internet, no.
Stick to plugging the cameras only into this unit though, and there'll be no effect on your home network.
Mate I bought this exact bundle recently but now contemplating to return it. Coz I feel the turret cameras are overheating. The casings are too hot. Especially at night (I guess coz of the IR). Did you notice it too? Cheers, Sydney AUS
To be honest, it's not something I've ever thought about, but I've not had issues with it if they are.
How many camera can it record at the same time? I read one source saying 16 is the maximum cameras the DVR can record at the same time. Can I have more than 16 cameras by adding another DVR? Do you think this is possible?
The RLK8 is limited to 8 cameras. RLK16 can do ... 16. ;)
Hi what is the difference between this and the 810D4-A model? So confused
Have you had any luck with backup to a nas? Putting one of these in a small business seems dangerous without that
Can you have the cameras with no lights showing so at night they can't be noticed? Very good and detailed video by the way
Hmm, I've never noticed a light at night - it's infrared, no spotlight features on this one. That said, do you want them to not be noticed? Better to not make yourself a target than have to deal with the aftermath!
@MakeUseOf Thanks for responding. I get what you're saying. The set up will be one for the driveway but I'll also have another above the front door, which I would prefer isn't noticed in the dark (with any kind of lights showing etc) as I have had clients previously say they felt uncomfortable whilst waiting to for me to open the door. But I was able to switch off the surrounding lights on my current WiFi cloud camera (which I'm about to flush down the toilet) hence my question on whether I'm able to do this on the Reolink cameras. Can I also ask, did you mention you can view the cameras on a device (for example a mobile phone) with the cameras plugged directly into the wall/plug socket with having to use an nvr?
So you are saying that If I have a 8 channel NVR and 8 cameras that I may add a 9th wireless camera for viewing only?
Yes, you won't be able to record more than 8 sources on an 8 channel NVR, but you can still view the 9th one through the app, as all the Reolink cameras work with that (smartphone or desktop). You can still record the 9th camera (it doesn't need to be wireless, by the way, it could also be a separate PoE camera that doesn't go to the NVR) - but it will only be recorded locally to the it's SD card (if it has that, most do outside of the NVR cameras).
@@MakeUseOf Ok thanks. I have a wifi non REOLink camera I want to see on teh system also. I need to figure out how to add that now.
wow...answers for my all questions found in this vid, thanks
Can this be set up so the NVR only 'records' upon motion activation please? Also can the NVR be operated by a remote controller (On/off)?
Yes, you can record only motion events, doesn't have to be 24/7. You can disable recording remotely through, but you can't shut off the power or shutdown completely I don't think.
@@MakeUseOf Thank you. I think I need a remote control power socket to power the NVR on and off then.
Hi. I have been looking at this system for a few days now, what I see I like but unfortunately the review's are awful and it's putting me off are the camera's and services for help really that bad or can I just ignore the review's ?.
What are the specific complaints? I've found Reolink cameras are the best budget devices around. I've not needed support, so can't speak to that.
Thank you for getting back to me,the main problems I've seen are those on Amazon/trustpilot where the camera's don't seem to last long and that they keep cutting out and the service you receive is rubbish it takes a long time to get through if you actually manage to do so and found them unhelpful I'm not one for taking a lot of notice of the review's but just seems to be a lot of them many thank
Thanks, this is very useful for us to choose a good security camera!
Are they compatible with alexa etc? I have a echo show would be cool to be able to pull up a feed from that if need be
These aren't - Reolink does have some models that are compatible - support.reolink.com/hc/en-us/articles/900000616606-Which-Reolink-Cameras-can-Work-with-Amazon-Alexa . That said, I've tested other cameras with Alexa integration in the past, and the time it takes to parse the right command, then go to the cloud and fetch the feed to display... it's not worth the effort compared to just opening the smartphone notification and viewing locally.
Hi there can you block out Areas that you don’t want to be recording like roadside Otherwise I would be getting notifications all the time.
yes, you choose which areas are relevant for motion detection
Can cloud storage be used with this system?
Can you view the feed on A TV on the network? Not desktop monitor
No, it outputs locally to HDMI, and there's no way to transmit that over an existing network.
can the camera be mounted on a wall all the images show it mount under a ledge on a ceiling
It can be mounted on any flat surface, yes.
Hello .Do you think that is good Camera for a Barber shop ,I looking forward for good quality of video,I gonna open my business and I want good security Camera .pls let know
I think this would be ideal, yes.
Nice video. You might consider masking your public ip around the 12:30 mark.
No worries, I've sinced switched to Starlink anyway, but thanks for pointing it out.
Is this user friendly for android?
The smartphone app is identical, though I don't use it on Android, the iOS implementation is quite solid.
Would have been nice to see how the zoom quality looked
Noted! Though since there's no optical zoom, it would be the same as zooming in with your browser.
Good video. Lots of information here.
Thanks for the presentation
Its a pity it only works with reolink, ive been using hiwatch NVRs, and they work with any onvif camera which is the majority, ive been changing from hikvisiona nd hiwatch to reolink, mostly because of your videos, but in a network that already has a load of cameras up, i cant it seems change the NVR to a reolink....
Yeh, this is the main limitation - though it's not a hard lockout, some third-party cameras will work, but nothing is guaranteed and it'll be a limited feature set. I was keen on trying UniFi Protect too, but similarly, it literally only works with UniFi cameras.
@@MakeUseOf I dont suppose youve tried any hikvision/hiwatch cameras with them. If they did work I might go all in with Reolink. Great video as always :-)
@@neoaliphant i know someone who has tried the Reolink cameras with a hikvision NVR and the system is working fine.
@@tyroneharris4200 ive been using several hikvision NVRs with a mixture of reolink and other brand IP cameras, what I mean is that i can ionly reply a hikvision NVR with a reolink NVR if all the cameras are reolink, ie reolink cameras work with anythink, but reolink NVR only works with reolink cameras....otherwise I would change to using just reolink everything, but I have clients already with numerous hiwatch/hik IP cameras
@@neoaliphant oh ho, thanks....
how to I set up the sensitivity so it doesnt send a message every time the sun moves?
I'd recommend turning on object detection if it's not already, rather than just motion.
@@MakeUseOf Thank you. I will look for that. On mine I didn't see object detection. All I saw was sensitivity. But I'm not quite sure which level of real link I have. Thank you.
@@MakeUseOf it did not have object detection on my settings just motion
@@MakeUseOf I have model RLN8-410
Great video. I want to buy a system like this. Reolink 😊
Very nice video. Thanks.
Algorithm.
All these consumer systems seem to be utter garbage
BEAWARE
REOLINK DO NOT FOLLOW UK CONSUMER RIGHTS ????? THEY ARE AN INTERNATIONAL COMPANY BE AWARE IMAGINE THE ISSUEA WITH FAULTS 1 EMAIL A DAY ETC