Reolink 4K security camera system review

The Reolink 4K security camera system is an 8-channel digital network video recorder that runs entirely on Power over Ethernet to facilitate installation. It comes with four 4K cameras and a 2TB hard drive. With a wonderful desktop and mobile software, dependable notifications, and excellent image quality. Know details in Reolink 4K security camera system review.

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more

Best Seller in US

Best Seller in UK

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • PoE camera
  • Excellent image quality
  • Vandal-resistant casing
  • 5X zoom support.
  • 4K resolution of 3840 by 2160 and
  • Very good night vision in black and white,

Cons

  • No colored night vision
  • If you want to adjust the viewing angle, you need to open the case.

Reolink 4K security camera system Specs

  • Image Sensor: 1/2.7″ CMOS Sensor
  • Video Resolution: 2560×1920 (5.0 Megapixels) at 30 frames/sec
  • Lens
    f=4.0mm fixed; F=2.0, with IR-cut filter
  • Video Format: H.264
  • Field of View
    • Horizontal: 80° • Vertical: 42°
  • Day & Night: Auto-switching with IR-cut filter
  • Night Vision: Up to 30 meters (100ft) (LED: 18pcs/14mil/850nm)
  • Audio: Audio recording
  • Power: PoE
    IEEE 802.3af, 48V Active
  • DC Power
    DC 12.0V⎓1A, <12W
  • Power: DC power port
  • System: Reset button
  • Ethernet: One 10M/100Mbps; RJ45
  • Storage: MicroSD card slot (support up to 256GB)
  • Audio: Built-in microphone
  • Frame Rate
    • Mainstream: 2fps – 30fps (default: 30fps)
  • • Substream: 4fps – 15fps (default: 10fps)
  • Code Rate
    • Mainstream: 1024Kbps – 8192Kbps (default: 6144Kbps)
  • • Substream: 64Kbps – 512Kbps (default: 256Kbps)
  • Browser Supported: Edge, Chrome, Firefox, Safari
  • OS Supported: PC: Windows, Mac OS; Smartphone: iOS, Android
  • Smart Alarm: Person detection; vehicle detection; motion detection
  • Record Mode: Motion-triggered recording (default); scheduled recording; 24/7 recording
  • Protocol & Standard: HTTPS, SSL, TCP/IP, UDP, HTTP, IPv4, UPnP, RTSP, RTMP, SMTP, NTP, DHCP, DNS, DDNS, FTP, P2P
  • Maximal User Access: 20 users (1 admin account & 19 user accounts); support up to 12 simultaneous video streams (10 substreams & 2 mainstreams)
  • Smart Home: Google Assistant
  • Temperature: Operating temperature: -10°C – +55°C (14°F – 131°F)
  • Humidity: Operating humidity: 10% – 90%
  • Waterproof: IP66
  • Dimension: Φ186*67mm
  • Weight: 415g

Reolink 4K security camera system review

Build & design

As a true dome-shaped camera, the Reolink 4K security camera system has a wider base made of a metallic alloy and a smaller top composed of a translucent plastic-like material. It measures 5.23 x 3.4 inches and weighs 1.51 pounds (686g).

Storage

The internal storage can be increased from 2TB to up to 6TB, and an additional 6TB can be added through the eSATA port, giving you a total of 12TB for some serious long-term event storage—roughly a month of nonstop recording. You can even add extra cameras. The RLK8-820D4 records in h.265 for the best disc space utilisation, but I discovered that recording continuously for less than a week used up all of that space.

Image

No matter the display or smartphone you’re using to view the video from, the Reolink RLC-842A’s 8-megapixel camera supports a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels (4K), so the image should be crisp and clear. At 87 degrees horizontally and 44 degrees vertically, the field of vision is respectably large with no distortion; however, the location was set after installation, making remote pan/tilt control impossible.

Night vision

You can see the lens with its 24 IR LEDs and other electronics inside the transparent dome. The 4K security camera system from Reolink provides excellent night vision that is as brilliant as daytime visibility.

Motion detection

You may choose an object’s minimum and maximum size, and the camera’s smart detecting features include alerts for people and moving vehicles. You can define activity zones to hide out places you don’t want to receive alerts about and schedule when you want notifications to be active. To be alerted only when a person or vehicle has remained within a detection zone for an extended period of time after the given time, you may additionally establish a “alarm delay” (the max delay is 8 seconds).

Weather resistance

The camera is IP66-certified, just like the Reolink Duo and the RLC-422 that it replaced, so it should be totally resistant to intrusion of dust and rain. If the outside temperature is between 14 and 131 degrees Fahrenheit (or 10 and 55 degrees Celsius), the camera will continue to function.

Setup & app

Simple HDMI monitor and mouse connection is the first step. If you merely want remote access, you won’t need to do this after the first setup, but you will need to do it at least once. If it’s not the first device you use from Reolink, you can view all the cameras you’ve paired after installing the Reolink app (on iOS or Android smartphones).

Simply tap the Plus symbol to add a new one, then use your smartphone or tablet to scan the label’s QR code that is adhered to the Reolink RLC-842A’s side. After that, the camera will show up as “Uninitialized.” Click on it to create a user account (only admin is allowed), give the device a name, and then you can basically just explore the app’s graphical user interface.

Reolink 4K security camera system consumer review

AI motion detection works well

The AI motion detection for vehicles works really well. I haven’t adjusted it for people yet . The time lapse feature did not work with the Android Reolink app. I contacted tech support and they were very responsive. They had me try some older versions of app and send in some crash reports from app so their software engineers could evaluate. Ultimately they admitted there is some bug in the app that they will hopefully solve in next version. They said with Iphone app the time lapse works. I found it refreshing that a company actually responds and follows up on something like this. Otherwise the android and windows apps work fine at live viewing, viewing playback from the SD card, changing settings, and doing firmware updates. If you have the Windows app running you can have it save longer motion clips directly to your computer hard drive, take photo snapshots, and live video.


I have two of the Reolink cameras and one of them I installed on a remote solar powered cart that views my garden. It is linked over a bridged router . I was surprised that the video quality and playback worked so well considering I used older routers. This remote system I powered with direct plugged in 12v. The other camera I am using POE on the internet cable. It is nice to have both options.
I usually leave the infared LEDs off , but when they are on they light up a large area.


Construction on this camera is solid and quality. This new version is super simple to set up the angle with just one tightening ring to tighten . But one of the rings on camera was so tight out of box I had to use a channel lock pliers to loosen it up. The other camera was able to be loosened by hand.

So all in all good product and excellent support from company.

By Steven at Reolink

Reolink 4K security camera system alternative

Amcrest NV4108E-IP8M-2496EW4-2TB

  • The Amcrest brand
  • 4K resolution
  • Wi-Fi App Compatibility: Amcrest Connectivity Observe with night vision:
  • External versus Internal
  • Electric corded power source
  • Yes, axis control
  • Limits of operation: 98.4 ft

The Amcrest NV4108E-IP8M-2496EW4-2TB is an outdoor security camera with a long lifespan and the ability to record videos of the highest quality. Since the security camera takes incredibly long footage at 4K, the H.265 compression technique is a clever feature. By minimising the amount of storage and bandwidth needed, this method lowers infrastructure expenses.

When you’re not at home, you may see live recordings and playbacks on your tablet or smartphone by using the Amcrest View app. This security system, which has a 105-degree viewing angle, is the best option for houses with medium-sized yards. It makes it simple to detect suspicious activity in the farthest reaches of your field or garage.

The Amcrest NV4108E-IP8M-2496EW4-2TB incorporates motion detecting technology, just like many outdoor security cameras. Multiple alarms are sent to connected devices, allowing you to deter trespassers before they can steal anything priceless. The camera comes with a 2TB hard disc pre-installed, but you may increase the capacity with a 6TB hard drive.

Editor’s recommendations