Reolink RLK8-520D4-5MP 8-Channel PoE Camera System: specs and who it suits

The Reolink RLK8-520D4-5MP is a wired home security kit built around an 8-channel network video recorder (NVR) and four 5MP outdoor cameras. Power and video travel over a single network cable to each camera. It is meant for people who want continuous recording to a local drive rather than relying on a cloud service.

What PoE changes

PoE stands for Power over Ethernet. Each camera connects to the recorder with one Ethernet cable that carries both power and the video signal, so no power outlet is needed at the camera. The trade-off is that you must run cables from every camera position back to the NVR. Reolink says the kit is plug and play, and that all four cameras simply connect to the recorder.

What 5MP resolution gives you

Five megapixels is a higher resolution than 1080p. In general, more pixels leave more detail when you zoom in on a recorded frame, such as a number plate or a face at a distance. Reolink says the cameras use advanced infrared lights for night viewing up to 100 ft (about 30 m). Night range always depends on the scene, since walls and foliage close to the camera reflect the light.

Smart detection

Reolink says the cameras can tell people, animals and vehicles apart, which it says cuts the unwanted alerts that bugs or leaves can trigger. The listing notes this needs the latest firmware. General motion detection is still available. You can choose which kinds of object trigger notifications, and alerts can show up on a phone's lock screen.

Recording and storage

The NVR is described as 4K and comes with a 2TB hard drive already fitted. Reolink says that is enough to record for ten days without overwriting. That figure depends on settings such as resolution, frame rate and motion versus continuous recording. You can add one external hard drive of up to 6TB through the e-SATA port. Playback works through the Reolink app on a smart device, from anywhere with internet access.

Built-in microphone

The cameras have a built-in microphone, which you can turn on to record sound with the picture. Recording audio can be restricted by local rules, so check the laws that apply where you live before enabling it.

Size

The packed kit measures about 14.6 x 10.6 x 11.4 inches (37 x 27 x 29 cm).

Who it suits

It suits owners of houses, garages and small businesses who can run cable to each camera and want local storage. It is less convenient for renters who cannot drill or route cable, and for places where a camera location has no practical cable route.

What to check before you buy

• Cable runs: measure the route from each camera to the NVR, and check the lengths supplied.
• Camera count: four cameras are included on an 8-channel recorder, so check whether four more can be added.
• Network: the NVR needs to be connected to your router for remote viewing.
• Storage: decide how many days of footage you want, then consider the extra drive.
• Privacy and law: check local rules on filming public areas, neighbours and recording audio.
• Mounting: plan where cameras will be installed, and follow the manual for weatherproofing the connections.

The short version

• A wired PoE kit with four 5MP outdoor cameras and an 8-channel NVR.
• Person, animal and vehicle detection, plus general motion detection.
• Infrared night vision up to 100 ft, per Reolink.
• Pre-installed 2TB drive, with support for one more external drive up to 6TB.
• Remote playback through the Reolink app.

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