REOLINK RLK8-811B4 8-Channel 4K PoE Camera System: specs and who it suits

The REOLINK RLK8-811B4 is a wired security kit built around an 8-channel network video recorder (NVR) with a 2TB hard drive. It comes with four 4K (8MP) PoE cameras that have 5x optical zoom and built-in spotlights. All recording stays on the recorder in your home.

How a PoE kit is put together

PoE stands for Power over Ethernet. A single network cable between each camera and the NVR carries both power and data, so you don't need a separate power outlet near each camera. That usually makes installation tidier, though it does mean running a cable to every camera position. The recorder is 8-channel, which means it can handle up to eight cameras, so there is room to add four more later.

Optical zoom and viewing angle

The cameras have 5x optical zoom. Optical zoom changes the lens itself, unlike digital zoom, which just crops the image, so detail is typically preserved at distance. REOLINK pairs this with a 128° wide viewing angle for broad coverage. At 4K (8MP), footage has more pixels than 1080p, which helps when identifying detail in a still frame.

Night vision with spotlights

REOLINK says the spotlights give 4K colour night vision. The spotlights also work with the alarm: on motion events, the brand says the lights and the siren activate, and push notifications and emails with screenshots are sent.

Smart detection

The system detects people, vehicles and animals. REOLINK says this reduces false alarms, and that you can find events in playback by choosing between detection modes. Detection typically relies on the camera's own processing, so you can filter what appears in the timeline.

Storage and remote access

The built-in 2TB hard drive supports 24/7 recording and expands up to 12TB. How many days of footage fit depends on resolution, frame rate and how much is happening in view. Two-way talk lets you speak through the cameras, and you can check the cameras remotely from the REOLINK app or client.

Who it suits

It suits owners who want a recorder-based system in a house, workplace or yard and are comfortable running Ethernet cable. It is also a fit for those who prefer local storage and may expand to more cameras.

What to check before you buy

• Cable runs: measure the distance from each camera spot to the recorder, and check the included cable lengths against it.
• Recorder location: the NVR needs a network connection to your router and mains power, in a ventilated spot.
• Camera positions: confirm mounting surfaces and sight lines, including where the spotlights will shine.
• Storage need: decide how long you want to keep footage and whether you need more than 2TB.
• Privacy rules: check local rules on recording, especially at property edges.
• Installation: drilling and outdoor cabling should follow the manual and local codes.

The short version

• A model RLK8-811B4 kit: 8-channel NVR with 2TB drive, four 4K PoE cameras.
• 5x optical zoom and a 128° view.
• Spotlights for colour night vision, plus siren and alerts.
• Person, vehicle and animal detection, two-way talk, app access.
• Storage expandable up to 12TB.

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