REOLINK 8CH 5MP Home Security Camera System - Reliable 24/7 Recording

Our review of the REOLINK 8CH 5MP Home Security Camera System finds it best suited for homeowners who want a straightforward, wired PoE setup with clear daytime and night video. The single biggest reason to buy is dependable continuous recording combined with strong night vision: the 5MP cameras and 18 infrared LEDs deliver crisp images even after dark, and the built-in microphone adds ambient audio to recorded clips. Installation is simplified by PoE so a single network cable provides power and video, which makes this a practical choice for DIY installs.

Key Features

• 5MP Super HD: Higher-resolution cameras capture clearer details than standard 1080p, helping to identify faces and license plates at closer ranges.
• Stunning Night Vision: The 18 infrared LEDs provide night coverage up to about 100ft so properties remain monitored in low light.
• Smart Detection: Person, animal and vehicle detection reduces irrelevant alerts and lets you customize what triggers a notification.
• Plug & Play PoE: Power and video travel over one network cable, which streamlines installation and makes the system accessible to DIY users.
• Continuous Recording: The 8CH NVR with included 2TB HDD supports 24-7 recording so events are stored locally without relying on cloud subscriptions.
• Built-in Audio: Integrated microphones capture ambient sound to add context to recorded footage when reviewing events.

Who It's For

The system is ideal for homeowners, small businesses or property managers who want a wired, reliable surveillance solution with local storage and clear night vision. It suits anyone comfortable routing network cable or working with a simple PoE switch/NVR hookup for a secure, always-on setup.

It is less suitable for users who need a totally wireless setup, those who prefer cloud-only storage, or buyers wanting extremely advanced third-party analytics beyond person/animal/vehicle filtering. If mobile-only installers need minimal cabling, a wireless kit would be a better fit.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Clear 5MP daytime and strong infrared night video for reliable identification.
• PoE plug & play design simplifies installation and reduces cable clutter.
• Local 24-7 recording to a 2TB HDD provides continuous footage without subscription fees.
• Smart detection and built-in mic improve alert relevance and context for events.

Cons

• Some users report mixed experiences with motion detection consistency, so tuning sensitivity may be required.
• Wired PoE requires cable runs and may not suit locations where running network cable is impractical.

Specifications

Brand	REOLINK
Cameras	6 wired PoE IP cameras, 5MP each
NVR Channels	8 channel (8CH) NVR
Storage	2TB HDD included for 24-7 recording
Night Vision	18 infrared LEDs, up to about 100ft
Smart Detection	Person, animal and vehicle detection
Audio	Built-in microphone on cameras

Our Verdict

The REOLINK 8CH 5MP system is a solid value for buyers who want reliable local recording, clear night video and a straightforward PoE install. It delivers practical features like smart detection and ambient audio without subscription costs, making it a good pick for homeowners or small businesses that can run wired connections and want continuous surveillance at a reasonable price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the system require cloud subscription?
The system records locally to the included 2TB HDD so a cloud subscription is not required for continuous recording.

How are the cameras powered?
Cameras use Power over Ethernet, so each camera receives power and video over a single network cable connected to the NVR or a PoE switch.

Can detection alerts be customized?
Yes, the smart detection can be set to identify people, animals or vehicles and you can configure which types trigger alerts.