REOLINK 16CH 5MP Home Security Camera System Review: A Staple for Peace of Mind

The REOLINK 16CH 5MP Home Security Camera System promises to be a comprehensive solution for anyone in need of a reliable security setup. With 8 pieces of wired outdoor PoE IP cameras, this system is designed to cover all angles. It's been around for a while, but I decided to give it a try to see how well it holds up in 2023.

Right off the bat, the thing that stands out is the sheer number of cameras included. It seems quite robust, but I was curious if all those cameras were really necessary or if they were just overkill for a regular home setup. This package also includes an 8MP 16CH NVR with a hefty 4TB HDD for 24-7 recording, which should handle a lot of footage without too much hassle.

Having read that the system offers smart detection for people, vehicles, and even pets, I was particularly interested in testing how accurate these detections would be. It's supposed to cut down on false alarms, but only time would tell if that claim holds water. I also wondered about the installation process, especially since it's marketed as a DIY-friendly system.

So, with a system that looks pretty solid on paper, I dove in to see if it lives up to the expectations. Here's what I found after a couple of weeks of use.

When it comes to value, the REOLINK 16CH 5MP system provides a decent bang for your buck. At its price point, you're getting a comprehensive package that covers multiple areas of security. The inclusion of eight cameras and a 4TB NVR is generous, and the smart detection features add a layer of modern functionality.

Compared to some other systems in the market, REOLINK offers good value for money, especially if you're looking for an all-in-one package that's relatively easy to install and operate. However, the system could feel a bit excessive for smaller homes or apartments, where fewer cameras might suffice.

One thing to consider is the potential additional cost for an external hard drive if you find yourself needing more than 4TB of storage. Also, while the system is a bit noisy, which might not be ideal for all users, it's not a deal-breaker considering the overall performance.

In summary, for those who need a robust, reliable security system and are willing to deal with the noise and slight detection quirks, this system offers good value. If you have a smaller property, you might want to look at smaller systems instead.

The design of the REOLINK 16CH 5MP system is straightforward and utilitarian. It's not going to win any awards for aesthetics, but it doesn't need to. These cameras are meant to be functional, and they certainly look the part. The cameras have a durable build and are waterproof, which is crucial for outdoor usage.

One of the strong points is the plug-and-play PoE system. The cameras connect to the NVR using a single network cable for both power supply and video transmission. This setup is pretty user-friendly, even for someone without technical expertise. I managed to get everything installed and running in a couple of hours without needing to call in a professional.

There are some drawbacks, however. The system doesn't offer much in terms of cable management, so you might have to get creative to keep things tidy. Also, while the cameras are adjustable, they have a fixed lens, which limits the flexibility in terms of positioning and zooming.

Ultimately, the design is practical and straightforward. It may not be the most stylish setup, but it focuses on function over form, which is what most people will appreciate in a security system.

The performance of the REOLINK 16CH 5MP system is pretty solid overall, but it comes with a few quirks. The detection system, which includes person, vehicle, and pet detection, is a nice touch. In practice, the cameras did a decent job of identifying people and cars, which was helpful for avoiding unnecessary alerts. However, the pet detection was a bit hit or miss at times. It sometimes confused small moving objects with pets, which led to a couple of unwarranted alerts.

In terms of video quality, the 5MP resolution is nothing special but effective for most home security needs. Daytime footage was clear and detailed, and the 18 infrared LEDs provided a decent night vision range. The system claims to have up to 100 feet of night vision, which in my testing, was fairly accurate. However, in very low-light conditions, the footage wasn't as sharp as I hoped.

One thing I liked is the 24/7 continuous recording capability. With the 4TB HDD, I could record for days without overwriting. The ability to add an additional external HDD via the SATA port is a nice bonus for those needing even more storage. One downside is that the system can be a bit noisy during operation, so it's not ideal for placing in quiet areas of the house.

Overall, while the system isn't perfect, it gets the job done for basic home security needs. Serious users might find the detection features a bit lacking, but for general use, it's a reliable option.