Reolink offers affordable 8 channel security system RLK8-4108B including 4x 4MP super HD 1440p outdoor POE cameras. How is this product compared with other 8 channel DVR security system such as Amcrest HDCVI? Many people today prefer IP camera than analog camera.
What this product does
Reolink RLK8-4108B is one of best values 8 Channel Security System with 4x cameras. This is a network video recorder (NVR) system with built-in 8-port POE Switch to let you easily add up to 8 HD IP cameras including Reolink RLC-410 and RLC-411 series. However, Reolink doesn’t specifically specify this NVR system is ONVIF compliant to allow other cameras from different vendors connect to the system like other products such as GW security and LaView 16 channel NVR system, or Hikvision and Amcrest 16 channel system.
However this bundle comes with 4 PCs of 4MP bullet model outdoor cameras. All other Reolink IP cameras are listed to be able to connect to the system except the wifi camera models. See also Reolink 4MP wireless outdoor camera.
High resolution recording
Reolink RLK8 comes with 8-channel with built-in 8-port POE switch capable of recording video up to 4 Mega pixel (2560×1440 pixels) @30 frame per second (fps) through CAT5e UTP network cable from the camera to the NVR system up to the distance of 300ft (100m).
The good thing is that it comes with built-in POE switch (8-ports), no need of purchasing separate POE switch to save money and eliminate clutter of devices. Typically small size DVR / NVR comes with built-in POE switch or BNC port interface such as 8 Channel Amcrest and Zmodo security system.
If you compare with Amcrest as shown at the table below, you can see that Amcrest records the video at the resolution of up to 1080p@30 fps and up to 8 analog cameras simultaneously. With Amcrest you can also add IP camera such as Amcrest POE 2K camera to work side by side in CCTV infrastructure.
Storage
Reolink offers preinstalled 2TB hard disk drive for continuous recording or motion-triggered recording for longer recording, and you can also add external e-SATA disk storage up to 4TB when bigger storage is required.
On the other hand, Amcrest offers larger preinstalled storage of 3TB up to 360 hours (15 days) recording with highest resolution, or you may record based on motion triggered. Option e-SATA storage for recording is also available.
Both surveillance do not provide free cloud storage like what Arlo system offers. Arlo Q surveillance system which consists of original Arlo free wire camera and Arlo Q indoor camera offers free 7 days loop recording, overwriting old data with new data like those mostly all dash camera for vehicle with loop recording.
4x Outdoor 4MP camera
Reolink 8 channel security system in this bundle comes with 4x high resolution 4MP 1440p outdoor IP66 aluminum case weatherproof bullet model camera (RL-410). RL-410 camera supports night vision up to the distance of 100 ft in ambient light.
With higher price, Amcrest offers complete kits with 8x 1080p (2.1MP) bullet model analog cameras, all the cameras are heavy duty metal case with IP66 rated weatherproof. However, with Amcrest HDCVI system you can add IP camera to work side by side with the analog camera to Amcrest DVR HDCVI system. This is the good thing with this DVR HDCVI system.
Take a look at the following comparison table between Reolink RLK8 and Amcrest HDCVI 8 channel security system.
Table 1 Reolink vs Amcrest HDCVI kits
| Reolink RLK8 | Amcrest AMDV10808M | |
| Model | NVR system | DVR HDCVI system – HD over analog |
| Channel # | 8 channel | 8 channel |
| Connection type | POE – with 8-port PoE switch | BNC – 8 port BNC connection |
| Connection range | Up to 300 ft (100m) | Up to 984 ft (328m) |
| Recording resolution | 4MP (2560×1440 pixels)
8 camera recording simultaneous
| 1920×1080 pixels (1920tvl) 8 camera recording simultaneous |
| Recording mode | Manual, motion, schedule | Manual, motion, schedule |
| Playback | 4 channel @120fps | |
| Compression | Yes, H.264 | No compression, analog signal over coaxial cable |
| Storage | Preinstalled 2TB
e-SATA port for external disk up to 4TB | Preinstalled 3TB
e-SATA port for external disk up to 360 Hours at Highest Resolution, 30-50+ Days Using Lower Resolutions and Motion Detection |
| HDMI and VGA output | Yes, HDMI cable included | Yes |
| Audio output | 1x RCA | 1x RCA |
| Remote view | Yes, free Reolink App on iOS and Android as well as Reolink client software for PCs and Mac | Yes, QR Code scan DVR with ‘Amcrest View’ apps |
| Included cameras | 4x 4MP RL-410 IP cameras, supports only Reolink cameras | 8x 2.1MP 1080p analog cameras, you can add ONVIF compliant IP camera as well |
| Price | $600 | $800 |
To learn more detail about the products and current prices including the customer rating, click the following links:
- Click here for Reolink 8 channel NVR security system
- Click here for Amcrest HDCVI DVR 8 channel security system
Summary
For large homes and small businesses, both Reolink and Amcrest 8 channel security system kits are appropriate. Reolink offers NVR system with 4x 4MP 1440p IP camera while Amcrest offers 8 channel HDCVI DVR system with included 8x 2.1MP 1080p analog camera, or you may add any ONVIF compliant IP camera to the system.
You may like various comparison between Reolink and Amcrest poe outdoor cameras, comparing featured products between the two models with different models.
