Swann security camera’s brand is started from Melbourne Australia then expanded to USA, Canada and goes to global market. On the other hand, Reolink is China’s brand and is popular with security camera products at affordable prices compared to major vendors such as Dahua and Hikvision which are typically for businesses.
Which one is better between swann and reolink? This is a general question, to answer this we need to take one security camera kit offered by each the vendors and see which one gives you best value between reolink vs swann.
Swann vs Reolink 8 Channel Kits
One of the security camera kits that Swann recently released is SWNVK-876808 which is an 8 channel poe nvr security system with 8pcs NHD-875WLB security cameras with digitally enhanced upscaling technology to provide 4K resolution & zoom. We’ll compare this security kit with Reolink 4k security kits which the price is almost the same as Swann.
See also Zosi 8 channels nvr system vs Reolink (similar product that will be compared with this Swann kit).
The following paragraphs compare both the NVR system and the included security cameras in the each of the kit.
Swann vs Reolink NVR System
Like most NVR systems in general, the Swann NVR-8580 is an 8-channel POE NVR system with a resolution of up to 4k with the H.265 compression format. With H.265 compression format helps you to save up to 60% more efficient than H.264 compression format.
And in this package includes 2TB of hard disk storage which can save your video footage from snapshot alerts for months which is then overwritten from the beginning when it’s full. If necessary, you can add up to 6TB maximum of hard disk storage capacity.
On the other hand, Reolink offers RLK8-812B4-A, an 8 channel security camera kits that comes with four cameras. You can add up to 4 more cameras for full 8 cameras to connect to the recording unit.
Table 1 below shows you spec comparison table between Swann and Reolink NVR system. Technically both NVR systems are almost the same including the same 8-port POE switch, the VGA and HDMI video output ports and some minor ports.
However, Reolink supports 2 SATA each you can install up to 6TB (maximum 12TB) as opposed to only 1 SATA port in Swann (6TB maximum). The preinstalled hard disk is the same, 2TB hard disk.
Table 1 Swann 8Ch vs Reolink NVR
| NVR System | NVR-8580 | RLN8-410 |
| Video input | 8 channels with built-in 8-port POE switch | 8 channels with built-in 8-port POE switch |
| Resolution | Up to 4k (8MP) with H.265 compression format | Up to 4k (3840 x 2160) |
| Video output | VGA, HDMI up to 4K | VGA (1080p), HDMI (3840 x 2160) |
| Storage | Preinstalled 2TB, up to 6TB | Preinstalled 2TB, up to 12TB (6TB each) |
| playback | Frame Rate up to 15fps @ 5MP | Synchronous Playback Up to 4 Channels |
Technically Reolink NVR system offers more advantage with larger storage capacity you can expand up to double storage capacity as opposed to Swann.
Reolink vs Swann Outdoor Cameras
Each kit is equipped with several security cameras that come with spotlights to provide ambient light so that the camera can render color night vision. What distinguishes each camera please refer to table 2 below.
Upscalling 4k technology
What Swann offers in the Swann NHD-875WLB security camera is a 4k resolution enhanced with digital upscaling technology to produce an image with a 4k resolution that is comparable with 4k security camera that comes with 4k CMOS image sensor such as that offered by Reolink rlc-812a.
Swann does not provide detailed specs on the image sensor, focal length and frame rate as provided by Reolink with a complete data sheet about the image sensor, focal length and maximum lens aperture. Maybe this is related to the upscaling resolution technology, so it’s different data spec, who knows.
Smart alerts
One of the smart alerts applied to the Swann Nhd-875wlb security camera is a heat and motion sensor that detects the heat of the human body or vehicle as well as motion, thereby reducing the possibility of a false alert. On the other hand, Reolink rlc-812a security camera features AI technology that detects human and vehicle rather than standard motion detection.
Spotlights
Both models of security camera come with 4pcs of white LEDs for spotlights to illuminate surrounding with ambient light to render color night vision. With Swann NHD-875WLB the spotlights are triggered to ON and illuminate surrounding up to 32ft (10m) when detect heat and motion detection. Under normal circumstances without spotlights, the camera provides black and white night vision up to 140ft away.
On the other hand, Reolink rlc-812 series comes with four pcs of white LEDs like the Reolink Lumus series. You can schedule the spotlights to turn on and you can also make brightness adjustment. Unlike Swann that comes with IR LEDs for b/w night vision, Reolink rlc812 doesn’t come with IR LEDs so if you turn off the spotlights, the camera will render surrounding ambient light for color night vision.
See also Annke BR200 color night vision security camera compared with Swann 885msfb series and Reolink Lumus.
Even though it is not equipped with a loud siren, Swann with this spotlight LEDs can function as an active deterrent which allows the intruder to cancel his crime intentions any further. See also GW Security AI 8 channel vs Lorex active deterrent system.
Take a look at the following table 1 that shows you spec comparison table between Swann Nhd-875wlb and Reolink RLC-812A 4k security camera.
Table 2 Swann vs Reolink 4k Camera
| Security camera | Swann NHD-875WLB | Reolink RLC-812A |
| Image sensor | Unspecified | 1/2.49″ CMOS Sensor |
| Resolution | 4K (3840 x 2160) | 3840 x 2160 (8.0 Megapixels) at 25 frames/sec (fps) |
| Lens | Unspecified | 4.0mm fixed lens f/1.6 |
| view angle | 80 degree | 85 degree horizontal, 44 degree vertical |
| Night vision | 130ft/40m (total darkness) Up to 32ft/10m (Color with Sensor Light) | Color night vision with spotlights; if you turn off the spotlights the camera will use ambient light for color night vision; No IR LED for b/w night vision |
| Spotlight | 4x White LEDs | 4pcs 3.5W/ 6500K /400 lumen |
| Siren | N/A | Built-in siren triggered by motion detection or manual triggered |
| Smart event | True detect PIR heat and motion sensor PIR sensor up to 23ft (7m) | Smart Alarm Motion detection; human and vehicle detection |
| Audio | One way audio with built-in microphone | Two way audio with built-in microphone and speaker |
| Local memory Storage | N/A | Micro SD Card socket up to 256GB |
| Power | POE | IEEE 802.3af, 48V Active; DC 12.0V=1A, <12w |
| Housing | IP66 rated | IP66 weatherproof |
| Price | $119.99 | $74.99 |
| Included # cameras | 8x Swann Nhd-875wlb cameras | 4x Reolink RLC-812A cameras ( you can add up to 4 more cameras) |
| Price in bundle (Nov 2021) | $799.99 | $589.99 (with 4 cameras); $779.00 (with 8 cameras) |
Swann SWNVK-876808 security kit with 4k resolution upscaling technology, color night vision and active deterrent feature is tagged around $800. Reolink with 4 cameras is tagged around $590; you may also opt to get 8pcs of cameras and is tagged with the price around $780.
This Reolink 8 channels security camera system kit is getting very popular with excellent customer rated in Amazon (#Ads). Click the product’s link below to read more details and shop in Amazon (#ads).
Related products
You may also like best solar power security camera including Zumimal, Reolink Argus and Soliom S600 security camera with solar panel power. You may also consider Amcrest ASH26 vs Ring floodlight which can also be powered by solar cell.