REOLINK 8-Channel 5MP PoE Camera vs REOLINK 8-Channel 4K PoE Home: Spec Comparison
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This comparison looks at the reolink 8 channel 5mp poe camera vs 8 channel 4k poe home. Both systems offer eight channels and use Power over Ethernet for simple installation. They each include a 2TB hard drive for storage. The main difference lies in video clarity. One model provides 5MP resolution, while the other delivers 4K Ultra HD. You need to decide which level of detail fits your security needs.
Key differences
| Aspect | REOLINK 8-Channel 5MP PoE Camera System | Reolink 8-Channel 4K PoE Home Security System |
|---|---|---|
| Video Resolution | 5MP | 4K/8MP |
| Night Vision | Infrared up to 100ft | not listed |
| Detection Type | Person/Animal/Vehicle | Person/Vehicle |
| Cable Length | not listed | Up to 330ft |
| Audio | Built-in mic | not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose REOLINK 8-Channel 5MP PoE Camera System if
- You want smart detection that includes animals.
- You need recorded audio from the cameras.
- You prefer a system with verified 100ft infrared night vision.
Choose Reolink 8-Channel 4K PoE Home Security System if
- You require the highest possible video clarity at 4K resolution.
- You plan to run cables up to 330ft without signal loss.
- You want to expand the system with any Reolink PoE or WiFi cameras.
Verdict: Choose the 5MP system if you value animal detection and built-in audio recording. Pick the 4K system if you prioritize maximum image detail and long cable runs. Both offer reliable PoE connectivity and sufficient local storage.
5MP Versus 4K PoE Systems
Video Resolution
Product B delivers 4K Ultra HD resolution, which equals 8MP. This provides almost four times the clarity of standard 1080p video. You get vivid detail, even when digitally zooming in. Product A offers 5MP Super HD. While this is higher than 1080p, it is lower than the 8MP in Product B. The 4K system eliminates distortion and ensures the highest quality view of your surroundings. If you need maximum pixel density for identifying small details, the 8MP sensor in Product B is the superior choice.
Night Vision Range
Product A specifies infrared night vision with 18 infrared LEDs. This setup allows for high-quality night vision up to 100 feet. The data for Product B does not list a specific night vision range or LED count. Both systems likely use infrared for low-light capture, but only Product A provides the exact distance metric. If you need to monitor a large outdoor area at night, the 100-foot range of Product A is a clear, documented advantage over the unspecified range of the 4K system.
Smart Detection
Product A supports smart person, animal, and vehicle detection. It minimizes unwanted alerts triggered by bugs or leaves. You can configure the type of motion you care about. Product B also features smart detection for people and vehicles based on shapes. However, Product B explicitly states it minimizes alerts for animals or shadows, whereas Product A includes animals in its detection categories. Both reduce false alarms, but Product A offers slightly broader classification options for non-human movement.
Storage Capacity
Both systems include a pre-installed 2TB hard drive. Product A records for ten days without overwriting. You can add one additional external 8TB HDD via an e-SATA port. Product B also includes a 2TB HDD and supports an external drive up to 8TB for backup. It notes expandability to 16TB total. The base storage is identical. The documentation for total expansion potential is more detailed for Product B, but both offer similar upgrade paths for long-term recording needs.
Physical Dimensions
Product A measures 14.8 inches in width, 7.7 inches in height, and 11.4 inches in length. It weighs 14.3 pounds. Product B measures 12.7 inches in width, 14.8 inches in height, and 11 inches in length. The weight for Product B is not listed. Product A is wider but shorter. Product B is taller but narrower. These differences affect how the NVR fits in your rack or shelf space. You should measure your installation area to ensure the specific footprint of your chosen model fits properly.
Audio Features
Product A includes a built-in microphone in the security cameras. This allows the system to pick up ambient sound, adding an audio layer to the 24/7 continuous recording. The data for Product B does not mention a built-in microphone or audio recording capabilities. If you require audio surveillance alongside video, Product A is the only option with this specified feature. You can review both video and sound events remotely through the app.
Which REOLINK 8-Channel System Fits You
Users needing maximum detail for identification
Product B offers 4K resolution, which equals 8MP. This provides nearly four times the clarity of 1080p video. You get vivid detail even when digitally zooming in. If you need to identify small flaws or distortions, this higher resolution ensures you capture the highest quality view of your surroundings without losing image integrity.
Buyers prioritizing smart person and animal detection
Product A supports smart detection for people, animals, and vehicles. This feature minimizes unwanted alerts triggered by bugs or leaves. You can configure the specific types of motion you care about. This helps you get alerted only when necessary, reducing notification fatigue while maintaining security coverage for your property day and night.
Those wanting expandable storage options
Product B allows expansion to a total of 16TB. You can install an external hard drive up to 8TB for backup storage alongside the pre-installed 2TB HDD. This offers greater flexibility for long-term recording needs. Product A only supports adding one additional external 8TB HDD via e-SATA, limiting total capacity compared to Product B.
The products compared
REOLINK 8-Channel 5MP PoE Camera System
Best for: Users needing 5MP clarity and smart detection
- Video Resolution
- 5MP
- Camera Count
- 4
- Power Source
- PoE
- Connectivity
- Wired PoE
- Channels
- 8 CH
- Hard Drive Capacity
- 2TB
View on Amazon: REOLINK 8-Channel 5MP PoE Camera System Affiliate link
This Reolink 8-channel system records in 5MP resolution via PoE wiring. It includes a 2TB hard drive for about ten days of continuous storage. The cameras feature infrared night vision up to 100 feet and smart detection for people, animals, and vehicles. You get stable digital video without quality loss. This setup suits users who want clear footage and reliable motion alerts without complex wiring.
Pros
- 5MP Super HD video resolution
- 100ft infrared night vision range
- Smart person, animal, and vehicle detection
- Single cable PoE power and data
- 2TB pre-installed hard drive
Cons
- 5MP resolution is lower than 4K models
- No mention of color night vision
- System weight is 14.3 pounds
Good fit if
- You want clear 5MP video quality
- You prefer easy PoE plug-and-play installation
- You need smart motion filtering
Skip if
- You require 4K or 8MP resolution
- You need color night vision
- You want a lighter system under 10 pounds
Verdict: Reolink 8CH 5MP PoE System delivers reliable 5MP clarity and smart detection for users prioritizing resolution over 4K. It fits those who value stable PoE wiring and built-in motion filtering.
Reolink 8-Channel 4K PoE Home Security System
Best for: High-resolution wired security with smart alerts
- Video Resolution
- 4K (8MP)
- Camera Count
- 4
- Power Source
- PoE
- Connectivity
- PoE, Wired
- Channels
- 8 CH
- Hard Drive Capacity
- 2TB
View on Amazon: Reolink 8-Channel 4K PoE Home Security System Affiliate link
This Reolink 8-channel system features 4K/8MP PoE cameras and a 2TB hard drive. It supports person, vehicle, and animal detection to reduce false alerts. The plug-and-play design uses a single network cable for up to 330 feet. You get continuous 24/7 recording and expandable storage up to 16TB. This setup suits users who need high-resolution surveillance with smart identification features.
Pros
- 4K/8MP video resolution for high clarity
- Smart detection for people, vehicles, and animals
- 2TB pre-installed HDD for 24/7 recording
- Expandable storage up to 16TB total
Cons
- Limited to 8-channel capacity
- No mention of local backup options beyond internal HDD
- Requires initial network and app configuration
Good fit if
- You need 4K resolution for detailed footage
- You want to reduce false alerts with smart detection
- You prefer a wired PoE installation
Skip if
- You require more than 8 cameras
- You need wireless camera connectivity
- You want plug-and-play setup without configuration
Verdict: Reolink 8CH 4K PoE Security System delivers high-resolution surveillance with smart detection for users who need detailed, wired security coverage. It is ideal for those prioritizing video clarity and alert accuracy over wireless convenience.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | REOLINK 8-Channel 5MP PoE Camera System | Reolink 8-Channel 4K PoE Home Security System |
|---|---|---|
| Video Resolution | 5MP | 4K (8MP) |
| Camera Count | 4 | 4 |
| Power Source | PoE | PoE |
| Connectivity | Wired PoE | PoE, Wired |
| Channels | 8 CH | 8 CH |
| Hard Drive Capacity | 2TB | 2TB |
| Placement | Outdoor | not stated |
| Night Vision Type | Infrared | not stated |
| Form Factor | not stated | Turret |
| Resolution | 5MP | 8MP |
| Use | Pets | not stated |
| Color | White | White |
| Dimensions | 11.4 × 14.8 × 7.7 inches | 11 × 12.7 × 14.8 inches |
| Weight | 14.3 pounds | not stated |
| Model | RLK8-410B4-5MP | RLK8-800D4 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the physical size difference between the two NVRs?
The 5MP system measures 14.8 by 11.4 by 7.7 inches and weighs 14.3 pounds. The 4K model is smaller at 12.7 by 11 by 14.8 inches. You should check your installation space carefully, as the taller 4K unit may not fit in tight enclosures where the wider 5MP box fits better.
Do both systems include hard drives for recording?
Yes, both units come equipped with a 2TB hard drive. This allows you to store weeks of footage without buying extra storage immediately. You can verify the exact model numbers, RLK8-410B4-5MP and RLK8-800D4, to ensure compatibility with your specific mounting requirements.
Which system is better for identifying faces at a distance?
The 4K system offers 8MP resolution, providing nearly four times the clarity of standard 1080p video. This high resolution captures vivid details even when you digitally zoom in on a clip. If identifying specific features is your priority, the higher pixel count on the second option is superior.
How does the 5MP resolution compare to the 4K option?
The 5MP system delivers Super HD clarity, which is sharper than standard 1080p but less detailed than 4K. The 4K option provides 8MP resolution for maximum sharpness. You choose 5MP for reliable clarity and smart detection, while the 4K model is for users prioritizing the highest possible video definition.
Are both systems wired or wireless?
Both systems use Power over Ethernet connectivity. This means you run a single cable to each camera for both power and data. You do not need separate power adapters for the cameras, which simplifies your wiring layout and ensures a stable connection for continuous surveillance.
What color are the NVR units?
Both the 5MP and 4K NVRs are white. This neutral color helps them blend into most indoor or outdoor mounting environments. You can place them in utility rooms or garages without them standing out aggressively against typical wall colors or equipment racks.