REOLINK 12MP PoE Security Camera System

Curated from 110 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: February 8, 2025

REOLINK 12MP PoE Security Camera System

Brand: REOLINK
Price: $1249
Snoop Score:
8.0
Sentiment
5.9
Popularity
8.1
Technical
8.9

Snoop's Take

The REOLINK 12MP PoE Security Camera System is a high-end surveillance kit designed for both residential and business environments. It delivers crystal-clear 12MP UHD video, advanced smart detection for people, vehicles, and even pets, and the convenience of an integrated NVR with ample storage. Community sentiment reveals a largely positive outlook with particular admiration for its ease of setup and robust feature set. One user noted, "Reolink are fantastic. Their support is top notch too," reflecting widespread approval of the system’s performance and app responsiveness. While some critics point out concerns like outdated software and potential security vulnerabilities associated with UPnP, the overall discussion underscores a reliable system noted for its fast app performance and impressive image clarity. In conclusion, despite a few niggling issues, the product stands out in its category and is recommended for anyone seeking a comprehensive, high-definition surveillance solution that covers both indoor and outdoor use.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Surveillance Systems

Good value cameras for the money

Positive Feedback

I would like to have an explanation about the UPnP.

Negative Feedback
Product
8.0
REOLINK 12MP PoE Security Camera System
Home Security
9 / 10
Business Monitoring
10 / 10
Outdoor Surveillance
5 / 10
Remote Access & Alerts
9 / 10
See how this compares to all Surveillance Systems

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Good value and feature‐rich offering
Good value cameras for the money
Fast app performance
The time to view on the app is about 10 times quicker. It's such a breath of fresh air.
It just works and the clients actually use it. The apps are amazing.
Easy setup with integrated NVR kit
If it's set it and forget it, get a kit with an NVR. It's the easiest path, and you'll remain in the reolink ecosystem with no need for integrating other technologies.
High channel count and scalable system
Buy the camera you want for each spot and you'll be a way happier person.
I would also suggest the 36CH NVR for Reolink.
Cross‐platform client applications
Yes they have a client you can install on Mac/Windows and an app for iOS/Android.
Good value and feature‑rich offering
Best features and easy to lockdown.
the quality of the products for the price point is hard to believe.
Not expensive and good image quality.
Glad to hear I picked a good brand.
No subscription fees
+1 reolink. No subscription.
I was adamant about getting local-only recording, as I didn’t want to pay for a subscription and I’ve got plenty of storage on my home server.
Excellent customer support
Reolink are fantastic. Their support is top notch too.
My experience with Reolink support was good.
Smart home integration compatibility
I can request any camera to be displayed in any room with a voice command.
Innovative features like solar panel attachment
The first outdoor camera with a solar panel attachment, no power, all wifi.
Reliable AI detection and notification
I use Reolink and Synology and let the cameras do the detection.
I can truly set it and forget it.
Integrated and user-friendly Reolink app
I set it up with the help of a techie using the FTP Upload feature in the Reolink app.
The Reolink app is the more integrated one, if you have a mix of cameras connected to the nvr and standalone then one app sees them all.
Reliable long-term performance
Been running 24/7 with 7 channels for almost 4 years now. Not one issue.
Effective loud siren for deterrence
The 811A is startling loud, which is what I love!
Superior video clarity at mid-to-long range distances
the clarity upgrade seems substantial to me.
For the Vertical FOV it was a deal breaker for me as I wanted to cover my front yard AND see the sidewalk below my camera mount location.
Reliable PoE connectivity eliminating battery issues
Most complaints about security cameras has to do with poor battery life so i went with PoE and it's just one wire.

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Security vulnerabilities via UPnP/UID features
I would like to have an explanation about the UPnP.
I was genuinely surprised at the random request from all of the IPs.
However, that seems to break the mobile app in that case, which is using this hole punching technique.
UPnP should not be used from a networking standpoint.
Limited functionality of the Reolink NVR
I prefer my Synology NAS Surveillance Station over my parents Reolink NVR.
Limited functionality of the Reolink NVR (no third‑party camera support)
As far as I know, you can not connect third party cameras to their NVR's.
Unreliable remote viewing connectivity
if you want to try to use cameras from another manufacturer, you're gonna have a bad time.
Battery life issues in battery‑powered cameras
I've used over 40 cameras of theirs over the years and I've only had 1 go bad, and it was a battery camera where the battery died after a couple years.
Condensation issues during initial installation
I wouldn't have 20+ cameras if they weren't good quality.
Poor video history browsing
I cannot tell you more much I dread it every time I have to go look through the history to find something. It's the worst.
I cannot tell you more much I dread it every time I have to go look through the history to find something. It's the worst.
Deployment difficulties and cumbersome initial setup
I wish their deployment was a little easier.
Outdated software and security vulnerabilities
the software is just for the birds. It’s so dated and has security holes.
Limited field of view and frame rate constraints
Looks good but are they still going to be limited to 20fps?
I think 8MP is plenty so would choose that if they had the same FOV.
Newer upgraded cams seem to have lower vertical FOV.
Privacy and network security concerns (excessive data chatter)
Reolink cams are known to be chatty with homebase somewhere in CCP.
Choppy video streaming performance
these camera streaming is very choppy and not fluent.

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

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Camcamp 8CH 4MP POE Security Camera SystemCamcamp 8CH 4MP POE Security Camera System$239
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5.7
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OOSSXX Outdoor Security Camera SystemOOSSXX Outdoor Security Camera System$499
5.5
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SmartSF Wireless Security Camera SystemSmartSF Wireless Security Camera System$169
5.1
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ANNKE 8CH H.265+ 3K Lite Wired Security Camera SystemANNKE 8CH H.265+ 3K Lite Wired Security Camera System$185
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LETSCEE Dual Lens WiFi Security Camera OutdoorLETSCEE Dual Lens WiFi Security Camera Outdoor$28
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OOSSXX 2-Way Audio & PIR Detection Outdoor Wireless Security Camera SystemOOSSXX 2-Way Audio & PIR Detection Outdoor Wireless Security Camera System$399
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ZOSI 3K Lite Security Camera SystemZOSI 3K Lite Security Camera System$175
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AOSU Security Cameras Wireless Outdoor Home SystemAOSU Security Cameras Wireless Outdoor Home System$179
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WEILAILIFE Outdoor Wireless Security Camera SystemWEILAILIFE Outdoor Wireless Security Camera System$349
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ZOSI H.265+ Full 1080p Home Security Camera SystemZOSI H.265+ Full 1080p Home Security Camera System$175
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Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Preference for A-model cameras with person/vehicle detection
No matter what you go with, get the “A” models with person/vehicle detection.

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Alternative network configurations for secure remote access
By logging into your VPN remotely you have a secure channel to access your recordings without them being on the cloud or visible by the camera manufacturer.
Third‐party integration with external recording systems
I am very happy with this set up because I use my camera with its own SD card (and it own apps) as well as Synology's Surveillance System for 24/7 recording.
Advanced network configurations for PoE switch integration
Couldn't I buy a 16 channel POE switch like the one you linked...Then buy a cheaper Reolink NVR to save some money?
I don't fully trust Reolink to make secure devices, and one day Reolink will stop updates anyway.
Is there a risk of getting a PoE switch that pushes too much power and could potentially damage the cameras?
Debating use of Reolink NVR versus third‐party server
do you plan on buying one of the Reolink NVR's or going with a 3rd party solution on your own server like with Blue Iris?

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Synology integration challenges
Synology really messed up with this last update.
But after DSM 7.2.2 firmware, it has failed to impress me at all.
One update has caused everything I liked about the system to fail.
Some users claim that provides more features and better compatibility.
Unexpected variations in low light performance across models
Good stuff! However I was surprised you found the cx810 to be as good at low light as the cx410 as I believe most reviews have said otherwise.

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