How to Choose the Best NVR PoE Security Camera System
NVRs are the heart of a home security camera system, and they need power to operate. They also store footage, so they need enough storage to hold days or weeks of video.
Look for kits with at least 1 terabyte of storage. Larger systems may require multiple hard drives.
1. Storage Capacity
The network video recorder (NVR) is the hub of a security camera system. It processes and saves footage from connected cameras, which are typically wired using Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology, allowing them to be both networked and powered via the same cable. Most NVRs will come with a hard drive capable of storing up to a certain maximum capacity.
If you want to record high-quality video, you will need a large amount of storage space for the footage. However, advanced NVRs will use efficient video coding to reduce file sizes and maximize the amount of footage you can store.
The NVR included with the Reolink RLK8-1200B4-A 12MP PoE Surveillance Kit includes 8 bullet-style IP cameras that record at up to 4K resolution (3,840 x 2,160 pixels). Each camera features a 12MP sensor, which is a big jump from the common 4MP sensors seen on other top security systems and is especially noticeable when zooming in on captured images. These cameras also feature excellent night vision and 118-degree field of view. As a result, the recorded footage will be crisp and clear.
2. Resolution
The resolution of a camera is the amount of detail ptz poe camera 4k it can capture, measured in pixels. The highest-resolution cameras have a 4K resolution, which is around 8 million pixels. This resolution results in sharper video and higher-quality digital zooms.
NVR systems that use PoE cameras can offer high-resolution recording without the need for additional hardware, as the cameras process the data directly and stream it to the recorder. They also feature efficient video compression technology and reliable storage options for crystal-clear footage.
Look for a system with HD cameras that can capture clear images, even at night. Check the view angle of these cameras and whether they have a wide-angle lens that covers the entire area you need to monitor. Some cameras also have a variety of features, such as facial recognition and motion detection. Facial recognition is useful in determining human targets and can trigger an alert or start recording when someone enters the view of the camera. Other useful features include vehicle recognition, which can trigger an alert and record when a car passes by.
3. Video Quality
The best NVR systems for security use a smart recorder to capture video and process it, storing the data locally on hard drives. Many of these devices also let you back up your footage to the cloud. If you choose a system that doesn’t include a hard drive, most allow you to install your own (up to a specific capacity).
NVR cameras transmit video, audio and power over standard ethernet networking cables—a much more flexible option than traditional coaxial cable connections. These cables are typically CAT5e or CAT6 and can be run up to 328 feet (100 meters) from the NVR, though you’ll want to consider using PoE extenders or switches if you need to extend that distance.
Most NVR systems offer up to 1TB of storage, which should be enough for days to weeks worth of footage. However, if you’re looking to upgrade to a premium model, look for 2TB or more. You’ll also want to pay attention to how the system handles compression formats and video resolutions—some lower-end models may not handle a higher quality of video very well.
4. Remote Access
If you need to keep an eye on your property remotely, consider an NVR camera system. It offers more flexibility than subscription services, which only store clips that their AI identifies as significant. You can also access footage on the go with mobile apps, or download video files for backup.
Look for NVRs with PoE ports. These enable cameras to communicate with each other over Ethernet cables for data best nvr poe camera system and power transmission, which minimizes wiring. However, you will need a PoE switch or injector to support the network, especially if your cameras are further away from each other than 100 meters.
Some NVR systems allow you to connect cameras wirelessly over wifi, which can be helpful for smaller installations or if your budget doesn’t stretch to ethernet. Some also offer integration with smart home platforms such as Amazon’s Alexa or Google Home ecosystem and the Apple HomeKit. Other smart features that are often included with these systems include real-time message alerts and dual-monitor display. You should also find out if the NVR supports voice assistants, since this can be an effective way to control your camera system with minimal effort.
5. Power Options
The best nvr poe camera system offers several options for saving and viewing footage. Most use a hard drive for locally saved data, which you can play back from a connected display like a TV or monitor. Some include cloud-based storage, which can give you access to the same footage from any location with an internet connection. Other systems, such as the xmartO WNQ28 G3 Auto WiFi Relay, can also upload to Dropbox and keep your cameras’ video off your home wi-fi network (which is often already overtaxed).
Most NVR camera system kits come with a 1TB hard drive that can hold days or even weeks worth of video. You can also add additional drives or choose a RAID setup to maximize your storage capacity. Most options also have the ability to expand your camera number, which can be useful for larger properties. Some, such as the Reolink RLK8-1200B4-A 12MP PoE Surveillance Kit, feature high-quality, 12-megapixel cameras that provide greater detail than 8-megapixel options with up to 4K resolution. This means you can capture more of a scene and review the most important moments yourself rather than depending on a subscription service to store and archive your footage.
