16 Channel Security Camera System Buying Guide

A 16 channel security camera system means you can have 16 cameras for 24/7 monitoring at the same time with or without Internet. And that will cover every entrance and every corner around your home or your business. Almost no blind spot for thieves.

In fact, if you prefer multiple cameras, a 16 channel security system is the ideal one. You may also see 32 or 64 channel security camera systems on the market, but it’s nearly impossible to have so many cameras working at the same time without network issues and interference to each other.

Now let’s talk about all the essentials of 16 channel security camera systems you may care about. And you’re very welcome to leave your questions in the comment area. We will get back to you soon!

What’s a 16 Channel Security Camera System – Get It Right Here!

A 16 channel security camera system refers to the one that could support up to 16 cameras with 16 ports in its DVR or NVR.

And therefore, you could generally find 3 kinds of 16 channel security camera systems, namely the one packed with 8 cameras, the one with 16 cameras or the one with no cameras at all – you can thus DIY your own 16 channel IP security camera system with both PTZ cameras, dome or bullet ones.

You may choose whichever 16 channel home security camera system above as you like. The only thing to notice is that the cameras coming with the system are pre-configured, and if there are spare ports and you want to add new cameras to the system, you will need to do some configuration.

But no worries, the configuration is usually super easy, and Reolink is the one that does a good job in it.

Best 16 Channel PoE Security Camera System – RLK16-410B8

This 16 channel security camera system is packed with 8 top seller Reolink RLC-410 and leaves 8 spare ports for your DIY needs. With these empty ports, you are free to add other types of cameras into the system, including the PTZ cameras], dome cameras, and vandal proof ones.

You may get a quick glimpse of its basic specifications via the below chart:

You may also check the video footage of the RLC-410 that this 16 channel security camera system carries for a deeper view of what you can expect.

If you are looking for a stable, easy and flexible solution for 16 channel security camera system, there will be no better choice than the 16 channel PoE security camera systems.

Actually, almost all 16 channel security camera systems on the market are PoE ones, hard as you may try to find a wireless counterpart – and that’s for a reason.

16 Channel Wireless Security Camera Systems

So, why you can barely find a 16 channel wireless security camera system everywhere? The answer is not hard to guess – that’s for the network issues.

You can think about 16 cameras working at the same time and eating up your home network bandwidth – just forget about it, at least for now. That’s not going to work on any home network, even if you lower the resolution to 720p terrible resolution.

The 8 channel wireless security camera system hasn’t overcome the network barriers yet – as I mentioned in the previous post, let alone the 16 channel wireless ones.

You want a 16 channel wireless security camera system anyway?

While there is no complete 16 channel wireless security camera system available on the market, you can still get a 16 channel PoE security camera system with 8 cameras, and then add additional WiFi cameras to fill the empty ports. In that way, you can manipulate all the added wireless security cameras within a system.

It works well and perhaps is the best solution according to the feedback of many Reolink users. The only thing to note is to get cameras from the same brand with your PoE system to avoid compatibility issues and remember the best practice is to get no more than 4 wireless cameras.

Best 16 Channel HD Security Camera System

So you want a 16 channel security camera system and every one of it to record at HD resolution?

No problem!

But there are differences between 16 channel PoE security camera systems and wireless ones in terms of “High Definition”.

Generally, PoE 16 channel HD security camera systems today could reach higher resolution of 1440p (or 4MP), which has generally become the mainstream in the PoE world, since they can put behind all the concerns about network issues and stretch for better images.

Comparatively, you need to lower your expectations for wireless 16 channel HD security camera systems – there is no complete 16 channel wireless security camera system now actually, as I put it before.

However, if you want to add some WiFi cameras to the 16 channel PoE security camera system, it’s advised to try no more than 4 wireless cameras within a single system.

Note: Some security camera brands, like Reolink, are innovatively offering choices of clear, balanced and fluent video modes to best suit your network conditions. That’s to say, you are free to switch some of the cameras into lower resolution when your home network is overloaded.

16 Channel Security Camera DVRs

16 channel security camera DVRs work with analog security cameras, providing you with the best resolution of 1080p. With generally lower price tag, it seems to be a rather competitive option.

But when taking the installation, camera features, and image quality into consideration, 16 channel security camera DVRs are not that worthwhile.

To list but a few troubles you might come across: running both BNC cable and power cable for up to 16 cameras, finding nearby power source for each of the cameras, getting 1080p resolution at best, etc.

And after a thorough search on Amazon, it turns out that a decent 1080p 16 channel security camera DVR system could charge you at least $690, which is not that economical as you may think.

So why not choose a 16 channel security camera NVR system that is easier to install, more functional and cost-effective with a few more bucks?

• To learn detailed steps to install the 16 channel security camera system with NVR and more practical ways to save money without compromising in video quality or other things, read on or click to jump there directly.

How to Install 16 Channel Security Camera System in Steps

The installation of a 16 channel security camera could be much easier than you think if you choose the right kit, say the 16 channel PoE security camera system.

Take the 16 channel security camera system Reolink RLK16-410B8 as an example: You only need 2 steps to get it done.

#1. Power the 16 channel security camera NVR.

#2. Fix the cameras on your desired place and run wires back to the NVR.

For more advanced configurations and settings, you may:

#3. Connect the 16 channel security camera NVR with a monitor and follow the wizard, you will come to the NVR settings where you can configure the motion detection, recording mode, alarms and more.

Yes, so far, you don't need to mess up with the WiFi configurations, and the NVR security camera system can record what you want as scheduled already. But if you want remote viewing and push notifications, you need to connect the system to your phone, PC or tablet:

#4. Download the free Reolink App and then connect your phone to the system by simply scanning the QR code. And remember to connect your 16 channel security camera system to a router.

Top Concerns About 16 Channel Security Systems (Add Yours Here!)

It’s always wise to refer to what others say or care about before purchase. Here we collect some hot topics of 16 channel security camera systems that you may also interest in:

#1. How far can I run wires to the cameras of my 16 channel home security camera system?

It varies between different brands and models. And the hard-wired cameras of Reolink 16 channel PoE security camera system could be placed as much as 330ft from the recording NVR.

#2. How many hours can the 16 channel security camera system record?

The recording time depends on the video resolution and the storage space of your NVR.

Well, rest assured that the 16 channel security camera system will record 24/7/365 continuously by rewriting from the oldest footages when the storage is full, so that you will never miss a thing no matter how many HDD you get. Actually, that’s the case for all security camera systems you can find in the street, banks, police office or other places.

If you want the 16 channel security camera system to record longer before the footage gets rewritten, there are many ways you can try.

Take Reolink RLK16-410B8 for example, you can replace the existing HDD for more storage, add an external HDD via eSATA port or place another HDD inside the NVR. That’s to say, the maximum storage space could reach 12TB, which could last for weeks, even months. And you may also set motion detection mode for it to record motion events only.

Again, there are a lot of variables there according to your situation. For a more precise answer, you may check out this simple calculation.

#3. How to save money for 16 channel security camera systems?

The budget could be a big concern for 16 channel security camera systems. Instead of turning to the cheap but less reliable 16 channel DVR security camera system, there are better ways to help you save money:

• Search for valid coupons of 16 channel IP security camera systems in deals websites like Slickdeals.
• Check whether there are holidays drawing near to get special deals of 16 channel home security camera systems.
• Refer to the cost-effective 16 channel IP camera system buying guide for more inspirations.

The above information hasn’t fully solved your puzzles and you need further help to make your final decision? Leave your comments here and we’ll get back to you very soon!