8 Channel Security Camera Systems with NVR: 1920p HD & More to Consider

So you type "8 channel security camera system" in the search box and ready to buy the one that attracts your eyes in the search results?

Chances are, you will get lost in the thousand 8 channel security camera system search results, and can’t decide the right one that could really solve your security needs with easy installation.

And it could be even harder to find a quality 8 channel security camera to fit your budget.

I know the pain.

So here I gathered all the essentials you need to know about the 8 channel security camera systems, so that you can pick out the best 8-channel CCTV system quickly and easily.

And more than that, you’ll learn how to install the 8 channel security camera system in steps without too many cables being run through the house.

8 Channel Security Camera Systems: Get It Right from the Start

Searching for an 8 channel security camera system and ready to get 8 cameras in the package?

Attention! 8 channel security camera system does NOT necessarily come with 8 cameras.

Actually, the 8 channel CCTV system means it has 8 ports instead of 8 cameras. And therefore, you have flexible options to suit your various monitoring needs.

For example, the most popular 4 camera 8 channel security system Reolink RLK8-410B4 includes a recorder (NVR), 4 cameras and 4 spare ports for future security upgrade.

So make sure you get the right 8 channel security camera system with the cameras you need.

Editor’s Note: Most 8 channel security camera systems are only compatible with the cameras from the same manufacturer. Actually, that is the best solution to do the upgrade with the least trouble of software setup.

8 Channel Security Camera System Best Budget Picks

To save your time in reading up on the 8 channel CCTV camera systems, DVRs, NVRs and cables, here I list the best option that is good in every area and recommended by users worldwide as well as the tech media.

If you are in a hurry and want a real quick decision, check out this part and you’ll surely find the one that satisfies both your security needs and budget.

The PoE 8 channel security camera system has always been a popular choice for home monitoring, thanks to its super easy installation and stability.

If you are one of those who just don’t trust the wireless solution or you’re not a big fan of the wireless devices, then you really should take a look at this 8 channel security camera system.

What You Will Get:

• Class-leading 1440p/1920p super HD security camera * 4
• 8 channel video recorder ( 2TB HDD pre-installed)
• Network cable for both power and data transmission
• HDMI cable to connect the system to your monitor
• USB mouse to operate the 8ch security camera system
• Other accessories you’ll need to install the system

So you don’t need to waste time finding the quality 8 channel security camera system cables or other accessories and worry that they would affect the picture quality.

Instead, all is set with this complete 8 channel security camera system, and the only thing you need to do is to plug some cables with simple instructions.

Key Features:

• 4MP/5MP super resolution to identify faces and plate number
• 2TB large storage space for 24/7 recording (8TB maximum with tricks to expand HDD )
• Power over Ethernet, plug-and-play easy installation
• FTP enabled to automatically backup recordings online
• 100ft excellent IR night vision with 80° wide viewing angle
• Motion detection & continuous recording mode enabled
• Remote viewing via phone & push notifications

Note that, instead of the 1080p, this 8 channel security camera system has upgraded its resolution to 1440p/1920p, so you will get more than twice the details at a similar price tag.

Check the 5MP stunning videos shared by the Reolink user in #ReolinkCaptures Program.

Editor’s Notes:

As you may have noticed, this 8 channel security camera system comes with 4 cameras, so you may add other Reolink security cameras to build an 8 channel 8 camera security camera system or whatever you need in the future.

Another Trick:

Another great benefit of this 8 channel security camera system is that you can integrate wireless security cameras with the wired system. And also, you can mix and match both 4MP and 5MP Reolink cameras on the same system!

In that way, you can better arrange the video monitoring with greater flexibility. For example, you may easily add WiFi cameras to monitor the place that is hard to reach by the wires, like the garden or the backyard.

Well, mind that the PoE 8 channel security camera system is not compatible with the battery powered security cameras in order to save its battery life.

How to Install 8 Channel Security Camera Systems

Easy setup is a big advantage for 8 channel security camera systems.

And the PoE or wireless 8 channel security camera, like the two mentioned above, could save you the headache and money in installation.

They are literally plug and play, and allows you to do the install yourself in simple steps without having to pay for the installation company.

Here I take the Reolink 8 channel PoE security camera system as an example to better detail the installation steps (Other 8 channel CCTV systems work in a similar way).

Step 1. Plug in the power cables to the 8ch security camera system NVR.

Step 2. Connect security cameras with the NVR via provided Ethernet cables.

Actually, the 8 channel security camera system can start working right away after you finish these two steps. If you want more advanced monitoring, keep on with the following steps.

Step 3. Connect the NVR with a monitor via the provided HDMI or VGA cable, and then come to the NVR configurations to set the recording mode, motion detection areas, alarms, etc.

Step 4. Connect the NVR with a router, and then run Reolink App, scan the QR code on the NVR to get the live view of all cameras whenever and wherever you want.

Continue to read for more insights about how to pick out the best 8 channel security camera system to suit your needs.

8 Channel Security Camera Systems: PoE (Wired) vs Wireless

There is no absolute answer to such questions as “8 channel wireless security camera system or PoE ones, which one is better”.

That’s all about your monitoring situations actually.

Both PoE and wireless 8 channel security camera system have their own advantages. Just choose the one that suits you better.

8 Channel PoE Security Camera System Pros & Cons

The 8 channel PoE security camera system refers to the one that uses PoE IP cameras which get both data and power via a single Ethernet cable.

And the 8 channel PoE security camera system is popular mainly for the following reasons:

• Easy to install. You only need to run one cable for each camera, saving you a lot of wiring work compared with 8 channel DVR security camera system.
• Reliable. The hard-wired PoE 8 channel security camera system delivers stable signals.
• High resolution. Now most PoE 8 channel security camera systems could support 4MP and 5MP super HD cameras, which would be a challenge for the wireless ones.
• Long distance monitoring. With the PoE switch, you can simply extend the monitoring areas to your far away cabins, little pet’s house, front garden without any worry about the WiFi range.

8 Channel Wireless Security Camera Systems

A wireless 8 channel security camera system is the kit that transmits data via network instead of cables. But note that it still needs a power cable to take care of the power supply.

And here are why you may choose 8 channel wireless security camera systems:

• Easy and quick to install with power outlets nearby.
• No need to worry about the distance and running wires back to the NVR.
• More portable and flexible.

Here is a simple comparison chart to help you make a quick decision between wireless and PoE systems.

Bonus: The 8 channel security camera system, both wireless and PoE ones, could still work even without Internet.

8 Channel Surveillance System NVR vs. DVR

The 8 channel CCTV system NVR and DVR has a lot of differences in their recording quality, installation process, the ability to expand, etc.

Simply put, if you want easy installation, higher picture quality, flexible camera placement, and a futuristic security solution, the NVR 8 channel security camera system would be a better choice.

Actually, the 8 channel DVR security system with cameras (analog ones) has gradually become outdated with the IP cameras becoming the mainstream on the market.

To get a quick glimpse of the difference between the 8 channel security video surveillance DVR camera systems and NVR ones, refer to the blow comparison chart:

Resource: DVR vs NVR, Which One Is Better

HD 8 Channel Security Camera Systems: 1080p vs. 1440p vs. 4K

Want a highest image quality 8 channel security camera system?

Budget is very important in the discussion.

Generally, if you are budgeting about like $500 for an 8 channel security camera system, then the best you can get is probably a 5MP 8ch CCTV system like Reolink RLK8-410B4, with much better image quality than the 8 channel 1080p security camera systems.

Take a look at the 5MP video from Reolink 8 channel security camera systems:

Another thing to consider is whether you plan to go wireless or wired with the 8 channel CCTV system.

Just as I put it before, the 8 channel wireless security camera system may only capable of handling 1080p videos currently without affecting your home network.

And the 8 channel PoE security camera system could deal with higher resolution recordings like 4MP, 5MP or even 4K videos.

8 Channel Security Camera Systems: Hot Q&As

We’ve been asked a lot of questions about 8 channel security camera systems. Here are some popular ones that you might be interested to know.

#1. Could the 8 channel CCTV systems work without Internet?

Yes, they could record videos and motion events even when there is no Internet, but you could not receive push notifications, emails or get remote viewing in your smartphone.

To understand all ins and outs of it and learn how to realize it, you may check our previous blog: 2 Solutions for Wireless Security Cameras without Internet Access.

#2. How to prevent 8 channel CCTV system NVR/DVR from being stolen?

There are a lot of users worrying about the safety of the NVR and DVR. “What if the thieves steal my 8 channel security camera system DVR/NVR altogether?”

One easy and practical solution to settle your minds is to find a safe place for the 8 channel security camera NVR or DVR, like the safe box, attic, inside the walls, in a closet or bookshelves.

To discover more amazing tips to prevent the NVR or DVR from being stolen, click here.

#3. How to save money for 8 channel security camera systems?

Actually, the above best budget 8 channel IP security camera system already saves your money, and here are additional tricks for you:

• Choose the 8ch security camera system brand with free shipping.
• Grasp the chance of holiday sales, including the Christmas, Halloween, Black Friday sales, etc.
• Search on the deals websites, like the Slickdeals, to see if there is any valid coupon available.
• Check the official Facebook of your desired brand to see if there is any activity going on. Sometimes a simple comment could win you a security camera. Try your luck.
• Refer to the buying guide of cost-effective security camera systems and set a specific budget.