A little over 2 years ago, I purchased a Lorex 8-Channel 4K camera system (NVR, 6 Cameras). Not doing too much research, I thought Lorex would be the best. Two years and $700 later, I am utterly disappointed in the system. Lorex advertised ‘Smart Motion’ where you can receive push motion alerts with the type of event (person, car, etc.) and that has never worked. So I only have regular motion alerts set up.

At night, the cameras continuously record motion alerts from rain, snow, or flying bugs. It makes it impossible to see true motion alerts, rendering the system useless.

The app on Lorex is okay, but the push notifications work when they want (which is almost NEVER) and when playing back content, it plays back in slow motion. I’m also disappointed that the cameras and NVR system has NEVER received any additional software updates.

I liked the system initially because I only set up 4 out of the 6 cameras, and it supported up to 8. I liked how there is a web interface to access the cameras, a mobile app, and the option to expand with WiFi devices as well. I HATE everything else.

I take full blame for not researching the product thoroughly before purchasing.

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I am seeking advice on a new system to replace this piece of shit and looking for your advice. What brands do you recommend, what system do you use?

NVR Requirements:

• Supports 4K up to 6+ IP Cameras all self hosted
• Web GUI
• NO SUBSCRIPTIONS
• Smart Zone / Motion Alerts (Cars, People, Animals)
• Reduced false motion alerts
• Expandable to WiFi devices
• Expandable HDD
• A decent mobile app

Camera Requirements:

• PoE
• Cameras that support 4K 20+FPS
• Outdoor, Michigan weather resistance
• Non-turret, similar style to my POS Lorex cameras
• Night Vision
• Optical Zoom in some capacity
• Camera Light (Optional)

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From what I’m reading, REOLink seems to be pretty good. I’m looking at the RLN8-410 NVR and RLC-811A Cameras. Amazon has a bundle which seems pretty good, here. They also have a PoE doorbell camera that seems pretty neat.