Reolink CX410 or a Dahua alternative?

Seeking Advice
1

I’m setting up a surveillance system for my parents’ home. I was set on a 4-camera Reolink CX410 system with an NVR, but then I started looking into Dahua and now I’m reconsidering.

I need:

  • 4 fixed (bullet or turret) cameras with strong low-light color vision, similar to the CX410.
  • Remote access to live feeds and recordings on at least 4 mobile devices.
  • A system that can alert us to movement before an intruder attempts to break in.
  • Something user-friendly since my parents will be using it.

The current security system is useless—everything is inside, and the security company only responds after a break-in. My goal is to deter intruders before they even try. My parents have had two break-ins in 2024 where burglars broke second-floor windows, but nothing was stolen.

I’m happy to go with Dahua if it offers better person detection and customization. What Dahua cameras would you recommend for under €100 each? How does remote viewing work without using P2P? If you’ve used both Dahua and Reolink, which do you prefer?

2

sonvilla said:
CX810

I’ve read that the CX810 performs worse in low light. I don’t need the higher resolution since burglars usually cover their faces anyway.

3

Dahua TiOC cameras. They have two-way audio, flashing red and blue lights, and white LEDs for color night vision.

4

Byron said:
Dahua TiOC cameras. They have two-way audio, flashing red and blue lights, and white LEDs for color night vision.

Have you used Reolink for comparison?

5

Miles said:

Byron said:
Dahua TiOC cameras. They have two-way audio, flashing red and blue lights, and white LEDs for color night vision.

Have you used Reolink for comparison?

I haven’t, but I worked with a fast food chain that used Reolink for hundreds of locations, and they were happy with it.

6

@Byron
A lot of people say what they use is the best without trying alternatives. I prefer opinions from those who have used both.

What do you like about Dahua? Do their cameras support trip lines for motion detection?

7

@Miles
Yes, Dahua has trip line detection, and I’ve integrated it with my alarm system. If a camera detects movement, it triggers my home alarm notifications.

8

Byron said:
@Miles
Yes, Dahua has trip line detection, and I’ve integrated it with my alarm system. If a camera detects movement, it triggers my home alarm notifications.

That’s interesting. Does the NVR or camera have outputs to connect alarms or external devices?

9

I’ve always used Reolink, but Dahua cameras seem to get a lot of praise. I’d put them on a separate VLAN and avoid their app for security reasons.

10

Richard said:
I’ve always used Reolink, but Dahua cameras seem to get a lot of praise. I’d put them on a separate VLAN and avoid their app for security reasons.

Reolink feels more consumer-friendly, while Dahua is more advanced but less user-friendly. I’m looking for something my parents can use easily.

11

The Hook Up on YouTube compares a lot of these cameras in detail.

12

Phillip said:
The Hook Up on YouTube compares a lot of these cameras in detail.

I’ve seen his videos. I’m leaning toward Reolink because it seems easier for my parents to use.

13

Miles said:

Phillip said:
The Hook Up on YouTube compares a lot of these cameras in detail.

I’ve seen his videos. I’m leaning toward Reolink because it seems easier for my parents to use.

Sounds like a good choice.