Reolink CX810 Review: Is This 4K PoE Camera Worth It?

Security cameras often switch to grainy black-and-white video after dark, making important details difficult to identify. The Reolink CX810 takes a different approach. Its ColorX technology uses a large image sensor and wide aperture to produce full-color footage in low-light environments.

The CX810 also combines 4K resolution, smart object detection, two-way audio, local storage, and a reliable PoE connection. However, it does not include traditional infrared night vision, so its nighttime performance depends partly on available light. This Reolink CX810 review examines its features, video quality, installation, storage options, and limitations to help you decide whether it is right for your property.

Reolink CX810 Overview

The Reolink CX810 is a fixed bullet-style PoE security camera designed for indoor or outdoor surveillance. It records at 3840 × 2160 resolution, delivering more detail than standard 2K cameras. Its 1/1.8-inch sensor and F1.0 aperture allow the camera to collect additional light for full-color nighttime footage.

This camera is particularly suitable for monitoring driveways, entrances, garages, yards, and commercial properties. It can identify people, vehicles, and animals without requiring a paid subscription. Recordings can be saved to a microSD card, compatible Reolink NVR, or FTP server.

Key Specifications

• Resolution: 4K 8MP, 3840 × 2160
• Maximum frame rate: 25 fps
• Image sensor: 1/1.8-inch CMOS
• Lens: Fixed 4 mm, F1.0 aperture
• Horizontal field of view: 93.2 degrees
• Night vision: ColorX full-color night vision
• Lighting: Four adjustable 3000K warm spotlights
• Detection: People, vehicles, animals, and general motion
• Audio: Built-in microphone and speaker
• Storage: Up to 512GB microSD, NVR, or FTP
• Connection: PoE or optional 12V DC power
• Weather protection: IP67
• Video compression: H.264 and H.265

These specifications are listed on the official Reolink CX810 product page.

Design and Build Quality

The CX810 uses a traditional bullet-camera design that makes its presence noticeable. This can help discourage unwanted activity, although buyers wanting a discreet camera may prefer a dome-style model.

Its aluminum housing feels suitable for permanent outdoor installation. The IP67 weather-resistant rating protects it against dust and rain, while the adjustable bracket makes it possible to aim the camera toward a specific entrance or monitoring area.

The front contains the lens and four warm spotlights. A microphone and speaker are built into the housing, while the protected microSD card slot allows recordings to be stored inside the camera.

Installation and PoE Setup

As a Power over Ethernet camera, the CX810 receives power and transfers data through one Ethernet cable. This creates a more stable connection than Wi-Fi and eliminates the need to install a separate power outlet beside the camera.

You will need a compatible PoE NVR, PoE switch, or injector because this equipment is not normally included with a single camera. Running Ethernet cable can require more work than installing a wireless model, especially if the cable must pass through an exterior wall.

Once connected, the camera can be added through the Reolink mobile app or desktop client. The installation process is straightforward for existing Reolink NVR owners. Before securing the bracket permanently, check the live view to ensure that the important area is clearly visible.

Daytime Video Quality

The 4K resolution is one of the strongest reasons to choose the Reolink CX810. During daylight, it can capture clear building features, clothing colors, vehicles, and other details that may appear soft on a lower-resolution camera.

Its 25 fps maximum frame rate also helps movement look relatively smooth. WDR technology balances bright and shaded parts of the scene, which is useful when a camera faces a driveway, open doorway, or area with strong sunlight.

The 93.2-degree horizontal viewing angle provides useful coverage without creating the heavily distorted appearance associated with extremely wide lenses. However, the CX810 has a fixed lens and no optical zoom. Digital enlargement is available, but image quality gradually decreases as the footage is magnified.

ColorX Night Vision Performance

The CX810’s main attraction is its ColorX night vision. Instead of automatically switching to black-and-white infrared footage, it uses an F1.0 aperture and light-sensitive sensor to preserve color in dim conditions. Reolink states that its F1.0 lens captures four times more light than a conventional F2.0 lens.

Nighttime footage performs best when some ambient lighting is available from a porch, streetlight, garage, or nearby building. Under these conditions, the camera can show useful colors without keeping its spotlights fully illuminated.

The four 3000K spotlights provide up to 400 lumens when the environment becomes too dark. Their warm color is less harsh than bright white security lighting, and the brightness can be adjusted.

There is an important limitation: the CX810 does not include infrared LEDs. In an area with almost no ambient light, the spotlights must activate to maintain visibility. Fast movement may also show some ghosting when the available light is extremely limited, an issue noted in an independent CX810 review. Placement near a small exterior light can noticeably improve results.

Smart Detection and Alerts

The Reolink CX810 can distinguish between people, vehicles, animals, and general movement. This reduces unnecessary notifications caused by changing shadows, insects, or moving plants.

Users can adjust sensitivity, create detection zones, and choose which types of events should trigger notifications or recordings. For example, the camera can monitor a driveway for vehicles while excluding movement from a nearby road.

Push and email alerts are available without a subscription. The camera can also activate its spotlight and siren when a selected object is detected, providing an additional layer of deterrence.

Two-Way Audio and Siren

A built-in microphone records sound alongside video, while the speaker supports real-time two-way communication through the Reolink app. You can speak with visitors, respond to delivery drivers, or issue a warning without being physically present.

The siren can activate automatically after detection or be controlled manually. Its usefulness will depend on camera placement and surrounding noise, but it is a valuable feature for entrances and smaller yards.

Recording and Storage

The CX810 supports motion-triggered, scheduled, and continuous recording. A microSD card of up to 512GB can be installed for local storage, allowing the camera to operate without an NVR.

Connecting it to a Reolink NVR is more practical for continuous recording or managing several cameras. FTP backup is also supported for users who want footage stored in a separate location.

H.265 compression helps reduce file sizes and bandwidth use. Nevertheless, continuous 4K recording consumes significant storage, so buyers planning 24/7 recording should consider an NVR with a sufficiently large hard drive.

There is no mandatory monthly subscription for local recording, smart detection, live viewing, or standard alerts.

Reolink App and Remote Access

The Reolink app provides live viewing, playback, notifications, spotlight controls, two-way talk, and detection settings. Event filters make it easier to find recordings involving a person, vehicle, or animal instead of searching through an entire timeline.

Desktop users can access the camera through Reolink Client. The CX810 also supports commonly used protocols such as ONVIF and RTSP, although compatibility with individual third-party recorders should be checked before purchasing.

Reolink CX810 Pros and Cons

Pros

• Sharp 4K daytime video
• Full-color nighttime footage
• Reliable PoE connection
• Person, vehicle, and animal detection
• No required subscription
• Up to 512GB microSD support
• Two-way audio and siren
• Durable IP67 housing

Cons

• No infrared night vision
• Best nighttime results require some ambient light
• No optical zoom
• Ethernet installation may require additional work
• PoE equipment and storage are sold separately
• Motion can appear blurred in extremely dim conditions

Reolink CX810 vs. CX410

The primary difference is resolution. The CX810 records in 4K 8MP, while the CX410 records in 2K 4MP. The CX810 is the better choice when daytime detail and digital cropping are priorities.

However, the lower-resolution CX410 can perform well in very dim locations because each pixel can collect more available light. The CX810 makes more sense for entrances and driveways with moderate ambient lighting, while the CX410 remains worth considering for darker areas.

Who Should Buy the Reolink CX810?

The CX810 is suitable for homeowners who want detailed 4K surveillance, dependable wired connectivity, and local recording without monthly fees. It is particularly effective around properties with porch lights, streetlights, or other low-level illumination.

People who cannot run Ethernet cable, need optical zoom, or must monitor a completely dark location may prefer a Wi-Fi, zoom, or infrared-equipped alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Reolink CX810 require a subscription?

No. Local recording, remote viewing, smart detection, and standard notifications can be used without paying a monthly fee.

Can the CX810 record continuously?

Yes. It supports 24/7 recording when used with a suitable microSD card or compatible Reolink NVR.

Does the CX810 have infrared night vision?

No. It uses ColorX technology and adjustable warm spotlights instead of traditional infrared LEDs.

Can the Reolink CX810 work without an NVR?

Yes. It can record to a microSD card of up to 512GB and operate through the Reolink app without an NVR.

Is the Reolink CX810 waterproof?

It has an IP67 weather-resistant rating, making it suitable for outdoor installation in rain and dusty conditions.

Final Verdict

The Reolink CX810 delivers an appealing combination of 4K resolution, realistic color night vision, accurate object detection, and flexible local storage. Daytime image quality is detailed, while ColorX technology provides more useful nighttime colors than a traditional black-and-white camera when ambient light is available.

Its lack of infrared night vision is the main consideration. Completely dark locations may require the warm spotlights or an additional exterior light. For a driveway, entrance, garage, or yard with moderate nighttime lighting, the CX810 is a strong subscription-free PoE security camera.