16CH ExpandableWESECUU Poe Security Camera System, 4K CCTV Camera Security System 8pcs IP Home Security Cameras Outdoor, 2-Way Audio, Human Detection, with 3TB HDD for 24-7 Recording (POE8 KIT)

It may sound odd, but I bought the cameras, so I could see what’s outside. I work from home, and I’m usually very busy. But now with the cameras going, I have a virtual window to outside and in high definition. I did have one camera go bad and customer service was very quick to send one out. I’ve had the system for over a year and have no complaints. The video quality is awesome. The recording feature is fantastic. And the software on the DVR is awesome. Definitely worth a purchase.

Summary:This system is cloud dependent for notifications and even if you turn off the cloud feature, the NVR and cameras still attempt to transmit your video to the cloud servers. Who is surveilling whom? Combine this with the fact that the PC web interface doesn't work and you need a "special" app that requires full access to your phone or tablet just to see your video streams made this product too suspicious for me to trust on my home network. After two nights of testing and verifying the system was returned.Details:I purchased the system to be a non-cloud based PRIVATE Home monitoring system. I did not want any video or data to leave my home network. Before I even powered any part of the system I created DHCP static leases for the NVR and each of the cameras. This ensured that I would know what IP address they had when they connected to the network. Next i created firewall rules on my Internet gateway that blocked any outbound traffic from these static IP addresses. I then powered up the system, connected the cameras and started configuring it. I had worked with other cameras and systems before and every IP camera i had used before could be viewable with a web browser. The web servers on this equipment would not work with either Windows or linux web browsers natively.For android or Apple ios devices they want you to install this clunky app called XMEye. The only way to get to the area to configure notifications is after you register and log into their cloud server. So you will not get any notifications unless you use Communist China controlled Cloud service (CCCCS). Both apps also require full access to your smartphone/tablet to work. The android app will not even start up for you unless you agree to give it full access to your device. This is unsafe and who knows what CCCCS is doing with full access to your phone or tablet. The Apple ios app appeared a little safer, but still hid options unless you signed into the cloud. After seeing what they required for android I still couldn't trust it and it was un-installed.I found the configuration to disable the cloud on the NVR, but even after setting this to off, the equipment persisted in attempting to access CCCCS cloud. The cameras had no setting or configurable option to disable CCCCS. The firewall logs reported that all four cameras and the NVR continued to attempt to send video to the CCCCS even though I had told it not too.After working with the system and monitoring the network use and attempted connections it was clear to me that this system designed for the purpose of spying on unsuspecting consumers. It is cheap and offers plenty of features and is made to be reasonably easy for a non-technical person to setup. The average person will happily and readily sign up to the Chinese cloud server and allow thier systems to provide them with video and audio anywhere they installed a camera. I couldn't believe that it started attempting to send video and audio as soon as it had a valid IP address and before any configuration had taken place. It continued to attempt to send video/audio streams even after it had been set to disabled.I am a network engineer that specializes in network security and have access to high-end stateful firewalls. This equipment let me monitor and capture network traffic to fully understand what was happening when this equipment joined my network. Your typical home network router/firewall will probably lack the ability to both isolate the equipment and let you use an app for remote viewing. If this system was installed in a typical home network it would be sending streams of video to a foriegn entity automatically with no way to turn it off short of unplugging the equipment. If you are concerned about this you should do a little internet research on XMeye app and cloud service.Hopefully, others will read this and understand the risk associated with this system. I cannot reccomend this system, but if you have the means to isolate the system and prevent it from accessing the internet then you might want to try it. However, none of the cloud dependent features such as notifications will work.

We purchased the 8 camera system for 1 acre of land. We have our lines underground and the set up was beyond simple. We did have a bit of confusion on the UI but the customer service, seriously, can not tell you how fast and above and beyond they go to make sure your system is working. You will not be disappointed with this system. It works on your phone or computer. Yes, you can see when you are not home. Yes, you can talk to someone when you are not home. A++ Very happy with this purchase!Update: It's been a few years, 6 of 8 cameras still work. Customer Service is next to impossible to find. I finally found the manufacturer of the system, Wessco, and they offer very limited service, email only. So still 2 cameras that do not work.

The cameras are very clear and have a great picture in the day and at night the quality is not great but very good

I bought the 4 pack with the hard drive and DVR that supports 8. I bought this bc of the 2way talk, the motion led lights, and human AI. Package arrived quicker than expected in great condition. A couple nights later I did a very quick test of all the cameras and ethernet cables (no need to undo anything twist ties, just plug and go). Everything worked great. I setup my account as well, so, I would have remote access when installing them. I recommend writing your password and login information down or snapping a photo during setup so you will remember. After all that was completed, I started prepping for install.I have vinyl soffits so I decided to copy a great mounting idea from a guy on youtube...basically mount the camera to a piece of aluminum (3" x the length of each soffit...used a dremel to cut the length of each as needed). This also allows you to move the camera as needed during install before selecting a permanent location. So, I picked the aluminum up, some additional screws, nuts, and lock washers (size 8) and self tapping 8mm sheet metal screws at the hardware store (once you have the final placement of the aluminum bracket put one one each side to hold it in place). I would also advise getting some spray paint that matches the vinyl if you want to do it this way and paint the aluminum after refilling any mounting holes.Measure, cut, predrill (up to 11/32 if using #8 screws) and paint aluminum. Mount cameras to them. Then run your ethernet cables.Big Sidenote: I had a data crimp already, but I had to go pickup some cat5 connectors. The only issue I see with this particular bundle is that the ethernet weather proof connector will not fit over the premade ethernet cables. They should ship them with the connectors already on one end. (See my photos) But it is easy to do it yourself, so, get some connectors and a crimp while at the store. Then cut off the existing connector, slide the weather proof jacket on, recrimp, connect to camera, and viola done.Overall, the install was easy and went very smoothly. All cameras are working well and the DVR seems to be doing great. The operating system is pretty intuitive and easy to use. You only need a mouse to navigate and it is include, so, BONUS!!! I have posted several photos for you to take a look.I did not have to use tech support, but they have done a great job communicating from the moment I bought it, just to let me know they are there if needed.I gave it 4/5 stars because I had to do some extra work due to the weatherproof connectors and also the tightening nut on the mount for the ball joints have to be really really tightened down in order to not move which is a pain during install sometimes.Otherwise, I would have rated it a 5/5.I will give an update in 3-6 months.

This was a great purchase for my new home. It also has an app that allows you to receive notifications on movement away from home. The cameras are also two-way audio so I didn't feel the need to purchase a rind camera. GREAT BUY!.