This article was prompted by a real order: a customer bought an EZVIZ H8C PoE pan-tilt camera and a Reolink RLA-PS1E switch. Both cost HK$399, for a total of HK$798. Below, we break down the four practical questions about this combination one by one: whether the power supply is sufficient, where recordings are stored, what is lost when mixing brands, and whether adding more cameras later will lead to regret. All prices are read in real time from the product data.
1. Actual power calculation: 12W vs. 65W
Let's first work out the simplest part. The EZVIZ H8C PoE has an official maximum rating of 12W(the pan-tilt motor, infrared, and 30fps are the biggest power consumers). The Reolink RLA-PS1E has 4 PoE ports plus 1 uplink port, witha maximum of 30W per port, but a total shared power budget of 65W across all ports.
| Item | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Power consumption of one H8C PoE | 12W maximum | Official specification; it approaches the limit when the pan-tilt mechanism is moving |
| Total power output of RLA-PS1E | 65W | Shared by 4 PoE ports, not 65W per port |
| Percentage used | 12 ÷ 65 ≈ 18% | 53W remaining |
| Number of same-model cameras supported | 4 cameras (48W) | In theory, a fifth camera requires 60W, which is still within the limit but leaves no headroom |
Practical assessment: For cameras in the 12W range like the H8C,4 cameras are completely sufficient (48W, with 17W / 26% remaining). However, if you later connect cameras with auxiliary lighting or large PTZ cameras (a single unit may approach 20W), 4 cameras will come close to the 65W limit. In that case, switch to an 8-port 120W model.
2. Without an NVR, where exactly are recordings stored?
This is the question most commonly asked by people who bought a PoE camera but not an NVR. There are three options, each with its own trade-offs:
| Option | Cost | Retention period | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| microSD card (up to 512GB) | Card price HK$240–499 | Depending on the bitrate, approximately 7–15 days at 2K | If the card fails, everything is lost; if the camera is removed, the card can be taken with it |
| EZVIZ Cloud | Monthly fee (depending on the plan) | Depending on the plan | Long-term cost; recording stops when the network is disconnected |
| Add an NVR for centralized recording | From HK$499 | Depending on the hard drive capacity | Requires running a cable to the NVR; cross-brand functionality is limited |
H8C PoE officially supports microSD up to 512GB。Based on approximately 4Mbps for 2K H.265, 512GB can store about 12–15 days of continuous 24/7 recording. If you only need to “check the past few days after an incident,” this is sufficient.
3. The Truth About Cross-Brand Compatibility: Power Delivery Works, but You Do Not Have Control
This is where most people make the wrong purchase, and it is the most important point about this setup.
PoE power delivery isstandardized (IEEE 802.3af/at), so an EZVIZ camera connected to a Reolink switch will definitely receive power, and the network connection will work as well. There is no risk on this point.
However, “power delivery works” does not mean “functionality works.” The three key selling points of the EZVIZ H8C PoE—350° pan-and-tilt, automatic tracking, and person detection notifications—are all controlled by EZVIZ’s own App and recording system.
| Feature | EZVIZ App ＋ microSD | Connected to Reolink NVR |
|---|---|---|
| Live view | ✔ Works normally | ✔ If ONVIF-compatible |
| Pan-and-tilt control (350°) | ✔ Can be controlled | ✘ Most third-party NVRs cannot do this |
| Automatic tracking switch | ✔ Can be configured | ✘ Requires using the EZVIZ App |
| Person detection notifications | ✔ Pushed through the EZVIZ App | ✘ The Reolink NVR may not recognize them |
| 24/7 continuous recording | ✔ (within the card’s capacity) | ✔ |
| Playback interface | EZVIZ App | Reolink interface, but video only |
The same applies in reverse: when a Reolink NVR is connected to an EZVIZ camera, the official specifications state that it “supports RTSP／RTMP and can theoretically connect to third-party ONVIF／RTSP cameras, but compatibility and functionality (such as AI detection) are not guaranteed.” This is stated by the manufacturer, not my own speculation.
4. Cost Comparison of Four Configurations
This is the most practical section of the entire article: for the same requirement—a single PoE pan-and-tilt camera—four connection methods can result in a cost difference of nearly double.
| Configuration | Components | Total cost | Recording method |
|---|---|---|---|
| ① Simplest (without using a switch) | H8C ＋ bundled DC 12V power adapter ＋ 512GB microSD | HK$399 ＋ card | Save to onboard card |
| ② This order | H8C ＋ RLA-PS1E ＋ microSD 512GB | HK$399 ＋ HK$399 ＋ card | Save to onboard card, but powered via a single network cable |
| ③ Add EZVIZ X5S | H8C ＋ RLA-PS1E（Cannot be omitted）＋ X5S ＋ hard drive | HK$399 ＋ HK$399 ＋ HK$499 ＋ hard drive | Centralized recording, 8 channels |
| ④ Switch to Reolink NVS4 | H8C ＋ NVS4-NHD（Replaces the switch）＋ hard drive | HK$399 ＋ HK$830 ＋ hard drive | Centralized recording with 4 built-in PoE ports |
If switching to EZVIZ X5S: three limitations to know first
Most people assume that if they buy an EZVIZ camera, using an EZVIZ NVR would be the best match. That makes sense in principle, but before placing the order, be sure to check three things carefully. Otherwise, you may find after purchasing that it does not solve the original problem.
| Key point | The reality of X5S | Impact on you |
|---|---|---|
| PoE ports | None. X5S is awireless NVRwith power supplied only via DC 12V／1.5A (for the unit itself) | H8C PoE still needs to rely on RLA-PS1E or a DC power adapter for power,the switch cannot be omitted |
| Connection method | Designed for EZVIZ Wi-Fi cameras; wired cameras can only be tested via the ONVIF V2.5／HIKVISION protocols | H8C is an RJ45 wired camera, and connection requires ONVIF. Compatibility must be tested individually, so it cannot be treated as plug-and-play |
| Hard drive | 1 SATA slot,hard drive sold separately | HK$499 is for the main unit only; you still need to add the cost of a hard drive |
In other words:The X5S is designed for “centralized recording from multiple cameras,” not “PoE power supply.”If you bought it to eliminate the need for that switch, you’ve got the wrong idea.
Conversely, if you plan to add EZVIZ Wi-Fi cameras in the future (for example, one at the entrance and one in the hallway), the X5S’s 8 channels＋HDMI direct output can be genuinely useful: the living room TV can permanently display an eight-way view, so family members don’t need to learn how to use the app. In this case, it serves as an “expansion” rather than a “replacement.”
Switch vs NVR: Two Different Layers
Many people ask: “If the switch has already taken care of everything, why do I still need an NVR?” This question arises because the two layers are being conflated. They perform completely different functions:
| PoE Switch (RLA-PS1E) | NVR (NVS4-NHD) | |
|---|---|---|
| What does it do? | Power supply ＋ data transmission | Centralized recording ＋ centralized playback |
| Has a hard drive? | No | Yes (purchased separately) |
| Has PoE ports? | Yes (4) | Some models do (NVS4 has 4) |
| Does it affect functionality? | None (purely a network device) | None with the same brand; cross-brand use will result in the loss of pan-tilt control and AI detection |
| Price | HK$399 | HK$830 and up |
As for whether “a switch is better than an NVR”—this is not really a valid comparison. The real distinction is scale: with 1–2 cameras, inserting a microSD card is enough; at around 3 cameras, the two options break even; with 4 or more cameras, an NVR is not only cheaper, but also provides twice as many days of storage.
For your setup (one EZVIZ camera ＋ Reolink switch), the answer is:The switch is already sufficient; do not add a Reolink NVR—because connecting an NVR across brands will result in the loss of 350° pan-tilt control and automatic tracking, which are precisely the reasons you bought the H8C.
5. Who the RLA-PS1E Is—and Isn’t—For
The positioning of this switch is actually very clear, and the official description puts it plainly: it solves the problem of an “NVR without PoE ports” or an “NVR with insufficient PoE ports.”
| Scenario | Suitable? | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| NVS36／RLN36 models with data ports only and no power supply | ✔ Exactly | 4 powered ports, with the uplink connected to the NVR |
| NVS8 has all 8 ports occupied, and you want to add a 9th or 10th camera | ✔ Yes | Add one unit with 4 more ports without replacing the NVR |
| Only one camera and no NVR | ✔ Yes | But a PoE injector would actually be cheaper |
| Need VLAN, QoS, or remote management | ✘ Not suitable | This is an unmanaged switch |
| For connecting 8 or more cameras | ✘ Not suitable | Use the 8-port 120W model instead; do not daisy-chain two units |
One final point worth emphasizing:We do not recommend using “daisy-chaining two switches” to expand. Daisy-chaining makes both the power supply and network topology more complicated, making it difficult to determine which section is causing the problem when a fault occurs. If you need more ports, replace it with a switch that has more ports.
6. Five Installation Considerations
- Pan-tilt cameras have weaker water resistance than fixed cameras—H8C PoE’s official specifications do not state a specific IP rating, and pan-tilt cameras have more seams and moving joints than fixed cameras. We recommend installing them under eaves or in a sheltered location, and avoiding prolonged direct exposure to heavy rain.
- The PoE injector must provide sufficient power—12W requires approximately an 802.3af (15.4W) level of power. Inexpensive injectors may be labeled as 15W but have insufficient actual output, causing the pan-tilt camera to get stuck halfway through rotation.
- The maximum length of a single network cable run is 100 meters—A repeater is required beyond this distance. For outdoor installations, use outdoor-grade network cable or conduit; the outer sheath of indoor cable will become brittle.
- The connectors must be waterproof—Use a waterproof box or self-fusing tape with outdoor RJ45 connectors. This is the most common point of failure.
- Use a surveillance-grade microSD card—Standard memory cards do not support continuous 24/7 writing and may fail after just a few months.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Can an EZVIZ camera be connected to a Reolink switch?
Yes. PoE power delivery is standardized (802.3af/at), so it works across different brands. There should be no issues with either power delivery or networking.
Can it then be connected to a Reolink NVR for recording?
Technically, yes (RTSP／ONVIF), but Reolink officially states that compatibility and AI detection features are not guaranteed. You can generally get video, but pan-tilt control usually will not work.
Does a single camera need an NVR?
Not necessarily. H8C PoE supports microSD cards up to 512GB, which can store approximately 12–15 days of 2K footage. For just one camera, a memory card is more cost-effective than an NVR.
How many H8C cameras can 65W power?
4 cameras (48W) is more than enough, leaving 17W. The 5th camera would bring the total to 60W, which is still within the limit but leaves no headroom.
Is a pan-tilt camera suitable for 24/7 continuous recording?
It can record, but the footage is not continuous while the camera is moving, and the recording will have “skipped sections.” For a fixed angle and uninterrupted recording, a fixed-lens camera is more reliable.
Can I use only a PoE injector without a switch?
Yes. For a single camera, this is cheaper. However, make sure the injector’s actual output is sufficient for 12W, as inexpensive models may not provide enough power.
What happens during a power outage?
Everything stops. To keep the system running, you need to add a UPS, and both the switch and cameras must be connected to it.
8. Further Reading and Related Topics
- WiFi Cam or PoE Cam—The four power supply methods and whether to mix brands
- How to choose PoE power and an NVR—Three formulas for power budget, bandwidth, and hard drive capacity
- Comparison of 27 EZVIZ Models
- Complete PoE Wired CCTV Solution