Wondering which one to select between Amcrest Security Camera system and most popular Hikvision? Read this article.
In This Article:
- Amcrest vs Hikvision
- General Differences
- Fixed lens camera
- Hikvision vs Amcrest Varifocal lens Cameras
- Color Night Vision
- 8 Channel Kits
Amcrest vs Hikvision
Both Amcrest and Hikvision brands offer a variety of camera models, so the specifics of performance, features, and design can vary within each brand’s lineup. It’s important to evaluate the specific models you’re interested in based on your needs and preferences.
General differences
In general, the comparison for Amcres vs Hikvision can be categorized into performance, price point, design and popularity. Let’s delve more details each of the category difference below.
In terms of performance:
Amcrest cameras generally offer good performance for their price range. They often come with features like full HD up to 4K video quality, color night vision, smart human and vehicle motion detection, and mobile app integration. While they might not always have the advanced capabilities of more high-end brands, they are suitable for many residential and small business applications.
Hikvision is known for producing high-performance surveillance cameras. They offer a wide range of cameras, including options with advanced features like 4K resolution, smart analytics, advanced low-light performance, and even specialized cameras like thermal imaging cameras. Hikvision’s cameras are often used in more demanding commercial and industrial applications.
In terms of price point:
Amcrest cameras are generally priced to be more affordable and accessible to a wider range of consumers. They provide a good balance between features and cost, making them popular choices for homeowners and small businesses. See also Reolink floodlight camera with more economical price than popular Ring and Arlo.
Hikvision cameras often fall into a higher price range due to their advanced features and capabilities. They are commonly used in larger-scale installations, where the cost can be justified by the camera’s performance and features.
In terms of popularity
Amcrest cameras are popular among consumers looking for reliable and reasonably priced security solutions. They have gained popularity in the residential market due to their affordability and decent performance.
Hikvision is a well-established and globally recognized brand in the security industry. They are widely used in commercial, governmental, and industrial sectors due to their reputation for quality and advanced technology.
In terms of design
Amcrest cameras typically have a straightforward and functional design. They focus on practicality and ease of installation, which can be appealing to users who prioritize functionality over aesthetics.
Hikvision cameras often feature a more modern and sleek design, while still maintaining a focus on durability and functionality. Their design might be more in line with professional and commercial environments.
Now, let’s take one recent products from each of the vendors with almost the same spec and features, and see how the price point and performance are.
The first series to compare is the fixed lens camera that are tagged with lower budget for small to medium business, and even ideal for homes.
Fixed lens camera
This type of security camera with fixed lens is the one that is designed with single fixed focal length and a certain degree of view angle. Typically you have few options of focal length including 2.8mm; 4.0mm; and 6.0mm.
We take one low end product released by Amcrest (Amcrest ip5m-t1179ew) and one Hikvision product (Hikvision ECI-T2 4F2) where these two security camera models are for business needs with lower budget, even ideal for large homes that require up to 8 security cameras.
Richer features
Now which one is enriched with higher spec and features? Take a look at the following spec comparison table 1 that compares Amcrest ip5m-t1179 and Hikvision ECI-T24F2. Amcrest is embedded with a bit larger image sensor so that it collects more lights than Hikvision, so that’s the higher resolution. In addition, the maximum diaphragm offered by ip5m-t1179 is wider than Hikvision that means faster time to collect the same lights.
The capability of recording the audio offered by Amcrest is also another advantage, moreover Amcrest is also equipped with local memory storage slot you can add micro SD card to store video footages locally on the camera.
Table 1 Amcrest vs Hikvision fixed lens cameras
| Camera model | Amcrest IP5M-T1179EW | Hikvision ECI-T2 (4) 4F2 |
| Image sensor | 1/2.7″ 5MP progressive CMOS | 1/3″ (4 MP) progressive scan CMOS |
| Minimum illumination | 0.008 Lux @ F1.6 | Color: 0.15 lux @ (ƒ/2.0, AGC on); 0.03 lux @ (ƒ/2.0, AGC on), 0 lux with IR |
| Resolution | 5MP (2592 x 1944) @20 fps | 4MP (2560×1440) @20fps |
| Lens | Fixed lens 2.8mm f/1.6 | Fixed lens 2.8mm |
| View angle | 108 degree horizontal / 132 degree diagonal | 100 degree horizontal / 117 degree diagonal |
| Zoom | 16x digital zoom | N/A |
| Night vision | Auto(ICR)/Color/B/W Night vision 2x IR LEDs range up to 98ft (30m) | Auto; scheduled Day / Night IR LED night vision up to 100ft (30m) |
| Audio | Built-in microphone | N/A |
| Storage | Local micro SD Card 256GB | No local memory storage, NVR / NAS |
| Protection | IP67 weatherproof | IP67 with metal and plastic housing |
| Power | 12V DC/PoE (802.3af) | 12 VDC ±25%, 5.5 mm coaxial power plug; PoE (802.3af, class 3) |
| Onvif | ONVIF(Profile S/Profile G/Profile T);CGI; P2P; Milestone; Genetec | Onvif (Profile S, Profile G), Isapi |
| Price | $54.99 | $104.00 |
Both security cameras can connect to an nvr system that supports up to 4k resolution, and each security camera is sold in a bundle kit with 8-channel nvr system which we’ll compare at the bottom of this article. Note that the Amcrest ip5m-t1179 has richer specs than Hikvision, and the price is also almost half cheaper than Hikvision.
Click here to SHOP Amcrest ip5m-t1179 5MP turret camera on Amazon (#ads)
Now, we take the business class security camera that requires flexible varifocal lens you can adjust on the fly to fit the view angle by zoom in and out as needed.
Hikvision vs Amcrest Varifocal lens Cameras
Almost all types of security cameras designed with varifocal optical lenses are sold at much more expensive prices compared to security cameras with fixed lens, considering that the mechanical engineering of varifocal lenses is very complicated. With varifocal lens you can target object in distance by zooming in easily without sacrificing image quality like in digital zoom which typically contributes noise.
We take one of featured products offered by Amcrest with varifocal lens, the Amcrest Ip8m-Mt2544ew 4k turret POE camera. And one similar product offered by Hikvision, the Hikvision Ds-2cd2785g0-Izs performance series security cameras.
In general, these two camera models have almost the same specs including 4k resolution, 120db true wdr, varifocal lens with 4x optical motorized zoom, there is also a memory storage slot that you can install up to 128GB, IP67 weatherproof etc.
Audio
There is a difference in audio support. Amcrest comes with a built-in microphone to be able to record audio along with video footage. Meanwhile, Hikvision provides two-way communication with two audio In/Out interfaces that you can attach an external microphone and speakers to for two-way communication needs.
Smart features
In terms of smart features Amcrest is less superior than Hikvision which can detect faces compared to just motion detection on Amcrest. Of course, it does not as smart as AI (artificial intelligent) smart features such as face recognition, which can be compared to the human faces database on the recording unit which does support AI features as well.
Take a closer look at table 2 below, the spec comparison between Amcrest varifocal lens vs Hikvision.
Table 2 Amcrest 4k Varifocal Lens Camera vs Hikvision
| Varifocal lens | Amcrest Ip8m-Mt2544ew | Hikvision Ds-2cd2785g0-Izs |
| Image sensor | 1/2.5″ 8Megapixel progressive scan STARVIS™ CMOS | 1/2″ progressive scan CMOS |
| Minimum illumination | 0.05Lux/F1.4 (Color,1/3s,30IRE) 0.2Lux/F1.4 (Color,1/30s,30IRE) 0Lux/F1.4(IRs) | Color: 0.014 lux @ (ƒ/1.4, AGC on), 0 lux with IR |
| WDR | 120dB | 120 dB |
| Resolution | 4K(3840×2160) @15fps / 3M(2048×1536)@30 fps | 4k (3840 x 2160) @ 20fps; 5.3MP (3072 x 1728) @30 fps |
| Lens | 2.7mm ~ 12.0 mm f/1.4 | 2.8mm ~ 12mm motorized varifocal lens f/1.4 |
| View angle | H:110°~40° , V:58°~23° | Horizontal FOV: 112° to 46°, vertical FOV: 60° to 26°, diagonal FOV: 133° to 53° |
| Zoom | 4x optical zoom; 16x digital zoom | 4x Optical zoom |
| Night vision | 2x IR LEDs auto / manual range up to 164ft (50m) | IR LED range up to 100ft (30m) with IR Cut filter |
| Audio | One way audio with built-in microphone | 1 input (line in, 3.5 mm), 1 output (line out, 3.5 mm), mono sound |
| Alarm | N/A | 1 input, 1 output (up to 12 VDC, 30 mA) |
| Storage | NAS, FTP, Local PC, MicroSD card 128GB | Built-in microSD/SDHC/SDXC slot, up to 128 GB |
| Protection | IP67 with metal housing | IP67 weatherproof; IK10 with metal housing |
| Power | DC12V, PoE(802.3af)(Class 0) | 12 VDC ±25%, PoE (802.3af, class 3) |
| Onvif | ONVIF, PSIA, CGI | ONVIF (PROFILE S, PROFILE G), ISAPI |
| Smart features | Motion Detection Off / On (4 Zone, Rectangle); Region of Interest Off / On (4 Zone) | Face detection; behavior analysis (line crossing, intrusion); exception detection; 1 region of interest |
| Price | $249.99 | $369.00 |
With Hikvision’s superiority in smart AI features, two way audio interfaces; Hikvision is tagged with more than $100 higher price compared with Amcrest varifocal lens. Click the link below to see more details in Amazon store (#ads).
- Click here to SHOP Amcrest IP8m-Mt2544ew in Amazon (#ads)
- Or you may like richer features of AI cameras – Click here to SHOP Hikvision
Now we compare color night vision security camera products, security cameras that can still provide full color in darkness which security cameras generally provide b/w night vision when there is no light.
Color Night Vision
There are few models of color night vision camera released by Amcrest either turret or bullet model. And the one we will compare with Hikvision here is the Amcrest ip4m-1046ew-ai. Meanwhile, from Hikvision, we take a comparable one, the Hikvision Ds-2cd2047g1-L which also has the same 4mp resolution. As reference, you may look at the following spec comparison table 3 below.
Full color
The main difference between these two security camera models is that Hikvision is 24/7 full color security camera and is not equipped with IR LEDs like Amcrest for B/W night vision. So that when the minimum light drops below the minimum illumination, the two white LEDs are triggered to provide illumination so that the camera can still absorb enough light to render color night vision. Besides, the lens used also has a wider diaphragm (f/1.0) than Amcrest (f/1.6).
Unlike Hikvision, Amcrest allows us to control on/off IR LEDs for b/w night vision or use white LEDs for full color one.
AI features
Another main difference between Hikvision vs Amcrest color night vision camera is the AI (artificial intelligence) smart features offered by Amcrest ip4m-1046 such as smart plan (including Heat Map, Artificial Intelligence (IVS), and People Counting); perimeter protection, heat map etc. Hikvision Ds-2cd2047g1-L supports basic event (including motion detection, video tampering alarm and exception); Intrusion detection; and also line crossing detection.
Other features are nearly the same, see more detail on the following spec comparison table 3 below.
Table 3 Amcrest color night vision camera vs Hikvision
| Color Night Vision model | Amcrest IP4m-1046ew-AI | Hikvision Ds-2cd2047g1-L |
| Image sensor | 1/1.8″ 4MP progressive scan CMOS | 1/1.8″ progressive scan CMOS |
| Minimum illumination | 0.001 Lux@F1.6 | Color: 0.0014 lux @ (ƒ/1.0, AGC on), 0 lux with white light |
| WDR | 140 dB | 120dB |
| Resolution | 4MP (2688 x 1520) 25~30fps | 4MP (2560 × 1440) @24fps, 3MP (2304 × 1296) @30 fps |
| Lens | 2.8mm f/1.6 | Fixed lens option 2.8 mm, 4 mm, or 6 mm |
| View angle | H: 113°, V: 60° | 2.8 mm, H FOV: 102°, V FOV: 51°, D FOV: 125° 4 mm, H FOV: 89°, V FOV: 46°, D FOV: 105° 6 mm, H FOV: 54°, V FOV: 30°, D FOV: 62° |
| Night vision | 2x IR LEDs with auto / manual On/Off control, range up to 66ft (20m) Full color night vision with 2 high power white LEDs | Full color 24/7 with white lights illuminator up to 100ft (30m) |
| Audio | Two way with IN / OUT audio interface | N/A |
| Storage | NAS, FTP, Local PC, Micro SD card (Max. 256GB) | Micro SD/SDHC/SDXC card (256 GB), local storage, and NAS (NFS, SMB/CIFS), ANR |
| Protection | IP67 weatherproof with metal casing | IP67 |
| Power | DC 12V (±30%), PoE (802.3af) (Class 0) | 12 VDC ±20%, PoE: 802.3af |
| Onvif | ONVIF (Profile S/Profile G), CGI, Milstone, Genetec, P2P | ONVIF (PROFILE S, PROFILE G), ISAPI, SDK |
| Smart features | Motion Detection Off/On (4 Zone, Rectangle) Region of Interest Off/On (4 Zone) Smart IR Support Privacy Masking Off/On (4 Area, Rectangle) | Basic event: motion detection, video tampering alarm and exception; Intrusion detection; line crossing detection |
| AI (Artificial Intelligent) | Smart plan (Heat Map, Artificial Intelligence (IVS), and People Counting); perimeter protection, heat map | N/A |
| Price | $189.99 | $225.00 |
In terms of AI features and also the flexibility of using color or b/w night vision, Amcrest is superior to Hikvision and also has a lower price. Click the product links below to see more details and shop the product in Amazon (#ads).
8 Channels Kit
For the 8 channel nvr system kit, we take one kit each offered by each vendor where the included security cameras used are fixed lens camera which we have discussed and compared in table 1 above.
Amcrest offers an 8 channel nvr system NV4108E-HS with preinstalled 2TB hard disk plus 4pcs Amcrest IP5M-T1179EW 4mp turret model security cameras. Meanwhile, Hikvision offers similar kit EKI-K82T46 consists of Hikvision ERI-K108-P8 8-channel 4k NVR system with 2TB hard disk plus 6pcs Hikvision ECI-T24F2 4mp security cameras.
We have presented the spec comparison between the security cameras in table 1 above, while what we need to discuss next is the nvr comparison table in the following table below.
Up to 4k
Both nvr systems offered by Amcrest and Hikvision have the same specs including support for security cameras up to 4k resolution with incoming bandwidth up to 80Mbps and built-in 8-port poe for easy connection of security poe cameras.
In the kit offered by each vendor includes a 2TB hard disk and each NVR can support a SATA hard disk capacity of up to 6TB, sufficient for the needs of your small to medium business. Hikvision offers compression format up to H.265+ one level higher than Amcrest which is only up to H.265 compression format.
Table 4 Amcrest 8 channel kit vs Hikvision
| NVR model | Amcrest NV4108E-HS | Hikvision ERI-K108-P8 |
| # Channel | 8 Channel 4K NVR system | 8 channel 4k NVR system |
| POE ports | Built-in 8-port POE | Built-in 8-port |
| Video output | 1 HDMI; 1 VGA | 1x HDMI (1080p); 1x VGA (1080p) |
| Playback | 8 CH @8MP, 30 fps | 1-ch @ 8 MP/4-ch @ 1080p |
| Incoming bandwidth | 80Mbps | 80Mbps |
| Storage | 1 SATA III port; up to 6TB each HDD Includes 2TB hard disk | 1 SATA port, up to 6TB Includes 2TB hard disk |
| Compression | H.265 / H.264 | H.265+ / H.265 / H.264+ / H.264 |
| Price | $429.99 (with 4pcs cameras) | $895.00 (with 6x cameras) |
If Amcrest is added with 2 more security cameras (Amcrest IP5M-T1179EW) so that both kits consist of the same amount of 6 security cameras, then the price of the Amcrest kit with 6 cameras is around $549.99 assuming the price of Amcrest camera is $59.00. You may compare to Hikvision with the same 6 number of security cameras that is tagged with the price around $938.00, see that Amcrest offers lower budget to fit your business.
From the above four comparison for Hikvision vs Amcrest above, we can see that Amcrest products are more economical than Hikvision, however Amcrest is not available globally compared to Hikvision where its products are available worldwide.
Related products
For small to medium businesses, you may consider dahua or lorex camera system, what is the different between dahua and lorex security camera?