Swann vs Annke Color Night Vision Security Camera Which One is Better

Swann and Annke are both well-known brands in the security camera industry. They offer a wide range of security camera systems that are popular with both homeowners and businesses.

In this article:

Swann vs Annke
Swann and Annke Color Night Vision
Swann vs Annke Dome Color Night Vision
Swann vs Annke Surveillance Kit
- Swann vs Annke NVR System
- Swann vs Annke Cameras

Swann vs Annke

Swann has been in the security camera business for over 30 years and is known for its high-quality products and excellent customer service. Their cameras offer advanced features such as motion detection, night vision, and remote access, making them a popular choice for those looking for reliable and easy-to-use security solutions. Swann cameras are priced in the mid-range, with prices starting at around $100 and going up to $500 or more for advanced models.

Annke is a newer brand, having been established in 2015. They offer a wide range of security camera systems, including both wired and wireless options. Annke cameras are known for their high-quality video footage and user-friendly interfaces. They also offer advanced features such as motion detection and night vision. Annke cameras are priced affordably, with prices starting at around $50 and going up to $200 for more advanced models.

Both Swann and Annke cameras are available globally, with a strong presence in the United States, Europe, and Asia. They are popular with homeowners, small businesses, and even larger corporations due to their reliability, ease of use, and advanced features.

Swann and Annke Color Night Vision

Both Swann and Annke introduce security camera models that support color night vision in addition of standard black and white night vision. When do you need color night vision security camera or standard black and white ones?

The choice between a security camera with color night vision or black and white night vision depends on your specific needs and preferences. See also new products, Wyze floodlight cameras, how this product perform when compared with Arlo floodlight camera.

Color night vision can provide more detail and clarity in low light conditions than black and white night vision. However, color night vision may not work as well in extremely low light conditions, and may be more expensive than black and white cameras.

Security camera that comes with Starlight image sensors can be an important factor in color night vision, as they are designed to capture more light than traditional sensors. This can result in better color reproduction and overall image quality in low light conditions.

Other factors that can impact the performance of a security camera in low light conditions include the aperture of the lens, the sensitivity of the sensor, and the processing capabilities of the camera.

Ultimately, the best choice for your situation will depend on your specific needs and budget. Consider the lighting conditions in the area you want to monitor, the level of detail you need, and your budget when making a decision between color and black and white night vision, as well as other features such as starlight image sensors.

Color night vision – The urgency

Color night vision camera can be beneficial in certain situations where the color of the objects or individuals captured in the footage may be important for identifying them as part of a criminal investigation. For example, if a suspect’s clothing or vehicle color could be a key piece of evidence in an investigation, color night vision may be useful in capturing that information.

However, it’s important to note that black and white night vision can still provide valuable evidence in many cases. Black and white cameras are often better suited for extremely low light conditions, and can still capture important details such as facial features or license plate numbers.

Ultimately, the choice between color and black and white night vision will depend on the specific circumstances of the investigation, as well as the capabilities and limitations of the available equipment. In some cases, it may be beneficial to have both types of cameras to ensure that all potential evidence is captured.

Let’s see what recent color night vision camera products are offered by Swann and Annke that are globally available in the market today.

Swann vs Annke Dome Color Night Vision

Swann’s SWNHD-900DE and Annke’s nc800 are two of the latest products offered by their respective companies, both equipped with color night vision in ambient light and black and white night vision with IR LEDs.

But how do these two cameras compare? Refer to Table 1 for a detailed comparison of their specifications. It’s worth noting that the Annke nc800 is priced approximately $150 higher than the Swann 900DE. What factors contribute to this significant price difference?

Lens

Both cameras utilize fixed lenses, though Swann does not disclose specific lens details. On the other hand, the Annke NC800 boasts a Starvis image sensor with a minimum illumination of 0.0005 lux, enabling it to deliver color night vision even in extremely low light conditions. Notably, the image sensor size measures 1/1.2”, which is generally adequate for a camera of this size, and the lens features a wide aperture of f/1.0.

Furthermore, the Annke NC800 includes warm lights that turn on automatically in 0 lux, effectively illuminating the surroundings up to a distance of 130 ft for enhanced color night vision. In comparison, the Swann 900DE comes with spotlights that illuminate the surroundings up to 30ft (10m) for color night vision.

Additionally, the Annke NC800 offers a true WDR feature of up to 130dB, but Annke offers the HDR instead of WDR. This 130dB WDR allows the camera to better anticipate scenarios involving varying levels of bright and dark light in a single frame.

WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) and HDR (High Dynamic Range) are both image processing technologies used in security cameras to capture high-quality footage in challenging lighting conditions, but they operate differently. WDR is enabled through hardware, but HDR is through software.

Which one is faster, WDR or HDR? It’s difficult to determine which technology is faster between WDR and HDR in processing image results, as it depends on various factors, such as the camera’s hardware capabilities, the scene being captured, and the type of processing being used.

However, in general, WDR is often considered faster than HDR in processing image results.

Smart event

While most security cameras typically trigger alerts based on motion detection, Swann and Annke take a more intelligent approach. Swann utilizes a combination of motion and body heat detection to trigger events, while Annke goes even further by detecting people and vehicles. This advanced level of detection significantly reduces the number of false alerts triggered by unnecessary motion detections.

Take a look at the following spec comparison table below for more details.

Table 1 Swann vs Annke color night vision

Color night vision camera	Swann SWNHD-900DE	Annke Nc800
Image sensor	Color CMOS image sensor	1/1.2″ Progressive Scan Starvis CMOS
Lens	Fixed lens	2.8 mm fixed lens f/1.0
View angle	110 degree wide angle	Horizontal FoV 102°, Vertical FoV 5°, Diagonal FoV 124°
Minimum illumination	Unspecified	0.0005 Lux @ (F1.0, AGC On), 0 Lux with Light
WDR	HDR	130 dB true WDR, 3D DNR
Recording resolution	8MP / 4k (3640 x 2160)	Up to 8MP (3640 x 2160) @20 fps;
Spotlights	4 powerful white spotlights range up to 30ft ; Controllable red and blue flashing lights on the body	1x warm light range up to 130 ft and turn on automatically in 0lux.
Siren	Yes, with built-in speaker	N/A
Night vision	Color night vision with spotlights up to 32ft (10m) / IR LED range up to 130ft (40m)	Color night vision in ambient light, B/W with IR range up to 130ft (40m)
Audio	Two way with built-in speaker and microphone, microphone range up to 16ft (5m)	Built-in microphone
Event detection	Motion and heat detection to trigger spotlights and siren	Human and Vehicle Motion Detection 2.0, face detection; Line Crossing Detection, Intrusion Detection;
Storage	No local memory storage; connect to NVR system	MicroSD/ SDHC/ SDXC card (256 GB) local storage; 4k NVR
Housing protection	IP66 weatherproof	IP67 weatherproof with solid metal housing
Power	POE	PoE 802.3af, Class 3), 12 V DC ± 25%
Price (Mar 2023)	$199.99	$349.99

It is important to note that there is a significant price difference between the two cameras, with the Annke model boasting higher features and specifications overall, thus justifying its higher price point. However, it is worth noting that both cameras are relatively new to the market, so the prices may be higher initially. Nevertheless, the prices of security cameras tend to remain relatively stable over time compared to other electronic products.

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Now, let’s compare their security camera kits that are recently available in the market.

Swann vs Annke Surveillance Kit

If you only need to surveil a property with 8 cameras, then investing in a 16-channel recording system would be unnecessary and may even be more expensive than you need. A 16-channel recording system is designed for larger properties that require more cameras, so for an 8-camera setup, an 8-channel recording system would be more suitable.

However, with 8 channel recording unit you cannot add more cameras in case someday you require to add more spots to surveil in line with the business grows. So investing with 16-channel NVR system with more expensive is worth considering.

Both Swann and Annke offer NVR system kits that are popular in the market. These kits typically include an NVR (Network Video Recorder) and a set of cameras. Swann’s NVR system kits include cameras with 4K Ultra HD resolution and advanced features such as facial recognition and heat sensing. They offer kits with 4, 8, and 16 channels. Annke’s NVR system kits include cameras with 1080P up to 4k resolution and features such as night vision and motion detection. They offer kits with 4, 8, and 16 channels as well.

Ultimately, the choice between Swann and Annke NVR system kits will come down to your specific needs and budget. Both brands offer reliable and high-quality products, so it’s a matter of deciding which features and specifications are most important for your surveillance needs.

Let’s compare Swann’s recent security kit product and Annke’s offering to determine which one best suits your business needs.

Swann vs Annke NVR System

Swann offers the NVR16-8580, a 16-channel NVR security camera system that can support resolutions of up to 12MP. Meanwhile, Annke’s H800 is an 8/16 channel POE NVR system that supports resolutions of up to 4k, as well as the H.265+ compression format.

To further evaluate, let’s consider Swann’s new SONVK-1690008DE kit, which includes the Swann NVR16-8580 16 Channel and 8x NHD-1200DE 12MP enforcer IP dome cameras. Alternatively, we can examine Annke’s NightChrome HZ800, which features a 4K 8-Channel NVR system along with 8 4k security cameras.

Built-in POE Switch

POE cameras offer a reliable alternative to wireless cameras, which rely on a strong WiFi connection between the camera and recording unit. Instead, POE cameras use Cat5e or Cat6 UTP cables for both data transmission and power supply, making for a more dependable wired connection that eliminates the possibility of signal interference.

With the Swann NVR16-8580, you’ll have a built-in 16-port POE switch and support for high-resolution security cameras up to 12MP. Annke’s HZ800, on the other hand, includes an 8-port POE switch and supports up to 8MP resolution. The Swann system is a 16-channel NVR, but you can add up to 8 additional cameras if needed.

For a closer look at the specifications of both systems, refer to the following comparison table.

Resolution

When it comes to supporting higher megapixel cameras, the Swann NVR16-8580 has an advantage over the Annke HZ800. The Swann system can support up to 12MP cameras, whereas the Annke system can only support up to 8MP cameras.

This means that the Swann system can accommodate cameras with a higher resolution, resulting in sharper and more detailed images. This is particularly useful for surveillance purposes where clear visuals are crucial, such as in identifying individuals or reading license plates. The higher resolution also allows for better digital zoom without loss of image quality.

However, it’s important to note that higher megapixel cameras typically require more storage space and processing power to handle the increased data size. As a result, the Swann system may require more powerful hardware to handle 12MP cameras effectively.

Maximum Storage

The other difference between the Swann NVR16-8580 and the Annke HZ800 is their maximum storage capacity. The Swann system can handle up to 12TB of storage, while the Annke system can only handle up to 6TB.

This means that the Swann system has double the maximum storage capacity of the Annke system. With more storage space, the Swann system can accommodate a larger number of high-resolution cameras or store footage for a longer period of time without the need to replace or add hard drives.

However, it’s important to note that the actual amount of footage that can be stored on a system depends on a number of factors, including the resolution of the cameras, the compression format used, and the recording settings configured. In addition, both systems offer the option to connect external hard drives or network attached storage (NAS) devices to expand their storage capacity.

Table 1 Swann vs Annke NVR

NVR Model	Swann NVR16-8580	Annke HZ800
#Channel	16 channel with built-in 16-port POE switch and H.265 support	8 channel with built-in 8-port POE switch and up to H.265+ support
Resolution	Up to 12MP Mega HD	Up to 8MP (3840 X 2160) with incoming bandwidth up to 80Mbps
Playback	12MP @15 fps	4CH @1080p; 1CH @8MP
Hard disk capacity	Preinstalled 4TB, Up to 12TB (2 x 6TB)	Preinstalled 2TB, up to 6TB
Video Output: HDMI up to 4K; VGA up to 1080p	Yes	Yes
# Cameras in bundle	8x NHD-1200DE 12MP Enforcer	8x NC800 8MP starlight color night vision
Price (Jul 2020)	$1,849.99	$1,664.99

Swann vs Annke Cameras

Swann kits here comes with 8pcs of high resolution Swann NHD-1200DE 12MP cameras, while Annke kits comes with 8pcs of Annke C800 Zoom 8MP cameras. In terms video resolution, Swann NHD-1200DE can capture images at 50% higher resolution than 4k cameras in general such as Annke C800 Zoom.

The Swann NHD-1200DE has a fixed lens, meaning that it cannot be adjusted or zoomed in or out, and the field of view angle is 90 degree. The Annke C800 Zoom has a varifocal lens, which means it can be adjusted to zoom in or out, and provides 4x optical zoom with field of view that can be adjusted from 35 to 105 degrees.

Night Vision

Both cameras offer you day and night control in terms of color night vision in addition of black and white night vision. In ambient light both camera can render color night vision, before finally switch to black and night vision with IR LEDs with the range up to around 100ft. So in normal darkness no light, the camera will give you black and white night vision. See also Arlo Pro 3 with floodlight vs Ezviz that comes with color night vision with floodlight.

Smart Detection

Both the Swann NHD-1200DE and Annke C800 Zoom security cameras have advanced motion detection capabilities, but there are some differences between the two.

The Swann NHD-1200DE camera has a built-in heat and motion sensor that can detect the presence of people and vehicles, and supports face recognition. This means that the camera can recognize familiar faces that have been programmed into the system, which can be useful for identifying authorized individuals and triggering specific actions. The camera can also differentiate between people and vehicles, which can help reduce false alarms.

The Annke C800 Zoom camera, on the other hand, supports Motion Detection 2.0, which includes human and vehicle detection, line crossing detection, intrusion detection, and face capture. The human and vehicle detection feature allows the camera to differentiate between people and vehicles, reducing false alarms. The line crossing and intrusion detection features allow the camera to detect when someone crosses a specified virtual line or enters a defined area, triggering an alert or recording. The face capture feature allows the camera to capture images of faces, which can be useful for identifying individuals.

Both cameras have advanced motion detection capabilities, but the Swann NHD-1200DE camera uses a heat and motion sensor and supports face recognition, while the Annke C800 Zoom camera supports Motion Detection 2.0, which includes human and vehicle detection, line crossing detection, intrusion detection, and face capture.

Take a look at the following spec comparison table between Swann and Annke.

Table 2 Swann vs Annke

Model	Swann NHD-1200DE	Annke C800 Zoom
Image sensor	Image sensor	1/2.5″ Sony STARVIS IMX274 Sensor
Resolution	12MP (4096 x 3076 pixels)	8MP (3840 X 2160@12.5/15 fps)
Field of view angle	90° Horizontal	Horizontal Field of View: 34.5° – 105° Vertical Field of View: 19° – 55° Diagonal Field of View: 40° – 125°
Lens	Fixed lens 4.5mm	Varifocal lens 2.8 mm ~ 12 mm
Optical Zoom	N/A	4x optical zoom
Minimum illumination	Unspecified	Color: 0.018 Lux @(F1.6, AGC On)
WDR	Unknown	120 dB WDR
POE	Yes	PoE (802.3af)
Siren	Built-in siren	N/A
Night vision	See color video at night with ambient light up to 32ft/10m & B/W up to 130ft/40m (Total Darkness)	Color night vision in ambient light 4 pcs IR LEDs Night Vision Distance Up to 164 ft/50 m with Day, Night, Auto, Schedule
Storage	No local memory, NVR storage, NAS	MicroSD/ SDHC/SDXC card (128 GB) Local Storage, and NAS (NFS, SMB/CIFS)
Audio	Two way audio with built-in speaker and microphone range up to 16ft / 5m	Built-in microphone and output audio port interface
Event alert	Heat & motion-sensing for more reliable alerts Customizable Face Recognition, Person & Vehicle Detection, & more with True detect PIR Heat and Motion sensor PIR Sensor Range Up to 26ft / 8m PIR Sensor Range.	Motion Detection 2.0 (Human and Vehicle), Line Crossing Detection, Intrusion Detection and face capture
Works with	Google assistant, Alexa, Hey Google	Yes, works with Alexa
Outdoor	IP66 weatherproof	IP67 weatherproof with metal housing
Price	$219.99

You can notice that Swann camera comes with 12MP resolution with fixed lens. On the other hand Annke comes with 8MP resolution but with varifocal lens and 4x optical motorized zoom. And both cameras deliver advanced smart motion detections as discussed above.

Each surveillance kit comes with 8pcs of color night vision security cameras, both comes with pre installed hard disks but different capacity, and the prices are not too much difference. The annke kit with 4k cameras zoom is currently not available. Click the product’s link below to learn more details, see current price and get best deals in Best Buy or Amazon (#ads).

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