Hikvision 2013 IP Cameras Tested

I have found the following dome with IR from HikVision. The unit looks great, especially for home use. Too bad you didn't have a chance to test that one. But, I bet it is as bad as their bullets.

As for Dahua, I've asked Tri-Ed and ADI, but neither one carry it.

Ethan Ace

In reply to Undisclosed Integrator #1

Hi, we were aware of the IR domes' availability, we chose to test the IR bullets instead because we see them used more frequently. The specs on the dome are quite similar to the bullet, though with only one illuminator.

And you're right. Dahua doesn't sell under their own brand in North America. You can find at least some of the line available from OEMs under other names, like Q-See and IC Realtime, as well as some smaller ones. You can also buy it online fairly easily, but you won't get any support or firmware updates, typically. This is one advantage integrators may find to using Hikvision, as they have a North American presence.

Hrafn Leo Guðjónsson

It would be great if you could test the x55 series from Hikvision, very good low light 1080P camera. I think this camera will suprise you.

Barry Shaw

All they need do now is change the name. I just cringe when I show one to a customer and he says "Hick Vision?" with that suppressed grin...

Daniel S-T

In reply to Barry Shaw

I go out of my way to make sure I say H-I-K Vision, but it doesn't seem to catch on with anyone else. Always Hick, haha.

Bob Germain

In reply to Daniel S-T

It is actually pronounced "Hike"Vision. I don't think anyone cares what you call us as long as you call us :)

Barry Shaw

In reply to Bob Germain

Will they OEM and let people put their own name to it?

Pavlo Sorokin

it would be great to see comparison graphs

Ethan Ace

In reply to Pavlo Sorokin

Comparison graphs of what, specifically?

Dennis P. Denman

Is there any reason to be concerned about drivers or compatibility? We use systems from several different VMS houses, but our cameras have typically been Bosch or Axis. Is there any good measure to ensure that there are no support issues from a s/w standpoint?

John Honovich

In reply to Dennis P. Denman

IPVM

Yes, you should be concerned about drivers and compatibility. As a practical matter, Axis is typically the lowest risk since they are the most widely used IP camera in 3rd party systems.

That said, there is no fool proof way to ensure support. Step #1 is always to verify directly with the VMS manufacturer that they have tested the integration (simply saying it should work is not good enough).

If using ONVIF, look for Profile S, not 1.x. Beware of manufacturers overclaims on camera support.

Bob Germain

In reply to Dennis P. Denman

Responding for Hikvision, you can get the VMS integration list from our website. We supprot integrations via ONVIF, PSIA, our HIK-CGI and others. We have a dedicated team that keeps on top of this, with a dedicated resource in the US office to faciliate communication with the team at HQ. They maintain good relationships with the major VMS partners.

Dennis P. Denman

•Dec 11, 2013

In reply to Bob Germain

Specifically, we were looking at the Genetec Web site for compatibility information.

There seemed to be tiers of compatibility. I believe there was “tested by vendor”, “tested” and “certified”. We translated that into, probably works, works and really really works…

It gave way to a curiosity we had about the relationship between camera vendors and VMS vendors. Theoretically, wouldn’t a VMS vendor want cameras to be at the lowest possible price? I mean wouldn’t that naturally translate to increased sales of s/w channels?

We ask, because that isn’t necessarily the reception we get from our VMS vendors. We were encouraged to use extreme caution.

Ethan Ace

•Dec 11, 2013

In reply to Dennis P. Denman

In theory, lower prices may lead to slightly increased camera counts, which increases software channel sales. However, there is a limit to how many cameras are actually necessary at a site, and users won't simply add more because they're cheaper. They'd be more likely to pocket the extra money.

Secondly, storage and infrastructure costs will increase with added camera counts, as those things don't come for free.

Third, the cost to support inexpensive cameras which are more known for buggy firmware and weird performance quirks may be much greater than supporting Axis or Bosch or other mainstream manufacturers. When motion detection doesn't work as expected, for example, the VMS company is going to get the support call, not the camera manufacturer.

Last, the more mainstream manufacturers often have reps which will represent a camera line as well as a VMS line, making it more likely they'll ignore lower cost cameras, many of which don't seem to have rep firms (at least around me). The larger sales organizations of major camera manufacturers also likely drive leads to VMS sales, as well. So it's further incentive for the VMS provider to stick with them.

Teza Wynn Htut

It's a shame that the report, good though it was, didn't include bandwidth comparisons.

John Honovich

IPVM

Teza, you could simply ask for bandwidth comparisons and we can add them. Ethan, please do.

Ethan Ace

Teza, we'll put them together and add them to the report. Just going to take a little bit of time to compile everything due to the number of cameras involved.

Derek Ward

•Dec 09, 2013

Hanwha

Teza, we have included a bandwidth comparison for each of the cameras tested inside our conference room at full light (~160lx) and dark (<1lx) environments. We broke the cameras up by form factor to reduce possible confusion.

Derek Ward

•Dec 10, 2013

Hanwha

I have also included the bandwidth table in this comment for your convenience. The bandwidth section of this report can be found near the bottom of the report, just above the "Test Parameters" section of the report.

Dawid Adamczyk