π·οΈ Format
Each brand includes:
- β Camera Type (Dome, Bullet, PTZ, Turret, etc.)
- β Resolution (2MPβ12MP and beyond)
- β Night Vision
- β Smart Features (AI, motion detection, line crossing, face recognition, etc.)
- β Connectivity (PoE, Wi-Fi, Analog)
- β Storage Options
- β Price Without Installation
- β Price With Standard Installation (up to 20 meters cable + mounting + basic configuration)
π§ Installation Cost Estimate (General)
Service | Price (USD) |
---|---|
Single Camera Installation | $120 β $180 |
4-Camera Package (standard home) | $400 β $600 |
8-Camera Package (business setup) | $700 β $1,100 |
NVR/DVR Setup and Configuration | $100 β $150 |
Extra Cabling (per meter) | $1.5 β $2.5 |
Wall Mount / Pole / Junction Box | $15 β $50 per unit |
1οΈβ£ Dahua
Camera Type | Model | Resolution | Features | Price (No Install) | Price (With Install) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bullet | HAC-HFW1200TP | 2MP | Night Vision 30m, IP67, HD-CVI | $35 β $45 | $150 β $180 |
Dome IP | IPC-HDW2231T-AS | 2MP | Starlight, PoE, Audio, IVS (AI) | $80 β $120 | $200 β $240 |
Turret | IPC-HDW3841T-ZAS | 8MP | WDR, PoE, IR 60m, AI Smart Motion | $130 β $160 | $260 β $300 |
PTZ | SD49425XB-HNR | 4MP | 25x Optical Zoom, AI Auto-Tracking | $350 β $450 | $500 β $600 |
2οΈβ£ Hikvision
Camera Type | Model | Resolution | Features | Price (No Install) | Price (With Install) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dome Turbo HD | DS-2CE56D0T-IRMF | 2MP | EXIR Night Vision 20m, Analog | $30 β $40 | $140 β $160 |
IP Dome | DS-2CD1323G0-I | 2MP | IR 30m, PoE, H.265+ | $60 β $90 | $180 β $220 |
Bullet IP | DS-2CD2087G2-L | 8MP | AcuSense AI, ColorVu Night Vision | $150 β $190 | $280 β $330 |
PTZ | DS-2DE4A425IWG-E | 4MP | 25x Zoom, AI Tracking, IP66 | $400 β $500 | $600 β $700 |
3οΈβ£ Uniview (UNV)
Camera Type | Model | Resolution | Features | Price (No Install) | Price (With Install) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Turret IP | IPC3612LR3-PF28-D | 2MP | IR 30m, PoE, WDR | $55 β $75 | $170 β $210 |
Dome IP | IPC3232SB-ADZK-I0 | 2MP | Audio, IK10 Vandal, Smart IR | $90 β $120 | $220 β $260 |
Bullet AI | IPC2128SB-ADF40KM-G | 8MP | Deep Learning AI, Smart Alerts | $160 β $200 | $290 β $340 |
4οΈβ£ Provision-ISR
Camera Type | Model | Resolution | Features | Price (No Install) | Price (With Install) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bullet Analog | DI-390IP5MVF | 5MP | IR 30m, Varifocal Lens | $40 β $60 | $150 β $180 |
Dome IP | I4-340IPX36 | 4MP | PoE, Smart IR, Audio | $80 β $110 | $200 β $240 |
PTZ | Z-20IPX-36 | 2MP | 20x Zoom, Auto Tracking | $300 β $400 | $450 β $550 |
5οΈβ£ Axis Communications (Premium)
Camera Type | Model | Resolution | Features | Price (No Install) | Price (With Install) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dome | M3045-V | 1080p | Compact, Wide View, WDR | $300 β $350 | $450 β $500 |
Bullet | P1445-LE | 5MP | Lightfinder, Zipstream, IR 40m | $450 β $550 | $600 β $700 |
PTZ | Q6128-E | 4K | 12x Optical Zoom, IP66, Smart AI | $1,400 β $1,800 | $1,800 β $2,200 |
6οΈβ£ Geovision
Camera Type | Model | Resolution | Features | Price (No Install) | Price (With Install) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Dome IP | GV-EBD4711 | 4MP | IR, PoE, WDR | $160 β $200 | $280 β $330 |
Fisheye | GV-FER12203 | 12MP | 360Β° View, Dewarping, IK10 | $350 β $450 | $500 β $600 |
7οΈβ£ Avigilon (Motorola Solutions)
Camera Type | Model | Resolution | Features | Price (No Install) | Price (With Install) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
H4 SL Dome | 2.0C-H4SL-D1 | 2MP | LightCatcherβ’, IR, WDR | $400 β $500 | $550 β $650 |
H5A PTZ | H5A-PTZ | 4K | 360Β° AI Analytics, 36x Zoom | $2,000 β $2,800 | $2,500 β $3,300 |
8οΈβ£ Honeywell
Camera Type | Model | Resolution | Features | Price (No Install) | Price (With Install) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bullet IP | H4W2GR1 | 2MP | Wide Dynamic Range, IR | $120 β $160 | $240 β $290 |
Dome IP | H3W4GR1 | 4MP | Day/Night, PoE, Weatherproof | $180 β $220 | $300 β $360 |
PTZ | HDZ302LI | 2MP | 30x Zoom, IP66, AI Motion | $700 β $900 | $900 β $1,100 |
π‘ Optional Add-Ons & NVR Pricing
Item | Price |
---|---|
4-Channel NVR (w/ 1TB) | $120 β $160 |
8-Channel NVR (w/ 2TB) | $180 β $250 |
16-Channel NVR (w/ 4TB) | $300 β $400 |
Hard Drive 1TBβ6TB | $50 β $200 |
Monitor (19″β27″) | $100 β $250 |
UPS Backup Battery | $80 β $150 |
Remote App Setup (phone) | Free β $50 |
π Advanced Features Comparison
Feature | Available On |
---|---|
AI Analytics | Dahua, Hikvision, Uniview, Axis, Avigilon |
License Plate Recognition (LPR) | Avigilon, Hikvision, Dahua |
Smart Motion Detection | Most brands |
Facial Recognition | Dahua, Hikvision, Avigilon |
Color Night Vision | Hikvision (ColorVu), Dahua (Full-Color) |
Cloud Storage Options | Axis, Avigilon, Honeywell (in specific models) |

1. Dahua Technology
Overview:
Dahua is a global leader in video surveillance equipment, headquartered in China. Itβs known for balancing affordability and high-end technology: Dahua offers many analog and IP cameras, AI-powered devices, and robust NVRs and DVRs.
Pros:
- Excellent value for money
- Wide variety of analog and IP solutions
- Strong AI analytics (SMD, IVS, facial recognition)
- Reliable and scalable systems for SMBs and enterprises
- Easy to configure and integrate with third-party platforms
Cons:
- Some models lack intuitive software interfaces
- Firmware updates are occasionally inconsistent
- Limited direct support in some regions
Best For:
Dahua is ideal for commercial and residential use, especially for projects needing AI features on a budget.
2. Hikvision
Overview:
Hikvision, also based in China, is the worldβs largest manufacturer of surveillance cameras. The brand is known for its high-quality imaging, advanced analytics, and product reliability.
Pros:
- Superior video quality, especially in low-light
- AcuSense and ColorVu technologies enhance security
- Huge product ecosystem (from basic to enterprise-level)
- Strong third-party software support
Cons:
- Privacy concerns in some regions
- Some systems can be overly complex for small users
- Price point slightly higher than similar brands
Best For:
Ideal for institutions, municipalities, and high-end residential clients needing detailed footage and AI functions.
3. Uniview (UNV)
Overview:
Uniview is a rising brand from China focused on IP surveillance. It has gained international trust by offering mid-range prices with above-average reliability and features.
Pros:
- Great build quality
- Competitive pricing for IP cameras
- Modern UI and easy NVR setup
- Intelligent analytics is included in many models
Cons:
- Less popular in the U.S., so less dealer support
- Limited analog selection
- Fewer software integrations than larger brands
Best For:
Businesses transitioning to IP surveillance or users seeking a reliable, cost-effective alternative to Hikvision/Dahua.
4. Provision-ISR
Overview:
Provision-ISR is an Israeli security brand specializing in user-friendly Analog and IP solutions. It’s known for its simplicity, affordability, and European-style support structure.
Pros:
- Competitive prices
- Easy setup for installers and end-users
- Reliable analog and hybrid systems
- Focused support in European and Israeli markets
Cons:
- Fewer advanced AI functions
- Not as robust as higher-end brands for enterprise use
- Limited product range compared to Dahua or Hikvision
Best For:
Perfect for small businesses and residential customers needing affordable, reliable surveillance with minimal complexity.
5. Axis Communications
Overview:
Axis is a Swedish premium surveillance manufacturer credited with inventing the worldβs first IP camera. It focuses on enterprise-grade solutions with top-tier performance and cybersecurity.
Pros:
- Industry-leading video quality
- Strong emphasis on cybersecurity and data protection
- Long product lifespans
- Excellent third-party integration (ONVIF, VMS, etc.)
Cons:
- Very high cost
- Overkill for small home users
- CA complex setup may require professional IT support
Best For:
Enterprise buildings, government facilities, airports, and projects with strict compliance or high-security demands.
6. Geovision
Overview:
Geovision, based in Taiwan, is a niche manufacturer known for flexible and highly customizable surveillance systems. Itβs often chosen for integration with access control and retail analytics.
Pros:
- Strong software with analytics like POS integration
- Excellent for multi-site retail chains
- Good variety of specialty cameras (Fisheye, LPR, etc.)
- Works well with Windows-based VMS
Cons:
- A dated interface in some software
- Not as plug-and-play as other brands
- Mid-level image quality for price
Best For:
Retail environments, banks, and custom surveillance setups that require more than just camera recording.
7. Avigilon (Motorola Solutions)
Overview:
Avigilon, a Canadian brand owned by Motorola Solutions, is known for its high-performance AI-enabled cameras and centralized management platform (ACC). Itβs widely used in government and corporate sectors.
Pros:
- Top-tier AI analytics
- Seamless cloud and enterprise integrations
- Excellent image quality, even in low-light
- Full U.S. and Canada support
Cons:
- Extremely expensive
- Requires Avigilon software (not ONVIF-friendly)
- Limited product line outside high-end IP
Best For:
High-security institutions, cities, airports, and campuses that need centralized video management and cutting-edge AI.
8. Honeywell
Overview:
Honeywell is a U.S.-based giant in automation, fire safety, and security. Their cameras are typically used in commercial environments requiring integration with HVAC, access control, and alarms.
Pros:
- Well-integrated with complete building systems
- Solid support in North America
- Good mix of analog and IP offerings
- Business-class reliability
Cons:
- Cameras tend to be more expensive than similar brands
- Limited innovation in AI compared to newer competitors
- UI and software arenβt the most modern
Best For:
Integration with building management systems is critical for offices, commercial buildings, and industrial sites.