Are you trying to decide between Hikvision, Dahua, or Uniview for your home or workplace security? With so many options, it can be overwhelming to determine which CCTV system best suits your needs. You’ve probably come across these brands before—including right here in our Rapid Alarms webstore.
Hikvision, Dahua, and Uniview are all headquartered in the city of Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, China, and all have strong global presence. But what sets them apart? As experienced CCTV installers, we’ve installed and maintained all three brands for years. Here’s what we’ve learned:
- If you want top-tier image quality and 24/7 reliability, Hikvision leads the pack. Their cameras perform exceptionally well in low-light conditions and offer advanced AI features—but they come at a premium price.
- Looking for the best value for money? Dahua strikes a great balance between affordability and innovation. Their user-friendly app and AI-driven features—such as motion detection, facial recognition, and smart tracking—make them a strong contender.
- Uniview: As a rising star in the CCTV industry, Uniview is just behind Dahua in terms of performance and cost. It offers solid AI functions and a growing lineup of reliable security cameras.
So, which brand is the best? The answer depends on your security needs, budget, and preferences. If you’re still unsure, call us at Rapid Alarms – our team installs CCTV systems in Perth. We serve homes, businesses, and commercial spaces.
Let’s start the review of the brands.
Hikvision CCTV Cameras
The Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co., Ltd., or Hikvision. Aside from solar and WiFi models, the Hikvision camera lineup includes the basic Pro series, Panoramic series, automatic name and plate number registration (ANPR), and high-speed imaging cameras.
They also have the more advanced DeepinView series that have TandemVu and ANPR capabilities. At the top of their lineup is the Ultra Series, featuring advanced low-light imaging, 15x optical zoom in select models, and extended corrosion protection.
There are some Hikvision cameras that have ColorVu, which captures color footage even in dark environments. They also have specific models with Acusense, which automatically distinguishes vehicles from people in footage.
Specific Hikvision cameras employ AI technologies in features such as Ultra HD, low-light imaging, and image enhancement, as well as for perimeter protection, ANPR, facial recognition, people counting, and Acusense.
Some panoramic Hikvision CCTV security cameras can zoom in on a specific area. These cameras employ two technologies: the TandemVu that offers a wide panoramic view that still captures small details, and the PanoVu that can do expansive coverage from 180-degree or 360-degree stitched panoramas.
Dahua CCTV Cameras
The Dahua brand (Zhejiang Dahua Technology Co., Ltd) is known for its somewhat diverse range that also includes alarms, EV chargers, and even drones. They have network, HD, PTZ (pan, tilt, and zoom), thermal, and extreme cameras for outdoors and potentially-explosive environments.
Similarly, a lot of Dahua technologies are powered with AI, like the WizColor (takes full color videos in dark environments), Auto Tracking (tracks movement and locks on a moving target), WizSense (an AI-driven feature that learns and adapts to improve accuracy), and Smart Dual Light (which tracks movement and switches from infrared to warm light to capture footage in full color).
More high-end Dahua security cameras may have TiOC, which actively surveys the environment and, when it spots an intruder, switches to warm light and records audio as well as HDCVI DAC, which enables lossless, real-time digital audio transmission over coaxial cables. The latest CCTV systems employ MultiVision technology, which integrates multiple cameras into one device for wider coverage.
Uniview CCTV Cameras
The Uniview brand (Zhejiang Uniview Technologies Co., Ltd) is not only known for its CCTV cameras, but also for its card readers, speed gates, display screens, video intercoms, and software. Uniview has a lineup of network cameras, high-resolution analog cameras, PTZ, and specialized intelligent cameras for traffic and parking monitoring. They also have a lineup of thermal cameras that takes thermo graphic images using differences in heat, which is useful for perimeter security and overheating detection.
Some Uniview CCTV cameras are equipped with the LightHunter Technology, which takes full color, high-resolution videos in dark environments. The OmniView refers to their high-quality panoramic cameras lineup, while the AlphaView is their term for AI-equipped cameras capable of algorithm learning.
Certain Uniview Prime Series network cameras are optimized for low-light conditions, while others feature Tri-Guard technology with built-in active deterrence and intrusion protection. Meanwhile, the Pro Series is capable of intelligent functions and algorithm learning. Their PTZ Prime Series is capable of monitoring very low light environments, while the PTZ Pro series has amazing 45x optical zoom.
Talk to Our Professional CCTV Installers to Determine Which is the Best for You
It can be mind-boggling to read all the technologies just to know which among them is the best fit for you. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, we’re here to help. Our expert CCTV installers can recommend and install the best system to give you maximum security and peace of mind. No need for you to understand this and that.
No matter how advanced your CCTV system is, professional installation ensures optimal performance. A poorly positioned camera could mean blind spots or poor connectivity. That’s where our expertise comes in. We handle everything from product selection to installation, so you get the best protection possible.
CCTV cameras are more than just surveillance tools—they provide real-time protection and valuable evidence when needed. At Rapid Alarms, we stand by our work and provide ongoing support. Give us a call to discuss your CCTV system needs today!
