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If you haven’t already known, Amcrest is a US-based company that specializes in video surveillance equipment. However, they rebrand hardware manufactured by the Chinese OEM, Dahua.
Dahua is a well-known OEM that manufactures and provides security cameras to various other brands. A few familiar brands include Montavue, Lorex, and Amcrest. They also sell their own devices separately.
In this comparison, we will be putting up the hardware and features offered by Amcrest versus that of Dahua.
Dahua vs Amcrest at a Glance
Mid-Range PoE Head to Head
High-End Wi-Fi Head to Head
High-End PTZ Head to Head
Mid-Range Analog Head to Head
Dahua vs Amcrest Overview
Dahua was founded in 2001. It is based in China and is a partially state-owned company that specializes in video surveillance equipment. They are a well-recognized OEM that offers their products to numerous brands. Several of which are US-based.
On top of selling to other brands, they also have a large product line and sell many devices ranging from simple PoE cameras and PTZ cameras to DVRs/NVRs, thermal, fisheye, positioning cameras and video doorbells. (Practically every type of camera and video surveillance equipment.)
Amcrest is a US-based company that was founded in 2013. They also specialize in security cameras and have a wide variety of devices. However, unlike Dahua, they focus on small-scale businesses and consumers.
Amcrest has a cloud service that includes cloud storage and Intelligent features. They also have apps on both the Appstore and Google Play Store. The app allows users to manage cameras and view real-time footage. However, it has an aggregate app review of 2.9/5 because of bugs, outdated design, and laggy performance. Dahua’s apps are slightly better received with an average of 3.8/5.
Since both companies use Chinese manufactured devices, they do not have NDAA and FCA approval. Therefore, the cameras of either brand cannot be used for US federal projects.
Mid-Range PoE Head to Head
Key Differences
The Dahua N42BJ62 turret-style camera is more affordable than the Amcrest IP8M-T2599EW turret-style camera. However, it has an lower 4MP camera that records footage at 2688x1520 resolution. The Amcrest camera uses an 8MP camera and records at a 4K resolution of 3840x2160.
The Amcrest device also has a larger image sensor of 1/2.7" over Dahua’s 1/3".
For storage, both devices support MicroSD, NAS, and FTP. Additionally, the Dahua camera works with an NVR, while the Amcrest camera supports cloud storage instead of an NVR.
Both are compatible with ONVIF, RTSP, and P2P. However, the Amcrest camera includes extra support for Synology, QNAP, and Blue Iris.
Key Features in Common
These are both turret-style IP cameras and can be powered using either PoE or DC. (using an adapter.) Both devices can record audio but do not have sirens or two-way communication facilities.
They also lack an in-built spotlight and can only record night-vision footage using infrared.
Both cameras include two simultaneous streams for storage and real-time monitoring and the footage is recorded at 30fps. They also process footage using true WDR thanks to its advanced image sensors.
They are also rated at IP67 and can be used for both indoor and outdoor installations.
High-End Wi-Fi Head to Head
Key Differences
Both devices support the low-power 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band. However, the Dahua camera includes an ethernet port for wired data transmission.
The Dahua device has a larger camera with 4MP and a higher resolution of 2560x1440. The Amcrest counterpart has a 2MP camera with a maximum resolution of 1920x1080.
The Amcrest camera includes In-built microphones, (for recording audio) sirens, and two-way communication facilities. On top of that, it also includes an in-built spotlight. Unfortunately, the Dahua counterpart does not include any of these features.
Both devices can store footage locally using Micro SD but have different options when it comes to wireless storage. The Dahua camera additionally supports NAS and FTP, while the Amcrest camera relies on the optional cloud storage feature.
Both of them also support ONVIF and CGI. However, the Dahua camera supplements this with RTSP.
Also, both devices have weather-resistant IP ratings where the Dahua camera has IP67 while Amcrest has IP65.
Key Features in Common
Both cameras are IP-based and have a bullet-style chassis with a fixed focus lens. They cannot perform any PTZ functions and cannot record full-color night-vision footage.
However, both cameras support infrared and can record at 30fps. They also include two simultaneous streams for storage and monitoring.
Also, they are not fully wire-free cameras and need a wired DC connection for power.
High-End PTZ Head to Head
Key Differences
The Dahua 6CE445XANR high-end PTZ camera is more expensive than the Amcrest IP4M-1083EW-AI. However, it can perform 45x optical zoom and record full-color night-vision footage.
The Amcrest camera can only zoom up to 32x and only supports simple infrared night vision.
Both cameras can detect people and vehicles. However, the Amcrest camera goes the extra mile and includes features for detecting faces and non-motor vehicles.
Although both cameras support NAS, NVR, FTP, and MicroSD, only Amcrest offers cloud storage.
Both support ONVIF and RTSP, but if you want additional support for Blue Iris and CGI, you will have to go with the Amcrest camera.
Key Features in Common
Both cameras are rated at IP67 and can be used for indoor and outdoor installations.
They also process footage using true WDR and have 4MP cameras with a maximum resolution of 2560x1440. On top of that, they include similar image sensors with the same sizes of 1/2.8"
Both cameras cannot record audio and do not have in-built sirens. However, they can perform two-way communication between the operator and people in its line of sight.
For Panning and Tilting the devices use a motorized lens with different optical zoom magnification values.
Mid-Range Analog Head to Head
Key Differences
The Dahua A82AF5V analog camera is expensive relative to the Amcrest AMC4KBC28-W. The few advantages that are supposed to justify this price are the extra AC power option and motorized lens.
There are not a lot of differences between these two devices. Yet, a very noteworthy difference is the size of the image sensor. The Dahua analog camera has a 1/2" sensor while the Amcrest counterpart has a larger 1/1.8" image sensor.
Also, when connected to a compatible DVR, the Dahua camera can be managed only using a browser app while the Amcrest camera has several options including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS.
Key Features in Common
Both are analog cameras that transfer data using wired coaxial cables. On top of that, they do not support PoE and require dedicated DC power.
Both devices can record footage at a 4K resolution of 3840x2160 using 8MP cameras. They can record audio and also record using infrared night vision.
Both cameras are rated at IP67 and would have no issue being installed outdoors. However, they need a DVR to store footage and do not include SD cards or any wireless data transmission features.
The Dahua vs Amcrest Verdict
Dahua and Amcrest (despite coming from the same OEM) include very different products in their respective catalogs. The bulk of Dahua devices are more expensive and do not include enough specs to impress consumer-level customers.
Along with that, Amcrest encourages its cloud storage feature. Even though it is optional, we believe that many consumers (especially those focused on DIY) may subscribe to this service sooner or later.
So what do you think of these two brands? Which devices are better suited for your home or business? Let us know in the comments.
