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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 provides security cameras to various other brands. A few familiar brands include Montavue, Lorex, and Amcrest. They also sell their own devices separately.
- Dahua is a well-recognized OEM that offers its products to numerous brands. Several of which are US-based.
- Dahua has an extensive product line. They sell many devices ranging from PoE cameras and PTZ cameras to DVRs/NVRs.Amcrest is more focused on small-scale businesses and home security.
- Amcrest has a cloud service that includes cloud storage and Intelligent features.
- Both brands have mobile apps to manage cameras and Livestream footage.
- Both companies use Chinese-manufactured devices. They do not have NDAA and FCA approval.
Dahua vs Amcrest Security Cameras (2023) 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 Security Cameras (2023) Overview
Dahua was founded in 2001. It is based in China and is a partially state-owned company.
Amcrest is a US-based company that was founded in 2013. They also specialize in security cameras and have a wide variety of devices.
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 advanced audio features. This includes recording audio, sirens, and two-way communication.
On top of that, it also includes a built-in spotlight. Unfortunately, the Dahua camera can only record audio.
The Dahua camera additionally supports NAS and FTP. Meanwhile, the Amcrest camera mostly relies on the optional cloud storage feature.
Key Features in Common
Both cameras are IP-based and have a bullet-style chassis with a fixed focus lens. They can record full color night vision as well. For this, Amcrest has a built-in spotlight and Dahua uses starlight sensors (minimum illumination of 0.03 lux).
However, both cameras support infrared and can record at stable framerates. The Amcrest camera might support 30fps, whereas the Dahua tops at 20fps.
They 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 high-end PTZ camera tends to be a more professional option. This is due to the 45x optical zoom and ability to record full-color night-vision footage.
The Amcrest camera can zoom up to 32x. Unfortunately, it only supports infrared night vision for a maximum distance of 492ft.
Both cameras support NAS, NVR, FTP, and MicroSD. However, only Amcrest offers cloud storage.
Also, if you want additional support for Blue Iris and CGI, you must 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 have 4MP cameras with a maximum resolution of 2560x1440. They process footage using true WDR. Also, they share the same image sensor size of 1/2.8".
Both cameras can perform two-way communication and record audio. However, they don’t have a microphone and speaker setup built-in. You must connect these devices separately via RCA cables.
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 Security Cameras (2023) - 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.
