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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 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 However, it has an aggregate app review of 2.9/5 because of bugs, outdated design, and laggy performance.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.

Year Founded
2001
2013
Customer Focus
Business Leaning
Mix of Business & Consumer
Aggregate App Reviews
3/5
2.25/5
Cloud Platform Name
-
Amcrest Smart Home Cloud
Cloud Subscription Features
-
Cloud StorageSmart / AI NotificationsRich App PreviewsAdvanced App Features
Cloud Subscription Costs
-
Motion Recording 7-day $6 /Camera per month 14-day $10 /Camera per month 30-day $15 /Camera per month 60-day $23 /Camera per month 90-day $27.50 /Camera per month Continious Recording 7-day $9 /Camera per month 14-day $15 /Camera per month 30-day $20 /Camera per month 60-day $27.50 /Camera per month 90-day $35 /Camera per month
Note: PoE & Coax cameras typically require a connected NVR, DVR or surveillance software package (like Blue Iris) to gain access to desktop, mobile or browser apps along with availing of Intelligent Video Surveillance (IVS) Features. The specs below are based on integration with the manufacturers recommended NVR / DVR.

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.

Price
Resolution
4MP: 2688x1520
4K / Ultra HD / 8MP: 3840x2160
Image Sensor Size
1/3"
1/2.7"
Storage Options
microSDNVRNASFTP
microSDNASFTPCloud
Interoperability
ONVIFRTSPCGIP2P
SynologyQNAPBlue IrisONVIFRTSPP2P
Cloud Subscription
None
Optional
Apps
AndroidiOSBrowser App
AndroidiOSWindowsMacBrowser App

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.

Case Type(s)
Turret
Turret
Camera Location
IndoorOutdoor
IndoorOutdoor
Data Type
IP
IP
Camera Wire Type
Wired Data & Power
Wired Data & Power
Power Options
PoEDC Power
PoEDC Power
Data Transmission
PoE
PoE
Integrated Microphone
Yes
Yes
Two Way Audio
No
No
Integrated Siren / Alarm
No
No
Lens Type
Fixed Focus
Fixed Focus
Night Vision Functionality
Yes
Yes
Night Vision Type
InfraredFull Color (via Low Light Sensor / Tech)
InfraredFull Color (via Low Light Sensor / Tech)
Spotlight
No
No
Number of Video Streams
2
2
Max Supported Frame Rate
30fps
30fps
WDR
True WDR
True WDR
IP Rating
IP67
IP67
Motorized Pan Feature
No
No
Motorized Tilt Feature
No
No
Optical Zoom Feature
No
No

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.

Price
Data Transmission
2.4GHz WiFiEthernet
2.4GHz WiFi
Integrated Microphone
No
Yes
Two Way Audio
No
Yes
Integrated Siren / Alarm
No
Yes
Resolution
4MP: 2560x1440
2MP: 1080P / HD: 1920x1080
Image Sensor Size
1/3"
1/2.7"
Night Vision Type
Infrared
InfraredFull Color (via Spotlight)
Spotlight
No
Yes
Storage Options
microSDNASFTP
microSDCloud
Interoperability
ONVIFRTSPCGI
ONVIFCGI
WDR
Digital WDR / HDR
Unsure
IP Rating
IP67
IP65
Cloud Subscription
None
Optional
Apps
AndroidiOSBrowser App
AndroidiOS

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.

Case Type(s)
Bullet
Bullet
Camera Location
IndoorOutdoor
IndoorOutdoor
Data Type
IP
IP
Camera Wire Type
Wireless Data & Wired Power
Wireless Data & Wired Power
Power Options
DC Power
DC Power
Lens Type
Fixed Focus
Fixed Focus
Night Vision Functionality
Yes
Yes
Motion Activated Recording
Yes
Yes
Continuous Recording
Yes
Yes
Number of Video Streams
2
2
Max Supported Frame Rate
30fps
30fps
Motorized Pan Feature
No
No
Motorized Tilt Feature
No
No
Optical Zoom Feature
No
No

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.

Price
Power Options
PoEDC PowerAC Power
PoEDC Power
Storage Options
microSDNVRNASFTP
microSDNVRNASFTPCloud
Interoperability
ONVIFRTSP
Blue IrisONVIFRTSPCGI
Max Supported Frame Rate
30fps
25fps
Smart Motion Detection Features
Person DetectionVehicle DetectionObject Detection
Person DetectionVehicle DetectionNon-Motor Vehicle DetectionFace DetectionObject Detection
Optical Zoom Magnification
45x
32x
Cloud Subscription
None
Optional
Apps
AndroidiOSBrowser App
AndroidiOSWindowsMacBrowser App

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.

Case Type(s)
PTZ
PTZ
Camera Location
IndoorOutdoor
IndoorOutdoor
Data Type
IP
IP
Camera Wire Type
Wired Data & Power
Wired Data & Power
Data Transmission
PoE
PoE
Integrated Microphone
No
No
Two Way Audio
Yes
Yes
Integrated Siren / Alarm
No
No
Resolution
4MP: 2560x1440
4MP: 2560x1440
Image Sensor Size
1/2.8"
1/2.8"
Lens Type
Motorized
Motorized
Night Vision Functionality
Yes
Yes
Night Vision Type
InfraredFull Color (via Low Light Sensor / Tech)
InfraredFull Color (via Low Light Sensor / Tech)
Spotlight
No
No
Number of Video Streams
3
3
WDR
True WDR
True WDR
IP Rating
IP67
IP67
Motorized Pan Feature
Yes
Yes
Motorized Tilt Feature
Yes
Yes
Optical Zoom Feature
Yes
Yes

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.

Price
Power Options
DC PowerAC Power
DC Power
Image Sensor Size
1/2"
1/1.8"
Lens Type
Motorized
Fixed Focus
Cloud Subscription
None
Optional
Apps
Browser App
AndroidiOSWindowsMac

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.

Case Type(s)
Bullet
Bullet
Camera Location
IndoorOutdoor
IndoorOutdoor
Data Type
Analog
Analog
Camera Wire Type
Wired Data & Power
Wired Data & Power
Data Transmission
Coax
Coax
Integrated Microphone
Yes
Yes
Two Way Audio
No
No
Integrated Siren / Alarm
No
No
Resolution
4K / Ultra HD / 8MP: 3840x2160
4K / Ultra HD / 8MP: 3840x2160
Night Vision Functionality
Yes
Yes
Night Vision Type
InfraredFull Color (via Low Light Sensor / Tech)
InfraredFull Color (via Low Light Sensor / Tech)
Spotlight
No
No
Storage Options
DVR
DVR
Max Supported Frame Rate
30fps
30fps
WDR
True WDR
True WDR
IP Rating
IP67
IP67
Motorized Pan Feature
No
No
Motorized Tilt Feature
No
No
Optical Zoom Feature
No
No

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.

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