Hikvision vs Dahua Security Cameras (2025)

The Hikvision DS-2CD2563G0-IS is a dome-style camera with a 6MP super HD (3072x2048) resolution. Meanwhile, the Dahua N42BJ62 is a turret-style camera with a lower 4MP (2688x1520) resolution.

Both cameras have weatherproof IP ratings. The Hikvision camera has an IP66 rating, while the Dahua counterpart has a slightly better IP67 rating.

For interoperability support, both cameras work with ONVIF and RTSP-compatible devices. However, Dahua takes things to the next level by supplementing these with CGI and P2P.

Considering audio-based features: both cameras can record audio using an integrated microphone. However, the Hikvision camera has an integrated alarm and two-way communication facilities.

Despite their differences, both are IP-based cameras that include PoE and DC for data transmission and power. They use infrared to combat low-light conditions and consist of an in-built microphone to record audio.

Both devices record at 30fps and process footage using True WDR.

There are several options for storage. Both offer MicroSD and NVR for local storage while also including NAS and FTP.

The Hikvision DS-2DE2A404IW-DE3 PTZ camera includes an integrated microphone, for recording audio, with a 4MP camera. (maximum resolution of 2560x1440.) The Dahua 40212TNI does not include a microphone and only uses a 2MP 1080p camera. (1920x1080)

However, its redeeming quality is the 12x optical zoom compared to the 4x offered by the Hikvision counterpart.

The Dahua camera fully embraces person, object, and face detection features, while the Hikvision camera only includes the option to detect faces.

Both cameras include MicroSD and NAS as storage options, but the Dahua 40212TNI has additional FTP support.

When it comes to night vision, Hikvision has the upper hand as it includes full-color night vision on top of the usual infrared.

Since both are PTZ cameras, they can seamlessly perform motorized panning, tilting, and optical zooming. (with varying degrees of optical zooming magnification.)

They are both rated at IP66 and support indoor and outdoor installations.

The footage is captured at 30fps and is processed using True WDR. Both cameras also include three separate streams for storage and real-time viewing.

Both devices can perform two-way communication but do not include integrated sirens as additional security measures

The Hikvision analog camera has a 2MP camera with 1080p HD resolution (1920x1080.)

It might seem like it has basic features. However, the camera supports 25x optical zoom. Also, the zoomed-out diagonal FOV is 64.5°.

The Dahua camera has a higher-resolution 5MP camera. This allows it to record footage at 2880 x 1620.

The Dahua camera only supports 5x optical zoom. However, it has a wider FOV of 113° when zoomed out.

In terms of supported apps, both cameras have different options. The Hikvision camera's footage can be pulled using their Android/iOS app. On the other hand, the Dahua camera only includes a browser app for the same purpose.

Regardless, both analog cameras need to be configured with a compatible DVR for this to work.

Both cameras support nearly 360° horizontal panning. The Hikvision camera can support endless panning. Meanwhile, the Dahua camera has a range of 0-355°.

Post-processing features on both cameras are the same. They include 120dB True WDR to improve contrast and make the footage more readable. On top of that, they have 3D DNR to reduce grain in low-light images.

The Hikvision DS-HD1 is an affordable video doorbell that records video at a maximum resolution of 2048x1536. Meanwhile, the Dahua DH-DB6I is a premium alternative with a 5MP camera recording footage at 2560x1920.

The Dahua video doorbell also has a larger 1/2.7" image sensor, while the Hikvision camera has a slightly smaller 1/2.8" sensor.

The Hikvision DS-HD1 also has a couple of other improved specs, such as person detection and support for RTSP, P2P, and CGI.

The Dahua video doorbell is more closed off in the interoperability department. Instead, it transfers data to a compatible NVR which then allows for remote viewing through Dahua's DMSS app.

The Hikvision DS-2CD63C5G0E-IVS consists of a 12MP camera with a maximum resolution of 4000x3000. Meanwhile, the Dahua IPC-EBW81242N-AS-S2 utilizes a slightly lower 9MP camera with a resolution of 3000x3000.

Both of these fisheye cameras support ONVIF and RTSP. However, the Dahua camera takes it further and includes additional support for CGI and P2P.

Another aspect of Dahua going the extra mile is offering support for AC power options on top of the already existing PoE and DC options.

The Hikvision camera can detect people, vehicles, objects. On top of that, it can also perform people counting. Unfortunately, the Hikvision counterpart does not include any of these intelligent features.

Rated at IP67, both the Dahua and Hikvision fisheye cameras will have no problem resisting dust and rain from the great outdoors. However, neither of these devices includes wireless transmission technologies. Instead, they both require wired PoE connections for data transfer.

Both cameras utilize a fixed focus lens with the same image sensor size of 1/1.7”. They can process footage at 30 fps and compensate for uneven exposure using digital WDR/HDR.

For local storage, there are the usual options between MicroSD and NVR. On top of that, both devices also include support for NAS and FTP.

For audio based-features, they include a microphone and speaker setup for recording audio and performing two-way communication. There is no integrated siren.