Best Analog HD / Coax Security Cameras

While IP cameras are the go-to for new installations, for those with pre-established coax cable runs, it's much easier and cheaper to swap out your old analog HD cameras for newer ones.

We review the best analog HD / coax cameras available.

Best Analog HD / Coax Security Cameras

Amcrest 5MP Turret Security Camera is a camera of turret type that has an IP rating of 67, making it a good choice if you are looking for a sturdy outdoor camera.

It uses a 5MP image sensor that can record in 2592x1944 resolution. Amcrest 5MP Turret Security Camera uses a true WDR feature which makes the footage even more crisp and detailed.

Features that make this camera take the first place are its built-in spotlight which allows it to record during the night in full color and the motorized pan feature. Unfortunately, this camera doesn’t have a siren, or a two-way audio system but it does have an integrated microphone.

Dahua 4K Bullet Security Camera is the perfect choice if you are looking for an analog quality that will deliver you high-quality video footage. This camera can record in 4K, and it also comes with a true WDR feature which significantly improves the video quality of your camera.

When it comes to recording during the night, Dahua 4K Bullet Security Camera can record in black and white, but it can also use its low light technology to record in full color.

While analog cameras are usually powered only using a DC source, Dahua 4K Bullet Security Camera also has the ability to use an AC source.

The biggest advantage that Lorex 4K Turret Security Camera has is its video quality. This camera can record Ultra HD footage.

Lorex 4K Turret Security Camera has a built-in spotlight that allows you to record in full color even during the night. This camera also has an infrared sensor which allows you to record in black-and-white during the night. While recording in total darkness, both infrared and full color have the same range of 90ft(28m).

Even though the video quality is adequate, a major downside of this camera is its low framerate. Lorex 4K Turret Security Camera can record only at 15 fps.

Night Owl 4K Bullet Security Camera is another bullet-type camera on our list. It can record in Ultra HD, or in other words, 4K. It’s unfortunately unsure whether this camera uses WDR technology, but its video quality is overall pleasing.

The name of this camera suggests that it’s made to be used during the night. To justify that, this security camera comes with a built-in spotlight which allows you to record night footage in full color.

Night Owl 4K Bullet Security Camera also has an integrated alarm. This feature is very helpful in case of break-ins.

All the cameras on our lists require a DVR to function, and the Night Owl 4K Bullet Security Camera is no exception, however, you can purchase its Night Owl DVR separately.

Another camera that will provide you with detailed security footage is LaView 4K Bullet Security Camera. This mid-range bullet type of camera will provide you with high-quality 4K footage using its 8MP image sensor.

The video quality of this camera is improved by its true WDR feature, as well as with various advanced recording features such as BLC, white balance control, mirror control, and brightness control.

This camera can record in full color during the night, or use the traditional infrared image sensor. However, the infrared distance in total darkness is only 66ft(or 20 meters), which is quite limiting.

Swann 4K Turret Security Camera is a turret type of camera that uses an 8MP image sensor to record footage in 4K.

Although this camera lacks certain features such as a siren or two-way audio, Swann 4K Turret Security Camera is a rare analog camera that supports smart integrations. This camera supports Alexa, Google Assistant, Chromecast, Echo Snow, and Fire TV.

This camera comes with a built-in spotlight which allows you to record in full color during the night. It also has an infrared sensor with a range of 130ft(40m). Unfortunately, this camera’s full-color range is only 32ft(10m).

Hikvision 2MP Dome Security Camera has a variety of interesting features that can prove useful. This camera can record in Full HD, and it comes with a true WDR feature. On top of this, you will be able to adjust a variety of advanced video settings such as BLC, HLC, White Balance Control, Gain Control, etc.

This camera can record during the night using its infrared sensor to record in black-and-white at a longer range, or it can use its low light tech to record in full color at a closer range.

Hikvision 2MP Dome Security Camera comes with a mobile app that has many features that will help you control and adjust your camera.

Defender 4K Bullet Security Camera is a high-resolution camera that can record footage in 4K. Although this camera has great video quality, and a high IP rating of 67, it lacks a lot of features that other cameras in this price range possess.

Most importantly Defender 4K Bullet Security Camera can’t be used as a standalone security camera. This camera can only be used as a part of the Defenders 4K Wired Security System.

Its coax transmission range is 60ft(18.29m) and the only storage option for this camera is DVR.

Defender 4K Bullet Security Camera has the common infrared sensor which allows you to record black-and-white footage during the night.

Decision Factors when Choosing an Analog HD / Coax Security Camera

Storage Options

Analog security cameras usually require a DVR to function. A digital video recorder is an electronic device that is purchased additionally for your camera system. Its job is to receive data from your camera through a coax cable and then store the information on a flash drive, disk drive, microSD, or hard drive. You should have in mind you need to choose both a camera and a DVR that support the storage option of your choice.

Mobile App

Even though analog cameras are considered outdated, some of these models support mobile apps. These are provided by the manufacturer and the cameras don’t require them to function, but they do offer a variety of settings that you can find useful. These mobile apps can help you adjust the black and white balance, brightness, or other aspects of your footage. 

Night Vision

Depending on your requirements, you should have in mind that night vision is an important aspect of your security camera. Break-ins usually happen during the night and you should have in mind that even an infrared night-vision is better than no night vision. However, the feature that you should look for is definitely a built-in spotlight. It scares intruders, and it allows the camera to record in full color even during the night.

Siren 

Just like the spotlight, having a siren can significantly increase the chance of an intruder getting scared and running away.  

Two-Way Audio 

Built-in two-way audio systems can have an important role if a break-in happens. This system allows your camera to record sounds that someone makes, and it allows the camera to reproduce sounds.

Common Questions related to Analog HD / Coax Security Cameras

What is an Analog HD / Coax Security Camera?

Analog HD cameras are security cameras that transmit footage over coaxial cable. They require a separate power source and are generally cheaper than IP cameras as video processing happens in the connected DVR as opposed to the device itself.

Benefits over IP Cameras

Even though both Analog and IP cameras have both cheap, and expensive models, analog cameras are overall much cheaper. If you need to set up multiple security cameras, purchasing analog security cameras instead of IP cameras will save you a lot of money. Analog cameras will usually provide you with great video quality, and they are relatively easy to set up. 

Conclusion

In terms of video quality, Analog security cameras are keeping up with the latest IP security cameras. They have both advantages and disadvantages compared to them but they will still do the job done.

If you are looking for an analog security camera that will help you increase the security of your workplace or your home, one of these cameras on the list will do the job for you.

Let us know in the comments which one of these cameras works the best for you.