Top 8 Business / Commercial Grade Security Camera Systems

For businesses, a high-end video surveillance system (with a recorder and multiple cameras) can prevent crime while also helping to ensure the health and safety of employees.

Thanks to IP-based PoE cameras, it is now more affordable to set up and maintain a multi-channel CCTV system. Commercial-grade security camera systems typically include mobile and desktop applications, intelligent motion detection features, and a variety of storage and interoperability features that adds to the accessibility and redundancy of the system.

In this list below, we’ve picked out eight of the top business/commercial-grade security camera systems that are available right now. Please note that we’ve specifically focused on bundles/kits that involve a minimum of 8 cameras, with an NVR/DVR that supports at least 16 channels.

Top 8 Business / Commercial Grade Security Camera Systems

Our top pick is the Lorex Nocturnal 4K 16-Channel kit. This system includes a Lorex N882A64B NVR shipped with a 4TB hard drive. The NVR can support a maximum storage capacity of 20TB with the help of two 10TB hard drives. (There are only two drive bays on this NVR.)

Apart from the usual I/O setup, the NVR offers PoE support for all sixteen channels. Also, it is one of the few NVRs that include an alarm interface. (Since the cameras themselves do not include two-way communication or integrated sirens.)

The cameras provided in this bundle the 4K / 8MP LNB9252B / LNB9242B bullet-type security cameras. They deliver full-color night vision and incorporate a waterproof IP67 enclosure.

Our runner-up is the Montavue 4K 8-Camera 16-Channe system. This is a slightly more affordable setup with a 16-channel NVR that includes PoE support as well. Unfortunately, the NVR does not contain an alarm interface. (Nor do the cameras.) Two-way communication is possible, but external hardware is required.

The NVR is shipped with 3TB onboard storage with the option of two drive bays, summing up the total supported capacity to 20TB.

The security cameras that come with this bundle are PoE turret-style cameras. These devices include an 8MP camera which can record footage at 4K resolution. (3840x2160) All cameras have an IP67 rating and cover 105° horizontal and 56° vertical FOV.

The Reolink RLK16-812B8-A bundle offers eight Reolink bullet-type cameras with a 4K-ready 16-channel NVR. The NVR includes 3TB of storage right out of the box with support for a maximum of 12TB.

The I/O scheme is pretty basic. There is no alarm interface and no option for connecting a microphone. (Only audio out RCA.) However, the hard drives interface via eSATA, and there is PoE support for all 16 channels.

The cameras included in this bundle are 8MP 4K-ready cameras. Each camera includes a four-piece in-built spotlight with a maximum brightness of 400 lumens. With the help of this spotlight, the camera can carry out full-color night vision. The cameras have an IP66 rating and work with the Synology application and support RTSP and P2P protocols.

The Swann 8-Camera 16-Channel 4K Ultra HD Pro Enforcer™ NVR Security System is another viable high-end system. The included NVR (Swann NVR-8980) is a quite decent device that includes PoE support for 16 channels along with audio input and output RCA interfaces.

The NVR comes with a 2TB hard drive right out of the box with the option to supplement this with another 4TB hard drive. (Totalling the maximum capacity to 6TB.)

The eight cameras that come with the package (The Swann NHD-900BE 4K IP Enforcer™) use 8MP cameras that record in Ultra HD 4K resolution. These devices support spotlight-based full-color night vision, two-way communication, integrated sirens, and a weather-proof IP66 rating.

Night Owl’s BTD21LSA-1612-B bundle includes a well-priced 16-channel DVR with 12 cameras. As obvious from the title, this is an analog-based system. Therefore, the DVR requires coaxial cables for data transmission and DC for power.

Unfortunately, the 2MP cameras can only record 1080p footage. Nevertheless, it does a great job during both day and night thanks to the in-built spotlights and full-color night vision.

As always, when coupled with the DVR, the user can get access to the cameras through the DVR. On top of that, it also enables access to the Night Owl Connect desktop app, which offers a lot of features such as remote viewing, PTZ control, and managing the cameras and footage.

The Annke H800 - 4K 16 Channel 8 Camera PoE Security System is a moderately-priced IP camera system with eight cameras and a 16-channel DVR. The recorder can support a maximum storage capacity of 12TB, and there’s the option to pick the amount of storage before purchase.

The DVR can support Synology and Blue Iris software and is compatible with ONVIF and RTSP protocols. With the help of this DVR, the cameras can be controlled via the ANNKE Vision app, which is available for Android and iOS.

The cameras included in this setup can record 4K footage at 3840x2160 using 8MP sensors. Unfortunately, these analog-based devices cannot carry out full-color night vision, only infrared. (2 IR LEDs with a maximum distance of 100ft.)

The housing of the cameras has an IP67 rating and supports a temperature range of -22F to 140F.

The 4K-ready 8 camera 16-channel bundle provided by Amcrest is another well-priced mid-range alternative. The NVR only includes eight PoE ports, and for connecting additional cameras, a PoE injector or switch is required.

The NVR comes with a 3TB hard drive pre-installed and can support a maximum of 6TB. There is no alarm I/O port, but it does allow for two-way communication using Mic in/out RCA connectors.

Synology, QNAP, and Blue Iris are readily supported by the NVR. On top of that, it is compatible with protocols such as ONVIF, RTSP, CGI, and P2P.

The cameras used in this bundle have 8MP sensors with the ability to record 4K footage. They can carry out full-color night vision thanks to advanced starlight sensors. However, they also have infrared as a backup. (With 98ft long maximum IR distance.)

The final item on this list is Defender’s 4K Ultra HD Wired 16 Channel Security System with 12 cameras. This bundle includes a DVR and twelve 4K-ready analog bullet-type cameras.

Since this is an analog system, there are no PoE ports. Instead, the user will have to set up coaxial cables from the cameras to the DVR while providing separate DC power. (Via a DC adapter powered through a wall outlet.)

The DVR includes a 4TB hard drive, and the system can support a maximum capacity of 20TB.

One thing to note is that the bundle only includes three DC power adapters for the security cameras. So take note to include the model number of the 4K cameras to receive the additional power cables, free of charge.

Decision Factors when Choosing a Business / Commercial-Grade Security Camera System

Channels

The number of channels indicated in the NVR/DVR shows the number of cameras/streams that the system can manage. Depending on the scale of your establishment, you might need room for future expansions; hence, we recommend going for a minimum of 8 channels. Also, when purchasing an IP-based NVR, take note of the number of PoE-supported ports. (Most low-mid range NVRs might need separate PoE switches.)

Camera Resolution

Alongside the number of channels, the second most advertised spec is the camera resolution. For the commercial sector, Ultra HD 4K security cameras are always recommended. The footage from these high-res cameras will always have better details. Also, for the same reasons, we recommend sticking with digital IP-based cameras. (Despite their premium pricing.) 

Storage

Most recorders (applies to both NVRs and DVRs) are shipped out with at least 2TB of storage. (Pre Installed hard drive.) The amount of hours of footage you can keep on 1TB varies on the codec and video format. However, on average, you will need 6TB to store a weeks’ worth of continuous footage from 8 cameras recording 4K (3840×2160) footage. So make sure you size up the hard drives appropriately without overshooting the NVRs supported maximum capacity. (Usually, this is 20TB, but low-end recorders tend to have lower capacities, such as 6TB.)

For more information on security camera storage, check out our dedicated guide.

Night Vision

For most cameras on this list, full-color night vision is readily supported. On top of that, they also include spotlights and high-range infrared night vision. Regardless of where you will install these cameras (indoors or outdoors,) night vision is always an essential feature. Therefore, make sure to pick a system with cameras that include decent full-color night vision. (If you have a lower budget, you will have to settle for infrared night vision.)

Conclusion

This is our list of the top eight commercial-grade security camera systems. For this lineup, we’ve narrowed our list to include systems with eight cameras and a 16-channel NVR. For most stores and businesses, these are the best starter options as they are relatively inexpensive. (and also include many high-end features.)

Hopefully, this list helped you with several alternatives and ideas for your next camera system setup. With that said, let us know about your favorite system down in the comments.