When it comes to video surveillance IP Camera, one simply can not stop comparing the top two brands – Hikvision and Dahua. The fun lies in analyzing the pros and cons of two different IP Camera products of the two brands in the same class. That way, you can get a clear glimpse into the minor differences that lie between the leading horses in the surveillance race. So let us don our thinking cap and compare Hikvision’s and Dahua’s newest offerings – the Hikvision IP Camera DS-2CD2143G0-IS and the Dahua IP Camera IPC-HDBW1431E respectively.

The IP Cameras, in General

Let’s try to decipher what both these IP Cameras have to offer when it comes to the main component of surveillance – the camera itself.

The image sensors of both the Hikvision IP Camera DS-2CD2143G0-IS and the Dahua IP Camera IPC-HDBW1431E are the same i.e. 1/3” 4 MP progressive CMOS, which means that you get top-notch sensors with both the products. The shutter speed range is also the same (1/3s to 1/100000s), thus allowing each camera to capture higher quality images in low light with slow shutter speed. The Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) again is the same (120 dB), rendering perfect light balance to the image.

The only visible difference between the two IP cameras lies in the intensity of minimum illumination. With the Hikvision DS-2CD2143G0-IS, you get slightly better low light benefits, given that it offers 0.01 Lux @ (F1.2, AGC ON), 0.018 Lux @ (F1.6, AGC ON), and 0 Lux with IR. The Dahua IPC-HDBW1431E isn’t far behind with its 0.08Lux/F2.0 ( Color,1/3s,30IRE), 0.3Lux/F2.0( Color,1/30s,30IRE), and 0 Lux/F2.0 with IR on.

The Lens of the IP Cameras

The major difference between the two lenses lies in the variety of focal lengths offered. Apart from the regular 2.8mm lens, the Hikvision IP Camera DS-2CD2143G0-IS offers 3 additional focal lengths – 4mm, 6mm, and 8mm; whereas theDahua IP Camera IPC-HDBW1431E only has one additional lens of 3.6mm. Thus, the Hikvision DS-2CD2143G0-IS grants better portability options if in case you decide to change the position of the camera.

The Alarm Trigger Range

Both the IP cameras trigger the alarm for motion detection, video tampering, network disconnection, IP address conflict, illegal login, and storage anomalies. The one advantage that the Dahua IP Camera IPC-HDBW1431E has over the Hikvision IP Camera DS-2CD2143G0-IS is that the Dahua IPC-HDBW1431E alarm triggers even during a change of scene. How futuristic is that!

Video Compression of the IP Cameras

The main compression specs of the two devices are the same viz. H.265/H.264H/MJPEG with smart codec support. However, the Hikvision DS-2CD2143G0-IS trumps the Dahua IPC-HDBW1431E to a greater degree with the former’s three-stream encoding. The Dahua IPC-HDBW1431E, on the other hand, offers the regular dual-stream. Thus, the Hikvision DS-2CD2143G0-IS can transmit 3 different resolutions of streams simultaneously. It also offers a slightly higher bit rate with its 16 Mbps maximum than Dahua’s 10 Mbps maximum. Thus, though you can experience lag-free streaming in both the products, the quality of the video in the Hikvision IP Camera DS-2CD2143G0-IS will be a wee bit better than the Dahua IP Camera IPC-HDBW1431E.

Audio Compression of the IP Cameras

Surprisingly, the Dahua IP Camera IPC-HDBW1431E doesn’t feature an audio chip, especially given the number of AV surveillance cameras that are in demand. The audio facility in the Hikvision IP Camera DS-2CD2143G0-IS has a sampling rate from 16 kHz to 48 kHz. It also supports the environment noise filtering component. Kindly note that this audio compression feature is available in model Hikvision DS-2CD2143G0-IS, not in Hikvision DS-2CD2143G0-I. When you order this model, do pay attention to the ending “S” in the model number.

Network Protocols

The network protocols of both the IP Cameras are more or less similar. Both offer ONVIF and ISAPI compatibility, with the Dahua IP Camera IPC-HDBW1431E being compatible with smartphones as well. The Hikvision IP Camera DS-2CD2143G0-IS makes up for it by featuring a wide array of security options like one-key reset, Anti-Flicker, heartbeat, mirror, password protection, privacy mask, Watermark, and IP address filtering.

Miscellaneous Features

The other miscellaneous features of the two IP cameras include operating conditions tagged to withstand any kind of weather, be it hot (up to 60 degree Celsius) or cold (up to -30 degree Celsius), or even a highly humid one (up to 95%). You can even attach them on the outside wall without bothering to cover them with plastic. In addition, both Hikvision IP Camera DS-2CD2143G0-IS and  Dahua IP Camera IPC-HDBW1431E offer a vandal resistance feature at the level of IK10.

So, which one to choose? Hikvision DS-2CD2143G0-IS or Dahua IPC-HDBW1431E?

With a bird’s eye view, the Hikvision IP Camera DS-2CD2143G0-IS and the Dahua IP Camera IPC-HDBW1431E are quite similar. But when you zoom in on the specifics, you will find a few good differences between the two. Thus, if you are willing to sacrifice audio and a better video quality for a robust construction and an additional trigger, then go for the Dahua IPC-HDBW1431E. If best-in-the-class transmission quality and focal length variety matters, then the Hikvision DS-2CD2143G0-IS is the surveillance cam for you. However, it’s not like the Hikvision DS-2CD2143G0-IS transmits low-quality videos and the Dahua IPC-HDBW1431E breaks with a touch! Don’t sweat and pick the one that suits your requirements best.

Contributed By CCTV Camera, CCTV Camera Singapore, and Safe Box Singapore