Help me decide between these NVRs.

[Alan2020]

I need to upgrade our system with a 64CH NVR. Only need 32 cams now but getting 64CH so we have room to add a few more later. Basic requirements are min of 60 days storage recording 24 hours a day at 8FPS on 32 cams. As a current Hikvision user, I'm inclined to go with a different brand mainly because I don't like their software for remote connection from PC/Mac/iPhone. I'm also not happy with their smart search.

I put together 5 systems that vary from $13K to $26K that have enough storage to meet the 60-day minimum recording time. The more expensive the systems the less info I can find on them. I don't want to pay $26K for a Porsche if a $13K Honda will get the job done just as well. But I don't really know if the higher priced units really do perform that much better. The cost below if for hardware only and includes 32 unbranded Dahua 4mp cameras at $8K cost.

1) exacqVision /Tyco IP08-80T-2ZL-2, 128 CH /800 Mbps / $26K
2) Axis / AXIS S1048 48-Channel Mk ll / 48 CH, 512 Mbps/ $19K
3) Samsung / XRN-3010 / 64 CH / 300 Mbps / $15K
4) Dahua / NVR608-64/128-4KS2 / 64 Ch / 384 Mbps / $13K
5) Hikvision / DS-9664NI-I8 / 64 Ch / 320 Mbps / $13K

Pros / Cons? Votes? Appreciate feedback to help me decide. Thanks!

 

[fenderman]

You gotta be joking.... those prices are insane...

 

[Alan2020]

You gotta be joking.... those prices are insane...

Haha, tell me about it. It adds up pretty fast. There is the NVR, 64TB of storage to hold 60+ days of video at 8 FPS from 32 cams 24 hrs a day, 32 cameras, etc.... Just the drives alone cost about $2,000 for 64TB. The 4MP motorized cams are $272 each x 32 = $8,704. Then you still have the POE switch, cables to run 32 cams, etc. Those prices don't even include installation. The NVR is actually a small part of the total cost except for the Tyco and Axis units which I'm not sure why they are so much more expensive than their Asian counterparts.

I've seen on Amazon 4MP Dahua motorized cams for about $90 each. That would save me $6,000. I'm wondering if at $90 they are real Dahua gray market cams, or a cheap knockoff that may be more problem than they are worth?

 

[fenderman]

You are getting hosed on the cams and NVR...don't buy Amazon cams ..see threads here...if using at night or low light see dahua Starlight threads....

 

[Alan2020]

The price range I've seen for the Dahua NVR608-64/128-4KS2NVR ranges from a low of $790 (Ali Express) to $3,000 at online security stores. For the Hik a little more. I'm using a price of $2,000 in the "system" price for the Dahua and Hik based on buying it from a reputable place that will be able to give some tech and warranty support if needed. Do you have a recommendation on the cams? The $272 price I was quoted was for the Dahua IPC-HDBW5421E-Z. (4MP dome motorized vari-focal 2.7mm~12mm) from a large online security gear store. On Amazon they range from $250-300 so I figured the price was ok. I did see them listed for $188 from another large online security store but I get suspicious if a place is a lot cheaper than all the others. I don't need vandal proof and I may actually be better off with bullet style cams. Most are going inside a large machine shop. I'd want the dome ones for the office areas as they look less obtrusive.
IPC-HDBW5421E-Z,IPC HDBW5421E Z,IPCHDBW5421EZ

 

[mat200]

The price range I've seen for the Dahua NVR608-64/128-4KS2NVR ranges from a low of $790 (Ali Express) to $3,000 at online security stores. For the Hik a little more. I'm using a price of $2,000 in the "system" price for the Dahua and Hik based on buying it from a reputable place that will be able to give some tech and warranty support if needed. Do you have a recommendation on the cams? The $272 price I was quoted was for the Dahua IPC-HDBW5421E-Z. (4MP dome motorized vari-focal 2.7mm~12mm) from a large online security gear store. On Amazon they range from $250-300 so I figured the price was ok. I did see them listed for $188 from another large online security store but I get suspicious if a place is a lot cheaper than all the others. I don't need vandal proof and I may actually be better off with bullet style cams. Most are going inside a large machine shop. I'd want the dome ones for the office areas as they look less obtrusive.
IPC-HDBW5421E-Z,IPC HDBW5421E Z,IPCHDBW5421EZ

Hi Alan,

I would drop Andy ( @EMPIRETECANDY here ) a line and see what sort of numbers he can arrange for you on a Dahua based system. Many of us here have really liked the purchasing experience with him.
( feel free to check the numerous references here for him )