HELP: I need feedback about Dahua and my situation!

[KyleJBadger]

I’m new to the forum, and I’m hoping to get some guidance from those of you with experience, especially with Dahua products. I’m not very tech-savvy, and I’m currently trying to make some important decisions about my home security system.

Here’s my situation:

• I’ve been using a Reolink system for less than a year, but unfortunately, the NVR has died.
• I just met an installer who only works with Dahua systems, and he recommends replacing my Reolink setup with Dahua cameras and an NVR.
• Money is really tight, but I need a system that will provide reliable alerts to my phone. This is especially important because I have neighbors who have threatened my family and the police have been involved multiple times.

While my Reolink cameras provided good video quality, I’ve had consistent problems with the alerts. Even the smallest movement, like a breeze, would set off false alerts, rendering the system practically useless for notifications.

The installer’s partner suggested I keep the Reolink cameras and just buy a Dahua NVR, but another installer they used to work with advised against this setup, saying it often causes issues.

My questions for those with experience:

• Should I stick with my current Reolink cameras and get a Dahua NVR?
• Can I use Reolink cameras with a Dahua NVR without major issues?
• Are Dahua’s alert systems more effective than Reolink’s, especially in preventing false alarms like I had?
• And most importantly, what would be the best solution to ensure I’m getting reliable alerts and maintaining security, while staying within a tight budget?

I’m feeling overwhelmed by all the options and really need help making the right choice to keep my home and family safe.

Thank you so much in advance!

 

[wittaj]

I suspect if something happened at night, you would find out the Reolinks will fail to provide usable video. We have an entire thread on reolink fails at night.

Many here have zero false alerts with Dahua cameras.

What cameras and price are they quoting you? Many installers suggest inferior 5MP 8MP cameras that are inferior sensor sizes.

Are you handy at all? A trusted member here @EMPIRETECANDY sells Dahua OEM at a fraction of the cost of logo Dahua gear.

 

[KyleJBadger]

I suspect if something happened at night, you would find out the Reolinks will fail to provide usable video. We have an entire thread on reolink fails at night.

Many here have zero false alerts with Dahua cameras.

What cameras and price are they quoting you? Many installers suggest inferior 5MP 8MP cameras that are inferior sensor sizes.

Are you handy at all? A trusted member here @EMPIRETECANDY sells Dahua OEM at a fraction of the cost of logo Dahua gear.

Thanks for the fast response.

The sad thing is that the Reolink cameras were doing well for me (the videos were good enough to meet my needs - yes, the night vision wasn't ideal on one part of the property, but if the alerts had been good, I wouldn't be giving things a second thought).

I'm computer literate, but I'm not up to setting up a system. The good news is the installer I met with could set me up for an extremely affordable price.. The issue is the equipment. His Dahua NVR is almost $500, and the cameras start at $120 each - and I need 6. That would put a complete Dahua system out of my reach.

Any thoughts?

 

[wittaj]

Without knowing model numbers those are reasonable prices.

It is best to match NVR and camera brand to ensure full functionality. Not many here would recommend reolink cameras on a Dahua NVR.

Sounds like given your budget the best course of action is to replace the NVR with another reolink and then dial in the settings the best you can to eliminate false triggers.

Too many people try to do too much with one field of view and that results in false triggers. Sometimes making the area of alert just a bit smaller makes all the difference.

 

[Flintstone61]

start out with a 2-3 Dahua and the Dahua nvr and leave a few reolinks in place until you can budget for more Dahua.
The IVS feature inside the Dahua cameras ( i just started using) has cut my false alerts down to a manageable level.
I'm so frustrated with NVR's I hate the timeline view for events. it's not fast enough for me. Others seem to enjoy it ( sick Bastards) LOl )
I found this BLue iris softwareand took the plunge. You can even have it co-exist with a system if you hook them(the cams) to a seperate POE switch.
as a 74unit Condo manager I wasted hours scrubbing thru DVR's/ NVR footage.
Blue iris was my saving grace for valuable work time.