Adding non Swann IP cameras to a Swann NVR system

[Thecableguy34]

Good afternoon everybody. I hope everyone is doing well during this time of madness. Please excuse my newbie question as I'm not the greatest with IP cameras. I have a buddy who has a Swann NVR and some of the cameras keep crapping out on him. Can I use any IP camera or is Swann Systems proprietary and only work with there cameras. I've installed other cameras like Axis, Vivotech and a few others but that was some time ago and those worked off of a server. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

 

[mat200]

Good afternoon everybody. I hope everyone is doing well during this time of madness. Please excuse my newbie question as I'm not the greatest with IP cameras. I have a buddy who has a Swann NVR and some of the cameras keep crapping out on him. Can I use any IP camera or is Swann Systems proprietary and only work with there cameras. I've installed other cameras like Axis, Vivotech and a few others but that was some time ago and those worked off of a server. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Hi @Thecableguy34

For the best results, look for the compatibility chart on the NVR at Swann's website and get those models. ( you may still need to configure the IPs, ports, user / passwords,.. )

Note Swann has used recently a couple of OEMs - and thus you will want to take that into account. ( best to pair the same OEM for both camera and NVR - remember to double check resolution supported.. )

Swann OEMs Hikvision, RaySharp

Swann OEMs 1) Hikvision - prior to 2020 Swann carried many Hikvision products 2) RaySharp - 2019/2020+ Swann now carries what appears to be RaySharp products

ipcamtalk.com

 

[Thecableguy34]

Hi @Thecableguy34

For the best results, look for the compatibility chart on the NVR at Swann's website and get those models. ( you may still need to configure the IPs, ports, user / passwords,.. )

Note Swann has used recently a couple of OEMs - and thus you will want to take that into account. ( best to pair the same OEM for both camera and NVR - remember to double check resolution supported.. )

Swann OEMs Hikvision, RaySharp

Swann OEMs 1) Hikvision - prior to 2020 Swann carried many Hikvision products 2) RaySharp - 2019/2020+ Swann now carries what appears to be RaySharp products

ipcamtalk.com

Hi thanks for the info. Would you know were I could look for hikvison cameras as far as compatibility.

 

[djernie]

Hi thanks for the info. Would you know were I could look for hikvison cameras as far as compatibility.

Check with @empiretechandy

 

[pozzello]

I've added Hikvision cameras to a Swann NVR (hikvision re-brand, that one). So if the NVR is Hikvision-based, Hikvision cams would be your best bet, but the NVR I worked with also supported ONVIF cameras (an open standard for IP cameras). It didn't work with ONVIF at first, but once I updated to latest Swann firmware, ONVIF cams could be added, so that might give you more options... This was a Costco-special Swann NVR and camera package from 7-8 years back.