2024’s Best 4K Security Camera System: Top Picks for Ultra-High-Resolution Surveillance

The surveillance camera systems industry has seen tremendous growth over the past decade. This growth is largely attributed to advancements in IP/PoE networking and CMOS image sensor technology. Such crucial technological developments have laid the groundwork for 4K resolution video recording, thereby underlining the remarkable strides that have been achieved.

However before you dive straight into a 4k system, it's important to note that some 4k security cameras can produce poor blurry night vision. When choosing cameras, I always recommend looking for a camera with a large image sensor (ideally a “Starlight” / “Low-light” sensor) or “Dynamic IR”.

For this article, I have researched and compared 8-Channel systems with a focus on digital NVRs (PoE cabling) as opposed to analogHD DVRs (coaxial cabling). Most manufacturers listed here offer 4K DVR alternatives along with 16 & 32 channel systems, if you need larger capacity.

The Lorex Fusion NVR System is an industry-leading security camera system with 4K IP cameras that will enhance your home or business security monitoring.

This security camera system includes a 16-channel Network Video Recorder (NVR) combined with eight 4K bullet security cameras. The camera's 8MP image sensor can take pictures and record videos in 4K resolution, resulting in high-quality digital zooms and sharper videos.

Color Night Vision

All eight security cameras have color night vision based on ambient light, via its low-light sensor. Thanks to its infrared LEDs, this Lorex Fusion security camera system allows you to record humans and vehicles in complete darkness or low light to up to 130 feet.

This system can connect up to two Wi-Fi devices to open channels and other optional accessory alarm sensors as well. This security camera supports HEVC/H.265 video compression, allowing you to record more efficiently while taking up less storage.

Storage

Speaking of storage, this feature-rich system has a built-in 3TB hard drive that is expandable with two 8TB hard drives. The cameras are enclosed in an IP67-rated metal enclosure that will protect the system from extreme weather conditions.

Remote viewing with your mobile is possible with the Lorex Home app. So, whether you are looking for an intelligent, powerful security camera system for your home, business, or commercial property—we highly recommend this security camera system from Lorex.

Tech Specs

Model	N862A63B 16-channel 4K NVR with 3TB HDD
Package Weight	11.02lbs/4.9kg
Video Transmission Technology	IP
Channels	16
Video Input	16 x PoE
Recording Resolution	4K (8MP)/5MP/3MP/ 1080p/720p
Simultaneous Playback	Up to 4ch@4K15fps
Hard Drive Bays	2 Bays Hard
Drive Capacity	Up to 2x8TB (SATA)
Power Consumption	Approx. 13.2W
Supply Voltage	100VAC–240VAC, 50/60Hz, DC48V/2A

The Reolink Smart 4K Security Kit with Person/Vehicle Detection is an intelligent and capable security camera system for your home or business.

This system features 4 PoE (Power over Ethernet) IP cameras that can identify people and vehicles based on their shapes, reducing the likelihood of false/unwanted alerts of animals and shadows.

Viewing Angle & Resolution

Besides, this security camera has an 87° viewing angle and records videos at 4K resolution. The highly-sensitive built-in microphone can pick up ambient sounds, providing an extra layer of added security.

With 18 infrared LEDs in each camera, this security camera can record videos in pitch-black darkness to up to 100 feet. This is also one of the most straightforward security camera systems out there. It’s genuinely a plug-and-play security system, as only one cable connects each camera to the NVR for video signal transmission and power.

Storage

This Reolink security camera comes with a built-in 2TB of HDD storage (expandable to up to 12TB), allowing you to continuously record all day and night without running out of space. The Reolink app keeps you connected to your home or business and allows you to live stream and replay moments or motion alerts anytime, anywhere.

Tech Specs

Image Sensor	1/2.49″ CMOS sensor
Video Resolution	3840×2160 (8.0MP) at 25 frames/sec
Video Format	H.265
Field of View	Horizontal: 87°/Vertical: 44°
Night Vision	30 meters (100ft) (LED: 18pcs/14mil/850nm)
PoE	IEEE 802.3af, 48V Active

Each kit is equipped with 6 IP cameras. The cameras have 8MP image sensors and all eight cameras have a 102° horizontal field of view. An 8-channel NVR is also included in the box.

They have low-light sensors that only require 0.01 lux to produce full color at night.

All the kits are plug-n-play, so they’re easy to set up. The cameras record at 4K or 3840×2160 resolution for an excellent image and video quality. 

Compression

All popular video codecs are supported, including H.265+, H.265, H.264+, and H.264. The cameras are housed in an IP67-rated metal enclosure, ensuring your security system will be protected from extreme weather conditions.

There are two SATA III ports, and each port can support 6TB of HDD storage.

This system has a built-in 3TB HDD of storage and six dome cameras that record excellent quality videos at 4K UHD resolution at 15 FPS. All eight cameras come with a 106° horizontal field of view. This Dahua security camera also features night vision up to 98 feet. The 8-channel NVR allows users to record and manage eight cameras.

The integrated starlight sensors only require 0.009 lux to produce clear color imagery at night.

There are two SATA III ports, and each port can support 10TB of HDD of storage. The recorder has a storage capacity of 20TB. All standard video codecs, including H.265+/H.264+, H.265, H.264, and MJPEG, are supported. 

The entire kit is enclosed in an IP67 and IK10-rated metal housing, making it weatherproof and less susceptible to vandalism.

The cameras are 8MP that offer excellent image quality, and they record in 4K resolution. Additionally, there is also night vision which allows video recording in extreme darkness to up to 100 feet. The built-in 2TB HDD provides recording for long periods, or you can set it to record only when motion is detected to save memory space.

Thanks to its plug-to-play system, the Amcrest 4K Security Camera System is easy to set up. The Amcrest View app allows you to monitor your home or business remotely if needed. Customizing your alerts and notifications is also possible with this system.

Its face recognition technology allows the system to recognize any number of people and vehicles to activate alerts and video recordings it detects in the picture.

The spotlight cameras turn on the lights when motion is detected. The cameras come with superb night vision allowing them to record people and vehicles up to 115 feet.

Two-Way Audio

The built-in speaker allows you to turn the siren on and off  and talk to the intruder when your home is attacked. This Swann system has two-way audio that can hear ambient/off-screen noises and identify people's voices based on their age, gender, language, and accent.

You can also record conversations for your kids or elderly family members. This security camera system also includes other stand features like hands-free voice commands, streaming videos from the camera via Google Assistant and Chromecast.

This kit is also compatible with smart home hubs like Google Home and Alexa devices such as the 4K Fire TV, Echo Spot, and Echo Show.

Features of the Best 4K Security Camera Systems

Number of Channels

The number of channels or “video input channels” in security camera systems refers to the number of cameras that can be operated from a particular DVR or NVR system.

In general, systems come with 1, 4, 8, 16, 23, and 64 channels, depending on the model. Whereas 16 and 32-channel NVRs are popular.

For example, an NVR with 8 channels can handle video input from up to 4 cameras. The same applies to NVRs with 16-channels.

DVR vs NVR

DVR refers to Digital Video Recorder, whilst NVR stands for Network Video Recorder.

The difference lies in the way a NVR and DVR process video data. In DVR systems, the video is processed at the recorder. On the other hand, in NVR systems, the camera itself encodes and processes the video.

The video is streamed into the NVR recorder for remote viewing and storage. NVR and DVR systems also use separate camera systems. NVRs use IP cameras, while DVRs work better with analog cameras.

Wired vs Wireless

Most 4K security camera systems come in two types: wired and wireless. Here “wireless” refers to the way the camera communicates or transfers video data to the recorders.

Wired cameras are connected to a power source and the internet by a cable, whereas wireless cameras are connected to the internet over Wi-Fi. The power is, of course, delivered through a cable.

There is another type: wire-free. Here, the cameras are connected to the internet via Wi-Fi like wireless cameras, but they use batteries as a power source.

Night Vision

A good 4K security camera system comes with infrared night vision capabilities that monitor and record videos of people and vehicles in low-light conditions and total darkness.

The cameras have infrared illuminators or LEDs that get activated automatically in dark or low-light conditions. Some manufacturers claim their 4K security camera systems offer color night vision but do keep in mind: this only works in ambient light conditions. In normal dark conditions, it reverts to b/w night vision.

Type of Security Cameras Included

There are different types of security camera systems on the market that provide security monitoring solutions for every industry. 

The most popular ones are dome security cameras, bullet security cameras, c-mount security cameras, tilt & zoom security cameras, day/night security cameras, infrared security cameras, night vision security cameras, network/IP security cameras, wireless security cameras, and high definition (HD) security cameras.

Best 4k Security Camera System: The Verdict

Modern 4K security camera systems come with many options, designs, and features. When choosing your security camera systems, make sure to consider your property size, storage needs, budget, as well as specific features which could make the difference. 

Sources

Starlight Sensors