Hikvision and Swann are known far and wide for making top-notch security cameras. This look at three amazing models from these well-regarded companies dives into what sets them apart, showing off their best features.
We score Hikvision vs Swann camera models based on resolution and field of view, power & installation options, night vision, motion detection & audio, as well as footage storage and streaming.
Bullet Camera Head to Head
Hikvision 4MP Bullet Camera
Model(s): DS-2CD2043G0-I
The Hikvision 4MP Bullet Camera comes in 2 different colors: white and black. It also has a 1/3″ Progressive Scan CMOS image sensor and a 4mm fixed lens. It can capture 4MP (2688 ×1520) resolution videos at 30 fps.Also, it’s available with 0° to 360° pan, 0° to 90° tilt, and 0° to 360° rotation.
Swann Wired Bullet Camera
Model(s): SWNHD-885MSB
The Swann Wired Bullet Camera is an outdoor security camera that is completely waterproof. It comes with a 93 degree viewing angle to cover more area in front of it.Moreover, it comes with a zoom feature. You can zoom in to see distant objects very clearly. This camera can see 250-200 feet in low-light.
Pros
- Water- and dust-resistant (IP67).
- Comes with full metal housing.
Cons
- Does not support a BNC connector.
Pros
- Sends push notifications.
- Works perfectly in -22°F ~ 131°F, -30°C ~ 55°C.
Cons
- Requires a Swann NVR.
Hikvision vs Swann: Resolution and Field of View
The Hikvision 4MP Bullet Camera can deliver 2688 × 1520px resolution recordings at 30 fps. Moreover, it also comes with a CMOS image sensor.
In contrast, the Swann Wired Bullet Camera can record 4K videos. It operates in -22°F ~ 131°F, -30°C ~ 55°C temperatures.
Power & Installation Options
The Hikvision 4MP Bullet Camera supports a PoE Ethernet connection.
The Swann Wired Bullet Camera requires a hard-wired connection to a compatible Swann NVR. It comes with a 60 feet CAT5 wire, but you can also buy a larger wire for it if needed.
Night Vision, Motion Detection & Audio
The Hikvision 4MP Bullet Camera supports face recognition and behavior analysis. Its night vision range can cover 100 feet.
Comparatively, with the Swann Wired Bullet Camera, you can view 150-200 feet in low light. Moreover, the device comes with True Detect technology to sense the heat and movement of objects for enhanced security.
Footage Storage and Streaming
With the Hikvision 4MP Bullet Camera, you only get a local storage option. You can use 128GB microSD cards, or NAS, SMB/CIFS, and ANR storage.
On the other hand, the Swann Wired Bullet Camera stores videos on a Swann NVR, which needs to be purchased separately. You only need one PoE cable for the setup process.
Technical Comparison
| Hikvision 4MP Bullet Camera | Swann Wired Bullet Camera | |
| Night Vision Range | 100 Feet | 150-200 Feet |
| Video Resolution | 4 MP | 4K |
| Alert type | Motion Detection | Motion & Heat Detection |
| Mounting Type | Wall Mount | Wall Mount |
| Viewing Angle | 360 degrees | 93 degree |
| Frame Rate | 30 fps | N/A |
| Item Dimensions | 6.3 x 2.76 x 2.76 inches | 2.76 x 2.76 x 5.94 inches |
| IR LEDs | N/A | N/A |
The Verdict
Hikvision 4MP Bullet Camera
Model(s): DS-2CD2043G0-I
The Hikvision 4MP Bullet Camera comes in 2 different colors: white and black. It also has a 1/3″ Progressive Scan CMOS image sensor and a 4mm fixed lens. It can capture 4MP (2688 ×1520) resolution videos at 30 fps.Also, it’s available with 0° to 360° pan, 0° to 90° tilt, and 0° to 360° rotation.
Swann Wired Bullet Camera
Model(s): SWNHD-885MSB
The Swann Wired Bullet Camera is an outdoor security camera that is completely waterproof. It comes with a 93 degree viewing angle to cover more area in front of it.Moreover, it comes with a zoom feature. You can zoom in to see distant objects very clearly. This camera can see 250-200 feet in low-light.
Turret Camera Head to Head
Hikvision EXIR Turret Camera
It can detect motion, intrusion, and tampering. Setting it up is very simple, too. You only need to plug the CAT5 cable in and you're done.
Swann Wired Turret Camera
Model(s): SWNHD-886MSD
The Swann Wired Turret Camera is a reliable security option for both home and office use. It comes with True Detect technology that picks up heat and motion.This camera also supports audio which is useful if deployed indoors to monitor children.
Pros
- Uses one PoE cable for power and data transfer.
- Uses H.264/MJPEG/H.264+ for video compression.
Cons
- Some users complained of the unit getting hot after continuous use.
Pros
- Comes with waterproof housing.
- 93-degree wide field of view.
Cons
- More expensive than similar models.
Resolution and Field of View
The Hikvision EXIR Turret Camera can capture 2560x1920p 4MP resolution videos at 20 fps. Meanwhile, the Swann Wired Turret Camera can record 4K Ultra HD videos. With this camera, you can also zoom in on objects and people, a feature that's missing from the Hikvision EXIR.
Power & Installation Options
Both models require only one PoE (Power over Ethernet) cable for power and data transfer. You just have to connect the Ethernet cable to the DIN port. AFterwards, once you connect the camera to the PoE injector using the other cable, you are all set.
The Swann Wired Turret Camera comes with a cable, stickers, mouse, and other necessary accessories.
Night Vision, Motion Detection & Audio
With both models, you can specify certain zones for motion detection, schedule detection intervals, and set their sensibility level.
The Hikvision EXIR Turret Camera covers only 100 feet at night. However, it supports face recognition, intrusion detection, device tampering, and network failure failsafe.
Footage Storage and Streaming
The Hikvision EXIR Turret Camera only supports NFS, SMB/CIFS storage. It comes with Dual H. 265/H. 246 compression for maximum encryption. This technology increases its video storage and bandwidth capacity.
On the opposite, the Swann Wired Turret Camera uses an NVR for storing videos.
Technical Comparison
| Hikvision EXIR Turret Camera | Swann Wired Turret Camera | |
| Internal Storage | NFS Storage | 128GB |
| Night Vision Range | 100 Feet | 200 Feet |
| Video Resolution | 1080p | 4K |
| Alert type | Motion Detection | Motion Detection |
| Viewing Angle | N/A | 113 degrees |
| Frame Rate | 20-30 fps | 15 fps |
| Item Dimensions | 6 x 6 x 5.5 inches | 14 x 10 x 8 inches |
| Zoom | N/A | N/A |
The Verdict
Hikvision EXIR Turret Camera
It can detect motion, intrusion, and tampering. Setting it up is very simple, too. You only need to plug the CAT5 cable in and you're done.
Swann Wired Turret Camera
Model(s): SWNHD-886MSD
The Swann Wired Turret Camera is a reliable security option for both home and office use. It comes with True Detect technology that picks up heat and motion.This camera also supports audio which is useful if deployed indoors to monitor children.
PTZ Camera Head to Head
Hikvision Outdoor PTZ Camera
Model(s): DS-2DE4425IW-DE
This camera comes with facial recognition, smart tracking, and object counting. You can mount it on the wall, in the corner, or on a pole. Moreover, it also has a swan-neck and power-box mount. It features a 360 degrees pan, and -15-90 degrees tilt feature.Swann CCTV PTZ Camera
Model(s): SWN12
The SWANN CCTV PRO is a wall-mounted security camera with an optical zoom feature. It comes with 700 TV line camera resolution, too.Moreover, the CCD Image Sensor, 50° viewing angle, and color 1/3″ Sony ‘Effio' CCD ensure it captures crisp videos every time.
Pros
- Uses High-PoE & 24 VAC, Max.60W power supply.
- Supports microSD cards up to 128GB.
Cons
- More expensive than competitors.
Pros
- Comes with a 5mm-50mm lens.
- 10x Zoom.
Cons
- Not suited for small areas.
Resolution and Field of View
The Hikvision Outdoor PTZ Camera can record 3MP videos.
The Swann CCTV PTZ Camera comes with a 700 TV line camera resolution and 6 IR LEDs for great night vision.
Power & Installation Options
The Hikvision Outdoor PTZ Camera requires only one PoE cable. Both these models come with all the necessary screws and bolts for installation. Setting up their software to a network is also easy.
The Swann CCTV PTZ Camera arrives in an aluminum housing and has a wall mount option, too.
Night Vision, Motion Detection & Audio
The Hikvision Outdoor PTZ Camera has 16x digital zoom that only takes 4.5 seconds to respond.
On the other hand, the Swann CCTV PTZ Camera comes with 6 IR LED lights, facilitating its 98 feet night vision range.
Footage Storage and Streaming
With the Hikvision Outdoor PTZ Camera, you will get support for a 128GB SD card, and an Edge Recording feature.
Comparatively, the Swann CCTV PTZ Camera does not support external SD card storage.
Technical Comparison
| Hikvision Outdoor PTZ Camera | Swann CCTV PTZ Camera | |
| Night Vision Range | N/A | 98 Feet |
| Video Resolution | 3MP(2048*1536) resolution | 700 TVL |
| Viewing Angle | 360° | 50° |
| Frame Rate | 60 fps | N/A |
| Free Cloud Storage | N/A | N/A |
| Pan/Tilt Angle | 360° pan and -15°-90° tilt | N/A |
| Image Sensor | 1/3’’ HD CMOS sensor | CCD |
| Zoom | 36X | 10x |
The Verdict
Hikvision Outdoor PTZ Camera
Model(s): DS-2DE4425IW-DE
This camera comes with facial recognition, smart tracking, and object counting. You can mount it on the wall, in the corner, or on a pole. Moreover, it also has a swan-neck and power-box mount. It features a 360 degrees pan, and -15-90 degrees tilt feature.Swann CCTV PTZ Camera
Model(s): SWN12
The SWANN CCTV PRO is a wall-mounted security camera with an optical zoom feature. It comes with 700 TV line camera resolution, too.Moreover, the CCD Image Sensor, 50° viewing angle, and color 1/3″ Sony ‘Effio' CCD ensure it captures crisp videos every time.