When looking to buy security cameras, you need to consider a lot of factors. Resolution, field of view, night vision, data storage, wired or wireless transmission are just some of the topics along with the all-important factor, budget. In this article, we review two leading security camera brands – Night Owl vs Lorex.
Security is a big concern for everyone. Whether you are a single parent, large family or business owner, you will naturally be worried about potential burglaries and break-ins. Moreover, if your property happens to be in a bad neighborhood, your worries will be even greater.
Regardless of the reasons, a powerful security camera can help you restore your peace of mind. Most of these cameras have HD resolution, good night vision range, Wi-Fi compatibility, and remote viewing.
Indoor IP Head to Head
Night Owl 4 Channel 1080p Camera
Model(s): WG4-1I-16SD
The Night Owl 4 Channel 1080p Camera is ultra-lightweight and can record 1080P videos. It is considered one of the best security cameras on the market. This AC powered wireless IP camera is suited for indoor use. With a wireless connectivity range of 300 Feet, you don’t need to worry about where you put it. Moreover, it comes with 16GB internalstorage.Lorex 1080p HD Smart Indoor Camera
Model(s): W261AQC-E
The Lorex 1080p HD Smart Indoor Camera is a ceiling mount camera that comes with a 256 GB SD Card. Connecting this Indoor IP Camera is easy, all you need to do is scan a QR code. Thanks to infrared LED lights, you get viewing coverage of 33 feet at night.Pros
- Includes 16GB Micro SD card.
- Compatible with Google Assistant.
- 300 foot wireless reach.
Cons
- Some users have complained about the app’s usability.
Pros
- Supports 256 GB SD card storage.
- 135 degrees wide field of view.
- Two-Way-Audio.
Cons
- Not suitable for outdoor use.
Number of Channels, Resolution and Field of View
The Night Owl 4 Channel 1080p Camera depends on wireless connectivity for data transmission. It records videos at a 1080p resolution and has superior coverage. This camera also has an 88-degrees field of view.
The Lorex 1080p HD Smart Indoor Camera is compatible with both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. It records at a 1080p resolution. To extend the range of view, its head can move spontaneously, ensuring a 135-degrees field of view.
Power & Installation Options
The Night Owl 4 Channel 1080p Camera comes with a magnetic mounting base that makes installation easy. Moreover, to eliminate the need of replacing old batteries with new ones every once in a while, it resorts to an AC power source.
You don’t need to adjust your Wi-Fi router placement after you get the Night Owl 4 Channel 1080p Camera. No matter where your router is, this camera can connect to the Wi-Fi network using its 300 Feet wireless range.
Night Vision, Motion Detection & Audio
The Night Owl 4 Channel 1080p Camera features 2-Way-Audio. You can use this Indoor IP Camera as an intercom via the mobile app or any smart Device.
The Lorex 1080p HD Smart Indoor Camera comes with multiple LED lights that enable it to cover a 33 feet range at night. On the other hand, the Night Owl 4 Channel 1080p Camera can only cover 20 feet at night. It also features a 2-way audio option. You can both talk and listen to others in your home using its built-in microphone.
Footage Storage, Memory Capacity and Streaming
The Night Owl 4 Channel 1080p Camera comes with a dedicated slot for a Micro SD card. You don’t need to buy the SD card separately because the model comes with a 16GB card.
However, when compared to its Lorex counterpart, it falls short by a big margin, as the Lorex 1080p HD Smart Indoor Camera comes with a 256 GB SD card. Moreover, it works seamlessly with the Lorex Home app. After you buy this camera, flip it over, scan the QR code with the Lorex Home app, and it will automatically complete the connection with the app.
Technical Comparison
| Night Owl 4 Channel 1080p Camera | Lorex 1080p HD Smart Indoor Camera | |
| Video Resolution | 1080p | 1080p |
| Night Vision Range | 20 Feet | 33 Feet |
| Internal Storage | 16 GB Micro SD | 256 GB |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant | Google Assistant & Amazon Alexa |
| Pan-Tilt | N/A | Yes |
| Zoom | N/A | Yes |
| Detection | Motion | Person |
| Viewing Angle | 88 degrees | 135 degrees |
The Verdict
Night Owl 4 Channel 1080p Camera
Model(s): WG4-1I-16SD
The Night Owl 4 Channel 1080p Camera is ultra-lightweight and can record 1080P videos. It is considered one of the best security cameras on the market. This AC powered wireless IP camera is suited for indoor use. With a wireless connectivity range of 300 Feet, you don’t need to worry about where you put it. Moreover, it comes with 16GB internalstorage.Lorex 1080p HD Smart Indoor Camera
Model(s): W261AQC-E
The Lorex 1080p HD Smart Indoor Camera is a ceiling mount camera that comes with a 256 GB SD Card. Connecting this Indoor IP Camera is easy, all you need to do is scan a QR code. Thanks to infrared LED lights, you get viewing coverage of 33 feet at night.Wired NVR Kit Head to Head
Night Owl 8 Channel 4K NVR
Lorex 8-Channel 4K 2TB PoE NVR
Model(s): N4K2-88BB
The Lorex 8-Channel 4K 2TB PoE NVR comes with support for 8 different channels. You can connect 8 security cameras with recording at a 4K resolution. Once you connect all 8 channels, you will have a 105-degrees field of view. It also gives you color night vision, as well as a built-in microphone. This NVR uses 50% less space than most other NVRs on the market.Pros
- L2 Color Boost Technology.
- Rapid Image Detection Technology (RID).
- 4K Video Resolution.
Cons
- Some users have complained about the power adapter.
Pros
- Comes with 2TB Video Storage.
- 130 Feet Color Night Vision.
- 90 Feet B&W Night Vision.
Cons
- Some users have complained about the quality of technical support.
Number of Channels, Resolution and Field of View
If you don’t have an investigator’s eye, don’t worry. The Night Owl 8 Channel 4K NVR can mount 8 separate 4K security cameras. In case you are planning on setting up multiple cameras, Night Owl should be your pick. You can arrange the Night Owl 8 Channel 4K NVR model with a group of 4,8 or 12 cameras.
On the other hand, the Lorex 8-Channel 4K 2TB PoE NVR also supports 8 channels. You can use it both indoors or outdoors. It is perfect for museums, office spaces, as well as for your home use.
Power & Installation Options
With the Night Owl 8 Channel 4K NVR, you can either program connected cameras for continuous recording, or record only when motion is detected. Regardless, you will get 1080p resolution footage, which is four times greater than the usual cameras, every time.
In comparison, the Lorex 8-Channel 4K 2TB PoE NVR can be used for live viewing as well as to check up on important motion captures. The Lorex 8-Channel 4K 2TB PoE NVR is very easy to set up. Its robust hard drive housing can withstand adverse climates easily.
Night Vision, Motion Detection & Audio
The Night Owl 8 Channel 4K NVR will make sure no detail goes unnoticed thanks to its L2 Color Boost Technology and Rapid Image Detection Technology (RID). At night, it covers 100 Feet. Managing and viewing footage from different devices is also easy, all you need to do is get the free Night Owl app.
Moreover, at night this NVR ensures your camera can cover 100 Feet.
At night, you will get black and white footage that covers 90-degrees.
Footage Storage, Memory Capacity and Streaming
The Night Owl 8 Channel 4K NVR comes with a 2TB Hard Drive. Now if you are wondering how big that is, according to some estimates, you can store 70 hours of 4K videos on it. That’s a lot of video footage! Moreover, advanced video compression technology ensures maximum encryption of captured footage.
On the flip side, the Lorex 8-Channel 4K 2TB PoE NVR also comes with a 2TB hard drive. Its HVEC video compression technology ensures less storage space and bandwidth is used.
Technical Comparison
| Night Owl 8 Channel 4K NVR | Lorex 8-Channel 4K 2TB PoE NVR | |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 2TB | 2TB |
| Dimension | 19.3 x 14.5 x 11.3 inches | 19.8 x 13.7 x 11.1 inches |
| Color Night Vision (CNV) | No (L2 Color Boost Technology) | Yes |
| Video Compression | Advanced Video Compression | HVEC |
| PoE connection | Yes (8 PoE ports) | Yes (8 100′ CAT5e Ethernet cables) |
| Cold Climate Capability | N/A | -22°F |
| Mounting Kits | N/A | 8 bullet camera mounting kits |
| Weight | 33.6 pounds | 32.5 pounds |
The Verdict
Night Owl 8 Channel 4K NVR
Lorex 8-Channel 4K 2TB PoE NVR
Model(s): N4K2-88BB
The Lorex 8-Channel 4K 2TB PoE NVR comes with support for 8 different channels. You can connect 8 security cameras with recording at a 4K resolution. Once you connect all 8 channels, you will have a 105-degrees field of view. It also gives you color night vision, as well as a built-in microphone. This NVR uses 50% less space than most other NVRs on the market.Wired DVR Kit Head to Head
Night Owl 8 Channel HD Video DVR
Model(s): WM-841-2MP
The Night Owl 8 Channel HD Video DVR comes with 8 different channels for accommodating 1080p security cameras, preferably bullets. This package comes with 4 weatherproof security cameras that are equipped to record at a 1080p HD resolution. To give its users more coverage, each camera has 100 feet night vision and 100-degree field of view.Lorex 4K Ultra HD 8-Channel Security DVR
Model(s): 4KA84-2
The Lorex 4K Ultra HD 8-Channel Security DVR has 2TB hard drive storage. Moreover, it also comes with 4 ultra-HD security cameras that have Color Night Vision technology and 4 power adapters. You can extend the reach of this NVR with 60 Feet BNC cables. All the cameras come with motion detection and voice command compatibility.Pros
- Supports 8 channels.
- Comes with 4 weatherproof indoor/outdoor cameras.
- Comes with H.264+ video compression technology.
Cons
- Some users have complained about the usability of the app.
Pros
- 4 power adapters.
- 4×60 ft BNC extension cables.
- 4x4K Ultra HD C841CA security cameras.
Cons
- Does not record audio.
Number of Channels, Resolution and Field of View
The Night Owl 8 Channel HD Video DVR includes 4 HD wired cameras. Each camera comes with 100 ft of night vision and a 100° wide viewing angle.
On the other hand, the 4K Ultra HD 8-Channel Security DVR also has 8 channels and 4x4K Ultra-HD Bullet cameras.
Power & Installation Options
After you are done setting up the Night Owl 8 Channel HD Video DVR, you can access your cameras and stored footage by using the free mobile app. Setup is a breeze as the app can automatically detect any Night Owl device that's close by. You can also use the CMS software that comes with it.
The 4K Ultra HD 8-Channel Security DVR is compatible with Google Assistant, Apple TV, Amazon Alexa, and Chromecast. Unlike other DVR models, this device is hard-wired, thus eliminating the possibility of Wi-Fi network disruptions.
Night Vision, Motion Detection & Audio
The Night Owl 8 Channel HD Video DVR comes with smart motion detection. Upon detecting an undesired movement, this system will send motion alerts to your smart device instantly.
Similarly, the 4K Ultra HD 8-Channel Security DVR also comes with Smart Motion Detection, as well as color night vision.
Footage Storage, Memory Capacity and Streaming
The Night Owl 8 Channel HD Video DVR has a 1TB HDD. Furthermore, it is equipped with H.264+ compression technology for saving storage and bandwidth.
On the flip side, the Lorex 4K Ultra HD 8-Channel Security DVR comes with double the storage capacity: 2 TB HDD. Moreover, H.264+ compression allows for better encryption of data.
Technical Comparison
| Night Owl 8 Channel HD Video DVR | Lorex 4K Ultra HD 8-Channel Security DVR | |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 1 TB HDD | 2 TB HDD |
| Dimension | 17.8 x 11.5 x 7.4 inches | 20 x 14 x 11 inches |
| Color Night Vision (CNV) | N/A | Yes |
| Video Compression | H.264+ | N/A |
| PoE connection | N/A | N/A |
| App | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Control | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 12.03 pounds | 2.47 ounces |
The Verdict
Night Owl 8 Channel HD Video DVR
Model(s): WM-841-2MP
The Night Owl 8 Channel HD Video DVR comes with 8 different channels for accommodating 1080p security cameras, preferably bullets. This package comes with 4 weatherproof security cameras that are equipped to record at a 1080p HD resolution. To give its users more coverage, each camera has 100 feet night vision and 100-degree field of view.Lorex 4K Ultra HD 8-Channel Security DVR
Model(s): 4KA84-2
The Lorex 4K Ultra HD 8-Channel Security DVR has 2TB hard drive storage. Moreover, it also comes with 4 ultra-HD security cameras that have Color Night Vision technology and 4 power adapters. You can extend the reach of this NVR with 60 Feet BNC cables. All the cameras come with motion detection and voice command compatibility.
2 Comments
Crystal
Is this outdoor cameras?
Daniel Henderson
Hi Crystal,
Yes, the cameras included in the Wired DVR and NVR kits listed are typically for out outdoor use. The IP cameras listed would not be suitable for outdoor as they are not waterproof.
Hope this helps
Daniel