Amcrest 4K IP PoE Cameras + NVR Review - Video Quality Comparison between Turret, Dome, Turret

[@speedracer9132]

I’m so happy to see you reviewing more non-subscription cameras

[@LifeHackster]

:)...

[@sickegg2000]

Finally some reviews for Amcrest! Another great review, I have been using Amcrest for few years, I like them a lot. Anyways, please also review their new door bell when you can! Thanks

[@GoferZeroSix]

This is BEST real life test I have ever seen. This should be the standard and KZbin should give you a gold play button just because.

[@porscheturbo_911]

Finally found someone that did a nice job on camera reviews. Thank you!

[@HomeAutomationX]

I agree there should be an easier way to save as MP4. But if you play back the recorded video using the App, you can click the record button while it's playing. It sends it to "My Saved Files" in the App menu. Hold down on the image and it gives you options to save it locally as an MP4

[@LifeHackster]

That is what I actually did to get the footage for this video.. I used the app..I did have a clip showing how I did it but i decided to chunk it during editing.. the video is too long already.. I’ll probably show it in my future videos. Thanks.

[@Cc-nj2zm]

I luv u guyz

[@hernandezyo1971]

Gracias

[@fpsidiotg6955]

Thanks! Just bought the Turret style. I'm not new to video security systems but was having bad luck with a GW Security. I really like your review. It made me comfortable with Amcrest. Thank You!

[@quaternion-pi]

You objectively review all the features important to me in evaluating camera systems. I've made several purchases based on your reviews. The only reason I would buy a 4K camera is to be able to zoom in for daylight details - your reviews always include this. Few cameras seem to perform well at night. Review of some quality optical zoom IP POE cameras would be great. Excellent work, thanks!

[@LifeHackster]

Thank you. I appreciate it.

[@quaternion-pi]

@11 11 Identifying someone at night has always been a challenge for my camera systems...floodlights, extra IR or not. And when they wear hoodies, even more difficult. The idea seems to be to 'encourage' the bad ones to move on to easier pickings after they see a few cameras on the outside. But I appreciate your feedback.

[@LifeHackster]

Quaternion - I am a proponent of color recording at night and as you see in my test, I always try to add and see how it looks if you have motion lights at night..even if the BG wear hooded jackets.. at least you will see and report to the police what color their jackets, pants, shoes and skin color are..just to help in identifying them.

[@quaternion-pi]

@@LifeHackster My most useful night camera use is as a license plate reader (LPR) - using an optical zoom, low light sensor camera zoned in on a very small area, and with custom camera settings and placement angle to prevent too much light or blur. My $200 Dahua camera easily does night LPR. However, I agree with you that color night vision is awesome. Our police would not do anything with video which only showed a 'color x' hoodie, sunglasses, with no identifying face. In CA police treat burglary as very low priority - even if caught, they are back on the street very quickly with negligible consequences. I want them to see my outside cams and move on; I am under no delusion that it will deter a determined bad guy.

[@jcm9698]

@@LifeHackster though you try to for color night recording (which is not always feasible for everyone), you still may want to do some reviews of IR floodlights to enhance night time recording - giving us, the viewer more options to consider. You may also want to look at the non-sexier low tech solutions to protecting a home, like door frame reinforcements and other products that prevent doors and windows from being easily busted in.

[@pcourmier]

As I have the 8k cameras, it was nice to see an actual footage review. most people think that cause it says 5mp, 8mp , 4k etc. that you will get that Hollywood NSA facial ID type of image . I recently moved one of my cameras to my deck . set it at max res and have the TV set to 4k aswell and at 16 foot. an amd video card box was still not clearly able to be read. the zoom pretty much distorts everything. have a camera facing the chicken coop at around 25 feet or so that i can use to watch the chickens when i want, but they are still not clear, crisp etc. and these cameras are 100-110$ ea.

[@MrTolcher]

hey hackster, the RCA plugs are for hooking up external mics and speakers for audio/two way audio. I would love to see a follow up vid on these on these features! Great content as always and thank you!

[@LifeHackster]

I’ll check it out and see how this is setup. Thanks.

[@meerkatattack]

Very well done. Good attention to detail. Thank you. Amcrest looks just like the Q-SEE system that I have. Box, UI, Cameras -- everything!

[@MrJet30]

good review thanks, as i am exploring my security options

[@phillipallen8719]

So many cameras to pick from thank you for all the reviews

[@Corgitronics]

Thank you for the reviews! I have the AmCrest turret camera and the NVR 4108Ee-HS. I agree with the turret camera and find it to have good quality video and audio. My NVR doesn't have any noticable fan noise, but I really don't like the controls and features. I'm planning to replace the NVR with Blue Iris, that's in progress.

[@LifeHackster]

Yes that is the model of NVR that I have. The Reolink and Swann NVRs doesn’t have a fan and it is basically quiet..

[@sibaroochi]

@@LifeHackster Do you install blue iris on the existing Amcrest NVR?

[@gojeffgordon24]

Turret camera was pretty good all around and I like the audio was fairly loud and you could hear what was going on. That is my main gripe with the Reolink 4K camera.

[@LifeHackster]

Yes the turret performed pretty good.. it is a bit grainier than the other 2 in low light but it is still good.

[@gojeffgordon24]

I noticed it was as good at night and seemed to have a little ghosting effect. Seemed to be the best of them in the day and the mic was great. I’ll give up a little night clarity for the other two pros personally. If possible I would love to see a comparison of ones from what they say is a professional site. I see ads for Backstreet surveillance and wonder if they are as good as they claim to be. Great job on the review as always.

[@PIe4Weebl]

Thanks for doing this review, it was very helpful!

[@MenonitaMexicana]

Looking to buy a system after my door was smashed with a rock. By the looks of it the turret is better right? looking at either turret or the dome

[@joeh3445]

For using outside go with turret or bullet not dome style.

[@MenonitaMexicana]

Joe H thank you!!

[@Chewyfood]

im fairly certain that the glare in your dome camera is due to it being installed below a ridge. Dome cameras need to be installed away from any walls (e.g. a corner install) or overhangs/ridges, or else you will get the glare you experienced.

[@edwardgreenjr167]

One other item to note on the cameras - you can adjust the FPS if you throttle down the resolution. Most 8K cameras on the market, not just Amcrest, are limited to 15FPS at 4K. I'm curious how much of a clarity hit you would take using the same sensor, but filming at say 1440P at a higher framerate. For someone trying to catch fast moving details, like a license plate, a higher frame rate could be more important. It's something I'd like to see get tested, either with this model or a future review. If it's found to make a difference maybe that could be included in your testing suite going forward. Otherwise great review as always.

[@LifeHackster]

I might need to test this in future videos..

[@Crivoh]

What would you recommend is the best poe security cam for outdoor with motion alerts to your phone

[@lewisvilletexas]

I got IR reflection from the overhang the camera was mounted under. I just painted that area black and it stopped the IR reflection back into the lens.

[@braydenjessen7549]

Do you prefer the Amcrest or Reolink? Have you compared Unifi cameras? I was currently trying to decide between the Unify cams so they integrate with the new Unifi network I'm going to setup or with Amcrest. Unifi stuff has had bad backorders lately and is expensive. I also don't like how Unify is all proprietary where if I go Amcrest, I can always add other brands down the road and use something like BlueIris. Now watching your videos, makes me wonder if I should consider Reolink?

[@layol692k7]

great review as always.

[@LifeHackster]

Thank you.

[@markh8921]

Daytime video looks good..👍how good is the zoom in feature...the night vision definitely does not do 100 to 130ft..👎...its good they offer a sd card option so u don’t have to hear the fan noise..I agree about the video format not being user friendly to share...I still perfer the app base cams where it just takes a few clicks to download & share video via text or email within sec’s..

[@richardkuhn4358]

good job great audio on turrent

[@LifeHackster]

Yes it does..pretty good audio.

[@tonyb282]

Great video. How are these cameras compared to similar reolink cameras?

[@33kevinp]

I've been considering this Amcrest system, but have been on the fence due to a few unknowns (internet shopping can have its challenges!). This video was so helpful, so well thought out, and well done. I'm buying one of these after watching this video. Thank you LifeHackster!

[@michaejlt]

Great review!

[@LifeHackster]

Thanks.

[@kahloy1]

good video. thank you. how do you connect a MIC to speak out to the cameras? I saw the RCA connections on the back of the NVR, but didn't see that being activated.

[@simbobby03]

Thank you for the Honest & Excellent review. Appreciate if you able to do a full review for ZOSI 4k UHD security camera system (available in Amazon)

[@LifeHackster]

I’ll check it out and see. Thanks.

[@patrickbentley9687]

you should download the nvr pc app it allows for easier conversion right from the app for export...i have a nvr as well but control and scrub footage using a pc because i really dislike the nvr controls thanks i may add a few of the turrets near the entry doors of the house just for the mic inputs

[@LifeHackster]

Thanks for the tip. I’ll try that next time.

[@AP-eh6gr]

hey great review thanks. I'm assuming the NVR does the usual overwrite of the HD by erasing oldest content when it starts to get full?

[@scuba6797]

Robotic voice! When I seen a person actually talking it blew my mind! What reality is this.

[@LifeHackster]

Yup that is reality...

[@scuba6797]

@@LifeHackster Or VR I dunno maybe I'm stuck in the Matrix!

[@doctoratif7758]

Lifehackster, can you please suggest an indoor wifi wireless camera that can record/save footage directly offline to an external usb hard drive connected to the WiFi router without the internet. Please answer me.

[@LifeHackster]

I haven’t seen or tested one yet that has that features.

[@cesalope]

Great video, I have a question, ¿these cameras can also work with another DVR brand like Hikvision?

[@ericmknsana2608]

👍 Thank you for this great & informative video it really helps me in making the right decision when buying the cameras. So far I like the turret camera with the built in microphone that allows recording of audio. With that in mind, can we easily mount the turret camera on a ceiling as well as a wall without the image being flipped upside down or sideways?

[@iCANT_BELIEVE_YOU_SAID_THAT]

With a 4K TV, will you be able to look at license plate clearer and more in focus?

[@LifeHackster]

Yes.

[@iCANT_BELIEVE_YOU_SAID_THAT]

@@LifeHackster Thanks.

[@dbdavbass15]

Hi, the bullet and turret cameras look identical to Lorex ones. Do you know what Lorex Nvr works with them? I have a lnb6100x 4K Nvr. Keep up the great work!

[@LifeHackster]

I’m not sure about which Lorex NVR though..I haven’t tested Lorex products yet. Thank you.

[@lockergr]

So you are supposed to run a cord from outside to inside? Professional install then to hide the cords? I do not understand how they do this.

[@LifeHackster]

Either route the wires in the ceiling/attic or use pipe/conduit to encase the cables.

[@rayflexentertainment1545]

Nice review .. how do u compare this with the Reolink cameras ?

[@LifeHackster]

Reolink system is a better choice for me.

[@mrobvious1100]

If a person is looking for a four or eight camera with POE does it really make a big difference to choose 4K over 5-megapixel. I definitely think I have more interest in getting 30 frames per second but it is not a deal-breaker

[@jimfl47]

The night vision looks bad because you have them too high. The brightness on the white fascia board is saturating the lens. Also, DAV format is necessary for evidence in a court of law. MP4 is not allowed since it can be easily modified. I agree, the NVR should have the DAV to MP4/AVI converter installed in it for download as well.

[@nickiyang1159]

Do you have done any recent reviews or videos on reolink dome and amcreast dome?

[@geomatrix5452]

Hi, your reviews are excellent and to the point. Thanks. I'm wondering if you can do a review and demo of the Amcrest 4MP Outdoor PTZ POE + IP Camera Pan Tilt Zoom (Optical 12x Motorized) UltraHD POE+ Camera Security Speed Dome, CMOS Image Sensor with 328ft Night Vision. I've got my eye on the camera and am looking for an honest review and demo. Thank you.

[@netpasya]

I have this Amcrest system and I've had it for over a year. It works great. I have a few 4K dome cameras and they too are great. I was wondering what your thoughts are on supposed professional systems like "backstreet-surveillance" and "Nelly's Security" as opposed to these consumer grade systems (Amcrest, Lorex, Swann, etc...). The Amcrest works fine for me and I don't foresee a problem with it. People who know security seem to think the consumer grade systems won't last, the video is not as crisp, etc... What do you think?

[@lockergr]

Wish he had answered this. Maybe he will see it now!

[@Vlfkfnejisjejrjtjrie]

@@lockergr may be he will see it in 2022?

[@netpasya]

@@Moonbeam68x I did end up with the Amcrest system. It worked great. I replaced 1 camera that went bad (warranty replacement). The videos were super sharp. The system was just as good and reliable as the very expensive one that we have at work. I recommend it hands down. My tip is to get good cameras, not necessarily their most expensive, but decent ones. They also have very cheap cameras. By the way, I'm writting in past tense because I did sell my house and I left the system for the new owner. He appreciated it. He has kids, a dog, the house has a pool, etc...

[@mrobvious1100]

Hello I would like to know since you guys seem to think favorably of amcrest is there any reason why someone should try to get 4k cameras instead of 5 megapixel cameras especially to get that 30 frames-per-second daytime recording? What NVR would you settle for to use with four or eight amcrest bullet and toret cameras.

[@huanvanhuynh]

Lorex seem comparable with armcrest and reolink. Pls review lorex especially from Costco which is easy for viewers to buy one if passed your review. Thanks

[@dryii]

Unfortunately you did a sub-par review of the dome. I have two of them and they have a full 180 degrees of adjust-ability and can be pointed in any direction 5:05. Also your glare is likely due to the dome being dirty and not "limited adjustability" 11:55. I had the same problem. Try cleaning it off with a microfiber cloth and good glass cleaner, even if it looks OK during daytime video. Using 'Amcrest Surveillance Pro' on your PC an owner has the ability to save video in a few formats, including AVI and MP4. It works well.

[@LifeHackster]

Have you tried installing it like in a wall or vertical install? You will not be able to tilt the camera down...It has 180 degrees if in a ceiling..having a dirty dome is very plausible when you install it because you open up the camera..exposing it to the elements.. comparing the other 2 ( bullet and turret) which you just screw them in without opening the camera and only one screw to adjust unlike the dome which you will need a small Phillips screw driver aside from the torx screw...also I don’t think It is a subpar review..it is a complete review making the dome limited in installation options as compared to the other 2 cameras.

[@dryii]

OK, let me rephrase. Personally I didn't have the amount of concerns you did with the dome cameras. While they do have additional screws because of the vandal resistant design, I still found them very similar to the turret camera to install. The outside of the dome is what led to my IR 'glare' issue. Fingerprints and dust play a large part, from what I've discovered. It was unrelated to opening up the camera for install. I did install in my soffit (ceiling type mount). Are you aware it can be adjusted clockwise/counter-clockwise in addition to side-to-side? This will allow the tilt you mention is missing. Also in my case I didn't need a Phillips for adjustment, but some people might. I don't think this was a bad review. I am thanking for helpful videos like these. Outside of your personal experience and opinion, I found some statements are not 100% accurate related to the device which is what prompted my initial comment.

[@LifeHackster]

Douglas York II - hey no issues with me..this is what I actually like..a critique..but I want you to try installing it in a wall or vertical install so that you will know what I’m talking about.. they designed it when you install it in a wall, the tilt will only make it turn left or right not up or down..you can turn the lens 180 degrees but in a vertical plane it is not usable..the only thing I tried but it didn’t work was the 90 degree flip on the NVR settings but it doesn’t work.. you can flip the image 180 but not 90 degrees..this is why I said the dome is designed for a ceiling install making it limited in installation options...

[@bushratahir4905]

Do you know about galaxy 4k 4 channel ip camera with nvr ?? How is the quality?plz reply me.i m waiting your reply. Thanks

[@CMK-Security]

I thought that 8mp turret has a Starlight Sensor? Anything good you could recommend in that area?

[@sillie1020]

Lifehackater- Is it possible to install bullet to the eaves of the house vs wall?

[@LifeHackster]

Yes.

[@Traveler-PKK]

have you compared the Ring wireles to the Amcrest POE? It seems like Amcrest says 98ft night vision but after 15 feet it became blurry..

[@maurop.garciafuneralhomesi5087]

So these cameras do not require wifi? and are they compatible with an app for your phone?

[@ram64man]

Sir can you review a setup that is compatible with if this than that setups e.g when away to save disk space or privacy if a door or movement sensor is triggered then start recording

[@bingbong6578]

Did you fix the swan system yet?

[@LifeHackster]

I’m in the process of contacting them.

[@bobbda]

Will this work decently to capture outdoors from inside through a window?

[@edwardssistershands]

They all use the imx274 sensor. Should all perform the same other than their respective form factors.

[@AceHardy]

👑

[@LifeHackster]

Thanks.

[@HiFiMods]

The DVR is doing a DUET w/ the Fridge... LMAO!!! ;))

[@HaimGreen]

Sport for that , but, if you install sd card , what do you need the cable for ? Only power to the , so what do you do with the others cable ???

[@mboiko]

I believe the Amcrest Turret camera is made by Dahua or Hikvision...

[@LifeHackster]

It might be..they seem look the same.

[@Errr717]

It's made by Dahua.

[@mboiko]

@@Errr717 Thanks Ed..someone told me a while back they were Dahua cameras but I just forgot about it over time.

[@OcalaCarAudio]

Do you still have to use internet explorer to view on a PC? I have an Amcrest DVR and have to use internet explorer as it does not work on chrome or edge. Hope to get a NVR to use in chrome or edge.

[@smileychess]

I don't know about their NVR, but the web interface on their cameras directly, it works fine with Chrome.

[@237311]

Hows Amcrest 4k compare to Lorex and Arlo 4k cameras?

[@700horses]

Thank you for all of your great content!! I have question... Have you had a chance to test the AMCrest Turret camera at night, but with the night vision disabled to be able to get color night vision (just like you did with the Ring Spotlight). Thanks!

[@khalidchoukri1789]

Which system would you recommend Reolink vs swann vs Amcrest?

[@nikhilrupal1378]

I have had all 4K systems before and the Reolink is a clear winner in my eyes with the 4K d800 but I believe they have bullet style too

[@Vlfkfnejisjejrjtjrie]

The intro sounds very similar to "The IT Crowd"

[@anhdeptrai3622]

Reolink beat it with the easy download footage mp4 format

[@LifeHackster]

True..the amcrest App is decent..the Reolink still has more features in the app though.

[@joseperez-kh6sp]

Swan is better

[@lachyelmulatiko7435]

So whats the best camera system out there that doesn't connect to wifi, to install outside

[@smileychess]

I've seen some reviews that show Reolink and Amcrest as being very close. But Reolink tends to be a bit lower cost, and in some environments higher picture quality. But Amcrest is a bit easier to use, supposedly.

[@Bulldog_DK]

i have a ? for you how much internet to the 4 4k cam use when the are in recording life?? please let me know sinse ive got very low net speed 50% lower this year?? mmm max speed50mb D 20mb up! max. and i need to use my pc too when my cams is in use! :D tnx

[@opentrunk]

They all sound like a huge PITA to me.

[@psfgtech]

Bingo, you saved me time- I’ll look at your reolink

[@tucarrosv]

This cam have starlight?

[@mobgma]

does it encode it for x265 for smaller file formats?

[@LifeHackster]

Yes it can.. you can change it in the settings..

[@rltgamer4766]

Can anyone confirm with me.. Amcrest is made by dahua, and Swann is made by Hikvision??

[@theflyerpr40d]

I think you don’t cover the time for notifications. How long it takes for the push notification? And how long it take for live view after the notification? Thanks.

[@paulpeter6229]

I was a customer for this company for more than two years because I stuck with the cameras and I spent too much money on them DVR and Wi-Fi and both are horrible you have to restart your system at least twice a week and most of the time you have to delete the camera and re add the camera, it’s not make a difference between a cat or a tree or a human vision at night is useless and if you go vacation you need to find somebody to go to your house to restart the system and mostly there’s not going to connect to your Internet unless you delete and re add the cameras one by one again.

[@Rockaland2]

I think amcrest is a debaged Dahua camera system.. Dahua is more commercial and professional.

[@LifeHackster]

I really need to check out these dahua and hikvision brands..

[@alaskaaudioguy35]

They look identical to the Lorex cameras exactly the same

[@8bittimetraveler834]

Did they find the shoes of the wife of marcos?

[@sto2779]

why are you looking down at your left shoulder to see the floor markings? It's literally on your right side. You're just making ur head twist even further to see the floor markings by look to your left shoulder... Also Amcrest is garbage, their software might be good but hardware is terrible, I just returned their 5MP camera extremely laggy and slow with the frame rates at 5MP.

[@imconfused1237]

Bit of feedback: You have a habit of finishing every sentence by lowering your tone. That is really annoying and distracting to listen to.

[@jorgetrujillo3936]

Great material, but the up and down tone is torture.

[@stupidusername38]

So near yet so far. No hard drive and only camera that records audio. Glad I went with reolink