Hikvision, Dahua and HiLook Compared

Who they are

Hikvision and Dahua are two of the largest security camera manufacturers in the world, both based in China. HiLook is a budget brand made by Hikvision. Between them, they make a large share of the cameras installed in Australian homes and businesses, and many other brands are built on their hardware.

Picture quality

At the same resolution and price point, Hikvision and Dahua cameras are close. Both make excellent 4K cameras and both make cheap ones. The model matters much more than the brand. A good 4K camera from either will show faces and number plates clearly. A budget 4MP camera from either will not show as much detail at a distance.

HiLook uses Hikvision technology in simpler cameras with fewer features, at a lower price. For a straightforward home system, HiLook is often good value.

Night vision

Both brands make cameras that show colour at night instead of black and white infrared. Hikvision calls its range ColorVu and Dahua calls its range Full-color. They use a wide aperture lens and a sensitive sensor, plus a small warm light, to keep colour in low light. Colour at night makes it far easier to describe clothing and vehicles.

Smart detection

Hikvision’s AcuSense and Dahua’s WizSense both sort people and vehicles from other movement, so a tree in the wind or a possum does not set off an alert. Both work well when the camera and the recorder are the same brand.

Active deterrence

Both brands make cameras with strobe lights, a siren and a speaker. Dahua’s range is sold as TiOC. Hikvision has deterrence versions within its ColorVu and AcuSense ranges. Either works for a driveway or shed.

Security and government restrictions

Some governments, including the United States, have restricted Hikvision and Dahua equipment in government and defence use, and Australian federal departments removed some of these cameras from government buildings in 2023. That is a decision for government sites and some businesses with specific obligations.

For a home or small business, the bigger practical risk with any brand is bad setup: default passwords, old firmware and ports opened on the router for remote viewing. We change every password, update firmware and set up remote viewing without opening ports, whichever brand is used. If you would rather avoid these brands entirely, tell us and we will quote an alternative.

Our view

Pick the camera for the job, not the logo. We use whichever brand gives the best result for the position and budget, and the quote names the exact models so you can look them up.

Questions people ask

Can I mix brands on one recorder?

Often, using the ONVIF standard. Live view and recording usually work. Smart features like person detection may only work when camera and recorder are the same brand.

Which app is easier to use?

Both Hik-Connect and DMSS are straightforward once set up. We install whichever matches the system and show you how to use it.

Are these cameras made in China?

Yes. Hikvision and Dahua are Chinese manufacturers, and HiLook is a Hikvision brand.