Swann - 8 Channel 1TB NVR, 4 x 4K PoE Cameras, w/Dual LED Spotlights, Color Night Vision and Free Face Recognition - White

I’ve owned several security systems over the years, both wired and wireless, but this is my first from Swann and also the first NVR system I’ve had that supports 4K video recording. This kit comes with 4 wired cameras, though has 8 channels total, so you can add up to four additional wired IP cameras. The cameras are weatherproof for indoor or outdoor use and have a sturdy metal housing that is adjustable in pitch and rotation. Note that this recorder does not support wireless cameras and ethernet cables will need to be run from each camera to the NVR unit; the system ships with 4 pre-terminated sixty-foot length ethernet cables. These wires carry video and audio data from the cameras to the NVR and also deliver power to them, so you won’t need a separate power cord plugged into an electrical socket for each camera, as you would with DVR cameras. You’ll also need to provide your own TV or computer monitor to hook up to the NVR in order to view the camera feeds and configure the system. If you’re not comfortable running wires or setting up this system on your own, Swann includes an InstallerNet activation card for a professional service installer who will come out do the installation, set up your account, and teach you how to use your new security system. This “gift card” covers installation labor and services, though the service may still require additional fees or purchase depending on your specific needs. Setting up the NVR is straightforward and basically plug-and-play. Just connect the included power adapter, camera ethernet cables, USB mouse, and connect to a router and screen, and you’ll be ready to configure the system. You can optionally connect the NVR to a router (via its ethernet WAN port or a USB WiFi antenna) for internet connectivity for access to features like remote camera viewing and cloud backup, though it’s not strictly necessary in order to use the system, as it will function just fine offline for local recordings to the pre-installed 1 TB hard drive. The 4K video feeds from the 5MP sensor cameras are very clear and crisp. Since they are high-definition you can see a lot of detail, which is useful for identifying faces and reading text or license plates. The images have good contrast, color, and white balance, though in certain situations can look washed out, like on bright sunny days or if something is too close the camera. The field of view is about 90 degrees with just a tiny bit of fish-eye lens distortion at the corners, and the depth of field allows for objects to be clearly in focus even if they are pretty far away. The audio captured from the mics in the cameras is surprisingly loud and clear. At night, the cameras’ infrared lights automatically turn on and capture footage in “night vision” black and white. The infrared lights are advertised to illuminate objects up to 100-115 ft away, but be aware that the brightest illumination will be in the middle of the footage, and the perimeters of the video may not be illuminated well or at all. I found that in IR mode when something is in the foreground, the night vision will enhance it very brightly, though the closer it is to the camera, the more likely it is to look overexposed. You can also choose to trigger the spotlight LEDs via motion at night as a deterrent or if you prefer a color image instead. If you have a smartphone or tablet, you can download and install the Swann Security app to use for remote monitoring and on-demand photo and video capture. You will need to register for an account with Swann in order to use it. In the app you can view the live video streams, remotely trigger the deterrent LED lights and/or siren alarm, enable two-way push-to-talk communication through the speaker on the camera’s base, save recordings to your phone, and change modes (home, night, away). Each camera has a speaker built into its base and the audio it puts out is decently loud and clear enough to carry on a conversation. The app has limited capabilities though as you cannot change any of NVR’s nor camera settings through the app, for example, privacy zones, motion zones, alert triggers, smart AI features, etc. These settings can only be updated/modified using the NVR’s dashboard interface. If you’ve used any NVR/DVR security system before, you’ll find the interface to be fairly standard. It will feel very utilitarian and perhaps intimidatingly complex, with multiple tabs, sub-menus, check boxes, and form fields for each option. There are plenty of features and settings you can customize in the dashboard like AI facial recognition, heat sensor tracking and mapping, email push notifications, and audio/sound triggers. You can also enable free automatic cloud photo and video backup by linking your Dropbox account in the smartphone app, and there are no additional monthly/subscription fees. The one thing I did have trouble with was viewing recordings through the mobile app. Each time I opened a recorded event, the playback of it was choppy and oftentimes flickered constantly between live footage from multiple channels/cameras. While I was able to download and save recordings to my phone, I was unable to view them in the app. I had no issues viewing recordings on the NVR through the dashboard, and it was easy to select and transfer the clips I wanted to keep onto a USB thumb drive plugged into one of the USB ports on the front of the recorder. However, playback on a computer requires player software with the proper codec (H.265) to decode and view the video files (.AVI/.MP4/.RF) which I had to download separately. Also, keep in mind that this NVR only saves video footage in which a motion and/or sound event occurred per your selected settings. The cameras do not record all footage 24/7. This reduces the amount of total footage recorded, saving hard drive space, and allows you to quickly review footage with only activity of interest. Since the cameras can use heat sensors, AI recognition of people, faces, and vehicles, in addition to customizable levels and areas of motion sensitivity, you can reduce or eliminate false alerts/triggers like trees and plants moving in the wind, flickering shadows, and changes in lighting conditions. This helped a lot to avoid nuisance alarms and notifications and cut down on the number of recordings where nothing of importance was seen. Overall, this NVR security system is one of the most sophisticated ones that I have used, and allows me to customize how and when the cameras record different kinds of events, monitor and review footage remotely or interact with the camera from anywhere with an internet connection, gives me access to on-demand two-way communication with any camera, activate deterrents like flashing spot lights or loud siren, and lets me save footage locally or back it up to the cloud without additional fees or a monthly subscription. Setup was straightforward, and although running the wires can take a bit of time, the quality and consistency of the 4K footage and responsiveness of the system when accessing it remotely, was worth the bit of extra effort.

This is my first NVR security system. I am familiar with security systems installation and their operations, having installed a couple of older DVR systems in the past, both from Swann and other competing brands. For a long time I’ve had an eye on NVR’s, partly due to the higher resolution, and partly because its simpler, cleaner install if you were to run cables through the wall. Recently the price for NVR systems have dropped significantly making them the more affordable option. The easiest way to differentiate the NVR from a DVR is the way the camera’s connect. On a NVR (assuming you are using Power over Ethernet) - there is only one cable that powers your camera and provides a video connection. A DVR security camera system would use 2 cables, one for the video and one for power. The other difference between the system is that an NVR is all digital recording, and a DVR is an analog signal that gets recorded. Regardless of what system you use, you will need to run cables either through the walls, or tacked to the corners of your wall using wire holders or wire staples. While DVR security systems these days achieve 4K signal, generally the quality of the image is much better on a 4K NVR. The sensor size for most NVR cameras are in the 3-5 megapixel range, and this is a 5 megapixel camera, but there are 8 megapixel NVR cameras available. NVR Cameras tend to use proprietary cameras, and it's harder to mix and match off-brand cameras with your security system. DVR cameras can accept most security cameras from other brands with little configuration. The fact remains, the OEM Swann cameras have never disappointed me. They are high quality and have lasted years in other installs. The Swann box comes with everything you will need to install your security camera, minus the drill bits. The box includes the NVR recorder with capacity of 1tb storage and supporting 8 cameras, a mouse, ethernet cables, 4 cameras and their corresponding wall fasteners, and 60 feet of ethernet cable for each of the cameras. If you are going to do a self install, as it was in my case. My original plan was to run the cables through the wall in areas where I could mount the camera to the outside. To facilitate that in-wall install, needed a couple more items - namely a hole saw drill bit, fish-tape or fish-wire, and bulk Cat5e cable, terminators and a lot of patience. Note, I used Cat5e cable, not Cat6 as they usually have the stiff cross shield seperator that makes bending hard. Alternatively you can use the cable provided, just cut the terminators off before you run it through the wall. Cat5e has plenty of bandwidth that Cat6 is not required for security cameras. In my case I could not use the provided network cable as in a few places my run was longer than 60 feet and as the cable heads would make fishing the ethernet cable through the wall a bit more cumbersome, I ran fresh bulk cable and terminated them with a crimping tool. Now, if that sounds all too complicated and unnecessary… Swann has a lovely solution - They provide a card inside your box that allows you to call pro-installers to install the security camera system for you through a service called “InstallerNet”. This is great, because a lot of people buy these systems and fret about trying to install the security system. Having this in the box helps customers not having to find a local help to install the system. Once you have run the cables, the rest of the process is actually quite simple. Plug in your cameras, provide power, connect your tv or display device and go through the setup process. The setup process is quite painless and very familiar. It's amazing how similar it is to the older Swann DVR systems, although with better icons. You do not need an internet connection but it helps, as you can register your device, and it will update to the latest firmware. An internet connection also allows you to remotely monitor your cameras. Swann NVR connects to the internet via the dedicated WAN ethernet port, but one can get a Swann Wifi Dongle to allow for wireless connection. The security system has a lot of interesting features, including face recognition, person and object detection. The cameras all have LED motion lights that light up when motion or heat is detected at night. The LED lights will turn off the infrared sensors to provide a color image at night. The cameras also have a microphone on the bottom to record sound and also allow talk through the system . The cameras have a field of view of 90 degrees, which is acceptable. The Android and iOS Swann remote access apps are simple to install and use. What used to be several confusing and similarly named Swann apps, is now “Swann Security App”. The setup process for the app is easy, register your account and scan the ‘QR code” on the top of your NVR (also on DVRs) that will allow you to remotely connect to your security cameras remotely. This feature does require an active internet connection and provides a peace of mind when you are away from your home or business. You can configure your camera settings, review footage, listen and talk through your cameras. Overall, I am very happy with the Swann NVR. The install was tedious but smooth, the camera image quality is fantastic. There are no complaints here. Swann has been in the business for a long time and I have personal experience with them for over 10 years, and it's never been a let down. If you were considering a security system for your home or business, Swann should be on the top of your list. What I like: * Came with everything you need to do an install, including a mouse * It is Wifi Capable, though you need the Swann Dongle ($30) * Camera quality is good, very sharp, sensitivity is good, but day time color rendition felt flat. * Comes with a professional install ‘install pro’ code. What I didn't like: * The instructions were on 3 different coloured pages which were not numbered sequentially and only covered ‘android’, no iOS support literature in the box - but really the instructions are the same between the Android or iOS apps. * Not exactly sure if the system would work with non Swann based IP security cameras, but Swann does make a good set of add-on cameras that you can buy and add to the additional ports.

Swann camera systems are a great upgrade and addition to a home security system. This 8 channel, 4 camera system is a perfect match. These are wired cameras, and are connected and powered through an ethernet line. No other wiring or power is neccessary. Each camera comes with about 50 ft of ethernet line for the connections and hardware to mount the cameras. Each camera uses 3 screws to mount, and the ethernet cable just plugs into the back of the base station. Hardest part is just running the wiring. The base station must be connected via ethernet cable to a wifi receiver or directly into the modem or router in order to access the swann app. The base station comes with a mouse to navigate it with. Included plugs are an HDMI cable to be able to connect the base station to a monitor or tv, an ethernet cable to connect the base station to your home network, and a power cable that included a power brick. It does have a short heavy cable that plugs into the brick from the outlet, and a small power cable that runs from the brick to the base station. The base station side uses a plug similar to old school keyboard and mouse. Once booted up, your cameras are connected, and your video is connected to a monitor or tv, your camera feeds will display in smaller boxes on the display. You can view each one individually by double clicking on the camera feed you want to view. The base station comes with hundreds of settings and can be a bit boggling to figure out. Definitely take your time getting familiar with all of the settings. The showcase things for this camera system is definitely its 4k video for one. Hooking this base station up to a 4k tv will give you the best playback clarity, but even if not, the cameras are recording in 4k. The picture looks stunning and clear. The details are easy to see and definitely make a difference over say a wireless wifi cam. Second is the cameras ability to take great night footage. Its color clarity in the dark is sharp and not very grainy. Usually my camera is operating where we have garage lights, but the camera does not need them. Plus the camera can be adjusted for detection in dim lit areas to acrivate a flood light and red and blue led lights, which I feel helps deterr any malicious activity. Lastly is the two way speaker system accessible when using the app. There is a speaker in the base of the camera. The sound quality is pretty good and it is clear when talking through it. It can also be used to activate a bit of a siren that can go off with detection. Overall, with the 1TB hard drive, the high picture quality of the cameras, the slew of options available when navigating on the base station, access through the mobile app, and one wire installations make this camera system top notch for your home or business protection. Gone are the days of the "potato cam".. Also with the ability to add 4 more cameras to the system for 8 total makes this a worthwhile investment. Would highly recommend.

After installing and using the Swann Security system I have found the overall system performs much better than my older Swann DVR system but there are some shortcomings. Below I have tried to list out everything that I really liked about this set up as well as the items that I felt were problematic. This system uses digital cameras with ethernet cabling so it supports audio as well video. This is reason enough to get this system over any analog camera / DVR system out today. While the cameras support 4k resolution at 15 frames per second that resolution is only available when viewing the video directly on a 4k monitor/tv connected to the NVR. Any recording that is viewed on a mobile or remote device is a streamed at a much lower resolution. I included a photo so you can see the Main Stream, Sub Stream and Mobile Stream resolutions. Even at the lower resolution these cameras provide good imaging even when fully zoomed out. Also when recording in 4k it is at 15 frames per second which means the image can be little choppy when viewing anything that is moving fast. If you lower the camera resolution you can increase the fps so it’s a tradeoff of resolution vs frames per second. Luckily Swann gives you the ability to vary each camera’s resolution and frames per second so you can configure the cameras to meet your requirements. What I liked about the system: - Swann provides some quick setup documentation to get the system initialized and its relatively straight forward. To fully understand all the system’s features you should download the user manual which is a 137 page pdf with very detailed information. I highly recommend looking at the manual especially for setting up the alerts and notifications and recording schedules. If you don’t feel comfortable installing the cameras and system Swann also provides information on how to contact professionals to do the installation. - The 4k video images are sharp however the night images are not very colorful under normal lighting conditions. - The cameras record audio and the playback is in sync and sounds natural. - The ability to set up Detection zones and Privacy zones gives you a lot of flexibility as to what is recorded. - Alerts and email notifications were easy to set up and they work really well. - Swan offers a lot of AI type options such as package, car and face recognition but some of this comes at additional costs. - One of the major improvements in this NVR over my older DVR solution is that the Swan mobile app opens and displays the live camera feeds much faster. - Swann uses “modes” which allow you to set up different configurations for home, night and away. - The camera head can be rotated and angled on the mount to meet nearly any type of installation. Also, Swann improved the camera mounting by replacing the easily stripped out screws with new Allen key screws which are much nicer. - You can store your video locally or spend extra to use cloud storage. What I don’t like about the system: - I love using ethernet cables but the ones provided are extremely thin and there is no boot/cover over the plastic locking clip on the cable head. When you are running the cables through walls you must be very careful. Also, Swann provides a weather sealing jacket to seal the ethernet connection at the camera which is nice however the jacket is permanently attached to the camera’s cable so you are forced to provide a ¾ inch access hole if you mount the camera flush. So if you are replacing Analog cameras like I did be prepared to drill much bigger holes. - There is no built-in help feature or user guide in the main NVR configuration screens to explain what the various options are and why or how they would be used. - Setting up the motion detection on Swann cameras is more difficult than other cameras I have used. They seem to be much more sensitive to plant movement and rain which can create a lot of false alarms. - The mobile app doesn’t include all the options that are available in the main NVR configuration page nor does it match or mimic NVR configuration screens. - The cameras have a small viewing angle of 90 degrees. Many of today’s newer cameras have a 130 degree or more viewing angle which means they see a wider view of what is in front of it. - The supplied wired mouse is cheap and limits the distance you can sit from the controller. - This system only records detected activity and so far I have not found a way to have it record constantly like other systems do. The always recording feature would allow you to go back in time to see if there was something that occurred outside your detection zone. - The system only comes with a 1 tb drive so it will overwrite stored videos faster. Most systems come with at least a 2 tb drive.

I love this camera system. In the box you will find 4 cameras, the cables you need and the NVR or recorder. Only one rj45 cable is all you need from the camera to the NVR, the came cable powers the camera. It's the best Swann product I've ever used. The pictures are very clear and you can even see color night shots in low lit areas. The picture quality is the best thing I love about it. The phone app works great and I get alerts anytime motion is detected. I recommend this anytime

Great product and customer service. Very happy with my security cameras quality and value added to my home

Good quality and simple setup. Everything I needed and very informative instructions helped for a very easy D.I.Y install. Very happy with my purchase and would recommend to anyone.

Easy install, easy to use. Good value. Clear picture............