What DVR to buy. Want to use Hikvision for remot access

[jmctighe]

What DVR would you guy recommend me getting? I would be looking for one that at least can support 4 cameras but do need one which has DDNS so i can use it with Hikvision. What would you guys use?

 

[Kieran]

Hi,

For up to four Hikvision cameras, I'd recommend the Hikvision DS-7604NI-E1-4P four channel NVR.
https://www.use-ip.co.uk/hikvision-ds-7604ni-e1-4p.html

If you envision any more, then the DS-7608NI-E2-8P would be your next best option.
https://www.use-ip.co.uk/hikvision-ds-7608ni-e2-8p.html

These NVRs support Hikvision's free HiDDNS service, as well as DynDNS and No-IP which are commonly used DDNS offerings. I would suggest a Hikvision NVR if you're planning on using Hikvision cameras for optimal compatibility.

If you're planning on running 4x 4MP cameras, I'd steer clear of the DS-7604NI-E1-4P. It has been our experience that the NVR begins to struggle and can't handle the four cameras reliably if they're running at 4MP, with 12+ frames per second. The 7608 would be the one if that's the case.

 

[jmctighe]

Thanks Kieran

Those were the ones i was looking at. Also they only want 2 cameras with a max of 3 possibly.

What cameras would you recommend to go with this box (outside ones) and what size hard drive would you recommend.

Thanks

 

[Kieran]

I'd go with either a selection of cameras from Hikvision's 3MP or 4MP cameras at the moment - very popular, and very cost effective.
https://www.use-ip.co.uk/hikvision/4mp

Hard drive is a little harder to spec as it depends on how long you'd like to retain recordings for. You'd want approximately 2TB of storage space for 14 days.
https://www.use-ip.co.uk/western-digital

I'd suggest you have a look at some bandwidth and storage calculators to give you an approximation of your storage needs
The calculator embedded in our blog
Hikvision's own Disk Calculator