"Best" Domestic Hikvision set up in 2025

[Ben@Elec-Inn]

Hi everyone.

I've had a Hikvision system installed at home for 7 years.

Time has come to upgrade the system and take advantage of some of the new features.

I'd like to know what is considered the "Best" current system available.

I'd be looking for

4 x external turrets. - (I'm thinking the 8MP Smart Hybrids with Strobe and Siren? )
1 Doorbell/access/intercom
1x internal screen or control centre
1x PTZ - this will be external
NVR - Would this be a 16 port M-Series for additional bandwidth?

Any other suggestions?


Thanks in advance.

 

[JB1970]

4 x external turrets. - (I'm thinking the 8MP Smart Hybrids with Strobe and Siren? )

If low light performance is important the 4MP models might be a better option. As both the 4 and 8 MP models use the same 1/1.8" sensor, the 4MP will outperform the 8MP. You'll have a choice of either the current DS-23x7G2H-LISU/SL or the new DS-23x7G3-LISU2Y/SL (ColorVu 3.0).

1 Doorbell/access/intercom
1x internal screen or control centre

Hikvisions units are intercoms rather than doorbells. There is no native indoor chime unless you wire something via the relay or just use the ringing of the indoor station for an internal alert. There are a few annoying quirks with them IMHO; the ringing on the outdoor station continues unless you answer/reject the call on the indoor station or Hik-Connect or press the call button a second time. Mine went faulty a few days ago with an image issue. It's been returned and I've decided not to replace it. I have other cameras covering the door so another video doorbell will do.

NVR - Would this be a 16 port M-Series for additional bandwidth?

The 8 channel M series (DS-7608NI-M2/8P) has the same 256Mbps incoming bandwidth as the 16 channel so that would do. The DS-7608NXI-I2/8P/S(E) would be roughly the same price wise; it only has 80Mbps incoming bandwidth (the 16 channel will have 160Mbps). AcuSearch is available on the NXI (not on the M series) and you could also utilise some of the other smart features (face recognition)

 

[murcod]

Any other suggestions?

Make sure you read through the various threads that discuss the firmware issues with some of Hikvision's latest NVR's and cameras.

I "upgraded" from a 7608NI-I2/8P to the 16 channel M series a couple of months ago, and they've removed some features. The old one came with an IR remote control and an inbuilt buzzer for audible alarms- both are missing from the M series. There are the annoying firmware issues too M Series Firmware - 5.04.050_250124 Released

 

[johnfitzy]

I "upgraded" from a 7608NI-I2/8P to the 16 channel M series a couple of months ago, and they've removed some features. The old one came with an IR remote control and an inbuilt buzzer for audible alarms- both are missing from the M series. There are the annoying firmware issues too

On the other hand, the M series seems to have unlimited processing power... settles in nice.

 

[uvs-300]

Make sure you read through the various threads that discuss the firmware issues with some of Hikvision's latest NVR's and cameras.

I "upgraded" from a 7608NI-I2/8P to the 16 channel M series a couple of months ago, and they've removed some features. The old one came with an IR remote control and an inbuilt buzzer for audible alarms- both are missing from the M series. There are the annoying firmware issues too M Series Firmware - 5.04.050_250124 Released

My DS-7616NI-M2/16 has the inbuilt buzzer but I'm on f/w v4.63.025 231201 with no plans of going to v5.

 

[JB1970]

The old one came with an IR remote control and an inbuilt buzzer for audible alarms- both are missing from the M series. There are the annoying firmware issues too M Series Firmware - 5.04.050_250124 Released

The M model has an identical front panel to the I model so I'd imagine the remote control will still work. Hikvision stopped providing an IR remote with their NVRs many years ago. I've lost count of how many I've binned as the buttons weren't well matched to the NVR functions (it's far easier to use a wireless mouse)

As for the buzzer - it's still there. I don't use it but have just this moment enabled 'buzzer' in the linkage method for one of my alarms and it works as expected - triggering with each event.

I'm on f/w v4.63.025 231201 with no plans of going to v5.

Probably a good strategy. There are as many functions that have been broken or spoiled as there are that have been improved in the move from V4 to V5.