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The Daily Insight Hub

Can you mix brands of security cameras?

Author

Rachel Davis

Updated on February 27, 2026

The short answer is yes. While each brand has its own unique features and capabilities, most security cameras are compatible with others. This means that you can mix and match different brands of cameras to create a custom security system that meets your specific needs.

Can you mix and match Swann cameras?

So even if you have older analog CCTV, Swann cameras, or two mega pixel, three mega pixel, even all the way up to 4k resolution Swann BNC cameras, our Viewtron hybrid DVRs works with all of them. You can even mix and match on different channels, different formats and different resolutions.

Will other cameras work with Swann DVR?

Swann Replacement DVR

It is compatible with most Swann security cameras including D1, 960H, analog CCTV, AHD, and HD-TVI models. These DVRs are also compatible with the latest 4mp security cameras and 8mp / 4K security cameras. You can even add Viewtron network IP cameras to these DVRs if you like.

Can I use my old security cameras on a new system?

You can use all of the existing Ethernet cables, which saves most of the headache of setting up a new system. The only cost for a newer solution is the cost to replace the security cameras. This makes installation fairly simple and straightforward since the old cameras can be swapped out for the new ones.

Can I use different brand NVR?

Your NVR and PTZ camera should be from the same Manufacturer. That way you can call somebody for support when something is not working. Do not expect all the features to work with a mish match of different cameras. You might have to pay a bit more but its worth retaining your hair line if you are not bald already.

How to view multiple Security camera with Different brands from one software or App!!

Can you mix and match security systems?

You can even mix and match cameras of different types on the same surveillance network, as long as they are all compatible with the recorder.

Can I use different cameras with NVR?

In most cases, if the camera is ONVIF compatible it will be able to communicate with an NVR that is also ONVIF compatible. This means that you are guaranteed to get video output from each camera to the NVR. But in many cases, not all of the cameras functionality will be available directly through the NVR.

Can any camera work with any DVR?

Camera Compatibility

Not every video recorder will work with every camera. DVRs require analog cameras, while NVRs use IP cameras, but the compatibility question extends beyond that distinction. Some NVR systems, as I said, are compatible with the IP cameras only from certain manufacturers.

Whats the difference between NVR and DVR?

A DVR converts analog footage into a digital format, while an NVR typically only works with digital footage. DVR systems process data at the recorder, while NVR systems encode and process data at the camera before transmitting it to the recorder for storage and remote viewing.

Will a 1080P camera work on a 720P DVR?

The answer aqppers to be YES, it is possible to connect a 1080P camera to a 720P DVR provided that the DVR manufaturer has built the front-end smarts into their box to convert the stream. There will also be a reduction of frame rate to make this work.

Is Swann a Chinese company?

Swann is owned by the Infinova Group, a US-based security camera specialist with offices across the globe.

Is Swann a good brand?

We think Swann's best asset is their variety of solid, reliable wired camera systems. Getting wired cameras means you're getting a stable, almost flawless connection that's not susceptible to interference, and Swann ranks among the best wired camera brands for just that reason.

Does Hikvision camera work with Swann NVR?

The Hikvision 4MP Bullet Camera supports a PoE Ethernet connection. The Swann Wired Bullet Camera requires a hard-wired connection to a compatible Swann NVR. It comes with a 60 feet CAT5 wire, but you can also buy a larger wire for it if needed.

Can you mix wired and wireless security cameras?

Yes, that's fine. Provided both the camera and the NVR are connected to the same network, the two will be able to communicate just fine and display just as any wired camera would.

Are all BNC cameras compatible?

Not all security cameras are compatible with all DVR systems. DVR systems use analog BNC connections to transfer video from the camera. Digital/IP cameras will need modification to work with DVRs, or they'll need to be used with an NVR system.

Are Night Owl cameras compatible with Swann?

Most Night Owl wired system use BNC connectors to the cameras. The power cable section is the same in the newer Night Owl, Lorex, Zmodo, Q-See and Swann systems.

Which is better NVR or DVR for security cameras?

The difference between DVR and NVR security systems come down to the cost, how the data is transmitted, and type of cameras involved. NVR systems tend to have better picture quality, as well as easier installation, increased flexibility, and native support for audio on every camera that has a microphone.

How many cameras can be connected to a NVR?

NVR can connect maximum 9 Network Cameras. 56 people found this useful.

How do I know if my camera is compatible with DVR?

At the back of the DVR, you should see the camera inputs (BNC) which are properly labeled such as “Inputs”, “Camera In”, “Video In”, etc. If you see these kinds of connectors (as shown below) then you've got a DVR. A DVR is for coaxial cameras, an NVR works with IP cameras.

Are security camera cables universal?

Security camera cables can be one of the most difficult parts of setting up a surveillance system. The type of security camera cable you need will depend entirely on what system you have and the tasks you are trying to accomplish. If you have an analog system or an IP system, you'll use different kinds of cables.

Will a 1080p camera work on a 1080N DVR?

AHD DVR supports 1080N resolution can connect with 2-megapixel (1080p) AHD cameras. 1080P=1980*1080=2073600, 720P=1280*720=921600, 1080N=960*1080=1036800, So 1080N resolution is higher than 720p.

Will Lorex cameras work with Hikvision?

"The cameras are only compatible with certain Lorex NVR models. The camera is not ONVIF compliant and it cannot be used without a compatible NVR.

What does NVR mean on security cameras?

When shopping for a business security camera system, you might have the option to choose a digital video recorder (DVR) or network video recorder (NVR), both of which record and store video files.

Can I use Swann cameras with Lorex NVR?

Those Lorex LAB243 cameras are 4mp resolution HD-over-Coax type security cameras. Unfortunately, these they are not compatible with your Swann DVR.