4K IP vs 4K HD-TVI: Turret Dome Security Camera Quality and Performance Review

Here we will be comparing the quality and features of two different camera technologies, both of which have high definition 4K video. Most people have read or heard about 4K which is sometimes referred to as Ultra High Definition or "UHD."

It's currently one of the highest resolutions available on TVs, monitors, cell phones and many different consumer products. Both cameras are considered a dome, but most people refer to them as turrets. Turrets have a few advantages over domes: they give little to no IR glare, they are easy to position, and generally they have better night video.

The first camera we will take a look at is the NSC-2X8G-DM 8MP Turret IP camera. This camera is connected to a network using an ethernet cable and accessed by its IP address.

We'll compare that to the NSC-TVI4K-DM2 8MP Turret HD-TVI camera. This camera is accessed through a compatible DVR interface, which it connects to via a coaxial cable.

The NSC-2X8G-DM
The NSC-2X8G-DM, an IP Camera
The NSC-TVI4K-DM2
The NSC-TVI4K-DM2, an HD-TVI Camera

We left the majority of settings at their default values to present the best out-of-the-box comparison. The only settings altered were the following OSD and video quality options:

  1. Camera Name: Changed to correspond to the camera model
  2. Time and Date: Removed to present a cleaner overall view.
  3. Video Quality: Changed from Medium to Highest.

Outdoor Day Comparison

In the screenshots below we have one outdoor snapshot taken during the day from each camera, side by side.

Click on the following images to see full size:

The NSC-2X8G-DM, an IP Camera
The NSC-2X8G-DM, an IP Camera
The NSC-TVI4K-DM2, an HD-TVI Camera
The NSC-TVI4K-DM2, an HD-TVI Camera

As you can see from the screeshots above, the colors on the NSC-2X8G-DM are more vivid and bright, but at the cost of somewhat darker and more shadowed areas.

Using the dumpster located in the back of the picture as a reference object we've digitally zoomed in and cropped the images to show the detail differences from each camera at a distance.

The NSC-2X8G-DM, an IP Camera
The NSC-2X8G-DM, an IP Camera
The NSC-TVI4K-DM2, an HD-TVI Camera
The NSC-TVI4K-DM2, an HD-TVI Camera

NSC-2X8G-DM Outdoor Video

NSC-TVI4K-DM2 Outdoor Video

Outdoor Night Comparison

Note: Our building has outdoor lighting that is unable to be turned off, so the screenshots for this section shown below have been captured with a moderate amount of lighting. This is not a representation of either camera's IR performance.

Click on the following images to see full size:

The NSC-2X8G-DM, an IP Camera
The NSC-2X8G-DM, an IP Camera
The NSC-TVI4K-DM2, an HD-TVI Camera
The NSC-TVI4K-DM2, an HD-TVI Camera

The HD-TVI screenshot above is noticably brighter; since it's brighter it's also clearer in most areas compared to the IP camera. The IP camera is picking up the outdoor lighting with a yellow tint. It's also much darker toward the fence in the back of the image.

Indoor Day Comparison

In the screenshots below we have one indoor snapshot taken from each camera during the day, side by side.

Click on the following images to see full size:

The NSC-2X8G-DM, an IP Camera
The NSC-2X8G-DM, an IP Camera
The NSC-TVI4K-DM2, an HD-TVI Camera
The NSC-TVI4K-DM2, an HD-TVI Camera

After comparing the indoor screenshots shown above, it's clear that these cameras are very similar, as they both produce great Ultra High Definition images and video. There are, however, just a few minor differences. The NSC-2X8G-DM does have slightly better color reproduction and marginally sharper details, as shown below.

The NSC-2X8G-DM, an IP Camera
The NSC-2X8G-DM, an IP Camera
The NSC-TVI4K-DM2, an HD-TVI Camera
The NSC-TVI4K-DM2, an HD-TVI Camera
The NSC-2X8G-DM, an IP Camera
The NSC-2X8G-DM, an IP Camera
The NSC-TVI4K-DM2, an HD-TVI Camera
The NSC-TVI4K-DM2, an HD-TVI Camera

NSC-2X8G-DM Indoor Video

NSC-TVI4K-DM2 Indoor Video

Indoor Night Comparison

In the screenshots below we have one indoor snapshot taken from each camera during the night, side by side.

Click on the following images to see full size:

The NSC-2X8G-DM, an IP Camera
The NSC-2X8G-DM, an IP Camera
The NSC-TVI4K-DM2, an HD-TVI Camera
The NSC-TVI4K-DM2, an HD-TVI Camera

As you can see from the screenshots above, the night images are very close in comparison when judging quality and infrared performance. Both cameras have better than average IR range and spread.

This review has only scraped the surface of these two Ultra HD IP and HD-TVI cameras. Keep in mind that, while the images and videos were taken directly from the camera recordings, it's important to know that every scenario is different. What may look one way in our video and screenshots above may not look the same at another location. However, we hope this gives you a better overall comparison of these two amazing 4K surveillance cameras for your home or business.