At a glance
| Hikvision | Uniview (UNV) | |
|---|---|---|
| About | The world's largest CCTV manufacturer — huge range, strong app ecosystem, and the default choice for most South African installations. | The third-largest IP camera maker — clean interfaces, solid reliability, and strong value in the mid-market. |
| Origin | China | China |
| Popular lines | ColorVu cameras, AcuSense AI detection, Turbo HD (analog), Hik-Connect platform | Prime series, Easy series, EZView app |
Where Hikvision wins
- Widest product range at every price point
- ColorVu full-colour night vision is class-leading
- Hik-Connect app is mature and reliable
- Spares and support easy to source locally
Where Uniview (UNV) wins
- Excellent price-to-spec ratio
- Simple, stable NVR interface
- Good low-light performance in the Prime series
- Less targeted by brand-specific restrictions abroad
Which should you choose?
Honestly: it depends on your property, coverage needs and budget — the right answer for a four-camera home is different from a warehouse or a farm. We install both Hikvision and Uniview (UNV), so the recommendation you get from us is based on what fits, not what's on the shelf.