Reply To: Which Security Cameras are Compatible with Swann DVR?

Another customer recently contacted me asking about Swann camera compatibility. This is what he asked.

I installed a Swann “Security in a Box” surveillance system about 5 years ago. The system has 4 Pro-640 cameras and a Swann H.264 DVR. Everything worked perfectly until a month ago when a camera went out, and a second camera has started providing a hazy picture. Since PRO-640 replacement cameras aren’t available, I bought an SWPRO-735 camera online after the seller assured me it would work with my H.264 DVR. It doesn’t.

I’m willing to purchase new cameras, even a complete 4-8 camera system, but I want to be sure the existing Swann cable and BNC connectors will be compatible with the new cameras. The wiring took me a week to install inconspicuously using metal channels. Pulling the old wire out and threading in new would be impossible.

Any advice you can give will be greatly appreciated.

This was my recommendation.

Those Swann Pro-640 cameras are standard definition analog CCTV cameras, so is that H.264 DVR that was sold with those systems that were typically sold at Costco and Sam’s Club. That DVR is only compatible with standard resolution analog CCTV cameras.

What I recommend to customers in your situation is our 4-in-1 HD security cameras. They support standard definition analog CCTV mode. So, they will work with your existing DVR. But, they also support 1080p HD modes in AHD, HD-TVI, and HD-CVI formats.

This is convenient if you later upgrade to a high definition DVR, they will still work. You can later switch them to 1080p HD resolution using the small joystick that is attached to their video cable.

We have a bunch of 4-in-1 HD security cameras available here.
https://www.cctvcamerapros.com/4-in-1-HD-over-Coax-Cameras-s/1342.htm

They will work with your existing Swann security camera cables.

You can later upgrade to an AHD DVR like these and switch the cameras to AHD 1080p mode.
https://www.cctvcamerapros.com/HD-Security-Camera-DVRs-s/972.htm

Here are some of my best selling 4-in-1 cameras that Swann customers really like.
https://www.cctvcamerapros.com/Business-Security-Camera-p/bipro-9004.htm
https://www.cctvcamerapros.com/HD-Dome-Infrared-Surveillance-Camera-p/hd-q3.htm
https://www.cctvcamerapros.com/Bullet-Surveillance-Camera-p/bpro-ol952.htm

I do recommend that you test the 1080p mode with your existing cable when you are ready to make the switch because the 1080p modes require better cable than analog mode.

Please take a look and let me know what you think. Please send any questions. I can be reached at mike@cctvcamerapros.net