Hanwha C8011R vs Hanwha XNV-8020R: Specification Comparison
Both the Hanwha QNV-C8011R and the XNV-8020R are wired, fixed-lens outdoor vandal dome cameras rated at 5MP resolution, making them direct cross-shop candidates for installers evaluating Hanwha's dome lineup. The C8011R is the newer AI-platform model with Hanwha's WiseNR II and WiseStream III engines, while the XNV-8020R is an earlier generation unit with a larger sensor, dual-slot storage, built-in audio I/O, and alarm contacts. This comparison covers imaging, installation environment, and integration to help buyers choose the right unit for their deployment.
In This Guide
How do the imaging specs compare?
The XNV-8020R uses a larger 1/1.8" 6MP CMOS sensor — despite being marketed as a 5MP output camera — compared to the C8011R's 1/2.8" CMOS. A larger sensor typically captures more light per pixel; the XNV-8020R's rated minimum color illumination is 0.16 lux versus the C8011R's 0.03 lux color, meaning the C8011R is specified to perform better in lower ambient light at the color threshold. Both cameras reach 0 lux in IR mode. The XNV-8020R also includes a built-in gyro-based digital image stabilization and a built-in optical defog filter, neither of which are listed in the C8011R's specs. WDR is 120dB on both units.
On optics, the C8011R uses a 3.0mm fixed focal length with an M12 mount, providing a slightly wider horizontal field of view at 100° versus the XNV-8020R's 3.7mm lens at 97.5° H. Both carry an F1.6 maximum aperture. IR range is 20m (850nm) on the C8011R versus 30m on the XNV-8020R, a meaningful 50% advantage in IR throw for the older model. The C8011R outputs effective 2592×1944 pixels; the XNV-8020R outputs 2560×1920. Both deliver 30fps at 5MP.
What about installation and environment?
Both cameras carry IP66 and IK10 ratings. The XNV-8020R additionally lists IP67, and the C8011R additionally lists NEMA 4X certification — a North American enclosure standard not claimed by the XNV-8020R. Operating temperature range favors the C8011R at -40°C to +55°C versus the XNV-8020R's -30°C to +55°C, a 10°C cold-end advantage relevant to northern outdoor installations. Storage temperature is identical at -50°C to +60°C for both.
Both units are PoE IEEE 802.3af Class 3. The XNV-8020R additionally accepts 12VDC input, giving installers a secondary power option the C8011R does not list. Max PoE draw is 8.5W (typical 4.9W) for the C8011R and 9.0W for the XNV-8020R. The C8011R is smaller (ø110×77mm, 522g) than the XNV-8020R (ø120×97.5mm, 615g). The C8011R provides a USB Micro-B video output for installation alignment; the XNV-8020R provides both USB Micro-B and a CVBS analog output for the same purpose.
Which fits your VMS and analytics better?
The C8011R supports ONVIF Profile S/G/T/M — four profiles including the newer Profile M for metadata. The XNV-8020R supports ONVIF Profile S/G only, plus Wisenet open platform. Both support SUNAPI. The C8011R's AI engine delivers classified object detection (person, vehicle with sub-type: car, bus, truck, motorcycle, bicycle), virtual line crossing, virtual area, and business intelligence including people counting, vehicle counting, queue management, and heatmap. The XNV-8020R lists loitering, directional detection, fog detection, digital auto-tracking, sound classification, heatmap, people counting, queue management, and tampering — but without AI-based object classification or vehicle sub-typing.
The XNV-8020R includes built-in audio input (selectable mic/line, 2.5VDC bias) and audio output (line out, 1Vrms), plus a hardware alarm input and output (1 each) — none of which are listed on the C8011R. For edge storage, the XNV-8020R provides two microSD slots supporting up to 512GB total, versus the C8011R's single slot capped at 256GB. Streaming profiles: the C8011R supports up to 5 simultaneous streams; the XNV-8020R supports up to 10. The C8011R carries 2GB RAM / 1GB Flash; the XNV-8020R lists 1024MB RAM / 256MB Flash. Smart codec is WiseStream III (AI-based) on the C8011R versus WiseStream II on the XNV-8020R. The C8011R includes secure boot, signed firmware, firmware encryption, device certificate, and SD card partition encryption; the XNV-8020R's listed security is limited to HTTPS/SSL, digest authentication, IP filtering, user access log, and 802.1X.
Which should you choose: the C8011R or the XNV-8020R?
Our take: The C8011R is the stronger choice when AI-based object classification, tighter cybersecurity hardening, NEMA 4X certification, or operation below -30°C is required. Spec deltas that drive this: the C8011R reaches 0.03 lux color minimum illumination versus 0.16 lux on the XNV-8020R — a 5× low-light sensitivity advantage at the color threshold; it adds ONVIF Profile M for metadata-aware VMS integrations the XNV-8020R cannot deliver; and its cold-temperature floor of -40°C extends deployability 10°C beyond the XNV-8020R's -30°C limit. Conversely, the XNV-8020R is the practical pick when the installation requires built-in audio I/O, hardwired alarm contacts, a 12VDC backup power feed, 30m IR throw (versus 20m), dual-slot edge storage up to 512GB, or up to 10 simultaneous stream profiles. Both carry identical 3-year warranties. Platform qualifier: neither camera's analytics replace a dedicated VMS analytics engine, but the C8011R's AI classification narrows the gap more than the XNV-8020R's rule-based analytics.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | Hanwha C8011R | Hanwha XNV-8020R |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 5MP (2592×1944) | 5MP (2560×1920) |
| Image Sensor | 1/2.8" CMOS | 1/1.8" 6MP CMOS |
| Lens / Focal Length | 3.0mm fixed (M12 mount) | 3.7mm fixed |
| Max Aperture | F1.6 | F1.6 |
| Horizontal Field of View | 100° | 97.5° |
| Min. Illumination (Color / IR) | 0.03 lux / 0 lux | 0.16 lux / 0 lux |
| IR Range / Wavelength | 20m / 850nm | 30m / not specified |
| Wide Dynamic Range | 120dB | 120dB |
| Max Frame Rate | 30fps @ 5MP | 30fps |
| Video Compression | H.265, H.264 (Main/High), MJPEG | H.265, H.264 (Main/Baseline/High), MJPEG |
| Smart Codec | WiseStream III (AI-based) | WiseStream II |
| IP Rating | IP66, NEMA 4X | IP66, IP67 |
| IK / Impact Rating | IK10 | IK10 |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +55°C | -30°C to +55°C |
| Power Input / PoE Class | PoE 802.3af Class 3 only; max 8.5W | PoE 802.3af Class 3 or 12VDC; max 9.0W (PoE) |
| Edge Storage | 1× microSD, max 256GB | 2× microSD, max 512GB |
| Simultaneous Streams | Up to 5 profiles | Up to 10 profiles |
| Audio I/O | — | Mic/line in + line out |
| Alarm I/O | — | 1 input / 1 output |
| ONVIF Profiles | S / G / T / M | S / G |
| AI Analytics | Person/vehicle classification, virtual line/area, heatmap, queue, counting | Loitering, directional, fog detection, auto-tracking, sound classification, heatmap, counting, queue |
| On-board RAM / Flash | 2GB RAM / 1GB Flash | 1024MB RAM / 256MB Flash |
| Dimensions | ø110×77mm (ø4.33×3.03") | ø120×97.5mm (ø4.72×3.84") |
| Weight | 522g (1.15 lb) | 615g (1.36 lb) |
| Housing Color / Material | White / Aluminum | Ivory / Aluminum |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the C8011R or the XNV-8020R?
The C8011R is the stronger choice when AI-based object classification, tighter cybersecurity hardening, NEMA 4X certification, or operation below -30°C is required. Spec deltas that drive this: the C8011R reaches 0.03 lux color minimum illumination versus 0.16 lux on the XNV-8020R — a 5× low-light sensitivity advantage at the color threshold; it adds ONVIF Profile M for metadata-aware VMS integrations the XNV-8020R cannot deliver; and its cold-temperature floor of -40°C extends deployability 10°C beyond the XNV-8020R's -30°C limit. Conversely, the XNV-8020R is the practical pick when the installation requires built-in audio I/O, hardwired alarm contacts, a 12VDC backup power feed, 30m IR throw (versus 20m), dual-slot edge storage up to 512GB, or up to 10 simultaneous stream profiles. Both carry identical 3-year warranties. Platform qualifier: neither camera's analytics replace a dedicated VMS analytics engine, but the C8011R's AI classification narrows the gap more than the XNV-8020R's rule-based analytics.
Is the C8011R or XNV-8020R better for low-light color performance?
Based on the listed specs, the C8011R is rated for 0.03 lux color minimum illumination versus 0.16 lux on the XNV-8020R — a roughly 5× advantage at the color threshold. Both cameras reach 0 lux in IR (black-and-white) mode. However, the XNV-8020R uses a larger 1/1.8" sensor versus the C8011R's 1/2.8" sensor, which can affect real-world performance in ways not fully captured by a single lux figure. The C8011R also benefits from WiseNR II AI-based noise reduction, which is not listed for the XNV-8020R.
Does either camera include built-in audio or alarm contacts?
Yes, but only the XNV-8020R. It provides a selectable microphone/line audio input (2.5VDC bias supply, 2K Ohm impedance), a line audio output (max 1Vrms), and one hardware alarm input plus one alarm output. The C8011R does not list audio input, audio output, or hardware alarm I/O in its specifications.
Which camera offers better edge storage and streaming flexibility?
The XNV-8020R provides two microSD card slots supporting a combined maximum of 512GB, and up to 10 simultaneous streaming profiles. The C8011R has a single microSD slot with a 256GB maximum and supports up to 5 simultaneous streaming profiles. If redundant on-camera recording or high simultaneous viewer counts are priorities, the XNV-8020R has the listed advantage on both counts.
Get a Second Opinion on Your Camera Choice
Share your site layout, coverage goals, and budget. Our team will validate the camera selection, flag anything we would change, and recommend products that match the use case.