Cisco Meraki MV Series Comparison Guide

Cisco Meraki Cameras & Cloud Management

Meraki MV Series Overview

The Cisco Meraki MV series smart cameras bring simplicity and data-powered intelligence to physical security. Each MV camera has a powerful processor—similar to those in modern smartphones—allowing for advanced analytics and robust security features. The innovative architecture minimizes the need for extensive physical infrastructure and complex software, making the MV series an ideal choice for various environments, from small businesses to large enterprises.

These cloud-managed cameras integrate seamlessly with the Meraki ecosystem, providing a unified IT and physical security solution managed through the Meraki dashboard. This integration not only ensures physical safety and security but also delivers valuable business insights. The MV series offers high-definition video, machine learning capabilities, and an easy-to-use interface, making it a powerful tool for any organization looking to enhance its security and operational efficiency.

Meraki MV Benefits and Capabilities

Intelligent Analytics

Meraki MV cameras feature advanced analytics, including precise motion search, attribute filters, and intelligent object detection. This allows for efficient monitoring and the ability to detect and classify objects such as people and vehicles, providing actionable insights for improving business operations.

Centralized Cloud Management

The Meraki cloud-managed architecture simplifies configuration and monitoring, eliminating the need for on-premises NVRs, video management systems, or servers. This centralized approach ensures that administrators can manage and monitor their camera deployments from anywhere, reducing operational complexity and costs.

Built-In Security

MV cameras come with robust security features, including automatic video encryption, granular access controls, and secure boot mechanisms. These measures safeguard camera data and protect against unauthorized access, ensuring that sensitive information remains secure.

Scalability

Meraki MV cameras are designed to scale effortlessly, from single-camera setups to deployments with thousands of cameras. The cloud-based management system allows for quick and easy expansion, making it suitable for organizations of any size.

Integration with Meraki Ecosystem

The MV series integrates seamlessly with other Meraki products, such as sensors, switches, and wireless access points. This integration provides a comprehensive security solution that can be managed through a single dashboard, enhancing operational efficiency.

Cutting-Edge Architecture

MV cameras use cloud-augmented edge storage, eliminating the need for a separate NVR. This architecture reduces equipment costs and simplifies installation and scaling. The on-camera storage ensures continuous recording even if the network connection is lost.

Flexible Deployment Options

With built-in wireless functionality, MV cameras can be deployed without the need for extensive cabling. This flexibility makes it easy to upgrade from analog systems and allows for deployment in remote or temporary locations with minimal impact on the network.

Simple Cloud Management

The Meraki dashboard offers zero-touch configuration, remote troubleshooting, and distributed site management. The Meraki Vision portal provides a dedicated interface for viewing and interacting with video, eliminating the need for traditional video management software.

Easy Access and Control

The Meraki dashboard allows for flexible video management and viewing on various devices without additional software. Granular access controls ensure that users only access videos relevant to their role, enhancing security and operational control.

Always Up-To-Date

Meraki MV cameras receive automatic software updates, ensuring that they remain secure and benefit from the latest features. This approach eliminates the need for manual updates and ensures that the system is always protected against the latest threats.

Optimized Video Retention

MV cameras offer flexible video quality and retention policies, including motion-based retention and scheduled recordings. Real-time retention estimates help administrators optimize storage and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Flexible Video Viewing

Video can be accessed from anywhere on virtually any device, with intelligent streaming to optimize bandwidth usage. Features like drag-and-drop video walls and motion alerts enhance monitoring capabilities and ensure that users remain informed.

Intelligent Event Isolation

Motion Search and Motion Recap features allow users to quickly find and understand relevant events, saving time and improving response times. Attribute filters and the find similar clips function further enhance the ability to isolate important footage.

Built-in Analytics

With powerful processors, MV cameras can perform advanced analytics directly on the device. This includes object detection, classification, and tracking, providing valuable insights into office foot traffic and customer behavior. MV Sense allows for custom computer vision models, expanding the potential for business intelligence.

Meraki MV Series Comparison

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Cisco Meraki MV series smart cameras, detailing their capabilities, benefits, and suitable use cases.

Meraki MV Indoor Cameras

Camera type
Sensor and resolution
Field of View
Storage
IR illumination
Best for
MV2-HW
Wide angle flex
4MP (2688x1520)
103°
NA/Cloud Archive only
8m
General purpose areas, including entrances and hallways
MV12 WE-HW
Wide angle mini dome/MV12N-HW (narrow angle)
4MP (2688x1520)
114°
128GB
15m
General purpose areas, including entrances and hallways
MV12 W-HW
Wide angle mini dome/MV12N-HW (narrow angle)
4MP (2688x1520)
114°
256GB
15m
General purpose areas, including entrances and hallways
MV12 N-HW
Wide angle mini dome/MV12N-HW (narrow angle)
4MP (2688x1520)
73°
256GB
15m
General purpose areas, including entrances and hallways
MV13 - HW
Fixed-lens mini dome
8.4MP (3840x2160)
114°
256GB
15m
General purpose areas, including entrances and hallways. Filter-based attributes (top/ bottom clothing color and make and color of a vehicle)
MV22-HW
Varifocal dome
4MP (1080p HD video recording (1920x1080) with H.264 encoding up to 20fps
36-112°
256GB
30m
Larger general-purpose spaces
MV22X-HW
Varifocal dome
4MP (2688x1520recording with H.264 encoding up to 15fps)
36-112°
512GB
30m
Larger general-purpose spaces
MV32-HW
Fisheye
8.4MP (2058x2058)
360°
256GB
NA
Spaces requiring 360° views, great for retail stores
MV33-HW
Fisheye
12.3MP (2880x2880)
360°
256GB
NA
Spaces requiring 360° views. Great for retail stores, people counting and area occupancy

Meraki MV Outdoor Cameras

Camera type
Sensor and resolution
Field of View
Storage
Ratings
IR illumination
Best for
MV52-HW
Telephoto bullet
8.4MP (3840x2160)
12-37°
1TB
IK10+/IP67
50m
Ideal for parking lots or perimeter monitoring including license plate capture
MV63-HW
Fixed-lens mini dome
8.4MP (3854x2176)
102°
256GB
IK10+/IP67
20m
Ideal for entrances and exits Filter-based attributes (top/ bottom clothing color and make and color of vehicle)
MV63X-HW
Fixed-lens mini dome
8.4MP 3840x2160
102°
1TB
IK10+/IP67
20m
Ideal for entrances and exits Filter-based attributes (top/ bottom clothing color and make and color of vehicle)
MV93-HW
Fisheye
(2112x2112)/12.4MP
360°
256GB
IK10+/IP67
20m
Ideal for situational awareness and wide coverage of an area
MV93X-HW
Fisheye
(4072x3046)/12.4MP
360°
1TB
IK10+/IP67
20m
Ideal for situational awareness and wide coverage of an area
MV72-HW
Varifocal dome
(1920x1080)/4MP
Horizontal 36-112°, vertical 20-57°, diagonal 42-138°
256GB
IK10+/IP67
30m
A variety of outdoor and demanding environments
MV72X-HW
Varifocal dome
(2688x1520)/4MP
Horizontal 36-112°, vertical 20-57°, diagonal 42-138°
512GB
IK10+/IP67
30m
A variety of outdoor and demanding environments

FAQ

Which camera is ideal for storing 24/7 recordings? 

The MV12, MV22, MV32, and MV72 models have the highest storage capacities at 256GB, making them ideal for 24/7 recording. Other models with 128GB storage can store up to 20 days of continuous recording. For long-term storage, Meraki offers cloud-based archiving options.

Do any cameras have analytics built-in? 

Yes, all Meraki MV cameras come with built-in motion search and motion heat mapping. The MV12, MV22, MV32, and MV72 models also feature machine learning capabilities that enable intelligent computer vision, such as detecting and analyzing people within the camera’s view.

What makes cameras “outdoor”? 

The MV71 and MV72 models are designed for outdoor use. They have an IP67 rating, meaning they are water-resistant up to one meter for thirty minutes and have high impact resistance, making them durable against jostling, slips, and drops.

What does it mean when a camera uses machine learning? 

Cameras equipped with machine learning use a Qualcomm Snapdragon processor and are trained to recognize various environmental stimuli. Over time, these cameras improve their intelligent object detection capabilities, allowing them to accurately detect and classify objects such as people and vehicles.

What cameras have audio recording? 

The MV12 series, MV22, MV32, and MV72 cameras all include audio recording capabilities, providing an additional layer of context and security to the video footage.

How do I choose the right camera for my needs? 

Choosing the right camera depends on your specific requirements. For high storage and continuous recording, consider the MV12, MV22, MV32, or MV72. For outdoor use, the MV71 and MV72 are ideal. If advanced analytics and machine learning are needed, the MV12, MV22, MV32, and MV72 are equipped with these capabilities.

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