Dahua DHI-NVR5216-16P-I - 16 Channel PoE Face Recognition NVR

Dahua DHI-NVR5216-16P-I — 16-Channel WizMind Network Video Recorder

The Dahua DHI-NVR5216-16P-I is a 16-channel network video recorder from Dahua's AI-enabled WizMind line, built with integrated PoE ports for camera power and data over a single cable. Beyond standard recording, it adds on-board AI analytics — including perimeter protection and video-stream face recognition — so a single recorder can flag intrusions and match faces without a separate analytics server.

Who is it for?

A network video recorder like this receives, records and manages footage from IP cameras across a site, giving you central storage, remote viewing and event-based alerts from one box. With 16 channels, the DHI-NVR5216-16P-I suits mid-sized installations — a retail unit, warehouse, or multi-camera home — where every entrance and aisle needs coverage without stepping up to a rack-mounted enterprise recorder. The built-in AI perimeter and face-recognition tools also make it a good fit for sites that want smarter alerts, not just raw footage.

Key specification

What you will need

• A surveillance-grade hard drive (e.g. WD Purple or Seagate SkyHawk) sized to your channel count and retention period, as this recorder ships without one fitted
• Cat5e/Cat6 cabling to each PoE camera — the built-in PoE ports (1-8 supporting ePoE/EoC for longer runs) power and connect cameras over a single cable; if you have more cameras than built-in ports, a PoE switch adds extra powered ports
• An HDMI or VGA monitor for initial setup and local live viewing

Frequently asked questions

How many cameras can I connect to the DHI-NVR5216-16P-I?

This recorder supports up to 16 IP camera channels, so you can connect up to 16 network cameras for full site coverage.

Do I need special cameras to use the face recognition and perimeter protection features?

The face recognition and perimeter protection AI runs on the video stream received from the connected cameras, so it works with your standard network cameras rather than requiring a separate specialist model — image quality and camera placement will affect accuracy.

Is there a monthly fee to use this NVR?

No. Recording, storage and remote viewing run entirely through the recorder and your own hard drive — there's no subscription or monthly fee to use the core recording and playback features.

Will the DHI-NVR5216-16P-I work with cameras from other brands?

The NVR supports ONVIF, so many third-party IP cameras will connect and record, though you'll get full access to Dahua-specific features such as the built-in AI analytics only when using Dahua cameras.

Zenith Security Co supplies the DHI-NVR5216-16P-I as part of our wider Dahua range, alongside our full selection of CCTV equipment. If you need advice on channel counts, PoE capacity or storage sizing before you order, contact us on 01902 902251, or call in at our Wolverhampton trade counter to see the range in person.