IP Cameras comparable Axis

cdltech

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On the Pro series cameras, Dahua has released a full lineup of Starlights in all form factors! - the 2231 series. I just havent seen them in the wild yet. Maybe another month or so...
I could be wrong here. The issue with the Pro series is the price. They are just under the price of the Axis cameras. I have seen some pro's (not the ones you are referring but older models) going for $300 +/-. At that rate the Axis prices really don't look that bad.
The reason I like the 3231-Z is the price vs quality. I just prefer a turret over the bullet. They have the 3231-Z as a dome with the same specs. Other than a short IR distance. I am just concerned about the IR reflection in the dome. If only I could get a turret version of the 3231-Z. I would be very happy.

I know the non-starlight 2221 is another great motorized vari-focal bullet with strong IR, I have 2 of them and would recommend them for longer distance say a deep backyard, at night. The new 2231 is the same camera in Starlight and should be awesome. I'm personally looking for 2 of the new Turrets in Starlight. I would recommend them over the domes. These would be comparable to the IP version 5231 turret so highly regarded here on the forum. Of course with the Tribrid or XVR you could simply choose to run the IP version if you want. Thats the cool thing with these multi-input DVR's.
You think the non-starlight 2221 would be better than the starlight 3231-Z bullet for longer distance? The IR distance for the 3231-Z bullet is 328 feet. The dome version is half the distance of the bullet version.

I'm not 100% on the DVR difference but I would go with the 7200 series or the XVR. On a previous "Lite" version DVR which is now pulling duty at Mom's, I could only run 15fps max on each channel. There is a clear restriction. On the 7208-S3 I have now, I can run 30fps on all 8 channels. I see in the spec on the 5200 page you linked to it says Record 1080p 1-15fps...Also go as big as you can on the DVR. Even consider the 16ch if it isnt too much more money. Even if you dont use the extra channels, you will gain max input Mbps capability, probably for $50 or so its worth it. The sweet spot are these - the Pro units
1U
I went back and re-read the specs. I didn't notice the 15 fps limitation. I plan on using 15 fps but having the ability of going higher is nice. I have read that using a higher fps during the night. I lessens the blur of things.
Is there a setting in the DVR to change these automatically? Say during the day use 15 fps but during the night use 24 or 29.
 

cdltech

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I've run Axis/Avigilon 2MP head-to-head with Dahua/HIK 4MP cameras and the Axis/Avigilon's blow them out of the water - especially when viewing in a VMS/digital zooming, etc. More pixels doesn't mean that much of the quality of the components aren't great. I'm a bit biased as I'm in the commercial integration side and I get to play with these "fancy" cameras all day.
I know what you mean. I come from an IT background. It is hard for me to buy or use consumer grade equipment. Especially when it comes networking.

However, Dahua/Hik is an AMAZING value for the money - no one else can compete dollar for dollar for a small installation where you don't need anything fancy.
That is my reasoning for Dahua. It is priced well and looks decent enough for what I need. What I have mentioned this before. The majority of my cameras are sub 1 MP. I only have one that is 1.3 MP and can do 720p. So anything is going to be an improvement for me.
 

fenderman

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I didn't notice the 15 fps limitation. I plan on using 15 fps but having the ability of going higher is nice. I have read that using a higher fps during the night. I lessens the blur of things.
Is there a setting in the DVR to change these automatically? Say during the day use 15 fps but during the night use 24 or 29.
There is no truth to that statement...you were misinformed...
There is no way that a standard axis camera looked better than the dahua starlight in low light...its not even a contest...
 

cdltech

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After doing lots of research my opinion is that Dahua and Hikvision are decent cameras but if money is not an issue I'd go with Axis anyday
If money wasn't an issue. I would have a gated house with my own security team. I tend to like blond or black hair 23 yo.
 

cdltech

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There is no truth to that statement...you were misinformed...
There is no way that a standard axis camera looked better than the dahua starlight in low light...its not even a contest...
@fenderman I didn't say or was referring to that. CYANiDE made that comment. I was commenting on one of Dahua's DVR's.
 

fenderman

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@fenderman I didn't say or was referring to that. CYANiDE made that comment. I was commenting on one of Dahua's DVR's.
I see that now....not that my first comment was directed at the frame rate...you dont need more than 15 and a higher rate will have zero effect on motion blur..
 

cdltech

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Bigredfish and I were talking about the difference between the 5000 and 7000 Dahua DVRs.
 

cdltech

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I see that now....not that my first comment was directed at the frame rate...you dont need more than 15 and a higher rate will have zero effect on motion blur..
@fenderman I am only going on what I have read. I have no experience in that in any way. Thank you for pointing that out. There is a lot I don't know about CCTV. I am learning. I have learned a lot from your posts and Bigredfish among others.
 

CYANiDE

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There is no truth to that statement...you were misinformed...
There is no way that a standard axis camera looked better than the dahua starlight in low light...its not even a contest...
fenderman - I haven't compared a starlight to anything so I can't create a comparison there. I was more so referencing a Dahua/Hik 4MP dome vs. an Axis 2MP dome in normal lighting conditions. I don't get to play with the Dahua/HIKs as much as I'd like.
 

fenderman

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fenderman - I haven't compared a starlight to anything so I can't create a comparison there. I was more so referencing a Dahua/Hik 4MP dome vs. an Axis 2MP dome in normal lighting conditions. I don't get to play with the Dahua/HIKs as much as I'd like.
Take a look at the starlight thread, you'll appreciate the improvement...
 

bigredfish

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@cdltech
The Pro series cameras are actually one step down from the 3231 Starlight which is an Ultra series. I have not seen pricing in the new Pro series CVI Starlights as they were just announced in the past 30-60 days, but they should generally be less expensive than the Ultras.

Nothing else in the line currently is going to beat the 3231 Starlights in 2MP from a feature, image quality standpoint. Same with the IP version.

Whether IP or CVI, the Starlights are a huge improvement over non-Starlights. But the new Pro series Starlights will add many more options such as the turret form which we both would like. Hopefully we'll see them for sale very soon.

No the 2221 or new Pro series Starlight version 2231 will not be better than the 3231. Just likely cheaper with same image quality but less features.
 

bigredfish

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My experience with Axis cams as I mentioned in my first post is that they are excellent quality cameras but over priced for residential /light commmercial use.

I have some 1MP 1364 and 2MP 1365 Axis cameras that are part of the HOA system I manage. The 2MP Dahua Starlights have a better image quality at night, have integrated IR, and do almost everything the Axis cams can for 1/4 the price. $150-$300 vs $800-$1000

There may well be 2MP Axis models in the sub $300 range that are comparable to the 2MP Starlights, but I haven't had the opportunity to play with them?

Technology on survellience cameras is racing ahead at an incredible pace it seems, and prices for image quality that was out of reach for most of us just a couple of years ago is becoming affordable for residential use. I'm sure whatever we buy today will be considered "old tech" in another 3 years
 

cdltech

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The Pro series cameras are actually one step down from the 3231 Starlight which is an Ultra series. I have not seen pricing in the new Pro series CVI Starlights as they were just announced in the past 30-60 days, but they should generally be less expensive than the Ultras.
I must be remembering something wrong then. I am blaming it on my middle aged brain. ;-) Before finding this forum. I was going to get M3105-LVE Turrets (Axis groups them together with the domes. Apparently they don't like the name Turret). They are selling for about $330 +/-. I had found some Dahua cameras that were about the same price. Once I found this forum. You and others in this forum was suggesting the Dahua cameras over the Axis. At least for my needs. I will agree they are pretty nice.
I was surprised when I found out that the 3231E-Z Starlight 2 MP HDCVI was 2 1/2 times less expensive.

Whether IP or CVI, the Starlights are a huge improvement over non-Starlights. But the new Pro series Starlights will add many more options such as the turret form which we both would like. Hopefully we'll see them for sale very soon.
I can't wait for the Pro series Starlight Turrets to come out. I want to replace the turret at my entry door with a starlight turret.
 

cdltech

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I just ordered the XVR7208A Penta-Brid DVR and a HFW3231E-Z Bullet from CCTV-Mall. It will replace the the bullet I have that is not working. I will get the others later. At least with this dvr I can still use my other analog cameras.

Do you use the 12 v wall plugs or do you use a power distribution box? Like this for example. UPG 80072 4 Output 24VAC 4 Amp CCTV Power Supply

Also do you use 12 v or 24 vac? I noticed that the 3231E-Z use can use either one?
 

bigredfish

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Congrats!

I've had mixed results from central power supplies. Fought what i think was ground loop interference on two systems with them and switched to 12v/2A wall plugs on a strip. Seems messy but it works!
Amazon.com: HDView 12V DC 2A 2000mA Power Adapter Supply UL Listed Certified 2.1mm 5.5mm, Power Transformer for Security Camera, 110-240V AC Input, Best Quality: Camera & Photo

If you get tired of waiting on that CVI starlight turret, you can always snag the IP version that everyone here raves about, the HDW5231R-Z

If you're working with Cat5e you'll need baluns and some connectors for power for the CVI cams. Using the 4 twisted pair I use 1 pair for the video connection and two pairs for the power. That leaves one pair at each camera open for say a small 1a illuminator. Or to be safe you could use 3 pair for power I suppose

I've had no problems with the cheapies but there are better ones out there
Amazon.com : VIMVIP 6 PAIRS (12 Pcs) Mini CCTV BNC Video Balun Transceiver Cable : Camera & Photo
https://www.amazon.com/VIMVIP-PAIRS-Video-Balun-Transceiver/dp/B00QUI36AM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1495399906&sr=8-2&keywords=cctv+balun
and some of these:
Amazon.com : 10Pair DC Power Connector JACKYLED 10 x Male + 10 x Female 2.1x5.5mm Jack Adapter Plug For CCTV Camera LED Strips : Camera & Photo
 
As an Amazon Associate IPCamTalk earns from qualifying purchases.

cdltech

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I am using rg59 Siamese cables. I have thought about those central power supplies just to make things look more neat.
Thanks for the link to the DC power adapters. If I don't get the central power supply. I will need them.
I may get a spool of 18-2 wire so I can run an additional cable for powering external ir illuminators. Do you think that would be necessary even with the starlight cameras?
I am going to have one or two bullets looking a good 50 to 75 ft away. Maybe a third one.
How is the shipping time with cctv-mall? I noticed in the forums. The stuff usually arrives within 15 days and sometimes it takes 25. My confirmation email said they are placing the order.
Their website said it was in stock. So apparently inventory control is not very accurate.

One thing I want to do is get some conduit. When I originally put up the cameras 5 years ago. I meant to do it then. I just never did. I want it to look more neat and protect the cables this time. That is why I am considering running the additional power cable. Just in case I want to put external ir.
 

bigredfish

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Ok so you should be fine on cable. Hard to say on the need for external IR, the 3231's do throw a good amount, just depends on the external light conditions at each location.

Yeah typically it has taken 3 weeks to get stuff from them. I usually choose DHL shipping and once they get it usually 24-48 hours.
 

cdltech

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Ok. Thanks for all the help and suggestions.
 
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