Review-Dahua IPC-HDBW4231F-E2-M Dual Starlight Cam

DRZmaui

Pulling my weight
Joined
Nov 22, 2018
Messages
169
Reaction score
166
Location
reno
In the camera's web UI under the Settings tab, Conditions, Picture, there's a radio button to mirror the output right above the flip dropdown.
Works like a charm. Thanks!
 

myipcam

Getting the hang of it
Joined
Dec 23, 2018
Messages
132
Reaction score
33
Location
USA
This looks like ceiling mounted, would it be possible to mount this camera vertically? Similar to motion detecting flood lamps... I would like to mount this above garage doors on exterior wall so one would look towards driveway and the other towards the backyard... Saves me the trouble of installing/running wires another camera.
 

beepsilver

Getting comfortable
Joined
Mar 9, 2014
Messages
863
Reaction score
982
Location
Nebraska
This looks like ceiling mounted, would it be possible to mount this camera vertically? Similar to motion detecting flood lamps... I would like to mount this above garage doors on exterior wall so one would look towards driveway and the other towards the backyard... Saves me the trouble of installing/running wires another camera.
Definitely, see post #254 among others.
 

flynreelow

Known around here
Joined
Dec 12, 2016
Messages
1,198
Reaction score
1,086
This looks like ceiling mounted, would it be possible to mount this camera vertically? Similar to motion detecting flood lamps... I would like to mount this above garage doors on exterior wall so one would look towards driveway and the other towards the backyard... Saves me the trouble of installing/running wires another camera.

you get a lot more flexibility with the FOV, if this is wall mounted to a junction box (facing down)
 

myipcam

Getting the hang of it
Joined
Dec 23, 2018
Messages
132
Reaction score
33
Location
USA
you get a lot more flexibility with the FOV, if this is wall mounted to a junction box (facing down)
Well, the idea is that at end of roof overhang/soffit area, I was planning to install this as it would be perfect location to monitor the basement steps and the driveway. Since I don't have the camera, it is difficult to know about that "flexibility"...

I'll read the post #254 as beepsilver suggested.

Just trying to educate myself about the best solution. I did run an extra cable for a two camera situation so, it's not all lost...
 

flynreelow

Known around here
Joined
Dec 12, 2016
Messages
1,198
Reaction score
1,086
Well, the idea is that at end of roof overhang/soffit area, I was planning to install this as it would be perfect location to monitor the basement steps and the driveway. Since I don't have the camera, it is difficult to know about that "flexibility"...

I'll read the post #254 as beepsilver suggested.

Just trying to educate myself about the best solution. I did run an extra cable for a two camera situation so, it's not all lost...
Please post a image of the location of where you think you would like it mounted, and also the coverage area you would like from both cameras. we are here to help.
 

myipcam

Getting the hang of it
Joined
Dec 23, 2018
Messages
132
Reaction score
33
Location
USA
Please post a image of the location of where you think you would like it mounted, and also the coverage area you would like from both cameras. we are here to help.
I will, first thing in the morning.
 

myipcam

Getting the hang of it
Joined
Dec 23, 2018
Messages
132
Reaction score
33
Location
USA
Also, wondering if it is possible to paint the black plastic pieces inside (of course, masking the lens and IR LEDs). The intended location is quite visible and I'd rather paint these white to blend with background trim where it would be mounted. If it is, any particular type of paint for plastics? I'll revisit cliff notes again in the mean time.

I am a bit confused as I read some posts in this thread. Some indicate to mount in shaded or interior areas only? Is it due to flare due to dome? Or, there is no such restriction? Dahua website states IP67 and "temperature" assuming it is climate extremes tolerant...
 

flynreelow

Known around here
Joined
Dec 12, 2016
Messages
1,198
Reaction score
1,086
yes, painting is no problem, there are numerous threads and pictures on this forum (just make sure everything that should be masked, is masked)... maybe check out the installation photos sub forum.
 

looney2ns

IPCT Contributor
Joined
Sep 25, 2016
Messages
15,521
Reaction score
22,657
Location
Evansville, In. USA
Also, wondering if it is possible to paint the black plastic pieces inside (of course, masking the lens and IR LEDs). The intended location is quite visible and I'd rather paint these white to blend with background trim where it would be mounted. If it is, any particular type of paint for plastics? I'll revisit cliff notes again in the mean time.

I am a bit confused as I read some posts in this thread. Some indicate to mount in shaded or interior areas only? Is it due to flare due to dome? Or, there is no such restriction? Dahua website states IP67 and "temperature" assuming it is climate extremes tolerant...
Any cam with a Dome mounted outdoors, especially in direct sunlight, will over time degrade from the UV exposure. You risk also having issue's with reflections on the dome from other light sources, rain, rain spots, dirt. Etc.
 

myipcam

Getting the hang of it
Joined
Dec 23, 2018
Messages
132
Reaction score
33
Location
USA
Any cam with a Dome mounted outdoors, especially in direct sunlight, will over time degrade from the UV exposure. You risk also having issue's with reflections on the dome from other light sources, rain, rain spots, dirt. Etc.
This is what I gathered from reading multiple sources. The second part you mentioned affects quality of video and of course the physical deterioration is also not good. Hmm, just when I think I've found a fix...
 

myipcam

Getting the hang of it
Joined
Dec 23, 2018
Messages
132
Reaction score
33
Location
USA
Please post a image of the location of where you think you would like it mounted, and also the coverage area you would like from both cameras. we are here to help.
Ok, perhaps NOT the first thing in the morning.. life has variables you know... :). Anyway attached pic shows what I was talking about.

The blue arrow towards basement walk-up steps (adjacent to garage door wall) and the green arrow pointing towards driveway..
The red circle and box to show the location I was talking about.
 

Attachments

beepsilver

Getting comfortable
Joined
Mar 9, 2014
Messages
863
Reaction score
982
Location
Nebraska
You're going to have problems if you plan to use the camera's on-board IR for the driveway--due to reflection on the downspout. Do you want the mounting location to see the entire driveway? From the looks of it, that location won't allow the camera to view the entire driveway. You can download a Vivotek tool here for positioning and camera type selection (download at bottom page of link): :: VIVOTEK ::

Edit: Is the garage door/driveway on the same side of the house as the proposed mounting location? If so, then IR shouldn't be a problem. But as others have mentioned, the domes will be subjected to all sorts of weather/debris leading to constant cleaning. Also keep in mind, some cameras (definitely this one) can disrupt garage door opener signals just like LED lights are known to do. This can significantly decrease the distance with which your remote opener will function. You should be ok with your proposed spot, but keep in mind it's best to position cams a good distance from garage door opener antennas.
 
Last edited:

myipcam

Getting the hang of it
Joined
Dec 23, 2018
Messages
132
Reaction score
33
Location
USA
You're going to have problems if you plan to use the camera's on-board IR for the driveway--due to reflection on the downspout. Do you want the mounting location to see the entire driveway? From the looks of it, that location won't allow the camera to view the entire driveway. You can download a Vivotek tool here for positioning and camera type selection (download at bottom page of link): :: VIVOTEK ::

Edit: Is the garage door/driveway on the same side of the house as the proposed mounting location? If so, then IR shouldn't be a problem. But as others have mentioned, the domes will be subjected to all sorts of weather/debris leading to constant cleaning. Also keep in mind, some cameras (definitely this one) can disrupt garage door opener signals just like LED lights are known to do. This can significantly decrease the distance with which your remote opener will function. You should be ok with your proposed spot, but keep in mind it's best to position cams a good distance from garage door opener antennas.
That VIVOTEK tool link fails. This is new construction so, not sure if the site (mentioned in cliff notes) would work being that gmaps etc., are not updated.
Perhaps my description of location is wrong. Imagine you pull up on a driveway and garage doors are on your right. Little further, steps to basement. They share the same wall, no turns.

OTH, I just noticed that the gutter extends a few inches and you can see the downspout mounted on the same side of garage wall. So, it is possible one camera MAY have an obstructed view and/or IR.

I guess they installed the downspout on the side instead of front of the house for aesthetics. Plus that white trim board is not the same width towards the front of the house. Of course, I am not moving that.

Maybe, I have to measure the width/thickness of the downspout and compare it with dimensions of camera. IOW, if the base is high enough, the camera may clear the pipe...
 

myipcam

Getting the hang of it
Joined
Dec 23, 2018
Messages
132
Reaction score
33
Location
USA
That location is too high for face IDs if that matters. 8ft or lower is best
I understand what you are saying. When you say face ID, you are talking about being able to ID the face manually looking at the video (as opposed to software face recognition right)?
 

myipcam

Getting the hang of it
Joined
Dec 23, 2018
Messages
132
Reaction score
33
Location
USA
The problem with 8ft limitation is aesthetics. It just looks out of place and ODD.... what to do about this?
 

looney2ns

IPCT Contributor
Joined
Sep 25, 2016
Messages
15,521
Reaction score
22,657
Location
Evansville, In. USA
I understand what you are saying. When you say face ID, you are talking about being able to ID the face manually looking at the video (as opposed to software face recognition right)?
Yes, you want to know who did it, not just what happened.
 
Top