Full video review - IPC-HFW5231E-Z12E

Dasstrum

Dasstrum

IPCT Contributor
Nov 4, 2016
578
737
Florida
Thank you Andy at @EMPIRETECANDY for sending me this camera to review.

This camera can be purchased for currently $235 from Andy from:
Amazon:

Aliexpress:
US $235.0 |Aliexpress.com : Buy IPC HFW5231E Z12E 2MP Full HD WDR Network IR Starlight Bullet Camera replace the IPC HFW5231E Z12,free DHL shipping from Reliable bullet camera suppliers on Empire Technology Co., Ltd.

Spec Sheet:
IPC-HFW5231E-Z12E

Brief Overview:
IPC-HFW5231E-Z12E
2MP WDR IR Bullet Network Camera
> 1/2.8” 2Megapixel progressive scan STARVIS™ CMOS
> H.265&H.264 triple-stream encoding
> 50/60fps@1080(1920×1080)
> Smart Detection supported
> WDR(120dB), Day/Night(ICR), 3DNR, AWB, AGC, BLC
> Multiple network monitoring: Web viewer, CMS(DSS/PSS) & DMSS
> 5.3mm ~64mm 12x zoom lens
> 2/1 Alarm in/out, 1/1 audio in/out
> Max. IR LEDs Length 200m
> Micro SD memory, IP67, IK10, PoE






I'm still playing around with the settings for a LPR camera but this is what you get from 250ft away.
I am going to mount the camera on a pole tomorrow and do a full on LPR setup video. But it will only be from 50-75ft away (depending where I point it), not 250ft

 
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No issues with the autofocus issue at higher zooms?

Anyways, I think i've figured out a solution...
 
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MachAF said:
No issues with the autofocus issue at higher zooms?

Anyways, I think i've figured out a solution...
Click to expand...

Yes there is currently an issue with some models at a high zoom not focusing (including this camera sent). Andy is currently looking into this. I didn't put this into the video as the problem can be fixed with a firmware update. Andy has contacted the manufacturer and hopefully we will get a response and a firmware patch for it soon.

What is the solution that you have found?
 
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We've been waiting for a firmware fix for over a year..... the Z12 will not focus past about 80-85% zoom
 
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How about a fix for the day/night switching? That’s the only complaint that I have about this camera.
 
This issue is only with the new E model, right? I have the older one and it focuses nicely at 100%.
 
I can’t say for certain but my 2 are both E model yes . There are many similar reports
 
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It's a problem in both models. There is a thread (that bigredfish was in too) talking about the issue but it was on the non-e model. There are a couple fixes for this camera as a work around:

A. The reflective tape method (which I havent tried yet)
B. Keep it in B&W mode to counter the lens shift.

I'm going to keep experimenting and report my findings
 
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This weekend I have started it up, after quite a long time(finally finalizing the install) and zoomed out to the max, which is pretty much the end of my block and it looked very clean.
This issue is only at night, or all the time?
By the way, I have seen your video, after an hour that you have posted it, and commented about the car headlights to be included, not just a licence plate. Great video by the way. Thanks for all your hard work on all these videos, I will view them all, since I'm setting everything up.
For a newbie like me, these help out immensely.
 
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Here are some pictures that I have with an initial setup (1/2000/HLC on/Gain 10-35/Iris 40/Grade 15).
 

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What's the range from the camera?
 
Like two-three houses away. Not good with distances.
 
Just checked with IPVM, and shows around 133ft.
 
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Dasstrum said:
Yes there is currently an issue with some models at a high zoom not focusing (including this camera sent). Andy is currently looking into this. I didn't put this into the video as the problem can be fixed with a firmware update. Andy has contacted the manufacturer and hopefully we will get a response and a firmware patch for it soon.

What is the solution that you have found?
Click to expand...

I’m able to be at 100% zoom and switch between color day and B&w night switch by using Dahua sunset sunrise to set manual focus numbers for day and night. The key is disabling auto focus via http api command. I’ll work on a guide.
 
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MachAF said:
I’m able to be at 100% zoom and switch between color day and B&w night switch by using Dahua sunset sunrise to set manual focus numbers for day and night. The key is disabling auto focus via http api command. I’ll work on a guide.
Click to expand...
This would be very helpful. I heard of this but havent had the chance to look into it yet.
 
Tibor Makai said:
Just checked with IPVM, and shows around 133ft.
Click to expand...

Shouldn’t need near full zoom at that range. I’m at 80-85% and capturing at 120ft.

*Edit: Sorry, my bad, removed video. Here's screen caps at 120ft at 80% zoom

HOA Entrance_EntrTag_main_20190311225156_@8.jpg HOA Entrance_EntrTag_main_20190311162554_@8.jpg HOA Entrance_EntrTag_main_20190312194249_@8.jpg
 
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A still frame would have made it easier, but a good capture especially given the angle and motion. Actually, the angle may help by reducing direct reflection back to the camera.
 
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