Review- OEM IPC-T2831T-ZS 4k varifocal starlight turret & PFB203W Wall Bracket.

MikeyTech8

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My 2 cents only, I hope a 5442 turret varifocal is on it's way, I think that is the sweet spot everything considered, storage size, bandwidth, Bi CPU utilization, etc.
Excellent review Looney. Always love your reviews + videos. You're such an amazing person.

Just wondering, can someone refresh my mind on 1/1.8 and 1/2.7 sensors? is the 1/1.8 sensor better for night shots? totally forgot how it works.
 

Arjun

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In one word, Yes :) Bigger the sensor better the low-light capability

Excellent review Looney. Always love your reviews + videos. You're such an amazing person.

Just wondering, can someone refresh my mind on 1/1.8 and 1/2.7 sensors? is the 1/1.8 sensor better for night shots? totally forgot how it works.
 

AP514

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Great review..almost time for me to buy my First test Cam. A vari-focal is what I want to do my test with.

So Much to consider.
 
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Gus

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Thanks for your very informative review Looney ,I have decided I need one of these in my life to replace my older IPC-HFW4830E-S
Plenty of stock here in the UK and a little cheaper..

I also ordered the PFB230 & PFA130E

View attachment 58999
Where did you get this from in the UK ljw2k?
 

ljw2k

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Home mate but you need a trade account, I also have a trade account with Oprema but not checked if they stock it.

You in UK and is it this camera you wanted?
 
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That’s a tricky question to answer, but in my opinion, no it won’t

You will be better off with the the 3241T
A thorough comparison would help though
What is it lacking so it can't be replacement? Like top 3-5 most important things? I noticed no audio, what else?
 

Arjun

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It also lacks up 30fps support at 4K resolution. It records only up 15fps on 4K
It also lacks the ability to support external mic
It lacks on-board mic
It also lacks audio output
It also lacks a 1/1.8" sensor (included sensor is much smaller)
It also lacks AI (Artificial Intelligence)
Honestly, its barely at the same level as the popular Starlight models featured here on this forum. Dahua is marketing this as Starlight because it meets minimum specs (numerically-speaking) but doesn't necessarily equate to true Starlight (superior nighttime performance)
It doesn't support a bit rate higher than 8192kbps
IR is only up 40m, 10m less than the popular 5231 model.

But seriously, why complain. This is after-all part of Dahua's 'Lite' Series :lol: :p

What is it lacking so it can't be replacement? Like top 3-5 most important things? I noticed no audio, what else?
 
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aristobrat

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What is it lacking so it can't be replacement? Like top 3-5 most important things? I noticed no audio, what else?
IMO, most folks that bought 5231s spent the extra money on them because they do so exceptionally well in low-light.

Two things:
1. This camera doesn't do as well in low light as 5231s do
2. 5231s are no longer the best low-light cameras

So with that being the case, for anyone who owns a 5231 because of low-light performance, it's hard to recommend this model as a 5231 replacement. Like @Arjun mentioned, the newer 2231 S2 and 3241T 2MP varifocal models perform better than the 5231, as well as the newer 4MP 5442 models. Those are the models that seem to be used the most to replace 5231s, IMO.
 
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Thanks guys for elaborated reply. I was hoping to find 4K camera that otherwise would live up to 5231 standards, including being varifocal... I want to have full 4K during the day. It looks like I still need to wait.
 

Arjun

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Thanks guys for elaborated reply. I was hoping to find 4K camera that otherwise would live up to 5231 standards, including being varifocal... I want to have full 4K during the day. It looks like I still need to wait.
Buy the recommended models we mentioned earlier. Reserve a 4K model as a choice to upgrade to when the technology catches up. If you have adequate street light or flood lights on your property, a 4K camera might still be an ideal option for you. A 2mp/4mp Starlight model is best for all situations 24/7
 
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Warptrooper

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How would this compare to Hikvision 2385? That one has a larger 1/2" sensor instead of 1/2.7" and can do 20FPS vs 15FPS. Also 2x the bitrate.

On paper it's better but does anyone know if it actually performs better ?
 
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I'd like to know what the setting were on both cameras before making any judgement.
I'm sure they were on auto. I am sticking with 2mp and 4mp for now. Not going to chase MPixels. Anything at night must be zoomed in to the area of interest if your going to get any good identification. Other than just having a good color picture as an overview.
 

Warptrooper

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I'm sure they were on auto. I am sticking with 2mp and 4mp for now. Not going to chase MPixels. Anything at night must be zoomed in to the area of interest if your going to get any good identification. Other than just having a good color picture as an overview.
Yeah I'm on the fence. My 5442 3.6 mm as an overview camera just doesn't have the resolution during the day for catching plates or even enough details of people walking by on sidewalk right in front of the house.

It makes a nice overview picture but the second I start to zoom in, theres almost no detail due to lack of pixels. It is also mounted rather high up under soffit like 10 foot high or maybe more (i'll go measure soon).

I could replace that with a 4K and move the 5442 down to around just over head height.

But I wonder...

1) Would replacing 5442 with a 4K add enough resolution to catch faces / plates better during the day or the distance is still too far ? 4mm is bit more zoomed in than 3.6mm too on top of 2x the pixels so maybe.....

2) That 5442 I really should have gone varifocal but even just moving it down should bring it much closer to potential perps trying to break into car again. Maybe it will be enough where I wont need a 6mm or varifocal.
 
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