Interestingly, I bought a second IPC-HDBW4231F-E2-M ("boobie cam") and it's initializing as expected, even when hit with a modern web browser.
The first one (that required IE):
Device TypeIPC-HDBW4231F-E2-M-2.8mm
Software Version2.622.15OG000.0.R, Build Date: 2019-08-27
WEB VersionV3.2.1.780670...
So I think I found the answer: You must use Internet Explorer to setup this camera.
In re-reading the Quick Start Guide again, I came across this blurb: "Open IE browser, enter the IP address of the device in the address bar and press Enter " - and I thought to my self: "Self, do you think this...
I bought 3 PoE cameras from EmpireTech-Andy via Amazon:
Loryta IPC-B5442T-ASE (3.6mm Fixed Lens 4MP Starlight+ WDR IR Bullet)
Loryta IPC-B5442E-ZE (4MP Starlight+ WDR IR Bullet)
EmpireTech IPC-HDBW4231F-E2-M (2.8MM Lens IP Camera 2x2MP Starlight IR Mini Dome)
The first 2 cameras set up easy as...