Currently best Dahua camera?

Im getting a bit confused by all product numbers, so just putting out the question here:

As of December 2017, what is the best all round PTZ Dahua dome camera for outside use (model number) that is sold on ebay (or so) - how to spot real / fake versions and also is supported by Blue Iris?

...:sigh: Dude this forum is going to rip you up. Do some research and search the forum, it's that simple.

japjoe7 said:

...:sigh: Dude this forum is going to rip you up. Do some research and search the forum, it's that simple.

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Sounds like an extremely friendly forum...

alekslyse said:

Sounds like an extremely friendly forum...

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It is, except for lazy folks....

Well my first ever post about many things I got told to basically fuck off and ask them
Well I read everything that person posted I learned so much and more
That was the best ever advice,and I have a lot of respect for that person to this day
As I understand many things lol about ip cameras and networks
Read and research
then if you still don’t understand explain what you have researched then people can see what you have done and know what effort you have done and will help
Nothing worse than “ my nvr won’t work please help”
Don’t take it to heart but there is an amazing bunch of guys on this forum

alekslyse said:

Im getting a bit confused by all product numbers, so just putting out the question here:

As of December 2017, what is the best all round PTZ Dahua dome camera for outside use (model number) that is sold on ebay (or so) - how to spot real / fake versions and also is supported by Blue Iris?

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Welcome alekslyse,

Skip ebay and check out #15 in my notes - look for a Dahua starlight PTZ - lots of great options there, iirc starting around $3xx.00

It's easy to get swamped with information here, so I wanted to share some notes with you

Please check out @giomania 's notes:
Dahua Starlight Varifocal Turret (IPC-HDW5231R-Z)

I have also made notes which are a summary of a lot of the reading I've been doing here,:
Looking for some advice and direction!

Have fun joining us here.

mat200 said:

Welcome alekslyse,

Skip ebay and check out #15 in my notes - look for a Dahua starlight PTZ - lots of great options there, iirc starting around $3xx.00

It's easy to get swamped with information here, so I wanted to share some notes with you

Please check out @giomania 's notes:
Dahua Starlight Varifocal Turret (IPC-HDW5231R-Z)

I have also made notes which are a summary of a lot of the reading I've been doing here,:
Looking for some advice and direction!

Have fun joining us here.

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Thank you. I decided to go for 6 PC-HDW5231R-Z and two POE switches. Is it any benefit of using "branded" Dahua switches or will everything work? I sent a list to a couple of dealers including the ali express one that seems to be popular in here so lets see what I can end up with.

@alekslyse You don't need a branded Dahua switch. In general, any POE switch should work. Just make sure to add up the power required across all your cameras and look at the POE switch specs to ensure that the POE switch can deliver that required power.

Personally, I went with a Buffalo 8-port POE+ switch (with no fan) from Amazon. No fan because I don't like fan noise.

There are many threads where POE switch comes up as a side topic, and there is a specific thread as well: PoE Switch Suggestion List

And go back and read @giomania notes (link was shared previously). He has some switch suggestions as well.

P.S. You made a really good choice with PC-HDW5231R-Z. I wasn't as lucky initially when I went and bought some Hik 4MB that are horrible for night-time footage.

alekslyse said:

Thank you. I decided to go for 6 PC-HDW5231R-Z and two POE switches. Is it any benefit of using "branded" Dahua switches or will everything work? I sent a list to a couple of dealers including the ali express one that seems to be popular in here so lets see what I can end up with.

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Actran covers it well.

Just remember to use quality solid copper cat6/cat5e cable, avoid the CCA stuff.