Camera and vendor recommendation

[dannysmith43]

Hi Y'all,

First post, I've been lurking for a bit though. I'm moving into a new property soon and I'm looking to get myself some IP cameras. I've set my sights on Dahua or Hikvision but I'm leaning slightly towards to Dahua because of the price. I'm based in the UK, it's difficult to find these cameras here it seems, so I'm looking at ordering from China.
I don't own an NVR but my QNAP TS-253A has 4 IP cam licenses, so I'm looking for a camera that's on the compatibility list. I've been reading up and it seems that a turret has better low light and less spider-web interference than the bullet's I was originally looking at.
I only really need 1080p and probably a 6mm lens, I may get a 2.8/3.6mm for the back garden afterwards to cover a wider area.

I've seen this;

Dahua H2.65 IPC HDW4431C A Built in MIC HD 4MP IR 30m network IP Camera security cctv Dome Camera Support POE HDW4431C A-in Surveillance Cameras from Security & Protection on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group

Seems to cover my needs and it's only £55/$65, but I have a couple of questions if someone would be so kind as to respond;

Does anyone have a better recommendation for the same price point? It does need to be POE 802.11af (I hate buying and regretting later)

Is there a "trusted" seller on Alliexpress that you have experience with and prefer? I'm always cautious of false reviews

I need to mount this on a wall, would this mount be suitable?
I also assume with this mount, there is no need for a waterproof junction box as the Ethernet connection would be on the outside.

Amazon.com : Dahua PFB200W Aluminum Mini Dome Wall Mount Bracket Waterproof forIPC-HDB4300C(S) IPC-HDBW4300E IPC-HDW4300C, HAC-HDW2220S, HAC-HDBW1100/1200/2220E, HDW1100S : Camera & Photo

I've already purchased a TP-Link TL-SG108PE for PoE, it's also manageable so I can VLAN off my cameras and the rest of my IoT kit, the cameras will also be blocked from the Internet. I only use a VPN to access anything on my home network.

Thanks very much for looking and appreciate any replies from the experts

 

[cor35vet]

The same camera for cheaper: Aliexpress.com : Buy H2.65 IPC HDW4431C A Built in MIC HD 4MP IR 30m network IP Camera security cctv Dome Camera Support POE HDW4431C A from Reliable ip camera security suppliers on WEB CAMERA
A user here bought from that store also: Dahua Firmware Mod Kit + Modded Dahua Firmware
They don't list 6mm though...
Basically go for the cheapest seller on Ali, there is no warranty or service anyways. If you don't get it or it arrives damaged there is aliexpress buyer protection.

The mount you linked is compatible, see IPC-HDW4431EM-AS | Dahua Technology under Accessories.

You can also use your QNAP NAS as an NFS share without needing licenses and use that on the cameras, they can record to NFS (preferred) and even FTP.
That's how I run mine, NVR is nice but if you're on a budget NFS is the way to go.

That turret is a good choice, small and suited for outdoor. It has PoE 802.3af and works with your PoE switch.
If you only need 1080p though maybe the same model with 2MP would be better because less noise?
Like this one: Dahua H.265 2MP IP Camera DH IPC HDW4233C A Full HD 1920*1080 Network Camera With Audio English Version replace IPC HDW4231C A-in Surveillance Cameras from Security & Protection on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group
I don't think anyone reviewed this one ^, I wonder how it compares to the 4MP one.

 

[dannysmith43]

The same camera for cheaper: Aliexpress.com : Buy H2.65 IPC HDW4431C A Built in MIC HD 4MP IR 30m network IP Camera security cctv Dome Camera Support POE HDW4431C A from Reliable ip camera security suppliers on WEB CAMERA
A user here bought from that store also: Dahua Firmware Mod Kit + Modded Dahua Firmware
They don't list 6mm though...
Basically go for the cheapest seller on Ali, there is no warranty or service anyways. If you don't get it or it arrives damaged there is aliexpress buyer protection.

The mount you linked is compatible, see IPC-HDW4431EM-AS | Dahua Technology under Accessories.

You can also use your QNAP NAS as an NFS share without needing licenses and use that on the cameras, they can record to NFS (preferred) and even FTP.
That's how I run mine, NVR is nice but if you're on a budget NFS is the way to go.

That turret is a good choice, small and suited for outdoor. It has PoE 802.3af and works with your PoE switch.
If you only need 1080p though maybe the same model with 2MP would be better because less noise?
Like this one: Dahua H.265 2MP IP Camera DH IPC HDW4233C A Full HD 1920*1080 Network Camera With Audio English Version replace IPC HDW4231C A-in Surveillance Cameras from Security & Protection on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group
I don't think anyone reviewed this one ^, I wonder how it compares to the 4MP one.

That's really good, thanks for the response. I quite like the idea of the 4mpx, especially if I go the NFS route, plus the 2mpx version isn't on the QNAP comparability list anyway just in case. I'm still not sure 100% if I need to some form of waterproofing for the ethernet connection. I'll have some external cat 5/6 cable on the external wall, that will connect to the ethernet jack on the camera. Will I need an additional junction box or just run the cables into that mount, which will protected from the water?

Thanks again.

 

[cor35vet]

That's really good, thanks for the response. I quite like the idea of the 4mpx, especially if I go the NFS route, plus the 2mpx version isn't on the QNAP comparability list anyway just in case. I'm still not sure 100% if I need to some form of waterproofing for the ethernet connection. I'll have some external cat 5/6 cable on the external wall, that will connect to the ethernet jack on the camera. Will I need an additional junction box or just run the cables into that mount, which will protected from the water?

Thanks again.

A waterproof connector is on the camera and it comes with the other end, works fine if you crimp your own cables.

 

[dannysmith43]

Magic, that's exactly what I was after! Thanks very for your assistance kind sir!

 

[alastairstevenson]

I know you've mentioned NFS with the camera providing it's own mini-NVR capability -

my QNAP TS-253A has 4 IP cam licenses,

Just be aware that if you don't use a NetHDD destination, even if the camera is on the compatibility list or works natively with a similar choice, or if it isn't on the Surveillance Station compatibility list and you connect using ONVIF ProfileS, that Surveillance Station will be limited to basic motion detection recording only. No 'smart events' recording actions.

I hope that makes sense!

 

[dannysmith43]

Hi there,

Thanks for your input. I've been a little bit burnt by non- compatible cameras and the QNAP. Although the indoor camera I bought was a cheap "app only" Sricam....It didn't work on profileS and when it did work, it didn't use 720p, it only worked in the lower resolution. I suspect its the naff software to be honest!
It's £60 for the camera and mount so I'm happy with that! I just hate waiting 30 days for delivery

 

[dannysmith43]

Thanks for all your help so far, I pulled the trigger over the weekend and bought one. Typically, I didn't read the description fully...

Dahua IPC HDW4431C A Replace IPC HDW4300C 1080P 4M Network IP Camera Built in MIC IR leds Support POE Onvif DH IPC HDW4431C A-in Surveillance Cameras from Security & Protection on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group

This line concerns me slightly;

"Note: Original Dahua, English Firmware ,Please don't update the camera !"

Why shouldn't I update the firmware? If it's original and English, shouldn't I be able to upgrade it with English firmware?

Thanks all.

Danny

 

[cor35vet]

It's a Chinese model, you can't upgrade it with English firmware.
You need to use patched firmware if you want to upgrade it (check my signature)

 

[dannysmith43]

Oh right, I'm assuming they are all Chinese model's then and I haven't just picked a dud vendor? Thanks once again for your help.

 

[dannysmith43]

I know you've mentioned NFS with the camera providing it's own mini-NVR capability -

Just be aware that if you don't use a NetHDD destination, even if the camera is on the compatibility list or works natively with a similar choice, or if it isn't on the Surveillance Station compatibility list and you connect using ONVIF ProfileS, that Surveillance Station will be limited to basic motion detection recording only. No 'smart events' recording actions.

I hope that makes sense!

I just realised your the same guy from the QNAP forums who recommended the turrett thanks again!

 

[alastairstevenson]

Ooops - I've been outed.