I wouldn't risk it...
Most here do not update. Many of us run firmware older than that.
A common theme around here is don't fix what ain't broke. If the unit is working and meets your needs, in many instances an update breaks what you had working and provides you with something you didn't need or bricks the camera. In most instances, updates are simply security vulnerability patches (usually years after the breach was found), but since we do not give our cameras internet access, the update is useless to us.
Here is one of many
threads of someone updating for OCD behavior simply to get all cams on same firmware and bricked them. Here is one of many
threads where someone had their camera go into Chinese when they tried to update it.
Unless the release notes specifically mention it fixing a problem you are experiencing, more than likely it won't fix an issue and may make the device worse by removing functionality or worse brick it.
Don't do it unless it is fixing a problem you are experiencing or adds a feature you really need.
Another thing to consider is that
the same model could have different firmware for different chipsets used during the life of that model. So you run the risk of bricking if you do not know what chipset you have.
Here is an example - the HFW3549T1-AS-PV is available in 2 versions of firmware across 3 different chipsets for the same model camera:
- HFW3549T1-AS-PV-S4 uses the HX3XXX-Taurus firmware.
- HFW3549T1-AS-PV and IPC-HFW3549T1-AS-PV-S3 use the HX5XXX-Volt firmware
In this instance, Dahua added an S# designation after the model number (while Hikvision adds a C), but many do not and then you try to update with a firmware not compatible with your chipset and potentially brick it.
Further,
it is best to obtain any firmware updates from the vendor you purchased it from so that you do not run into issues. Any firmware you find here or elsewhere is obviously proceed at your own risk. We have many threads here where someone tried an update with a firmware they found on the internet and bricked their unit.
Many units being sold are Chinese hacked units into English that will either brick or go into Chinese upon updating. Some vendors will be upfront and tell consumers that as part of their website, but many do not or the consumer forgets...here is one such example....
