Dahua 5442 Series IP Camera Image Quality Issues

[zero_deniz]

Hello;
I use several different models of the 5442 series on-site, and recently, I replaced one of my existing "IPC-HFW5442E-ZE-2712" cameras with the newly purchased "IPC-HFW5442E-ZHE-2712-S3" model. The image quality of the "IPC-HFW5442E-ZHE-2712-S3" camera is much worse compared to the other 5442 series cameras (it looks washed out and is not clear).

I’ve tried all the settings I could think of, but it didn’t help much. I compared the settings with my other cameras, and everything seems normal. I turned off the AI features and tested it. I also performed a firmware update. I tested the sharpness and focus settings through the camera's web interface. I played with the image settings, but it still didn’t match my other 5442 cameras.The camera lens has been recently cleaned.

Here are my camera settings, which are the same as the ones on all my other cameras, except for the AI SSA. I’ve attached sample photos. Does anyone have any suggestions for a solution? Thank you very much.


Camera Settings:

• EIS: ON
• AI SSA: Off
• Mode: Manual Shutter: 1/500 (to ensure the vehicle image is clear)
• 3D NR: 50
• 2D NR: 50
• Backlight: Off
• WB: Outdoor
• Main Stream Codec: H264, Bitrate: 8192 KB, FPS: 15

The other 5442 series camera models I use are as follows:

• IPC-HFW5442E-ZE-2712
• IPC-HFW5442E-ZE
• IPC-HFW5442E-ZHE

 

[bigredfish]

Not sure which pics were supposed to compare?

• make sure ROI is OFF
• I run an exposure range 0-2 during the day
• DNR is way too high for daytime. Try 25-30
• AI SSA will add contrast and saturation so I’d compare them all with it OFF

 

[zero_deniz]

@bigredfish, thank you. I will check the settings you mentioned.
first and fourth photo:IPC-HFW5442E-ZHE-2712-S3
second and third photo:IPC-HFW5442E-ZE-2712

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[bigredfish]

1st photo looks great to me?

3rd and 4th photo have some Backlight/WDR/SSA setting on, looks washed out, or could just be ambient light difference. It’s 6 hours later than the others.

 

[wittaj]

We have seen examples of someone buying two of the exact camera that came from the same build lot set up side-by-side and the images look completely different with the same settings.

You can use the settings as a starting point but then need to dial it in.

You may need to up the bitrate of the newer one as well.

And I have seen that the newer S3 tends to appear to have a little bit of some backlight feature on even when it is off. I think the firmware was tweaked to try to improve default images with sun and shadow in them.

 

[bigredfish]

Yeah I'd go through all of the settings

Leave image all at default 50 at first

Try taking the Smooth Stream slider to 90

 

[zero_deniz]

I did a few tests yesterday afternoon and came to the conclusion that there is a situation similar to what @wittaj mentioned. When sunlight passes behind the camera, the image looks slightly better, but when the light is in front of or above the camera, even though all filters are turned off, it still appears as if a backlight filter is on. This issue doesn't occur with the 5842-S2 and S3 series cameras I use in the field. I will contact Dahua technical support and try to get a response. If there is any progress, I will add an update to the topic. Thank you everyone.