Dahua is going bigger 1/1.8" sensor in lower lines: new WizColor series, 3449-PRO and 2449-PRO lines

Apr 11, 2020
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Two months ago Dahua released TIOC-PRO cams (3449H-AS-PV-PRO), which for first time in lower WizSense line had a bigger 1/1.8” image sensor with 4/6/8 Mpx resolutions. I had installed 6 pcs of 4Mpx turret variant and must say that night performance is very good, better that 5442 in very low light situations.

This is mostly due a new image sensors, the same which HIK is using in his ColorVU 2.0 cams. A new image sensor in 3449-PRO generates several times less noise comparing to very noisy sensor used in 5442/5842. I tested both at total darkness with very short exposure time (1/250 - 1/1000) and difference in noise is huge.

A few days ago Dahua teased on website and YouTube a new WizColor cameras category, which will be using big 1/1.8” sensor, open aperture F1.0 and a new AI powered Image processor. Today We can find a product pages for those new models called 2449-PRO:

Screenshot 2024-10-01 at 19.19.32.png








For first time we see information what AI-ISP really means. Looks like 2D and 3D noise reduction algorithm were replaced by AI trained networks.

“The AI-ISP technology also incorporates a deep learning image processing algorithm with 3-layer temporal noise reduction, 2-layer 2D noise reduction, and precise motion detection” Bai said. “These advancements result in a significant upgrade to the denoising module, offering a 50% improvement in scene detail restoration, a 30% enhancement in color accuracy, a 200% increase in motion detection precision, and an 80% reduction in motion blur.”

Screenshot 2024-10-01 at 19.20.13.png

Interesting is that a new TIOC-PRO (3449-PRO / 3649-PRO / 3849-PRO, Color4M in Andy shop) are also included in this new WizColor category. Models on actual firmware don’t have performance We see on Youtube demonstration but it looks that AI processing will be enabled in a new firmware.

Dahua announces a new OTA upgrade in October - probably which will activate WizColor / AI-ISP functionality.

 
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in firmware change log for 2449 I found 2 interesting informations:

- the default style is soft by default... it looks like big digital sharpening which is normally done in Full Color cams with big sensor (to hide short Field of View / Bokeh effect) are now switchable...

- You can select plate priority for illumination overexposure remover - so it looks like we have another AI filter for car plates and camera can compensate it's parameters to get better plate numbers image..


Another YouTube movies about WizColor:





 
We're starting to see more and more 4mp cameras with 1/1.8" sensors from other vendors too.
It's like they're finally starting to move towards becoming the standard sensor.
 
I wonder if 5849 cameras with 1/1.2 sensor will get update at some point

there is second generation (series) of 5849 with 1/1.2" sensor and a new upgraded SOC / CPU / Image Signal Processor and AI functions from 5442-S3..
it have similar AI features like a new 5442-S3 (AI Coding, AcuPick, Video MetaData etc)..

In Europe is available from minimum one year..
But this version is not available in the USA (FCC ban) so Andy still have first generation in his store...

 
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1/1.2" sensor that can also do IR would be nice.
4mp on 1/1.2" would be nicer.


10Mpx on 4/3" (1.6x bigger that 1/1.2") sensor, IR and 12-48 or 50-150mm lenses..

Price 2000-3000 USD depending of retailer...
 
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there is second generation (series) of 5849 with 1/1.2" sensor and a new upgraded SOC / CPU / Image Signal Processor and AI functions from 5442-S3..
it have similar AI features like a new 5442-S3 (AI Coding, AcuPick, Video MetaData etc)..

In Europe is available from minimum one year..
But this version is not available in the USA (FCC ban) so Andy still have first generation in his store...



FWIW I do NOT recommend the 5849-T1 bullet at this point. The new FW is horrible and even more oversharp and more articfacts than the original.
They went from OK I can live with it to FUCK NO

The latest FW on Andy's site is just as bad. I dont think it can be fixed with FW
 
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I would like to see more cameras with the 1/1.2" sensor. That Axios camera with 4/3" sensor looks OK, but the LUX values to not seem to match IMHO what I think they should be with that large of a sensor. .
 
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1/1.2" sensor that can also do IR would be nice.
4mp on 1/1.2" would be nicer.

Interesting is that Sony have a new IMX585 STARVIS2 1/1.2" sensor.
It is NIR enhanced (so supports IR) and Clear HDR - so supports HDR/WDR where two frames with high and low gain are done in exact the same time - there is no chroma aberrations in HDR/WDR..

Older one IMX485 used in 5849 / Color4K cams wasn't NIR enhanced - so it had problems to see full IR spectrum...
This is way all cams which used this sensor were only white light..

There is high probability that next generations of Dahua cams with 1/1.2" will support hybrid light (IR and white light)..


Screenshot 2024-10-03 at 15.36.42.png
 
Interesting looking a portfolio of 1/1.8" sensors...
It looks now that Sony have a new STARVIS2 8.2Mpx (4K) and 4MPx sensors all with full support for IR and ClearHDR...

Before (old STARVIS) Sony had only 4 and 6Mpx versions in 1/1.8" size, which can be reason why HIK/Dahua used 1/1.8" sensors from different much worse manufacturer...

If Dahua / HIK decided to return to Sony Starvis2 sensors in next generation of Pro/Ultra cams - this should be HUGE night performance upgrade..
Especially with next generation of AI-ISP, which is very fast progressing in quality image/color recovery at night..

Screenshot 2024-10-03 at 15.46.26.png
 
I would like to see more cameras with the 1/1.2" sensor. That Axios camera with 4/3" sensor looks OK, but the LUX values to not seem to match IMHO what I think they should be with that large of a sensor. .

Don't compare lux values from HIK/Dahua to lux values from Axis or other western companies..
Both HIK and Dahua are very cheating in given lux values..
Also both HIK and Dahua didn't tell what shutter time those lux values were done..
if this were something like 1/3 seconds then they can be many times higher to normal ones like 1/25 or 1/30 seconds..
 
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I have to admit that the Axis Communications Q1808-LE sure looks good. I can find it at just over $2000 at B&H Photo. However, I am not sure I want to spend that kind of money without any reviews.
 
I have to admit that the Axis Communications Q1808-LE sure looks good. I can find it at just over $2000 at B&H Photo. However, I am not sure I want to spend that kind of money without any reviews.

the only place where You can find reviews / comparisons for cameras in this budget is ipvm.com
they regularly do very technical comparisons of many cams from different manufacturers in specified categories...

but this is payed service dedicated to big cctv resellers and installers..
if I remember correctly fee for full access (with technical reviews) is 1500 USD / month...

but You can find some demos on YouTube for this cam:



 
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Thank you for the photos. They look pretty good. I will have give this one some serious thought. Also seeing that it is POE and has RJ-45 connector and is ONVIF compliant.