Dahua Starlight Fixed Lens Turret (IPC-HDW4231EM-AS)

nayr

nayr

IPCT Contributor
Jul 16, 2014
9,229
5,328
Denver, CO
I present yet another Dahua Starlight, this time a fixed lens turret.. We'll see how this compares to the Varifocal.. I got a 3.6mm and it'll be going right next to my backdoor to replace my aging 3MP 4300S Bullet.

IMAG0776.jpg
This is an all metal turret with full range of adjustability for suiting any mounting situation.

I am comparing this camera to the Dahua Starlight Varifocal Turret (IPC-HDW5231R-Z), you can find comparisons with that camera to others early in that thread.

Verdict: This is a very good performer all around, its a lil bit smaller than the varifocal turret.. I think most people should spend the extra $40 and get the Varifocal model, espically if your new to the game.. but if your upgrading or on a severe budget, these could be used as a good second runner up.. You have to get the lens selection right, generally for residential use I find very few places for anything wider than 6mm as getting an ID with a 3.6mm requires the target to be up close and personal.

for +$40 USD more you get better optics and that gives you better performance and flexibility, if you know what your doing and looking to increase profit or meet a strict budget, or timetable then these are fine choices, alot better than any other cheap fixed lens camera for under $150.. and if you have a lot of cameras that $40 Multiplier can eat up alot of money, (10 cameras = $400 saved)

Disclaimer: This camera was provided to me in exchange for a fair and unbiased review by @EMPIRETECANDY

Features
  • 1/2.8” 2MP progressive scan Sony Starvis Exmor-R (IMX291) CMOS
  • H.265 & H.264 triple-stream encoding
  • 50/60fps @ 1080p(1920×1080)
  • Minimum Illumination: 0.009 Lux/F2.0 (Color); 0 Lux/F2 (IR on)
  • Smart Detection supported (Facial/Tripwire/Intrusion/Audio)
  • WDR(120dB), Day/Night(ICR), 3DNR, AWB, AGC, BLC
  • Multiple network monitoring: Web viewer, CMS(DSS/PSS) & DMSS
  • 2.8mm/3.6mm/6mm Fixed Lens available
  • EXIR LEDs Distance: 50m
  • IP67, PoE (802.3af)
  • Micro SD card memory (128GB Max)
  • Onboard Microphone

Product Page: IPC-HDW4231EM-AS | Dahua Technology

Price: $129 USD Shipped via DHL (3 Days) from @EMPIRETECANDY

Downloads:

This is an international model camera, comes unmodified with english translations and is upgradable.

Also see my other Dahua Starlight reviews:

Shipped Firmware:
Screenshot 2017-02-28 14.42.35.png

Updated Firmware:
Screenshot 2017-02-28 14.55.29.png

Label:
dahualabel.png

Daytime @ Defaults:
Turret_IPC_main_20170228155327.jpg

Side by Side w/Varifocal Turret that's seen better days:
IMAG0778.jpg
 
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Weird naming, the chinese HDW4231C-A is not a starlight...
Actually I've not been able to find chinese versions of most of these starlights.

Very excited how this compares to the varifocal.
 
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The F2.0 has a larger depth of focus, good for overview shots in the daytime
Turret_IPC_main_20170228160450.jpg NVR_Backyard_main_20170228160446.jpg

not alot of difference, IQ seems better on Fixed Lens.. but the Varifocal has taken alot of abuse from the sun being in view.. hope it didnt hurt anything.
 
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about 70ft, varifocal should be at ~3.6mm right now.. tried to match it up, but its cold and slushy, wanting to snow.. so I dont wanna take the laptop outside and risk damaging it.
 
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Manual Exposure Color @ Dusk
Shutter: 1/120
Gain: 50
3DNR: 50
Backlight: Off

Fixed Turret:
Turret_IPC_main_20170228181010.jpg

Varifocal Turret:
NVR_Backyard_main_20170228181004.jpg

Here is where we see the larger aperture results in a brighter image overall
 
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This is the camera I ordered last week, and should be arriving in another day or two. It will replace the intermittent Longse camera currently watching my driveway.
 
Here is Night @ Fixed Exposure
Shutter: 1/10
Gain: 50
3DNR: 50
Backlight: Off
Onboard IR: Disabled

Fixed Turret:
Turret_IPC_main_20170228190107.jpg

Varifocal Turret:
NVR_Backyard_main_20170228190116.jpg

The street light is a nice illustrator how much more light is getting to the sensor in these conditions; however its a friggin starlight so its doing pretty damn well..
 
Here is both of them in Auto w/only there onboard IR enabled (I disabled it on the other camera)

Fixed:
Turret_IPC_main_20170228190750.jpg

Varifocal:
NVR_Backyard_main_20170228190715.jpg

Here it might look like the fixed is winning, but if you look at the license plates.. you can clearly see the Varifocal in auto is achieving a higher shutter speed, or less gain and that means more detail.. Its also possible the autoiris is closing up to try to adapt to the plates.. or some combination, hard to say exactly in AutoExposure.. but I think the Varifocal is winning this round in outright quality.

I do think the spread of this fixed turret is better, a single more powerfull LED with nicer optics made for wide angles.. Whereas the Varifocal Turret does not go as wide and tries to keep some of it focused for use with zoom.. I like this because my backdoor camera will not be using external IR like most of my other cameras and its one of my few wide views.. but only because its so close to the back door and thats its main job.
 
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It seem that your test result between the 5231 and 4231 was similar to my test findings a week ago when I compared the two in the dark lighting condition however I think 4231 picture was tiny bit more grainier than the 5231 in same dark lighting condition.
 
Exposure: Auto
IR: Enabled on Fixed, Disabled on Varifocal

Fixed:
NVR_IPC-HDW4231EM-AS_main_20170228201735.jpg

Varifocal:
NVR_IPC-HDW5231R-Z_main_20170228201735.jpg
 
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how does focus work on each of these? is it fixed on the fixed focal length 4231, but auto and adjustable on the 5231, where it is deciding what to optimize to in the frame?
 
Hmm not bad considering the $40 savings.. If you know what focal length you need I see absolutely no need to go with the varifocal over this... Not to mention that they're actually available.
 
tb10818 said:
Hmm not bad considering the $40 savings.. If you know what focal length you need I see absolutely no need to go with the varifocal over this... Not to mention that they're actually available.
Click to expand...

Patience, on the 5231's being available. Andy has them coming very soon, and he's fantastic to deal with. I do like the fixed though, for a front door scenario where I need about 90 degree spread. I wan't to avoid using 2 or 3 cameras just for this area.

Thanks @nayr, for the great review so far. Answered all my questions.
 
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