Review-Dahua Starlight IPC-HDW5231R-ZE 800 meter capable ePOE

[looney2ns]

Edited to fix broken links.

Ok, been playing this now for about 24hrs.

Here we have one of Dahua's new release's hot off the press. The IPC-HDW5231R-ZE

Thanks to Andy at @EMPIRETECANDY for providing this cam for review.
I received this cam in exchange for a fair review.

This is Dahua's latest release. It claims to have upto 800 meters of range via a single cat6 cable and POE.
From the Dahua Spec sheet:
ePoE technology The ePoE technology of Dahua, designed internally, adopts advanced 2D-PAM3 coding modulation from physical layer, and realizes full duplex transmission over 800 meters at the speed of 10Mbps, or 300 meters at the speed of 100Mbps via Cat 5 or coaxial cable media. Besides, it supports PoE and PoC power supply technology which has greatly simplified construction and wiring. Dahua ePoE technology offer a new way to accomplish long distance transmission between IP camera and network switch. It allows more flexible surveillance system design, improves reliability and saves construction and wiring cost.

It's also compatible with 802.3af power standard, and that is how I'm testing it.

It's an all metal case and mount.

Verdict? To me it is very similar to its brother the IPC-HDW5231R-Z. Maybe just a tic better in low light, and the very slightly wider zoom.

Spec Sheet:

http://www.dahuasecurity.com/asset/upload/download/dh-ipc-hdw5231r-ze_datasheet_20170630.pdf

Product page:

http://www.dahuasecurity.com/Products/ProductDetail/14251

Purchase here:
IPC HDW5231R ZE 2MP WDR IR Eyeball Network Camera IPC HDW5231R ZE ,free DHL shipping-in Surveillance Cameras from Security & Protection on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group

Edit:
Also now available in black:
Aliexpress.com : Buy Black IPC HDW5231R ZE 2MP WDR IR Eyeball Network Camera IPC HDW5231R ZE ,free DHL shipping from Reliable network camera suppliers on Empire Technology Co., Ltd

 

[looney2ns]

I will be testing this side by side with a Dahua Starlight Varifocal Turret (IPC-HDW5231R-Z)

On this scientifically designed test stand.

IR is only being used from the 5231 R-ZE, other cam's IR is turned off, other wise both cams are at factory default settings.




Some sample shots taken from Blue Iris:
First the IPC-HDW5231R-Z.

Very near Dusk.


After Dark



Approx same times from the R-ZE, ignore the time stamps, I goofed on setting the time up.

 

[looney2ns]

Daytime shots, as you can see the wider angle zoom is noticeable in the ZE shot.

 

[looney2ns]

Both cams set to 25fps @ 4096 bitrate. Recorded in Blue Iris.

Man and Beast walking video samples.





Car with lights on:

 

[looney2ns]

Some old dude holding cardboard. Each time he moves is ~10ft.

Be sure to select 1080p.

Both Zoomed wide:






Both zoomed halfway:







Both at full zoom:

 

[bigredfish]

Awesome job looney!

 

[EMPIRETECANDY]

Thanks Looney! Perfect.

 

[Racenut]

I'll have to study up on what's required for coax usage. I have an old system at work that we have bids to rewire the whole building to go to IP. Of course, most of the expense is labor to install new UTP cable all over the place. May have to order one to test out.

 

[Probird79]

Good review! Does the Z have that washed out IQ typically or is that just an exposure setting (Z is much lighter than the ZE)? From an identification standpoint I don't see a difference. Definitely give the ZE an edge if you need the extra zoom.

 

[EMPIRETECANDY]

Good review! Does the Z have that washed out IQ typically or is that just an exposure setting (Z is much lighter than the ZE)? From an identification standpoint I don't see a difference. Definitely give the ZE an edge if you need the extra zoom.

They re different models, you can see the ZE one is different on shape and pics seems no difference, so they are both good models. Lol. Epoe not useful for most home users, no need long distance poe power supply. Use normal power is fine.

 

[BillG]

What firmware came on the ze ? Was it 2.460.0000.14.R Build Date: 2017-07-20 ?

 

[looney2ns]

Good review! Does the Z have that washed out IQ typically or is that just an exposure setting (Z is much lighter than the ZE)? From an identification standpoint I don't see a difference. Definitely give the ZE an edge if you need the extra zoom.

No, that was both at default. Two different versions of firmware. The Z's contrast can be adjusted slightly to look like the ze.

 

[looney2ns]

What firmware came on the ze ? Was it 2.460.0000.14.R Build Date: 2017-07-20 ?

Yes.

The Z is on the March .7 ver.

 

[mclain1]

awesome Looney, thanks for the video clips..

 

[ewc1111]

Thanks Looney ! Perfect Job.

 

[dzimm27]

@looney2ns Can you tell us where the IR is on this model or post a picture? Have been curious about this and if the placement/orientation is any different on ZE vs Z.

 

[mat200]

Thanks Looney2ns, looks good.

Would like to see a license plate by the street / sidewalk area as well as force color mode at night.

 

[looney2ns]

One above the lens, and one below the lens when looking at it as oriented on my stand.
Roughly where the red circles I drew are located. You can't see them in the day time.

 

[looney2ns]

Thanks Looney2ns, looks good.

Would like to see a license plate by the street / sidewalk area as well as force color mode at night.

Will do, stay tuned.

 

[dzimm27]

One above the lens, and one below the lens when looking at it as oriented on my stand.
Roughly where the red circles I drew are located. You can't see them in the day time.

View attachment 21432

Thanks - have been wondering if they were top/bottom or spaced both on the bottom like the Z version. When you have had the ZE IR on, have you noticed any real difference in IR coverage?