Dahua Starlight Varifocal Turret (IPC-HDW5231R-Z)

i wouldn't worry about it to much; the mic is bonded to the mechanics through its chassis, its totally normal to pickup the internals.. you can hear the IR cut filter making a loud clack too usually.

if its zooming smoothly then probably nothing to worry about.
 
First time I really learn what the smart codec option is for!! :)
I think I must leave it off on my 4431...
The hdw4431 also have it, but I didn't test it so much, and I know of broken smart codec of some of them depending of firmware. Some sellers saying don't use it with h265 because it will bootloop the cam. So be sure to use a newer firmware.
My hdw4431 doesn't bootloop, but it doesn't have this high efficiency. I can't see a big difference in bandwidth usage. Maybe I need to update it if possible.
Ok It bootloop, when switching directly from h265 to smart on. Switching from h264 works, and changing after reboot to h264 also. But be carefull, when testing it.you need to know how to unbrick!
 
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Physically in front of \ from the camera itself. Really sounds \ acts like it is struggling to move whatever is being moved inside whereas the first two operate silently.
I cannot imagine the hassle if I'd need to send these back for replacement but want to address it asap if there is a legit issue.
 
there is silica packet inside, might open it up and make sure it didnt get bound up against the lens
 
The hdw4431 also have it, but I didn't test it so much, and I know of broken smart codec of some of them depending of firmware. Some sellers saying don't use it with h265 because it will bootloop the cam. So be sure to use a newer firmware.
My hdw4431 doesn't bootloop, but it doesn't have this high efficiency. I can't see a big difference in bandwidth usage. Maybe I need to update it if possible.
Ok It bootloop, when switching directly from h265 to smart on. Switching from h264 works, and changing after reboot to h264 also. But be carefull, when testing it.you need to know how to unbrick!
Haven't tried yet. I'm already happy with straight h.265....I can tell the difference. I may try it with 264 only. I don't want a brick...
 
Anyone else experience crunchy grindy noises when zooming this camera in\out?

I have 4 of these HDW5231R-Z cameras now.
The first two zoom in\out silently without making a sound.
The second two arrived this week.
The first of the two newest arrivals is silent when zooming IN but makes a disconcerting gravely, grinding, whirring sound when zooming back out which continues for a few seconds after I release the zoom slider control.
The second of the new arrivals makes these noises both when zooming IN or OUT.

This is my first varifocal camera so I don't know what to expect but it concerns me that something is not assembled correctly and could fail so thought I'd ask others here their experience when zooming their HDW5231R-Z camera.

(The first two actually have a Dahua brand logo on the outside rim, the newest ones have no branding, not that this may have anything to do with it but wanted to mention it.)


I bought 2, 1 makes a noticeable sounds while zooming in and out(not through the mic), other one is pretty much silent. Both function just fine though, zoom is the same speed. I've been testing them quite a bit, and no problems so far(2-3weeks).
 
I already have time/date at bottom. I can't figure out what is on the top right.
No you dont...that is likely from your blue iris machine if you are using it...the stamp on the top right is from the camera...you should be recording blue iris direct to disk which will not display the timestamp overlay on playback and therefore you need the cameras timestamp...use the timesynctool (google it) to setup a time server on your blue iris machine.
 
No you dont...that is likely from your blue iris machine if you are using it...the stamp on the top right is from the camera...you should be recording blue iris direct to disk which will not display the timestamp overlay on playback and therefore you need the cameras timestamp...use the timesynctool (google it) to setup a time server on your blue iris machine.

Interesting about timesynctool. I am OCD and all my cams are slightly off.
 
Thank you gents.
Yes, I use Blueiris and the top right is the time which I have not updated.
So if I understand correctly, I should include the camera timestamp and not the BI timestamp.
 
Thank you gents.
Yes, I use Blueiris and the top right is the time which I have not updated.
So if I understand correctly, I should include the camera timestamp and not the BI timestamp.
yes, you blue iris should be set to record direct to disk to save lots of cpu power...with this setting the BI time overlay is NOT saved with the recording.
 
Thank you gents.
Yes, I use Blueiris and the top right is the time which I have not updated.
So if I understand correctly, I should include the camera timestamp and not the BI timestamp.

Thats what I do because of fenderman's reasoning. If you are using "direct to disc", your clips wont show time which could be critical. You can shut off Blue Iris's timestamp. In BI go to...Camera Settings/Video/Text and Graphic Overlays "Edit"... select the actual time stamp and delete it.
 
FYI, this camera performed as expected on DST.. just set it up right, Starts 2nd Sunday of March @ 2AM, Ends 1st Sunday of November @ 2AM
 
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No you dont...that is likely from your blue iris machine if you are using it...the stamp on the top right is from the camera...you should be recording blue iris direct to disk which will not display the timestamp overlay on playback and therefore you need the cameras timestamp...use the timesynctool (google it) to setup a time server on your blue iris machine.
I just installed the timesynctool. Thank you.

Each camera sync time differently, how can this help so all cameras can use the same time?
 
configure your cameras to use the IP of your BI Server as a NTP TimeSource, also make sure your BI windows firewall permits port 123/UDP
 
Got my 2 camera from Andy a week ago but only got time to replace a 4MP bullet Hikvision with one of this. Pleased so far. I haven't got to tweak any setting yet. I wonder if @nayr has any recommendation on them?
They will be used as outdoor camera covering the front door and garage entrance.