EmpireTek IPC-T54IR-ZE-S3 - Dahua IPC-HDW5442T-ZE - Same software?

[TobiasF]

Hello,

from hardware side EmpireTek and Dahua are the same to what I have learned.
But what about the software? Do EmpireTek IPC-T54IR-ZE-S3 and Dahua IPC-HDW5442T-ZE have the same functionality?
If possible, would there be any advantage or disadvantage to run an EmpireTek cam with the Dahua firmware?

Regards
Tobias

 

[wittaj]

You can update the firmware on Andy's cameras and NVRs from the Dahua website, thus proving they are real Dahua. But you will find that the firmware we get from him is usually better and more recent than what is on the Dahua website (despite the date on the firmware) because many members here provide feedback to Andy and then Dahua makes modifications to the firmware and sends back to him and then he sends out to his customers.

These have been great improvements that Dahua doesn't even update their firmware and add to their website. So many of us are running a newer firmware than those that purchase Dahua cameras through professional installers. Smart IR on the 5442 series is one such improvement. Autotracking on the 49225 and 49425 PTZ is another (if you upload Dahua firmware it will lose autotracking). We got the next version of AI SMD 3.0 prior to anyone else as well.

Look at the threads here where members are actually testing firmware and improving it for Dahua - find a Dahua dealer with that type of relationship that Andy has with Dahua - I don't think you will find it. Look at the Dahua 4k camera on the 1/1.2" sensor as an example - Dahua provides cameras to Andy to sell before Dahua even made it available and look at all the improvements being made to the firmware from input from customers right here on this site. And the kicker is, we are not Dahua's target market - it is the professional installers...

 

[TobiasF]

Thank you. This helps a lot.
Such kind of forums and their community a great to get such kind of insights and recommendations.

 

[tigerwillow1]

But what about the software? Do EmpireTek IPC-T54IR-ZE-S3 and Dahua IPC-HDW5442T-ZE have the same functionality?

The S3 cameras use different firmware than earlier models. EmpireTech puts the S3 on the model number, and it looks to me like Dahua doesn't. So as long as the 5442T-ZE is an S3 version, the answer is yes. If it's pre-S3, the answer is no, and the EmpireTek model is the better camera.