One thing I need to check is whether the 12 VDC power diode can be bypassed on the newer camera like it can on the older camera, for powering an external illuminator.
Interesting. I received two of these today, and I opened one up to look for promising diodes. I should have measured the voltages first .
Without any modifications I already measure +12 V on the barrel jack when the camera's running off of POE.
So maybe Amcrest dispensed with that diode and is using some other method to protect the power circuit. I don't have an illuminator at work, but I'll see if I have one lying around at home when I get home. Worst case I can plug into one of my existing POE drops and external illuminators and see if it lights up.
Hmmm. I may be in the hunt for 3-4 more low-cost eyeball cameras, to replace some old Reolinks that continue to disappoint me. These are not demanding applications--they're monitoring an entryway and a driveway that are constantly lit, and I'm watching for people walking up to the house. So the illumination and night vision are not all that important; I just want to get a motion trigger when a friggin' person walks right in front of the camera, and right now the Reolinks don't do that reliably.
Is the IP5M-T1277EW-AI still a good choice for an outdoor eyeball in the ~$60 range? I've literally bought a dozen of these so far, for other locations, and I've been happy with them, but it's been awhile since they were introduced.
Anything better out there for a similar price? Thanks!
