IPC-HDW5231R-ZE vs. IPC-T2231T-ZS-S2 Comparison

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I purchased a few cameras from Andy, shipped from Hong Kong, and received them this week. I will be comparing them in different threads. They are T2231T-ZS-S2, T5442TM-AS 2.8mm, and the T2431T-AS-S2 2.8mm.

This thread will compare the HDW5231R-ZE that I purchased from Andy back in August 2018 with the new arrival T2231T-ZS-S2 (aka DH-IPC-HDW2231T-ZS-S2).

These are both 2MP varifocal turrets 2.7-13.5mm. You may have seen the night capture of a door checker from this 5231 camera that I posted a few days ago. Door Checker? While most folks said the face capture at night was good, and the Constable has caught the guy thanks to the picture and video I provided, I personally wish it could be better.

In the following snapshots from BI, the cameras are both set to 7mm focal length. Sorry the view from the 2231 is not exactly like the 5231, but I think this will suffice. Both cameras are at default video settings. Below is my test rig positioned next to the installed 5231.

DSC_4614.JPG

The camera name for the 5231 is 'Driveway Right' and the 2231 is labeled 'T2231T-ZS-S2 Varifocal'.

In the first set of snapshots it is late afternoon with the sun behind the cameras. There is plenty of light and shadows. While the colors seem to be equivalent, there seems to be better detail from the 2231, but the 5231 seems to be more natural for facial features. The 2231 facial features seem sever.

A1 5231.jpg
A1 T2231T.jpg

The next set are after the sun has set and there is no direct sunlight or shadows, but artificial lighting has yet to come on. Again, the 5231 seems more natural while the 2231 seems less smooth.

B1 5231.jpgB1 T2231T.jpg

In the next set, it is starting to get dark, The street lights have come on and so have my porch and driveway coach lights. This is where I think the 2231 is now starting to out perform the 5231. The 2231 has slightly less motion blur (see my arms, face and Penny's legs). I think that the 2231 has a slightly better facial picture.

C1 5231.jpgC1 T2231T.jpg

This last set in full color mode are after dark. It is 8:49pm here in Spring TX. It is as dark as it is going to get. I really think the 2231 outperforms the 5231 here. The face has better definition and the printing on the paper is more in focus.

D2 5231.jpgD2 T2231T.jpg

These last two are with IR set to 'AUTO' on the 2231 and off on the 5231, with both cameras to B&W. I do not use B&W on my front yard cameras. I have all of them set to color, even at night. I am not sure which I like better here. Possibly the 2231. Take your pick.

E1 5231.jpgE1 T2231T.jpg

So what do you think?

This is my first attempt at a 'Review'. Constructive criticism is appreciated.

A little comment on my methodology. Basically I walked the area for each time of day. I chose the frame that showed the best facial features and readable printing for the 5231 and then took the same shot for the 2231.

Hope this was worth the read.

Bob
 

bigredfish

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Thanks for this.
Settings exactly the same on both cameras? Exposure, bitrate, DNR, and image controls?

The 2231 has a crisper cleaner image in every shot imho

On the last one, I would show both with IR on and both with off to get a better comparison.
 
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Settings exactly the same on both cameras? Exposure, bitrate, DNR, and image controls?
I set everything a defaults. The only difference is Max Bit Rate. On the 5231 it is set at 8192 (max for that camera) and the 2231 is at 6144 (max for that camera). Would having a larger bit rate make the 5231 less crisp?

Also, the 2231 does not have an Auto Iris option. The 5231 is on.
 
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Could it be that the 2231 is focused better then the 5231?
They both auto focus and I did hit auto focus on both cameras before I ran the tests.

In all of these tests I was moving. I did not really stop. In the after dark set, I think that the 2231 is just doing better due to it's different sensor. The Minimum Illumination specs from Dahua seem to suggest this would be the case.
HDW2231T-ZS-S2 0.002 Lux@F1.5
HDW5231R-ZE 0.006Lux/F1.4 (Color,1/3s,30IRE)

I am by no means an expert. Just a hobby/home user.
 

StratRider

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Could it be that the 2231 is focused better then the 5231?
I have read in here that the newer generation of 2231's were an improvement over the old ones.
If this 2231 is brand new and the 5231 has been mounted in that location for a while - I would actually clean the 5231 lens and try this again with maybe just the paper in your hand.
I once had a fingerprint issue - oy, that was dumb. :rolleyes:
Also, the real tell will be video while walking across the driveway like on the far side of the car at night - maybe while carrying the paper too.
 

tigerwillow1

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I thought these 2 cameras used the same sensor. Looking back at the reviews I see that loony2ns pointed out that the newer version of the 2231 was improved over the original, so it would seem that something is indeed different.
 

bigredfish

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They both auto focus and I did hit auto focus on both cameras before I ran the tests.

In all of these tests I was moving. I did not really stop. In the after dark set, I think that the 2231 is just doing better due to it's different sensor. The Minimum Illumination specs from Dahua seem to suggest this would be the case.
HDW2231T-ZS-S2 0.002 Lux@F1.5
HDW5231R-ZE 0.006Lux/F1.4 (Color,1/3s,30IRE)


I am by no means an expert. Just a hobby/home user.

Exactly,
There was some change made, as noted by @looney2ns in the camera and/or sensor with the ZS-S2 model vs the original 2231 and it clearly produces a better image now than the older 5231 series. Technology doesnt slow down, and while the 5231 series served us all well for a couple of years, it's now taken a backseat, especially for low light, to newer sensors .
 

StratRider

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Excellent sir - I am a big fan of comparison videos and you have confirmed something that I have wanted to know for quite a while. Thanks.
 
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