Mystery IMX290 2.8-12mm varifocal vs Hikvision DS-2CD2332 6mm

[alastairstevenson]

With all the interest in the low-light performance of Sony's 'Starlight' technology back-lit sensors, I wanted to try out a camera fitted with one to see how it compared with my other cameras for night-time image quality, which is a big differentiator amongst camera models.
For a camera just to test out, and not really wanting to spend £150 GBP on the Dahua Starlight motorised varifocal turret (IMX291 I believe) - and also despite the huge thread on the product, very few real-life image samples - I had a look around for alternates that fitted the Scottish piggy bank.

This is a very simple side-by-side image sample of the 'Mystery (manual) varifocal IMX290 camera' versus a spare Hikvision DS-2CD2332 6mm turret I have lying around. The varifocal was set for approximately the same FOV as the Hikvision 6mm.
Two locations, day and night, with snapshots taken from a Hikvision 7816N-E2/8P NVR.
Similar scene conditions, except for some variable afternoon sunlight in the day images.
Image / video settings at defaults with resolution at 1080p, bitrate 4096kbps, IR normal (ie not 'Smart'). Frame rates at max (30 / 25fps).

As expected, there isn't much to choose between them for the day time image quality.
But there is a significant difference in the level of detail and noise in the night time images.
I'm quite impressed!

I haven't labelled the images as I thought I'd let the reader take a guess as to which is which.
Oops ... there is a dead giveaway on the OSD

 

[Camit]

What does the DS-2CD2332 cost US dollars would you know? I'm guessing 150??? You can see the starlight does have better image at night, it also has a varifocal lens to where the hikvision is fixed. I don't no I rather just spend the extra 20 on starlight. But this was a good post thanks for sharing!

 

[alastairstevenson]

What does the DS-2CD2332 cost US dollars would you know?

I think it cost me about £50 GBP when I bought it, that's about $60 at current rates.

The comparison is more about the image sensors than anything - how things have moved on from the still-very-common 3MP versions.

 

[Camit]

Is this the same camera ??

Hikvision USA DS-2CD2332-I (6MM) IP Camera, 3 MP Exir Turret, Ir Up to 30 M, IP66, Full Hd Real Time Video Amazon.com: Hikvision USA DS-2CD2332-I (6MM) IP Camera, 3 MP Exir Turret, Ir Up to 30 M, IP66, Full Hd Real Time Video: Industrial & Scientific

 

[alastairstevenson]

Yes, that's the one.
I wonder why it's so expensive?
Maybe the current supply / demand situation.
I bought all my Hikvision cameras via Aliexpress.

 

[Camit]

Yes, that's the one.
I wonder why it's so expensive?
Maybe the current supply / demand situation.
I bought all my Hikvision cameras via Aliexpress.

If I could get this camera for 60 I would buy a few of them.

 

[bp2008]

Looks like the sharpening or noise reduction or something is a bit strong on the mystery cam. Notice how it makes the siding and the vegetation look sort of like an oil painting (fine detail is all smudged together).

 

[spencnor]

If I could get this camera for 60 I would buy a few of them.

I haven't kept up with the Hikvision offerings, but I remember the 2332 turret model was a popular seller (before the Dahua starlights) along with the classic bullet model 2032. I believe the Hikvision model 2335 ($80. USD) replaced the 2332, not sure what changed though. Hik also has this form factor available in 4mp and 5mp.

 

[alastairstevenson]

I believe the Hikvision model 2335 ($80. USD) replaced the 2332, not sure what changed though.

Yes, that's certainly how the on-line sellers have pitched the 2335 / 3335.
But in reality it's quite a different camera, internally.
Hi3516a processor, much faster, supposed to be CN market, so a lot more of the region-locklng and integrity checks in the G0 firmware.
But as always - there are enough smart people out there to fix up EN menus in hacked firmware and support the on-line sellers and their low prices.

 

[alastairstevenson]

Looks like the sharpening or noise reduction or something is a bit strong on the mystery cam. Notice how it makes the siding and the vegetation look sort of like an oil painting (fine detail is all smudged together).

Yes, I agree. And the outline of the tree stump.
I suspect the defaults for DNR are a bit high.

 

[Kawboy12R]

Do you have a link to the, I assume, AliExpress seller of the mystery cam? My Critter cam could always use an upgrade...

 

[alastairstevenson]

Certainly - here you go : Ambarella IP camera - Wholesale products with online transaction
It was the varifocal turret version, with the blue ring base.
I have 3 of them, replacing Hikvision for improved night time images. They have been 100% good so far, 6 months or so.

 

[Kawboy12R]

The frugal Scot slice of my ancestry thanks you.

 

[Avareh]

With all the interest in the low-light performance of Sony's 'Starlight' technology back-lit sensors, I wanted to try out a camera fitted with one to see how it compared with my other cameras for night-time image quality, which is a big differentiator amongst camera models. ....

Maybe with your interest and especially in-depth knowledge of mini PTZ (and also contribution to forum) you could try the new series of these cams with IMX291 sensor. Different brands - even the newer ones shipped with IMX322 - were blamed not performing very well in low light. I was wondering when they would offer these mini's (4x and 10x) with a better sensor and so far I could only see the AHD version of these min's were available on AliExpress with IMX291. Since a while there's a vendor on AliBaba offering IP version of mini PTZ for about 105 USD with of course 4x zoom, they're working on release of 10x in near future but have no idea how expensive it would be.

 

[alastairstevenson]

My understanding is that the IMX291 and IMX290 give the same low-light performance, and differ in the available methods for achieving WDR.
But of course the firmware in the camera and the DSP needs to make good use of the various modes available.

WDR Function
The IMX290LQR supports both multiple exposure and DOL-
type WDR functions. (The IMX291LQR supports only the
multiple exposure-type WDR function.)
The multiple exposure-type WDR function outputs one set of
two or four frames with different exposure times. In this case,
the gain can also be set separately for each frame in addition
to the exposure time.
The DOL-type WDR function outputs the data for up to three
frames with different storage times line by line. By performing
special signal processing with an ISP (Image Signal Proces-
sor) or other device at the image sensor rear-end, this enables
improvement of picture quality under low illumination
compared to the multiple exposure-type WDR function.

 

[Siccished]

Hows the mystery cam holding up?
Hows it run with blueiris if you are using it?

 

[alastairstevenson]

Hows the mystery cam holding up?

Absolutely fine.
I've had 3 of them in use for about a year, no problems, 100% stable. And so much better in low-light image quality than the 3MP Hikvisions they replaced.
They connect to a couple of Hikvision NVRs, using the Hikvision protocol.