New Build - Last minute questions

[Volrath]

Hey guys. Long time forum lurker, finally taking the plunge into the IP cam world with a new system build. Been following a lot of the talk on Dahua 2mp starlight nighttime performance vs 4mp/6mp daytime resolutions. My question is, are the new higher rez Dahua models a better bet for the future (performance, features, resolution, etc) , or should I stick with my current list of 2mp models below for better low light performance overall? This is for residential day/night. I guess my fear is that I choose a new build and don't take advantage of the newer compression and larger resolutions that the NVR supports, and might regret it a year later...but night performance is key for my street, as lights a incredibly sparse on the block.

Current build models:

DHI-NVR52A16-16P-4KS2
N25BL5Z
N24BN53
N24BG53

Currently HOA restricts bullet configs due to "aesthetics", but I can make the dome/turret work. May use cannon IR if needed and possibly a QNAP setup later down the road, but NVR for easier initial install. Just debating on switching out to the 4mp models...thoughts? Curious what some vets thought if they were to pick new models TODAY ( @nayr , @fenderman )?

Thanks for all the info, learned a great deal over the past few weeks and very excited to dive into cam/network solutions.

-V
http://www.dahuasecurity.com/en/us/pro_details.php?pid=985

 

[mat200]

..better bet for the future (performance, features, resolution, etc)..

Hi Volrath,

HOA - i really dislike them, too many opportunities for poor and bad rules designed by people with poor knowledge about the issues they make rules on.
( example security camera rules )

1) "Future proofing" - The most important thing you should do with regarding to future proofing is laying out the best cat5e/cat6 network to good locations as possible. You can easily get replacement cameras, nvrs, and other networking gear in the future compared to the time and work of cabling. ( pull extra cable while you do this to help future proof, recommend N+1+ lines - where N=the number of cat5e/cat6 lines you think you need to a location. )

Also consider pulling power to some locations during this time as you may have to already open up some of the drywall, for example by the front door area. ( this will give you more flexibility for devices in the future )

Also, do consider your alarm needs at this time, and the options to hook your camera / NVR into alarm in/out.

2) PAINT the camera bodies to match your walls and have the cameras better blend in DUE TO THE HOA. If you make it look "pretty" you and other neighbors should have less issues with HOA rule nitpickers.

Example of a great job blending in a bullet:
( almost do not even notice it here )
https://ipcamtalk.com/attachments/img_0914-jpg.21593/
( close up )
https://ipcamtalk.com/attachments/img_0915-jpg.21594/
more here:
Dahua Ultra Starlight Varifocal Bullet (IPC-HFW8232E-Z)

3) Deciding what is more important - Daytime or Nighttime imaging.
A lot really depends on which one you think is more important. If low light - then starlight, If daytime - then 4K. If both.. then maybe a good mix of them.
The 4K cameras are looking good in the various daytime captures members have shared here. Do take a look at the various 4K image posts here. I would now like to augment my starlight cameras by adding 4K cameras to improve ID range during the day for a couple of views - especially the street view as numerous daytime home invasion robberies and package theft issues make it important to be able to better ID cars and suspects from the street during the day. ( LPR also would be nice.. )

Thankfully I listened to the experts here and got a larger NVR than I had originally planned and have extra ports available to add a few more cameras.

Also

Please check out @giomania 's notes:
Dahua Starlight Varifocal Turret (IPC-HDW5231R-Z)

I have also made which are a summary of a lot of the reading I've been doing here,:
Looking for some advice and direction!

Have fun joining us here.

 

[Volrath]

Ahh thanks for this great reply! Will do a bit more reading there and make a decision, incredibly helpful threads there. So much info on the forums, easy to miss some great material, so thanks for linking!

Currently our needs are for better nighttime performance, but I do agree, a higher resolution daycam could suit our intent pretty well, and present opportunities to try other cams out. Will have to expand the purchase. Looks like getting the 16 channel nvr over 8 is already going to come in handy =)