New to security cameras and need help with camera selection

[snape15]

Starting out in the world of home security cameras and need some advice please. Looking at Dahua systems. No local dealers to seak advice/quote and would be installing myself (electrician and cat6 cable installer).
Guide to the situation. Single story house set back 100m from a road. I would like notification if someone came within 15m at night, then deterrent features to activate if someone came within 10m of the house. As far as identifying, if the deterrents haven't worked, be able to clearly see them if they come closer than 10m. I dont really care about detecting/identifying people further than 15m out. The front of house would be covered by 2 cameras. There is 2 good sensor floodlights covering this area. 2 cameras would also be in a fenced backyard with 2 dogs around, so good pet/human detection to minimize alerts from dogs. There is also 2 good sensor floodlights in the area to light up the yard. So main objec

I have seen all the info regarding focal length, sensor size, MP, etc that is shared on here and have a few questions as it still sinking in.
I was originally looking at getting 4x DH-IPC-HDW3849H-AS-PV-ANZ cameras with the main attraction being the flashing lights and siren. But after reading about Image Sensor Size, MP and focal length I was put off these. Now I'm still wrapping my head around the info, but would switching back to the 6MP version (or just changing the recording resolution back to 6 or 4MP) improve the night time quality?
I have found there is a 8MP Pro version with a 1/1.8" sensor. Would this improve the image at night by much?

Another option I was thinking of for the front of house would be switching out 2 of those cameras and instead use 1x DH-IPC-PDW3849-A180-AS-PV-ANZ to cover the same area (corner of building needing approx 140deg viewing). Being 2x4MP on 1/2.8" sensors, would this improve the image at night much?

If none of these options make a difference, is there setups ppl use where using Home Assistant, you could connect up an external deterrent light to come on when an intrusion alert is triggered? If so, any suggestion on a camera (without the flashing lights/siren) to suit the described situation in the same price range of the models above?
Thanks for any advice.

 

[wittaj]

Welcome!

You want to stay on the ideal MP/sensor ratio if night performance is important to you.

Yeah lots of posts here on how poor the 3849 performs.

Of any given size sensor, the smaller MP will perform better at night, while the higher MP will perform better in the day.

For most here 4MP on the 1/1.8" sensor represents the best overall value and performance.

Downrezing a camera does not work - It is still using the 8 million pixels - the camera doesn't change the "pixel resolution screen" on the camera when you go from 8MP to 4MP. The sensor still needs 2 times the light going from 8MP to 4MP, so the native 4MP camera will result in a better image at night. The firmware will make some algorithm attempt at downrezing it, but it could be a complete crap image or a somewhat usable image, but if there is a concern that the 8MP isn't performing or wouldn't perform well at night, then it is better to go with the 4MP.

I have a 4MP and 2MP on the same 1/2.8" sensor and the picture quality is quite different between the two and the 2MP kicks it's butt at night.

In most instances, you want to get a camera that will perform at your location for the worse situation, which for most of us is at night when it is dark and there is little to no light. If a camera performs at night, it is easier to tweak settings to make it work during the day than it is the other way around.

My 2MP cameras outperform my neighbors 4K (8MP) cameras....why....because they are both on the same size sensor.

When we had a thief come thru here and get into a lot of cars, the police couldn't use one video or photo from anyone's system but mine. Not even my other neighbors $1,300 8MP system provided useful info - the cams just didn't cut it at night.

My neighbor tried the "I will just downrez the 8MP to 2MP" and the image was a soft dark mess.

His system wasn't even a year old and after that event has started replacing with cameras purchased from Andy based on my recommendation and seeing my results. He is still shocked a 2MP camera performs better than his 4k cameras and he cannot figure out why downrezing from 8MP to 2MP doesn't work properly... It is all about the amount of light needed and getting the right camera for the right location and downrezing doesn't change the physics of the camera.


Reach out to @EMPIRETECANDY (Andy) a trusted member here that sells Dahua OEM on Amazon, his own webpage, and direct.

 

[steve1225]

Starting out in the world of home security cameras and need some advice please. Looking at Dahua systems. No local dealers to seak advice/quote and would be installing myself (electrician and cat6 cable installer).
Guide to the situation. Single story house set back 100m from a road. I would like notification if someone came within 15m at night, then deterrent features to activate if someone came within 10m of the house. As far as identifying, if the deterrents haven't worked, be able to clearly see them if they come closer than 10m. I dont really care about detecting/identifying people further than 15m out. The front of house would be covered by 2 cameras. There is 2 good sensor floodlights covering this area. 2 cameras would also be in a fenced backyard with 2 dogs around, so good pet/human detection to minimize alerts from dogs. There is also 2 good sensor floodlights in the area to light up the yard. So main objec

I have seen all the info regarding focal length, sensor size, MP, etc that is shared on here and have a few questions as it still sinking in.
I was originally looking at getting 4x DH-IPC-HDW3849H-AS-PV-ANZ cameras with the main attraction being the flashing lights and siren. But after reading about Image Sensor Size, MP and focal length I was put off these. Now I'm still wrapping my head around the info, but would

Basic TIOC's with small 1/2.8" is not good solution (bad night performance, even with extra lighting).
But there are TIOC-PRO models, with big 1/1.8" image sensor and very good night performance plus all TIOC features (dual IR + white light with 2x more power that normal TIOC, white LED activated by motion in night (configurable), dual mic / speaker, siren + dual police light activated by IVS, arming/disarming)...

4 Mpx variant performs best at night.

IPC-HDW3449H-AS-PV-PRO - Dahua International

IPC-HDW3449H-AS-PV-PRO

www.dahuasecurity.com

EmpireTech IPC-Color4M-T 1/1.8" CMOS 4MP Smart Dual Light Active Deter

4-MP 1/1.8" CMOS | Built-in multi-core light | Max. IR distance is 30 m | Max. warm light distance is 30 m | Intelligent monitoring: Intrusion, tripwire | Supports max. 512 G Micro SD card | Built-in dual Mic | Support two-way talk | IP67 protection | Sound and light alarm (red and blue lights)...

empiretech01.com

Normally choose 3.6mm variant, it have very wide 95 degree horizontal Fov..
2.8mm is almost 120 degree horizontal at cost smaller distances for identification.

You can contact Andy by DM (@EMPIRETECANDY) about delivery to Australia.

IVS will work up to 15m..

ps. 180 degre cams as main ones are very bad idea.. Only as additional to normal 90 degree ones, which work as nice high mounted overview one...

ps2. this model don't exist on Your local market (You have very limited Dahua catalog)..

 

[snape15]

Welcome!

You want to stay on the ideal MP/sensor ratio if night performance is important to you.

Yeah lots of posts here on how poor the 3849 performs.

Of any given size sensor, the smaller MP will perform better at night, while the higher MP will perform better in the day.

For most here 4MP on the 1/1.8" sensor represents the best overall value and performance.

Downrezing a camera does not work - It is still using the 8 million pixels - the camera doesn't change the "pixel resolution screen" on the camera when you go from 8MP to 4MP. The sensor still needs 2 times the light going from 8MP to 4MP, so the native 4MP camera will result in a better image at night. The firmware will make some algorithm attempt at downrezing it, but it could be a complete crap image or a somewhat usable image, but if there is a concern that the 8MP isn't performing or wouldn't perform well at night, then it is better to go with the 4MP.

I have a 4MP and 2MP on the same 1/2.8" sensor and the picture quality is quite different between the two and the 2MP kicks it's butt at night.

In most instances, you want to get a camera that will perform at your location for the worse situation, which for most of us is at night when it is dark and there is little to no light. If a camera performs at night, it is easier to tweak settings to make it work during the day than it is the other way around.

My 2MP cameras outperform my neighbors 4K (8MP) cameras....why....because they are both on the same size sensor.

When we had a thief come thru here and get into a lot of cars, the police couldn't use one video or photo from anyone's system but mine. Not even my other neighbors $1,300 8MP system provided useful info - the cams just didn't cut it at night.

My neighbor tried the "I will just downrez the 8MP to 2MP" and the image was a soft dark mess.

His system wasn't even a year old and after that event has started replacing with cameras purchased from Andy based on my recommendation and seeing my results. He is still shocked a 2MP camera performs better than his 4k cameras and he cannot figure out why downrezing from 8MP to 2MP doesn't work properly... It is all about the amount of light needed and getting the right camera for the right location and downrezing doesn't change the physics of the camera.


Reach out to @EMPIRETECANDY (Andy) a trusted member here that sells Dahua OEM on Amazon, his own webpage, and direct.

Thank you for the info, it was what I thought but better to ask then not and never know 100%. I have been in contact with Andy as they dont sell any 1/1.8" models in Australia.

 

[snape15]

Basic TIOC's with small 1/2.8" is not good solution (bad night performance, even with extra lighting).
But there are TIOC-PRO models, with big 1/1.8" image sensor and very good night performance plus all TIOC features (dual IR + white light with 2x more power that normal TIOC, white LED activated by motion in night (configurable), dual mic / speaker, siren + dual police light activated by IVS, arming/disarming)...

4 Mpx variant performs best at night.

IPC-HDW3449H-AS-PV-PRO - Dahua International

IPC-HDW3449H-AS-PV-PRO

www.dahuasecurity.com

EmpireTech IPC-Color4M-T 1/1.8" CMOS 4MP Smart Dual Light Active Deter

4-MP 1/1.8" CMOS | Built-in multi-core light | Max. IR distance is 30 m | Max. warm light distance is 30 m | Intelligent monitoring: Intrusion, tripwire | Supports max. 512 G Micro SD card | Built-in dual Mic | Support two-way talk | IP67 protection | Sound and light alarm (red and blue lights)...

empiretech01.com

Normally choose 3.6mm variant, it have very wide 95 degree horizontal Fov..
2.8mm is almost 120 degree horizontal at cost smaller distances for identification.

You can contact Andy by DM (@EMPIRETECANDY) about delivery to Australia.

IVS will work up to 15m..

ps. 180 degre cams as main ones are very bad idea.. Only as additional to normal 90 degree ones, which work as nice high mounted overview one...

ps2. this model don't exist on Your local market (You have very limited Dahua catalog)..

Thank you for the input. Yeah i noticed no 1/1.8" in Australia. So have been in contact with Andy.

 

[Chokolinho]

Is there by any chance a review of the camera on YouTube?

 

[steve1225]

independent Review not so much...
But there is almost half hour webinar by Dahua people...

 

[Chokolinho]

independent Review not so much...
But there is almost half hour webinar by Dahua people...

Okay, thank you very much. I would like to buy the camera to replace my Tioc 2.0. Would you also recommend 3.6mm for my environment? I just zoomed in a little.

 

[Revo2Maxx]

Interesting on the new camera. I have some cameras from Dahua Pro series, a few anyway that has everything offered in that video besides the Acupick.. Now it would be an interesting feature for sure. However knowing what I have paid for these cameras and can only guess what the new updated features is going to cost lol.. I don't use LDC I feel it takes away some of the FOV where others might prefer the slight zooned in effect maybe.. Acupick seems like a cool feature, My camera does have the 1/1.8 sensor with the F1.0 as well. I am sure the new camera has new Software that will help enhance the quality over my current model. With the lights outside and the camera in Auto my 4 white leds don't even come on there is enough light without them. If I turn light on manually you can see the shadows go away from the trees between the porch light and cameras area of view. Would be a hard sell to replace all the ones I have now. Plus wonder if the Audio still lets you have different audio for different events like mine does now.. Sure it would..

 

[wittaj]

Interesting on the new camera. I have some cameras from Dahua Pro series, a few anyway that has everything offered in that video besides the Acupick.. Now it would be an interesting feature for sure. However knowing what I have paid for these cameras and can only guess what the new updated features is going to cost lol.. I don't use LDC I feel it takes away some of the FOV where others might prefer the slight zooned in effect maybe.. Acupick seems like a cool feature, My camera does have the 1/1.8 sensor with the F1.0 as well. I am sure the new camera has new Software that will help enhance the quality over my current model. With the lights outside and the camera in Auto my 4 white leds don't even come on there is enough light without them. If I turn light on manually you can see the shadows go away from the trees between the porch light and cameras area of view. Would be a hard sell to replace all the ones I have now. Plus wonder if the Audio still lets you have different audio for different events like mine does now.. Sure it would..

The camera is comparable in price to the other cameras.

Acupick only works with NVRs that have Acupick and it is useless in a home setting.

 

[snape15]

The camera is comparable in price to the other cameras.

Acupick only works with NVRs that have Acupick and it is useless in a home setting.

View attachment 209500

ahhh you just answered a question I was going to ask. So if NVR (DHI-NVR4108HS-8P-AI/ANZ) doesnt mention AcuPick, it wont work anyway? Is that the same for AI SSA and SMD. Camera states SMD 4.0 where as NVR states SMD Plus?
Also, do the empiretech IPC-HDW3449H-AS-PV-PRO cameras connect as if a Dahua camera, not ONVIF, so that all functions work as if its a Dahua camera, i.e the 2 way audio, etc?

 

[wittaj]

ahhh you just answered a question I was going to ask. So if NVR (DHI-NVR4108HS-8P-AI/ANZ) doesnt mention AcuPick, it wont work anyway? Is that the same for AI SSA and SMD. Camera states SMD 4.0 where as NVR states SMD Plus?
Also, do the empiretech IPC-HDW3449H-AS-PV-PRO cameras connect as if a Dahua camera, not ONVIF, so that all functions work as if its a Dahua camera, i.e the 2 way audio, etc?

You DO NOT want to use MD or SMD unless your camera does not have AI built in.

You DO NOT want to use the NVR for AI motion detection as it cuts the capacity of the NVR.

You WANT to do all motion detection within the camera. And you will do it with IVS rules not MD and SMD. Most here do not use MD or SMD because it results in too many false triggers.

Most of the cameras, especially the ones we recommend, now have built in AI and that is far superior.

Almost every setting is done within the camera not the NVR. The only things you set up in the NVR are the record schedule and alerts.

Empiretech is Dahua OEM, so you are getting a Dahua camera without paying for the logo. It acts and functions just like a Dahua camera and you can flash it with Dahua firmware as well.

Here is a thread showing how good the AI is:

Thread 'Who uses Dahua AI capable cameras? Reliable AI for triggering events? Pro's/con's?'

Feb 13, 2021

It has come to my attention that certain Dahua cameras come with built in AI that distinguishes between human & cars. I was unaware of this. Well, always saw the AI word used in the reviews but never really thought about it because I thought it was a Dahua NVR integration only.
I am currently using Deepstack AI / OnGuard to help with alerts based on human detection. OnGuard has MQTT and URL triggering to other camera capabilities which is critical to my ongoing home security concerns which connects to my Home Assitant and things to give immediate notifications.
Not sure how camera AI...

• Holbs
• Replies: 104
• Forum: Dahua

• 

 

[snape15]

You DO NOT want to use MD or SMD unless your camera does not have AI built in.

You DO NOT want to use the NVR for AI motion detection as it cuts the capacity of the NVR.

You WANT to do all motion detection within the camera. And you will do it with IVS rules not MD and SMD. Most here do not use MD or SMD because it results in too many false triggers.

Most of the cameras, especially the ones we recommend, now have built in AI and that is far superior.

Almost every setting is done within the camera not the NVR. The only things you set up in the NVR are the record schedule and alerts.

Empiretech is Dahua OEM, so you are getting a Dahua camera without paying for the logo. It acts and functions just like a Dahua camera and you can flash it with Dahua firmware as well.

Here is a thread showing how good the AI is:

Thread 'Who uses Dahua AI capable cameras? Reliable AI for triggering events? Pro's/con's?'

Feb 13, 2021

It has come to my attention that certain Dahua cameras come with built in AI that distinguishes between human & cars. I was unaware of this. Well, always saw the AI word used in the reviews but never really thought about it because I thought it was a Dahua NVR integration only.
I am currently using Deepstack AI / OnGuard to help with alerts based on human detection. OnGuard has MQTT and URL triggering to other camera capabilities which is critical to my ongoing home security concerns which connects to my Home Assitant and things to give immediate notifications.
Not sure how camera AI...

• Holbs
• Replies: 104
• Forum: Dahua

• 

ok, so set IVS rules in Camera. Also set NVR to AI by Camera or dont even bother with that either?

 

[wittaj]

Just by setting it in the camera, the camera will feed it to the NVR correctly.

 

[snape15]

t

Just by setting it in the camera, the camera will feed it to the NVR correctly.

thank you

 

[Revo2Maxx]

Thanks for the info..