Next best thing under 100$ to Starlight Varifocal Turret (IPC-HDW5231R-Z)

[mat200]

For cheap, these are a good option:

DaHua IPC-HFW1320S 3MP Mini Bullet IP Camera IR CCTV POE IP67 Security Camera

They're loaded with English firmware and the firmware is upgradeable. Of course, these won't touch a Starlight in regards to performance.

note, there is also a WiFi version of this camera which has an mini-SD slot - and looks like you can use this as a normal wired POE camera with local storage. ( WiFi not being a preferred option for a security camera of course. )

( model is IPC-HFW1320S-W - it is listed as a consumer camera at the Dahua website.. )

 

[GuiBou]

I have the dahua 4431 turret and I don't like it,the fact that it only comes in 2.8 or 3.6 is a deal breaker for face Id.. with a varifocal lens you can go from 2.8 to 12mm

Bought mine here last september, I have the 6mm version. I think it's still available there. I like it.

Dahua IPC HDW4431C A replace IPC HDW4421C A 4MP Network IP Camera IR POE CCTV Mic Built in H265 H264 dome DH IPC HDW4431C A-in Surveillance Cameras from Security & Protection on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group

Edit : OOps I forgot the link !

 

[Keredoc]

You're going to want Starlights! See these reviews.

I'm new here in these parts and wanted to thank you for this breakdown! This resource is a huge timesaver.

Cheers!

 

[cam235]

I got the Dahua IPC-HDW4431C-A from ebay seller "monitech_cctv". Firmware is non-upgradable but that's the only drawback I see. Price is better than for the other similar options. I took mine apart and replaced the 2.8mm lens with a 25mm for ALPR use (to make it fit, I had to remove the round window in front of the camera, using a scribe to scrape off the glue, then a heat gun, was able to pop it out). Shipping estimated to take 10 days but it arrived here (California) in 3 days.

Example image in 1920x1080 mode, which is all my backend can deal with for now. That chimney is about 80 feet away.


UPDATE: another image, this time using a 16mm lens (which unlike the 25mm actually fits inside the case)

 

[fenderman]

Stay away from the cheap china region dahuas like the IPC-HDW4431C-A...international versions are just a bit more..the low light capability will be much worse than a 130 dollar starlight...

 

[Crazykiller]

For indoor you could also use the Chinese dome model with Starlight capabilities. It's the HDW4233R-AS. I tested one with 6mm outdoor and it's not that bad. It's about 60-70$ from Aliexpress.
Firmware could used from cor35vet.

 

[fenderman]

For indoor you could also use the Chinese dome model with Starlight capabilities. It's the HDW4233R-AS. I tested one with 6mm outdoor and it's not that bad. It's about 60-70$ from Aliexpress.
Firmware could used from cor35vet.

that model does not exist and if its 70 dollars its not a starlight..

 

[Crazykiller]

that model does not exist and if its 70 dollars its not a starlight..

I forgot the b. It's a HDBW4233R-AS

Wholesale Dahua DH IPC HDBW4233R AS 2MP IR Mini Dome Network IP Camera IR POE Audio SD card Stellar H265/H264 IPC HDBW4233R AS-in Surveillance Cameras from Security & Protection on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group

 

[greg_mitch]

note, there is also a WiFi version of this camera which has an mini-SD slot - and looks like you can use this as a normal wired POE camera with local storage. ( WiFi not being a preferred option for a security camera of course. )

( model is IPC-HFW1320S-W - it is listed as a consumer camera at the Dahua website.. )

I have the wifi model. I would say it is comparable to a Foscam/Amcrest wifi camera. Not bad, but not great. It is also not POE as far as I can tell.

I am saving for two Starlights.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[muddypuddle]

Stay away from the cheap china region dahuas like the IPC-HDW4431C-A...international versions are just a bit more..the low light capability will be much worse than a 130 dollar starlight...

Well the same/similar cameras here in Aus appear to be 3x the price

do you want to spend $300+ on a camera you can get from ebay or Ali for $100 with the same picture quality

 

[fenderman]

Well the same/similar cameras here in Aus appear to be 3x the price

do you want to spend $300+ on a camera you can get from ebay or Ali for $100 with the same picture quality

no...they are not...you should be looking at international dahua cams which are 90+...not china region cameras..

 

[beingaware]

Well the same/similar cameras here in Aus appear to be 3x the price

do you want to spend $300+ on a camera you can get from ebay or Ali for $100 with the same picture quality

That's called the impatient tax aka the Aussie Tax.

Funny thing is, the Aussie stockers usually take as long as just buying it directly from Ali.

 

[muddypuddle]

no...they are not...you should be looking at international dahua cams which are 90+...not china region cameras..

can you link me some of the stockists for the real international versions to buy here in Aus please?

 

[fenderman]

can you link me some of the stockists for the real international versions to buy here in Aus please?

there are many threads discussing them...

 

[muddypuddle]

I am not familiar with the threads,

but on a search I have found this for $250

Dahua HAC-HDBW2220R-Z - probably only 2M and at only 2.5x the price

and this for $280

IPC-HFW4300EP

forgive my but I think I will pass on these bargains

 

[beingaware]

I am not familiar with the threads,

but on a search I have found this for $250

Dahua HAC-HDBW2220R-Z - probably only 2M and at only 2.5x the price

and this for $280

IPC-HFW4300EP

forgive my but I think I will pass on these bargains

One of the local grey import sellers: Surveillance and Security camera - Dahua H.265 IPC-HDBW4431R-ZS IP Camera 2.8mm~12mm varifocal motorized lens 4MP I - Dahua Technology

For the legit international versions, you'll have to find a security specialist and they mostly buy from the local Dahua distro, so that $220 starlight suddenly becomes a $500 starlight.

Speak to @EMPIRETECANDY, he will have it to you faster then the local guys for 1/3rd the price.

I use him all the time and have no issues.

 

[muddypuddle]

Thanks,

so you have to ask for the international versions such as from here?

http://www1.dahuasecurity.com/au/search_category.html

I am mystified why they make so many cameras that are very similar

 

[beingaware]

Thanks,

so you have to ask for the international versions such as from here?

http://www1.dahuasecurity.com/au/search_category.html

I am mystified why they make so many cameras that are very similar

I have mine from Andy.
Payment to my door is usually inside 3 days as he uses DHL.

Dahua Australia won't sell directly to you.

The models are a little confusing but this should help.

Tech code
IPC = ip cameras

Followed mount type code
HFW = bullet styled cameras
HDBW = dome
HDW = Turret
SD = PTZ (usually)

Followed by series code
4/5 are lite/pro series
6/7/8 are ultra

Followed by megapixel code
2/3/4/6/8 etc

Series code/version codes are the last 2 numbers.

Then the trailing letters ID the feature set/lense type.

So ipc-HDW5231R-Z means it's a IP Camera using a Turret design in the pro 5 series, it has 2 megapixels making it a starlight, (much larger image sensor then the 4mp series thus its ability to see better at night), it's version series 31 with remote controlled zoom.

There are slight variations but you get the idea.

 

[cam235]

I have a 2MP Dahua "Eco Starlight" varifocal IPC-HDW5231R-Z from BEC Technology on aliexpress, as well as the 4MP IPC-HDW4431C-A from ebay. I have tested both of them at 1920x1080 resolution, looking at the same area. In both cases the camera's internal IR illuminator was turned off because I use other illumination (I do think the starlight's built-in illuminator is stronger). In my usage, the 4431 image quality is as at least as good in daytime, and it is good enough at night. The starlight cost more than 2x as much (some of that being the varifocal lens I don't need), and for my application the 4431 is the better value.

 

[tangent]

Thanks,

so you have to ask for the international versions such as from here?

Search Category - Zhejiang DAHUA Technology Co., Ltd

I am mystified why they make so many cameras that are very similar

Dahua doesn't sell direct to consumer.